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Council tables request to vacate portion of Gamble Avenue to study parking, water loop and snow removal
Summary
The Preston City Council postponed a decision on a developer proposal to vacate a planned extension of Gamble Avenue after residents and staff raised parking and safety concerns; the council asked staff to study water-line looping, snow-removal access and outreach to the Church about Benson Park.
The Preston City Council on Feb. 10 tabled a request to vacate a future extension of Gamble Avenue adjacent to the Saddle Crossing subdivision, asking staff to investigate utility looping, snow-removal access and potential discussions with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints about Benson Park. The motion to table passed by majority vote: Councilmember Todd Thomas and Councilmember Brent Dodge voted aye; Councilmember Chris Larsen voted no.
Developer Brandon Roberts described the parcel as "a little over 1½ acres" platted as Phase 5 and said the church had expressed interest in acquiring it. Planning director Shawn Oliverson told the council "it is in the best interest of the city to keep Gamble Avenue platted as a street," citing lack of a turnaround for emergency vehicles and the role the unplatted area has played in providing overflow parking for fair and rodeo events.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged different outcomes. Josh Harris, whose property abuts the area, said parking is a chronic problem at the church and that the street has become a path for speeding cars, producing "a lot of close calls and near accidents." Dixon Beckstead said the extension "has never been a street" and recommended removing it to reduce traffic problems. Dave Cole suggested converting the parcel into a parking lot to address overflow.
Mayor Dan Keller asked the city attorney whether a revised plat would require additional public hearings; Attorney Lyle Fuller said a revised plat would return to Planning and Zoning and the council for approval but a separate public hearing was not necessary. Council moved to table the decision while staff explores whether the water main can be looped through the area, what snow-removal or turnaround solutions are feasible, and whether the church might discuss use of Benson Park.
The council did not take a final vote to vacate the street; the item will return after staff reports on the requested investigations.
