Council approves replat on West Harrison, tables Washington Hills replat after resident concerns

The Alliance City Council on Jan. 5 adopted Ordinance 073-25 to approve a residential replat at 763 West Harrison Street and later reconsidered and tabled a separate replat measure tied to the Washington Hills development following public concern.

Ordinance 073-25, introduced by Councilman Phillip Mastroianni, passed on third reading by unanimous roll call. During public comment residents urged the council to address homelessness, blight and difficulties hearing meetings; one speaker, Brandi Douthitt of South Seneca, said, "We have to stop making homelessness a political issue. This is a human issue." Several residents called for clearer public information about development plans and inspection activity.

Councilman Jim Edwards moved to reconsider Ordinance 065-25, which concerns a replat and potential zoning change tied to Washington Hills. Reconsideration passed (three yes, one no, one abstention) and a subsequent motion to table the item passed by the same margin; the developer was expected to appear at a future meeting to answer neighborhood questions. Councilwoman Sheila Cherry pressed for more proactive enforcement and transparency on long-standing ordinances, saying the city should publish brief notices ("a one-liner on the water bill") so residents know what services and legal avenues exist.

The session also included public complaints about meeting audio quality and requests that ordinances and bid materials be displayed on the council chamber screen so citizens can follow proceedings. Residents reported property-maintenance issues, alleged failures of animal containment at rental properties on South Morgan and repeated appeals for more inspections and enforcement.

The council did not take final action on the Washington Hills matter; tabling leaves the ordinance pending further developer engagement and committee review.