The Alliance City Council took action on Nov. 15 to approve a rezone application submitted by Jirdon Agrichemical, a division of WESTCO, to rezone an 11.11 acre tract of land located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Highway 2 and West 10th Street.
Mayor Mike Dafney opened a public hearing during the meeting, during which Terry Curtiss, who represents WESTCO, spoke in favor of approving the application to designate the land as C-3, Heavy Commercial.
“We’re talking about a strip that’s from the 21st Century Building running north along the highway,” said Curtiss. “Initially the hope was to have highway access, but the State of Nebraska controls that access, and so, at the request of the zoning folks, we have changed the drawing and submission to you to have access on 10th Street. Now, the whole 11.11 acres is not going to be developed. It’s the southern portion of it, and they’re going to build a new tire store.
“Obviously, you’re all acquainted with the disaster that befell their existing facility at 3rd and Black Hills,” Curtiss said. “This is the replacement. The time of the year being what it is, they would like to move forward as rapidly as possible.”
Curtiss emphasized that the rezoning of the application will bolster retail services in the city of Alliance.
“We need retail in the city of Alliance,” said Curtiss. “This replaces existing retail. It’s a needed service and a needed facility.”
Curtiss explained that there is a pending application regarding driveway size that would allow for service to larger vehicles, including semis.
“They want them to be able to get in and out with a minimum effect on traffic,” Curtiss said. “If the driveway is too narrow, they tend to loop in the opposing lane to make the turn, and those kind of things, so this just facilitates ingress and egress.”
This facility, Curtiss noted, will help give travelers a positive impression of Alliance, which is not present with the lack of consistent development.
“Essentially, you’re going to see a facility that will be a good first impression type of facility for people coming to Alliance,” said Curtiss.
Council Member Brian Mischnick made a motion to approve the ordinance and Council Member Earl Jones seconded the motion, and City Clerk Tarrah Johnson read the ordinance as presented, Jones then made a motion to waive the statutory readings, which was approved unanimously. Council Members then voted unanimously to approve the final reading of the ordinance.