Planning Commission approves a request for a Planned Unit Development

Tuesday, the Planning Commission approves a request for a planned unit development for the Mahtropolis project.

The Emporia/Lyon County Metropolitan Planning Commission has granted the go-ahead for the development of a new housing project in northeast Emporia after concerns about traffic congestion were finally resolved.

The Trusler Sports Complex's so-called Mahtropolis housing development, where builders intend to build 27 new single-family residences, received commissioners' approval on Tuesday night for a planned unit development (PUD). The item was put on hold by commissioners back in June after locals voiced worries about traffic congestion brought on by both residential and sporting event traffic.

Residents voiced worry that the development's increased traffic would simply worsen the already crowded roads. Justin Givens, a zoning expert for the city, says recent traffic research demonstrates that is not the case.

Commissioners Monica Duncan, Bill Barnes, Larry Bucklinger, and Ken Weaver all voted in support of the proposal, which was approved 4-2 by the commissioners. Although the traffic analysis has helped calm some of Bucklinger's anxieties, he still has some reservations about the proposal.

Both Commissioner Dan Colson and Chairman Kenton Thomas abstained on the application. On the property, there are already proposals to build 27 new dwellings, which is five more than would be permitted if commissioners had denied the application.

Thomas claims that modifying the local regulations to just make room for five more dwellings was the main factor in his decision to vote against the application rather than concerns about traffic.

City Commissioners of Emporia given the district's designation as a rural housing incentive district in early June. In a month, the PUD will be heard by the Emporia City Commission for final approval.

Commissioners continued making changes to the city's new zoning laws in other business. In August, the Planning Commission will get back together for its regular gathering.