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McAlester council approves closing a stretch of Harrison Avenue to support local reshelter
Summary
The council approved closing part of Harrison Avenue between 9th and 5th streets to improve setbacks and security for a reshelter site; the city will retain a utility easement for an existing gas main serving a nearby hospital, staff said.
The McAlester City Council voted to close a segment of Harrison Avenue between the east boundary of 9th Street and the west boundary of 5th Street to provide additional security and setback space for a reshelter project, city staff said.
Staff told the council the application came from the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Pittsburgh County Reshelter; planning commission reviewed the proposal on Nov. 18 and recommended approval. "They're wanting to close that public way there, Harrison Avenue, to also increase some of the security they have with the fence," the staff presenter said, noting the closure also helps with setbacks for the facility.
Summit Utilities objected to losing the utility corridor but city staff reported the utility asked to retain an easement to keep an existing gas main in place because the line also serves a hospital; staff said the utility and reshelter organizers worked with the city to preserve required access. The staff report and required public notices were included in the council packet.
Councilors moved to approve the ordinance to close the public way; roll call votes were recorded and the motion carried.
The closure is conditioned on maintaining the utility easement for the gas main, and staff said the action will be recorded upon approval to ensure access and ongoing utility operation.
