The reviewing departments and organizations had these comments:

-- Planning: Planning objects to the closure of this right-of-way because it reduces connectivity and conflicts with the adopted plans for this area. The closure of the unnamed alley could disrupt pedestrian and vehicular connectivity for future development in the Fort Sanders neighborhood and medical center, as it would sever the established 0.60-mile alleyway system that extends from the railroad tracks to the west to Seventeenth Street to the east.
The unnamed alley is within the boundaries of the MU-SD, CC-22 (Mixed Use Special District, Fort Sanders Medical District) on the City's One Year Plan and Central City Sector Plan maps (Exhibit A). The CC-22 land use category was created in 2019 to ensure opportunities for expanding services and physical infrastructure near the medical center, identify and preserve vehicular and pedestrian access, and permit residential development that complements the character of the district. The description of the CC-22 district states that accessible pedestrian connections should be provided as the district develops and that providing for and preserving adequate access for all vehicles, from private automobile to emergency vehicles and transit, must be a priority (Exhibit B).
The General Plan states that public investment in alleys and other infrastructure is essential to the vitality of older neighborhoods (Exhibit C). The applicant has stated that their intention for the alley closure is to construct a single development. If the alley is closed, this local asset will be lost.

-- Parks & Recreation: We are concerned that the unnamed alley currently functions as a pedestrian access, walkway, or unclassified greenway. The closure could impact walkability in the area as the alley will be cut off from the east and west portions of the current alley system.

-- Engineering: The City Engineering Department has no objections to close the above-described right-of-way area. However, should this right-of-way be closed, the City will reserve easements for all drainage facilities and utilities, if there are any current facilities, located in or within five (5) feet of the property described herein. No easements are reserved if there are no current facilities within the closure area. If any existing facilities or utilities are found not feasible to the site development or use, they may be removed and relocated, subject to City Engineering and/or other applicable easement holder review and approval.

-- Addressing: The proposed right-of-way closure is not expected to impact any existing addresses.

-- Fire: The department has no objections with this request.

-- TDOT: The department has no comments regarding this closure.

-- AT&T: AT&T was informed there would be an easement granted for all utilities until a new route is established. AT&T would be okay with the closure of this right-of-way.

-- KUB: We have reviewed our records and find that we have existing utility facilities located within the subject right-of-way. The approximate locations of these facilities are indicated on the enclosed prints. However, KUB does not release and hereby retains all easements and rights for existing utility facilities, whether or not shown on these prints. Should this right-of-way be closed, KUB will require the following permanent easements for its utility facilities.
Electric - 10 feet on each side of the centerline of the electric lines, 20 feet total width.