Development News for Amarillo, Texas

Emerald Planning and Zoning Commission Approves Alley Vacation for Hotel and Parking Lot Development

The Emerald Planning and Zoning Commission considered and held a public hearing for the vacation of a 20-foot wide public alley within block 143 of the Plymmens Addition. The applicant, Geospatial Data Inc. for Investments LLC, plans to develop the block with a parking lot and a hotel, requiring the alley vacation to create a unified site. Existing utilities within the alley will be accommodated by the applicant dedicating a public utility easement to the city at no cost. This dedication negates the need for fair market value payment to the city. The commission discussed the implications of the easement on ownership and property value, ultimately determining that the vacation would not result in a loss of value to the city. The purpose of the alley was primarily for utility access and trash pickup, both of which are no longer necessary given the applicant's ownership of the entire block. The commission approved the vacation request.