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Commission approves rezoning for proposed Clark Avenue gas station after debate over alley access
Summary
The commission approved rezoning of parcels on Marie and Adeline Road to permit a commercial gas station; discussion focused on whether the developer’s plan requires closing part of a city alley, DOT driveway rules, and nearby residents’ access concerns.
The Albany City Commission approved a rezoning request to change multiple parcels fronting Clark Avenue from CR to C2 to allow a proposed gas station and associated site work.
Planning staff said the proposal would consolidate three parcels and that the applicant intends to use a section of a city alley as the primary entrance into the development. The applicant, Rexit Patel, told the commission: "Without, use of the alley, no, sir. That's not possible, because the parcels... it kinda splits it in the middle." Patel described having sought DOT input and said the Georgia Department of Transportation had indicated the city turnout could be used for access if zoning and the development proceed.
Commission discussion covered the separate process for closing an alley (a two-step procedure requiring additional advertising and two hearings), whether residents currently use the alley for trash or access, and the planning staff’s obligation to retain an easement if the alley is closed so city vehicles and utilities maintain access. Planning staff described the alley closing process as separate from the rezoning and said the city would retain an easement and require the developer to construct the access to standards that protect city vehicles.
Some commissioners urged more community input on the alley-closing step; one commissioner said the proximity of the proposed entrance to residential backyards made the alley-closing question particularly sensitive. The developer said he had walked the alley and did not observe regular resident use, but commissioners pushed for staff to survey neighborhood usage as part of the alley-closing review.
Outcome: The rezoning ordinance was offered for adoption and the commission voted to adopt it (staff to follow the separate alley-closing process that requires public notice and two hearings if the developer pursues closure). The zoning approval does not by itself close the alley or change access rights; alley-closing remains a separate follow-up process with additional public input and review.
