Lufkin City Council approves zoning change at 1809 Atkinson Drive, alley sale, opioid-abatement funding and a $375,000 wastewater equipment contract

The Lufkin City Council approved a package of land-use, public-safety and utility measures at its regular meeting, including a second-reading ordinance to change the zoning at 1809 Atkinson Drive to commercial and a contract award for a new centrifuge at the wastewater treatment plant.

Kevin, a city staff member, told the council the rezoning request was for a change “from residential large to commercial” to allow commercial development along Atkinson Drive, a major thoroughfare. Kevin said properties nearby include Ritter Lumber, auto repair and sales businesses, an electric supply store, a church and the Forestry Museum; the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval and staff recommended the ordinance on second reading. The council voted to adopt the ordinance on second reading.

The council also approved an ordinance to abandon, vacate and sell a portion of an alley near Lehi Street and Bledsoe Street to KTTK Properties LLC. Kevin told the council the paved alley…