The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission voted to table a request from Waterfall Plaza LLC to vacate Cedar Street from West Park Avenue to West Fourth Street after staff told commissioners the city needs more information on utilities, pedestrian connections and a redevelopment agreement.

Staff report and recommendation
City planning staff reported that Cedar Street abuts the Cedar River floodwall and serves as part of the Riverwalk pedestrian loop; there are existing utilities in the corridor, including a 10‑inch water main and a 15‑foot sanitary sewer easement. Staff said engineering and Waterworks opposed vacating the street without clarity on how the city would maintain access for floodwall operations and existing infrastructure, and recommended tabling the request until a development agreement and a definitive redevelopment plan are provided.

Applicant and public testimony
Applicant Dan Alton (appearing by Zoom, 2707 Congress Street, San Diego) told the commission he purchased the adjacent property in April and said his “plan for this parcel, if you will, including the sidewalk, is to just merely provide parking.” He asked the commission not to table the item and said he believed additional site details could be provided after a favorable vote. City council liaison Dave Bose spoke from the chambers to say the city council had recently approved spending $500,000 to acquire 132 feet of land from Cedar Street for future development and expressed concern about how a vacation would affect that parcel.

Commission discussion and action
Commissioners discussed the competing positions: the applicant’s immediate need for parking versus staff and departmental concerns about easements, floodwall access and the Riverwalk connection. A motion to deny the vacate was introduced, seconded and then withdrawn; commissioners then moved to table the item. The motion to table carried with one abstention. Staff indicated that further information on proposed uses, development agreements and how pedestrian connections and easements would be preserved is needed before the commission will forward a recommendation to City Council.

Quotes
“My plan for this parcel, if you will, including the sidewalk, is to just merely provide parking,” applicant Dan Alton said in the hearing. Planning staff summarized technical concerns: the vacate area contains a water main, sanitary easement and storm sewer and “Engineering stated that they do not support the vacate request and need more clarification from the applicant.”

Ending
The item was tabled pending a more comprehensive redevelopment plan and clarification of easements and infrastructure access; the applicant retains the option to reapply or take the matter to City Council after additional materials are provided.