FILE NO.: G-23-340-A
Name: Gaines Street – Right-of-Way Abandonment
Location: Between West 4th Street and Capitol Avenue
Owner/Applicant: United States Government, General Services Administration
Request: To abandon the one block section of the 60 foot wide Gaines Street right-of-way between West 4th Street and Capitol Avenue.
Purpose: To create a plaza area which will provide secure access to the federal complex for pedestrian use only, with access available for emergency vehicles only by way of a guard gate along the West 4th Street entrance.
STAFF REVIEW:
A. Public Need for this Right-of-Way
As noted in paragraph G. of this report, several of the public utility companies request to retain all or part of the area of abandonment as a utility easement. All of the public utility companies consent to the right-of-way abandonment. The Public Works comments are as follows:
1. Other than drainage from the existing curbing, Public Works maintains no public drainage facilities in the Gaines Street right-of-way at that location. However, there are two curb and grate inlets at 4th and Gaines that may need to be reconstructed with future construction.
2. For any future construction, plans of all work in right-of-way should be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1817 (Derrick Bergfield).
B. Master Street Plan
The Master Street Plan classifies Gaines Street as a local road. Abandonment of this right-of-way will not adversely affect the Master Street Plan, as it is not classified as a collector street or higher.
C. Characteristics of Right-of-Way Terrain
This one block section of Gaines Street is paved, with curb and gutter. It is currently barricaded and closed to through traffic.
D. Development Potential
Once abandoned, the applicant proposes to create a plaza area, with some security parking. The area will be for pedestrian use only, with emergency vehicle access only by way of a guard gate along the West 4th Street entrance.
E. Neighborhood and Land Use Effect
All surrounding property is developed and zoned UU (Urban Use), with a variety of uses. Abandoning this portion of Gaines Street right-of-way should have no adverse impact on the general area. A one block section of Arch Street, between West 4th Street and Capitol Avenue, was previously abandoned to allow expansion of the Federal Courthouse building.
F. Neighborhood Position
All abutting property owners and the Downtown Neighborhood Association were notified of the proposed abandonment. Staff has received no negative feedbacks as of this writing.
G. Effect on Public Services or Utilities
Wastewater: Existing sewer mains located in right-of-way. Right-of-way must be retained as easement.
Entergy: No objection to abandonment. Retain as an easement for existing electric facilities.
CenterPoint Energy: No objection to abandonment. Retain area as utility easement.
Southwestern Bell: No objection to abandonment.
Central Arkansas Water: Central Arkansas Water has a 12-inch cast iron main on the westerly side of right-of-way as well as service line(s) and meter(s). We have no objection to the closure of this street right-of-way; however, we request that the entire right-of-way be retained as a utility easement. Central Arkansas Water will need access to this area on a regular basis to read meter(s) and maintain facilities.
H. Reversionary Rights
All reversionary rights extend to the United States government, as owner of the property along the east and west sides of the right-of-way.
I. Public Welfare and Safety Issues
Abandoning this street right-of-way should have no adverse effects on the public welfare and safety. The Little Rock Fire Department submitted no comments to the proposed abandonment.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (SEPTEMBER 30, 2004)
Chris Hinebaugh and Tom Norman were present, representing the GSA. Staff presented the item and noted the Public Works and Utility Comments. The applicants responded that they had no problem complying with those comments. They presented a drawing showing the area of Gaines Street being redesigned as a plaza between the two Federal buildings.
The Committee determined there were no other issues and forwarded the item to the full Commission.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Gaines Street right-of-way abandonment, subject to the area of abandonment being retained as a utility and drainage easement.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (OCTOBER 21, 2004)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for inclusion within the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff. A motion to that effect was made. The motion passed by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent. The application was approved.