Planning commission approves abandonment of street segments for Hendrick Medical Center parking expansion

The City of Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a request by Hendrick Medical Center to abandon portions of North 20th Street and Hickory Street so the hospital can use the land for parking.

Planner Adam Holland presented the case, describing the request as an abandonment of defined portions of North 20th Street and Hickory Street that would allow Hendrick to use the area south of the intersection for hospital parking. Holland told commissioners staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and the City of Abilene Land Development Code and recommended approval subject to conditions, including that rights-of-way shall be platted to city standards, property owners grant easements for existing utilities or relocate them at the owners’ expense, public improvements meet city design standards, a revised drainage plan be provided to public works, a maintenance agreement be provided for the island, and the fire marshal approve any emergency vehicle access.

Timothy Schmidt, facility director for Hendrick in the Abilene market, spoke in favor. He described heavy pedestrian traffic at shift changes and said hospital staff and patients cross Hickory Street frequently. "We've had several near misses," Schmidt said, and said the hospital intends to use the abandoned area for unified parking for staff and visitors to reduce pedestrian risk.

Commissioners discussed the history of prior abandonments around the Hendrick campus and confirmed the area immediately south of the request has been rezoned for medical use. A commissioner moved to approve the abandonment consistent with staff recommendations; another commissioner seconded. The motion carried.

Conditions attached to the approval require dedication or platting of the right-of-way per City of Abilene standards, easements or relocation of utilities at the property owners’ expense, public improvements to meet applicable city standards, a revised drainage plan to public works, a maintenance agreement for the island, and fire-marshal approval for emergency access. The commission noted staff will coordinate details with the applicant and city departments.

The commission's action clears the way for Hendrick Medical Center to formalize parking in the area described in the application; staff and the applicant will complete required follow-up items before any physical changes occur.