Based on engineer plans, a new addition to an Emporia apartment complex could address a longtime drainage issue.
During the Emporia Planning Commission’s monthly meeting Tuesday evening, commissioners considered and ultimately recommended approval of a rezoning request for property at 1200 Whittier Place Lane from single-family detached to multi-family. The request comes as developers are planning to add a third complex to the property.
The topic of stormwater runoff was a major talking point for both engineers and residents in attendance Tuesday night as the construction of the Whitter Apartment Complex compounded pre-existing runoff issues that have led to flooding to the east on Mary and Michelle Streets specifically. During his comments to commissioners, engineer Buck Driggs of Driggs Design Company noted he and his team have been made well aware of the situation and factored it into their designs for the new complex.
The project will include the addition of two retention ponds and reengineering the existing drainage to run west rather than east. Driggs says the designs exceed city code requirements.
Planning Commission Chairman Raymond Rogers calls the project a win for multiple reasons.
The rezoning request will now go before Emporia City Commissioners for final action at a later date.
Before the Planning Commission’s agenda, the Board of Zoning Appeals had several items to consider as part of its regular meeting agenda. Members approved all items including a request for a sign variance at 2301 Industrial, a variance from a required rear yard setback at a currently unlisted address and a request for a ground floor dwelling unit at 324 East Sixth.
The Emporia Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals will reconvene in September.
