A controversial decision to split a lot in the Country Club Heights neighborhood of Emporia received mixed reaction from members of the public this week at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.
The controversy surrounds property at 2067 Canterbury Road. Coldwell Banker Real Estate agent Jamie Sauder, who owns the property, requested the split after consulting with Emporia Planning and Zoning Specialist Joe Foster this summer. Foster says the 30,000 square-foot lot, when split, exceeds the 9,000 square-foot minimum.
A handful of neighbors are appealing the split. Foster says he’s received several letters noting concern with property values, stormwater runoff and some concerns that it may set a new precedent on zoning requirements. Many of those concerns were also raised at Tuesday’s meeting. Foster says city staff discussed lot splitting questions with the city attorney before the June 26 approval and the board ultimately decided it was uncertain if it had the right to take neighbors’ concerns into consideration since the regulations had been officially met.
City Attorney Christina Montgomery has stated a conflict of interest could potentially arise if the issue goes to court. The Board of Zoning Appeals has tabled the matter to its Oct. 16 meeting.
