Planning commission recommends annexation of 11 city-owned parcels totaling about 52 acres

The North Platte Planning Commission on Nov. 25 recommended annexation of 11 government-owned parcels that abut the city’s limits, a group of properties planning staff described as urban in character and totaling roughly 51.97 acres.

Planning staff told commissioners annexation would promote orderly development, improve planning and zoning consistency, clarify jurisdiction for emergency and code enforcement — particularly along the river — and help ensure city-owned properties that receive municipal services are inside the corporate limits. “Planning staff does recommend the proposed annexations,” staff said.

No public testimony was offered during the hearing. After brief questions about which specific lots were included and why certain small lots near 13th Street were excluded, Commissioner Jett moved and Davies seconded a recommendation to annex the 11 parcels. The commission approved the recommendation; the transcript records the result as "approved 8 0 with Wuerl abstaining." The annexation recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

Commissioners said annexation would reduce jurisdictional confusion, particularly for policing and park maintenance along the river. Planning staff noted most of the parcels are city-owned and abut current city limits.