Downtown developer asks commission to revisit Cedar Street vacation, says process unclear

Dan Alton, owner of Waterfall Plaza LLC, told the Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 9 that he expects to return a request to vacate a portion of Cedar Street to the commission but wants clearer guidance about what the city will require.
Alton told commissioners he purchased the Courier building downtown and wants the vacated right-of-way to be used as parking for the property. “The plan from my end is pretty simple,” he said. “I don't have a plan of coming into an agreement of spending 5 to $15,000,000 of renovation on the property. And if that is a requirement before that property can be vacated, then I humbly submit to you guys that you need to make that clear.”
The nut graf: Alton said he believed two procedural paths were available when he filed — a development agreement with the city or a straightforward cash purchase of the right-of-way — but learned after submitting the application that staff and the commission may be seeking an arrangement tied to a development commitment. He asked staff for specific guidance so he can provide the information the commission expects when the item returns.
Commission discussion was limited during the meeting; no formal action was taken on the vacate. The commission chair said staff should follow up with Alton, and Eric Schroeder, city planner, said he would speak with the city engineer and other staff and hoped the application would be ready for the next month’s agenda.
Alton acknowledged he has not performed a traffic study and said the portion of Cedar Street between Park and Fourth is “extremely unused,” but he also said he lacked detailed knowledge of exactly what documentation the city required. He offered to provide a plat map and a parking diagram when the item is refiled. Several commissioners and staff encouraged continued, direct communication. One commissioner described the building as historical and urged coordination with staff to find a solution.
Discussion only: commissioners did not vote on the vacate; staff was asked to confer with the applicant and relevant departments. No deadlines or formal referrals were set at the meeting.
Ending: Eric Schroeder, city planner, said he would have conversations with the engineering department and staff to determine outstanding requirements; staff indicated they would work with Alton to attempt to have the matter ready for the following month.