Commissioners approve Deep Waters Retreat subdivision with condition to extend access easement across parcel

The North Platte Planning Commission voted April 28 to recommend approval of SU26-005, the Deep Waters Retreat Subdivision at 2211 North Buffalo Bill Avenue, provided the commission's recommendation includes an amendment extending a perimeter access easement across the full parcel to avoid landlocking the eastern acreage.

Planning staff had told commissioners the subdivision would divide the site into three lots (roughly 18.01 acres plotted, leaving about 31.9 acres unplatted) and highlighted concern that the eastern portion could become landlocked without continuous access and utility easements. Staff proposed placing multiple 30-foot access and utility easements to preserve future access and to protect the city’s ability to connect utilities and roads later.

Applicant Baylene Hudson spoke in favor of moving the west portion forward, saying she does not plan to develop the eastern acreage for some time and would prefer not to be "boxed in" on its final configuration. Commissioners pressed on whether an easement could be required now; staff replied that the commission can recommend the easement be extended across the entire parcel and that the council could require dedication as future development occurs.

After discussion the commission moved to recommend approval of the preliminary and final plat with an amendment to change the proposed 30-foot access easement to 33 feet and to extend it around the entire parcel. Commissioner Van Velsen moved the recommendation with that amendment; Matthews seconded and the motion passed.

Quotes:
"I don't know that I'm comfortable approving the West portion without knowing what you're doing on the East," the chair said, summarizing concerns about potential landlocking.

"I don't mind the North one so much, but the South... I don't want to be boxed in quite yet on exactly how it looks," applicant Baylene Hudson said of future development plans for the eastern acreage.

What the commission did: The commission recommended preliminary and final approval of SU26-005 with an amendment to extend the access easement (changed to 33 feet) around the perimeter of the full parcel and forwarded the recommendation to City Council for May 5.

Ending: The recommendation will be included in the May 5 City Council packet for final action.