Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Streets topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council schedules public hearings for two street‑vacation requests — First South and Gamble Avenue
Summary
After extended discussion of access, future development and maintenance, the council instructed staff to set public hearings for a proposed abandonment of First South between Fourth West and Sixth West and a separate proposed abandonment of Gamble Avenue, both subject to public notice and neighbor outreach.
The Preston City Council voted to set public hearings for two separate street‑vacation applications after hearing staff reports, property owner comments and council concerns about future access and maintenance.
First South (between Fourth West and Sixth West): City planner Sean explained the proposed abandonment would affect a roughly L‑shaped parcel and that a house in the path would need to be removed to create a through street. Council members raised concerns about giving up right‑of‑way now when future needs could change, but several members said the county’s ownership of adjacent parcels makes the connection unlikely. Councilman Todd Thomas acknowledged potential subdivision pressures but said the proposal appears viable. The council voted to instruct Craig Thomas and Brett Davis to work with city staff to set a public hearing date and proceed with required notices and plan amendments.
Gamble Avenue (adjacent to a proposed church expansion): Developer Brandon Roberts and other speakers told the council the church would like to acquire about 1.6 acres that includes the roadway and several lots to expand parking or build a facility. Staff flagged that the existing dead‑end lacks a cul‑de‑sac bulb for snow storage and truck turnaround; councilors discussed whether the city should require right‑of‑way in exchange or seek other community benefits. After back‑and‑forth among council members and the public, the council instructed city staff to work with the applicant and schedule a public hearing.
Why it matters: Street vacations remove public right‑of‑way and transfer property interests that can affect future connectivity, emergency access, stormwater and snow removal responsibilities. The council used preliminary review to decide whether applicants should invest in the public hearing process and legal notices.
Next steps: City staff will work with applicants on notice requirements, calendar availability and any requested lot‑line adjustments. Notice periods for a formal public hearing were estimated at roughly 45 days by staff.
