Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-14: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, abandoning approximately 2,400 square feet of Right of Way in block of Townsite; providing for delegation of authority, repeal of conflicting ordinances, severability, and establishing an effective date
 

Block 19 of Townsite of Flagstaff is currently configured with an inverted “L” shaped alleyway. In coordination with a development application, the City Engineer has initiated a request to abandon the North/South leg of the Block 19 alleyway. The proposed abandonment will reserve an underground easement for any existing utilities. The abandoned area, if approved, will be conveyed to the adjacent developer in exchange for a new East/West alleyway leg on the Eastern half of Block 19. This exchange will create an East/West alleyway transecting the entire block.

The abandonment is being requested in order to enhance the downtown alley network by creating an alleyway which transects the entire block. The exchange will also benefit the accessibility of the adjacent development; however, staff is recommending abandonment and exchange regardless of the benefits which may redound to the adjacent development. Aligning this block's alley orientation to be more consistent with the rest of the Downtown alley system is sufficient public benefit to consider abandoning and exchanging the alley with the willing property owner. 

There are no staff concerns or concerns from franchise utilities. The City Engineer in consultation with the Water Services Director and Public Works Director, and the Planning and Zoning Commission at a meeting held on May 27, 2026, have determined that the proposed abandonment is consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Code, and any applicable Specific Plan, and all applicable Division standards provided that the City completes the exchange with the adjacent property owner to create an East/West alleyway.

None. The alley, if abandoned, will be exchanged for real property of substantially equal value at no cost to the City.

The abandonment is consistent with policy provided the dedication of the additional East/West alley is made.

There have been no previous council decisions on this matter.

Do not approve abandonment. If abandonment is not approved, the existing alley configuration will remain.

The adjacent property owner has submitted a development application to construct a hotel and a parking garage. Through the development process, City Staff determined that an alley transecting the block from east to west would provide public benefit in addition to assisting the property owner's development. The property owner is amenable to exchanging the right of way necessary to create the east to west alley in exchange for the north to south leg of the existing alley. 

Livable Community - Provide amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle. 

Goal T.1. Improve mobility and access throughout the region.
Goal T.2. Improve transportation safety and efficiency for all modes.

DD-2: Create inclusive networks for walking and biking that are continuous, attractive, safe, comprehensive, and convenient for people of all ages.

N/A