ITEM NO. 8: A TO RS-1; 41 ACRES; EAST OF GEORGE WILLIAMS WAY AT HARVARD ROAD (SLD)

Z-11-40-03: A request to rezone a tract of land approximately 41 acres from A (Agricultural) District to RS-1 (Single-Family Residential) District. The property is generally described as being located east of George Williams Way at Harvard Road. Initiated by the Planning Commission at the November 19, 2003, meeting. The City of Lawrence is the property owner of record.

STAFF PRESENTATION

Ms. Day explained this was a “housekeeping” issue initiated by the Commission in order to bring the subject area into conformance by assigning it a City zoning designation.

Staff had received many calls from area residents who were concerned that the RS-1 zoning indicated at intent to develop the subject property with dwelling units. Ms. Day had explained to these callers that this was not the case, that there was no development proposal for this City-owned property.

RS-1 zoning was commonly used as a ‘placeholder’ zoning for public space. With the eventual adoption of the new zoning code, the OS – Open Space designation would take over for these areas.

PUBLIC HEARING

No member of the public spoke on this Item.

Motioned by Comm. Johnson and seconded to approve rezoning approximately 41 acres from A to RS-2 and forward it to the City Commission with a recommendation for approval, based on the findings of fact presented in the body of the Staff Report and subject to the following condition:

1. Execution and recording of a plat of survey for the subject property prior to publication of the zoning ordinance.

Motion carried unanimously, 9-0.