Commission grants alley waiver for West End Village preliminary plan at I‑40/Loop 335

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance from the ordinance requirement to provide alleys for the West End Village preliminary plan, an ~88.43‑acre development at Interstate 40 and Loop 335 proposed for commercial and retail uses. Brady explained the developer — Geospatial Data Inc. for the Marsh Trust — proposes to provide utilities in street rights-of-way and that TxDOT will later determine access restrictions from adjacent roads.

Staff said the solid waste department indicated commercial operations can use city or third-party trash services and that alleys in a commercial setting are not necessarily required; staff concluded the variance was consistent with other commercial developments in Amarillo and recommended approval. Several commissioners questioned process, and one suggested pursuing an ordinance amendment to give staff discretion over alley waivers in the future to reduce repeated requests.

The commission approved the preliminary plan variance by motion. Staff noted that detailed infrastructure plans, access approvals and coordination with TxDOT and Public Works will be required in subsequent submittals.