The Panama City Planning Board on Nov. 10 denied a request to vacate portions of an alleyway north of East 9th Court that a property owner said she wanted to combine with adjacent lots.

Planning staff recommended denial, saying the property sits inside a neighborhood planning area where plans "contemplate the use of alleyways as kind of key features in... making the neighborhood more walkable," and that vacating the alley would be contrary to those neighborhood plan goals. Staff reported that Comcast and TECO offered no objection related to utilities; other private utility providers had not commented.

An applicant identified as Jones said he owns the two properties on either side of the alley and wants to combine outdoor space, noting he is renovating a small house to give to his granddaughter. Jones also said he had experienced problems with neighbors storing vehicles in the alley area.

Neighbors including Zachary Hocksey and a referenced Mr. Fuller told the board they rely on alleys for rear garage access and parking and that preserving alley access supports revitalization of the Glenwood Historic District and neighborhood safety. Hocksey said alley access is "imperative" to provide rear garages and walkways for long, narrow homes in the area.

After public comment, a motion to deny the alley vacation passed by roll call (Stamps, Barker, Rich and Chairman Neubauer voting yes).