Council committee advances Uptown Realty sign request and moves donated Joneswood parcels toward council vote

The Planning & Development Committee voted Monday night to advance two property matters: a request from Uptown Realty to place a two‑sided sign in the public right‑of‑way at 35 Elliott Street and a proposed donation of three parcels on Joneswood offered through Fannie Mae.

Chair Alan Swank described the Uptown Realty request as a straightforward sign permit for a perpendicular (two‑faced) sign visible to drivers approaching from both directions on Elliott Street. Swank said code staff recommended approval; the committee heard no opposition and moved the item to first reading at the next regular council meeting.

Swank then introduced a separate item: Fannie Mae is offering three parcels on Joneswood — parcels that contain no housing units and carry an auditor appraised value cited at about $42,000. The mayor told the committee that accepting the donation could preserve right‑of‑way needed to maintain and expand retaining‑wall and storm‑drain work on Joneswood and provide flexibility for future lot‑splitting or sale; council would later decide whether to reappraise and how to dispose of or retain the land. The committee voted to advance acceptance to the next regular session for formal action.

Both actions were advanced by voice vote; committee minutes record unanimous “aye” responses with no roll‑call tally provided.

Swank said staff will provide any required permit details and reappraisal information ahead of first reading, and the mayor indicated additional engineering or right‑of‑way materials could be prepared if council elects to accept the Joneswood parcels.

The Planning & Development Committee adjourned at 07:10 p.m.