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Council approves seasonal closure of downtown alley between Sixth and Seventh streets as trial
Summary
The City Council approved a trial seasonal closure of the alley joining Sixth and Seventh between Main and Raleigh, using removable concrete barriers during Memorial Day–Labor Day; staff and emergency services confirmed access and cot passage considerations.
The Mitchell City Council authorized a trial seasonal closure of the alley between Sixth and Seventh streets (between Main and Raleigh) for the upcoming summer season.
City staff presented two options: Option 1 would use removable concrete or decorative retaining‑wall blocks to close the alley while allowing pedestrian and wheelchair access; Option 2 would install a swing gate on permanent bollards that could be unlocked or removed for emergency access. Staff recommended Option 1 as a reversible, lower‑impact trial. Council discussed which option would be less permanent and better for emergency access; Chief Knippley said police and fire would not object as long as responders know which side to approach and a stretcher (cot) could be moved through the opening.
Council approved Option 1 (decorated concrete barriers) for the trial period. The initial closure period was described as Memorial Day to Labor Day, with the option to resume an open alley during winter months and to remove or change the closure if the trial is unsuccessful.
