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Planning commission approves Block 1 subdivision amendment to consolidate downtown parcels
Summary
The commission approved an amendment to Lot 2 of the City Hall subdivision to consolidate parcels for Rockworth Companies and the Murray RDA, clearing a legal step needed for a proposed downtown block redevelopment and maintaining planned public plaza space.
The Murray City Planning Commission unanimously approved a subdivision amendment on Sept. 4 that expands Lot 2 of the Murray City Hall subdivision into a single block to support a downtown redevelopment by Rockworth Companies and the Murray Redevelopment Agency.
Planner Zach Smallwood described the amendment as a legal consolidation of parcels that will allow Rockworth to convey and develop the assembled block. The area includes parking lots, commercial buildings known as the Mercantile/Dhar buildings, and parcels owned by the RDA. Smallwood said the amendment tightens property lines around the Townsend House and preserves the planned public plaza and open-space elements shown in earlier design review materials.
Sarah Namalka, representing Rockworth Companies, told the commission the project will relocate and replace much of the city staff parking with a structured, secure underground parking facility tied to a separate agreement. "We will be replacing the majority of that parking with a structured secure parking structure for city staff," she said.
Two members of the public offered brief comments. Susan Wright, owner of a nearby ballet center, asked what will happen to the town square planned in front of the Townsend House; Zach Smallwood explained the plaza remains planned and the subdivision amendment does not alter that design intent. Leanne Parker Reed asked about green space; Smallwood said the form-based code project includes plazas and meaningful open space distributed through the block and that the amendment merely adjusts legal property lines rather than removing planned open spaces.
Commissioner Peter Kling moved to approve the Block 1 subdivision amendment subject to four recommended conditions; Commissioner Katie Rogers seconded. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval. Smallwood noted 113 notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet and to affected entities and that staff had received no written objections.
The approval is an administrative subdivision action to consolidate parcels; construction and design review of the development itself are handled through separate processes.
