With concerns regarding traffic congestion now addressed, the Emporia/Lyon County Metropolitan Planning Commission has given the green light to move forward with a new housing development in northeast Emporia.
Tuesday evening, commissioners approved an application for a planned unit development (PUD) for the so-called Mahtropolis home development near the Trusler Sports Complex where developers are planning to construct 27 new single-family residential houses. Commissioners tabled the item back in June after residents expressed concerns related to traffic congestion in the area caused by both residential and sporting event traffic.
Residents expressed concerns that the additional traffic created by the development would only compound existing traffic congestion. City Zoning Specialist Justin Givens says a recent traffic study shows that would not be the case.
Commissioners approved the application 4-2 with commissioners Monica Duncan, Bill Barnes, Larry Bucklinger and Ken Weaver all voting in favor. Bucklinger says he still has some hesitancy towards the project, however, the traffic study has helped put his concerns somewhat at ease.
Chairman Kenton Thomas and Commissioner Dan Colson voted against the application. Current plans are to construct 27 new homes on the property which is five more than would be allowed if commissioners had not approved the application.
Thomas says his decision to vote against the application, had less to do with traffic concerns and more to do with changing regulations in the area simply to accommodate five additional homes.
Emporia City Commissioners granted the development rural housing incentive district status back in early June. The PUD will go before the Emporia City Commission for final action in a month.
In other business, commissioners continued revisions on the city’s new zoning regulations. The Planning Commission will reconvene for its monthly meeting in August.
