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Developers, commissioners spar over alley-closing request for proposed convenience store in Albany
Summary
At a public hearing, the Albany City Commission heard from the potential buyer and staff about a request to close a portion of an alley to accommodate a proposed convenience store; commissioners pressed for a final site plan, a 20-foot access easement and buffer measures before voting.
The Albany City Commission heard detailed questions April 20 during a public hearing on a request to close part of an alley that would be used for a proposed convenience store development.
Mayor Beau Dura opened the hearing and staff said the closing—advertised according to ordinance and mailed to adjacent property owners—would cover only the northern portion of the alley abutting two Adeline Road parcels and one larger Marie Road parcel. Patrick (city staff) told commissioners the closing had been advertised in the local paper and certified and regular mailings were sent to neighboring properties.
The potential buyer, Raxit Patel of Kairn Construction, identified himself to the commission and said he is the developer preparing the site plan. Patel asked for clarity on the conditions the commission would impose so his engineer could finalize plans. “Until we hear what the city wants to do, I can’t finalize a plan,” he said.
Commissioners repeatedly pressed for a full site plan before a formal vote. Commissioner Howard and others asked how the closure would affect access and service vehicles; staff and the applicant said the alley closure would require a 20-foot access easement connecting through to Clark Avenue or Marie Road so trash and utility vehicles would not be forced to turn around in the alley. Staff also said the easement must be free of structures and gas pumps.
Several commissioners requested a buffer or privacy fence between the proposed gas station and an adjacent senior housing construction. Patel responded he could include a six-foot fence along the property line and would work with the city engineer and surveyor on a revised conceptual plan.
Staff told the commission a placeholder site plan and recent drone photos exist, but no final site plan was submitted with the agenda. Commissioners said they preferred to receive the site plan and a satellite/drone overlay showing the adjacent apartments and traffic movements before voting. Mayor Dura said staff should circulate the conceptual images and the applicant’s engineer offered to meet with city engineering to finalize layout and easement locations.
The public hearing remains open for the record; commissioners indicated the matter will return for a vote after staff and the developer provide the requested site-plan details and easement language.
