Texarkana board unanimously adopts ordinance to vacate undeveloped right of way on East 49th Street

The Texarkana board adopted an ordinance to vacate and abandon an undeveloped right of way along East 49th Street tied to property addressed as 200 East 49th Street. The ordinance was read on abbreviated form and advanced to third reading; after a motion and second the board adopted the ordinance on a roll-call vote with all named directors voting yes.

City staff described the project as a convenience store and gas station (not a truck stop), saying the development will have no overnight parking, no truck washes and no scales. Staff said the building is "about 6,000 square foot" and that the developer — identified in discussion as Maverick — has purchased the property. Board members discussed utility easements and asked whether buried lines were covered; staff said utility easements have been addressed and the developer has agreed to required easement terms.

The ordinance text was read aloud on the third reading in abbreviated form: "An ordinance providing for the vacation and abandonment of an undeveloped right of way along East 49th Street and for other purposes." After the third reading Director Roberts, Director Brewer, Director Tewell, Director Jewell, Director Smith and Assistant Mayor Harris recorded affirmative votes and the ordinance passed.

A board member noted the ordinance packet did not include an emergency clause; staff acknowledged there was no emergency clause included in the materials. The ordinance will take effect according to the city's normal ordinances and notification procedures.