Planning commission recommends vacating 8,129-square-foot alley behind Purchase District Health Department

The Paducah Planning Commission on Aug. 3 voted to recommend that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution to vacate and close an 8,129-square-foot alley parallel to Kentucky Avenue and Washington Street between South 9th Street and the street recorded in the packet as Walter Jeton Boulevard.

The motion, made by Commissioner Chapman and seconded, followed a staff report describing the parcel addresses (916 Kentucky Avenue; 915 and 923 Washington Street; and 222 Walter Jeton Boulevard) and saying the alley sits behind the Purchase District Health Department building (constructed 1977) and is currently used for parking and vehicle access. Jedwood of BFW Engineering, present for the applicant, told commissioners he had a "hot off the press" site plan available and would share copies with the commission and attendees.

Purchase District Health Department representatives said vacating the alley would allow the agency to clean up property lines as it prepares for a new building. Krolikowski, the agency representative, told the commission the project team wants the address to remain on Kentucky Avenue for continuity: "We are aiming for it to stay Kentucky Avenue. We want to make sure that it is continuity. Easy for people to find." The staff report and applicants emphasized that the proposed new building’s placement does not require the alley for circulation once property lines are clarified.

A roll-call vote on the commission’s recommendation recorded "Aye" from Commissioner Chapman, Commissioner Griffin, Commissioner Heath, Commissioner Koehler, Commissioner Benberry and Chairman Wade. The commission's recommendation now goes to the Paducah Board of Commissioners for final action.