(KAIR)--Plans for Benedictine College's proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine took another step forward Monday with action by the Atchison City Commission.

Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance vacating portions of three alleys near Unity Street, where the college plans to develop its medical school.

During the October 19 meeting, City Manager Mark Westhoff explained that Benedictine College requested the alley vacations as part of the proposed development.

Westhoff said the college is the only adjoining property owner along the affected alley sections and that property owners within the required notification area had been informed of the request.

The affected areas include portions of alleys between Fifth and Sixth Streets and west of Sixth Street.

According to Westhoff, the alleys are unimproved and unpaved and are not used for trash collection. The vacations are not expected to interfere with city services or prevent access to neighboring properties.

Existing utility easements will remain in place, including one protecting a city sewer line beneath one of the alleys. Westhoff said the easement could be relocated in the future if the college requests and receives approval for such a change.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on the proposed vacations.

Following the hearing, commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance, authorizing the alley vacations in connection with BC's proposed medical school development.