Consolidate land

When I purchased some land, the shape required me to make several purchases -- one large rectangle, and a couple small ones. One of the obstructing properties has become public since then.

Is there a way, short of turning everything public then attempting to buy it all back, of consolidating the purchases into one block?

I ask, because I've noticed that setting rules and such only affects the block of land I do it in (of course) and I have to repeat the changes for each piece.

And what would the effect be on taxes, etc.? Am I better off with several small pieces, each my neighbor or one larger rectangle that may have some public space on one side?

Any advice? Any obvious things that could go wrong (e.g., my structure changing ownership when the underlying land goes public, or possibly being unable to buy back part of the land I just turned public)?

for me i find i get a biger tax break on the larger lots i would consider selling and rebuying in one lot if possible.