Cotter council hears safety, procedural objections at public hearing on alley vacation; no vote

The Cotter City Council on March 26 heard public comments about a request to vacate an alley between 106 Combs Avenue (Lots 801–804) and 155 McLean Avenue (Lots 545–548), with residents pressing safety and procedural concerns and the council adjourning without taking a vote.

Mayor Caradine opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. and said the petition came from local business owner Jason Nazarenko. The mayor told attendees the city has closed 17 alleyways and 13 streets since 1979 and said such requests typically originate with local businesses. Mayor Caradine then invited those who had signed in to speak.

Several residents expressed safety concerns. Samantha James said she will work in the business and bring her child there and asked council to "put safety first," adding, "Safety is a major concern." Steve Leisey urged the council to consider closing the alley, saying the present request was similar to past business requests. Cody Barlett and Austin James also raised safety concerns.

Other speakers objected on procedural or precedent grounds. Jane Hatchet said "the steps to close an alleyway was not followed," and argued the applicant should have followed established procedures. Matt Millner, who said he lives on Combs Avenue, criticized how he was approached about the closure and quoted, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Millner also told the council he was told by the applicant that a shipping container could be placed "so close to the property line that my guests will be able reach out the window and touch it," an allegation the applicant later disputed.

Applicant Jason Nazarenko said he "fully takes responsibility," told the council he initially asked Mayor Caradine about closing the alley and was asked to try to leave it in, and said he did not go to the Planning and Zoning Commission until he believed the alley had become dangerous. On Millner's allegation, Nazarenko said, "I don't remember the conversation going that way," and asked the council to make a decision so parties could move forward.

Paula Flippin told the council she agreed with Jane Hatchet and warned that closing the alley would set a bad precedent, saying "that wall sets an example that shouldn't have happened" and asking why some people appear to have more influence than others.

With no further sign-ins, Mayor Caradine asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilwoman Mertice Kray moved to adjourn and Councilwoman Ang Pereira seconded; the motion passed unanimously and the meeting ended at 6:22 p.m. The council did not record any formal vote or action on the alley vacation request during the hearing, and no next steps or scheduling for decision were specified on the record.