Council tables Gamble Avenue street-vacation, asks for church talks and utility protections

The Preston City Council on Aug. 6 tabled a request to vacate Gamble Avenue after a public hearing that drew neighbors, the applicant and city staff to the podium.

Brandon Roberts, the applicant, described roughly 1.5 acres in Phase 5 that the church is interested in acquiring to expand parking for weekly services and community events. City planner Sean Alverson warned that removing the street from the major street plan could sacrifice future connectivity and complicate snow removal and emergency turning; he said, "In general, I don't like the idea of it." The meeting included multiple supporters who said parking shortages at the church and for the rodeo justify the change and written comments that urged a coordinated design for parking and snow-storage.

Councilmembers debated whether vacating the road would serve a broad public benefit or primarily the applicant. Councilmember Galla moved, with a second from Councilmember Thomas, to table the vacation and direct the mayor and applicant to confer on three items: whether the city can retain an easement or utility reservation to allow future water-looping; the planned treatment of the end of Gamble Avenue (e.g., blocked, gated or turned into a parking entrance); and continuing outreach to the church about Benson Park so any street vacation is tied to a meaningful public benefit. The motion carried and the council asked staff to return the item within 30 days or as soon as the requested information is available.

The motion did not finalize any property transfer or change the major-street plan; council members stressed that plat updates or additional procedural steps (PNZ review or plat amendments) could be required before final action. Mayor and staff said the council will not accept a parcel abandonment without clear, binding terms that protect city utilities and public access.