MAPC recommends closing alley between South Grand and South Independence in Enid

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted unanimously at its July 2025 meeting to recommend that the City of Enid close a public alley located between the 500 blocks of South Grand Avenue and South Independence Avenue in Block 57 of the original town site.

City staff told the commission the closure is intended to support ongoing downtown development and that all utility companies, relevant city departments and property owners within 300 feet were notified of the request. The staff presentation said existing city utilities in the alley will be removed or relocated; the sewer line cannot be removed and will require rerouting as part of project design. Staff also asked the commission to remove language in the item that would retain an underground utility easement, saying it is not the city’s intention to keep such an easement.

No members of the public spoke against the request during the public hearing. A motion to recommend approval was made and seconded; the commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the mayor and board of commissioners. The motion and vote were recorded as a recommendation to city council; final action rests with the council.

The staff presentation described the alley using the recorded plat of the Enid town site map and identified the alley on aerial maps shown to the commission. The next step is consideration by the City of Enid’s mayor and board of commissioners.