Huntington Planning Committee forwards right of way deed and alleyway closure to council

The City of Huntington's Planning and Zoning Committee convened on January 13, 2024, to discuss two significant agenda items, both aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and property management.

The first item involved the approval of an ordinance to transfer a right-of-way from the City of Huntington to the West Virginia Division of Highways. City Attorney Scott Dammernack explained that this transfer would facilitate better maintenance of a designated strip of property, originally conveyed to the city by the housing authority. The committee unanimously voted to forward this ordinance to the full council with a favorable recommendation, highlighting the importance of state road management in the area.

The second agenda item focused on the proposed abandonment of a 10-foot-wide alleyway in the Gideon District. Kathy Burns, Director of Development and Planning, presented the case for OEA Real Estate, which owns properties adjacent to the alley. The abandonment is expected to enhance OEA's investment and improve access to their properties. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and supported this abandonment, paving the way for the committee's approval. The committee again voted in favor of sending this ordinance to the full council.

Both discussions reflect the committee's commitment to facilitating local development and improving infrastructure, with anticipated outcomes that could positively impact property management and community accessibility in Huntington.