City Council postpones plat approval on Albany Avenue due to utility concerns

In the heart of Hot Springs, city council members gathered under the warm glow of the meeting room lights on June 2, 2025, to deliberate on pressing matters affecting the community. Among the key discussions was a proposed plat revision for several lots on Albany Avenue, which sparked a debate about the adequacy of city utilities and the procedural steps necessary for approval.

Beverly Johnson and Victor Gerber presented a plan to divide a larger parcel into four distinct lots. However, council members raised concerns about whether the existing city utilities could adequately service these new lots. The discussion revealed that the necessary utility assessments had not been completed, leading to questions about whether the plat should have been brought to the council at this stage.

Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that all utilities were properly identified and accessible before moving forward. "We don’t want the utility from the existing house crossing one of the new lots or have lots that we can't get services to," one member noted, highlighting the potential complications that could arise from inadequate planning.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the council needed more information before making a decision. A motion was made to postpone the approval of the plat until further assessments could be conducted. This decision was met with agreement among the members, who recognized the necessity of adhering to proper procedures to avoid future complications.

In addition to the plat discussion, the council also addressed a petition from John Haskewitz to vacate an unused right-of-way on his property. It was determined that a city water line ran through this area, necessitating further investigation and the establishment of an access easement before any action could be taken.

The meeting concluded with updates on various projects, including the progress of Moccasin Springs, LLC, and a lot line revision request from Wally Cautro aimed at resolving an encroachment issue.

As the council adjourned, the members looked ahead to their next meeting on June 18, where they would continue to navigate the complexities of urban planning and community development in Hot Springs. The discussions underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that all developments meet the city's standards and serve the best interests of its residents.