Council Questions Alley Access Near New Hospital

As the new Olney Hamilton Hospital rises from its construction site on Avenue M and Hamilton Street, questions about access to the alleys surrounding the site prompted discussion at the Sept. 8 City Council meeting.

Councilmember Steven Nurre directed his concern to Olney Hamilton Hospital Board Chairman Dale Lovett, asking whether the alleys behind nearby homes would remain closed permanently or if residents would regain access once construction is complete.

“With the vote we had last meeting, what is the plan for the alleys?” Mr. Nurre asked. “Are you gonna come back later and say, ‘Oh, Texas requires a certain amount of (clearance)?”

Mr. Lovett reassured the council and the public that the closures are temporary. He said that the alleys are city rights-ofway used for utilities—including fiber optic lines, gas, and electricity—and that their current closure is for safety during the construction phase.

“The alley is a right of way for the city and the utility companies,” Mr. Lovett said. “That is only blocked off during construction. Once construction is done and they move to that part of the project, the fence will come down, the alley will be paved, the drainage will be solved, and it will be back better than it was.”

Mr. Nurre asked whether homeowners would once again be able to use the alley.

“The city will have the right of way,” Mr. Lovett confirmed. “Right now, the utility companies are coordinating with the construction company to maintain safety and security. Once the construction’s over, the city will resume the regular operation of their easement.”

The $33-million hospital project, expected to be completed by September 2026, has required the temporary closure of streets and alleys adjacent to the construction site. Mr. Lovett assured the Council that once work is finished, not only will the alleys reopen, but they will be improved with fresh pavement and upgraded drainage.