Planning commission denies 22 West Whitlock alley vacation, approves Hope Drive remnant conveyance to Ward Plaza with conditions

The Winchester City Planning Commission took opposite actions on two right‑of‑way (ROW) vacation requests. The commission recommended denial of a request to vacate an approximately 89‑foot unbuilt alley segment behind 22 West Whitlock Street (ROW‑25‑206) and recommended approval, with conditions, of a remnant parcel on the north side of Hope Drive (ROW‑25‑1) to be consolidated with the Ward Plaza redevelopment parcel at 330 Hope Drive.

ROW‑25‑206 (22 West Whitlock): The applicant requested vacating and conveying a roughly 1,200‑square‑foot area of an unbuilt alley behind his property; a similar, earlier council approval had lapsed. Applicant testimony said he had cleared and graveled part of the alley and placed temporary fencing and a shed for security; he told commissioners he cleaned the corridor to remove squatting and debris. Adjacent property owners, including the owner/operator of a neighboring parking lot/medical office, submitted written opposition and appeared at the meeting to object. Commissioners expressed concern that the applicant had placed items and signage on a public right‑of‑way before council action and that vacating a public alley used for access and maintenance would set a precedent. The commission voted to recommend denial, citing consistency with good planning practice and the comprehensive plan.

ROW‑25‑1 (Hope Drive): Staff described a narrow remnant strip (approximately 0.22 acres) left when Hope Drive was realigned; the parcel contains existing utility easements that limit buildable area. The remnant adjoins 330 Hope Drive, a parcel planned as part of the Ward Plaza redevelopment. Public services staff and planning staff said the city typically vacates remnant parcels and conveys them to adjacent owners if easements are retained. The commission recommended forwarding ROW‑25‑1 to council for approval with conditions: retention of necessary public utility easements, administrative approval of any minor subdivision/consolidation plat, and a memorandum of understanding that the conveyed area be maintained as public‑accessible green/recreation space (private owner maintenance of landscaping/hardscape allowed) and that the sliver not be used to increase residential density for the PUD.

Both items proceed to City Council, where public hearings are required for vacations; the Hope Drive item will be accompanied by deed restrictions and retained easements as recommended by staff.