Commission abandons 15‑foot sidewalk easement at Assembly of God property

The Ozark City Planning and Zoning Commission approved an application to abandon a 15‑foot sidewalk easement on property owned by the Ozark Assembly of God at 1602–1604 West South Street, after staff reported the easement duplicates an existing sidewalk and both public works and planning staff supported the vacation.

Megan, planning staff, told the commission the easement was dedicated in February 2010 but an actual sidewalk was later built along the southern portion of South Street; staff said notices were published, no public comments were received and both public works and planning support the abandonment. The staff presentation noted the city’s trail master plan still includes a trail alignment in the vicinity and the planning department will request a trail easement if the property is developed in the future.

The commission voted to approve the abandonment (recorded as Vacation 25‑00001). No public comments were offered at the hearing and no further conditions were announced by staff.

Why it matters: Vacating recorded easements can relieve property constraints when public infrastructure already satisfies pedestrian access needs, but staff said future development could trigger new trail or right‑of‑way requirements under the city’s master plan.