Metropolitan Area Planning Committee
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
Rezoning at West 53rd & Gow for self-storage was denied (8-2), but another self-storage behind Kohl’s on West Kellogg was approved. The big news centered around Towne West Mall rezoning which was approved. Plans include a $35 million remodel and maintenance and security crews.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
A short-term rental request in Sleepy Hollow was withdrawn after opposition, while a small event center near Hillside and Douglas was approved. The board approved a self-storage facility and duplexes despite objections but rejected a Car Wash zoning change over traffic concerns.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The board approved the consent agenda without discussion but decided to delay new landscaping due to drought concerns. They also approved the 2024 Comprehensive Plan review and an annexation request, with a town hall scheduled for March 25 to discuss the latter.
Notes by Judy Winters
WSU and Connected Nation are working on launching Kansas's first carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point, funded with public dollars to benefit the entire state. Meanwhile, potential short-term rental owners face challenges with approvals due to neighborhood concerns.
Notes by Bill Hoag
Despite the snow, the MAPC met and covered several cases, including the controversial request of Crown Uptown to expand the capacity to over 2000 people. It was decided to approve if changed to only approve to a capacity that meets the Fire Marshall codes.
Notes by Zariah Perilla Best
Multiple zoning and planning cases were reviewed, addressing water, environmental, and community concerns. Key decisions included approving a controversial subdivision plat, conditional uses for RV and oil drilling sites, and a delayed vote Genesis's entertainment license.
Notes by Bill Hoag
The November 21 MAPC meeting was relatively quiet compared to previous sessions, lasting under two hours with minimal public debate. Key actions included the approval of several subdivision cases, and a zoning change for a mixed-use development at Central and Oliver.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
Zoning changes and short-term rental requests stirred debates, with significant opposition to changes in residential areas. Despite concerns from residents, most proposals were approved, including a controversial short-term rental and new zoning requests for commercial use.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
Multiple zoning changes were approved, including tax increment financing for apartments, setback changes for a Goodwill center, and a parking lot for Happiness Plaza. Additional approvals covered a police station at NW high school and expansion of Crown Uptown.
Notes by Judy Winters
Two zoning agenda items drew significant public interest, with over 80 attendees present in the meeting room. The commission deferred a multi-family zoning request and denied a light commercial request, both in response to strong community concerns.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request to expand a deck in Willowbend and discussed updates to their bylaws, which delayed the vote. The MAPC approved a zoning change for an off-road vehicle course in Mulvane, with conditions addressing neighbor concerns.
Notes by Linda Shriver
Approval of a new multi-agency center for the unhoused at the former Park Elementary School and various zoning changes were discussed. Highlights also featured debates over duplex construction, neighborhood impacts, and the county's 5-year improvement plan.
Notes by Nathaniel Eichenhorn
Key discussions included vacation items, a public hearing for The Hill Bar and Grill's outdoor speaker request, a rezoning application, a PUD change, and a lumber yard operating in non-compliance, with a final presentation on conflicts of interest and ex parte communications.
Notes by Judy Winters
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission's (MAPC) Board of Zoning Appeals held an engaging meeting at the Ronald Reagan Building, with significant public interest in an LED sign for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and the transformation of Blackbear Bosin School into apartments.
Notes by Cindy Tannehill
The commission reviewed several subdivision and vacation requests, including discussions about safety and water availability concerns for the Indian Ridge at Andale 2nd Addition. Also, a conditional use amendment for outdoor music and dancing at The Humidor was approved.