Sedgwick County considers controversial zoning change for 90-acre residential development near Wichita

The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners convened on May 22, 2024, to discuss a significant zoning change request that could reshape the residential landscape of the area. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from SF-20 (single-family residential) to TF-3 (two-family residential) and MF-18 (multifamily residential) for a 90.7-acre site located on the west side of South Greenwich Road, near East Terry Street.

Scott Whittle from the Planning Department presented the request, noting that the applicant aims to develop the TF-3 portion for single-family homes and duplexes, while the MF-18 area would accommodate duplexes up to four-plexes. The request has garnered attention due to protests from local residents, with concerns raised about increased density, potential crime, traffic, and impacts on property values.

The Planning Commission had previously held a public hearing on April 11, where five residents voiced their opposition. Despite these concerns, the commission voted 12 to 1 in favor of the zoning change, recommending a protective overlay to mitigate impacts, including landscaping requirements. However, the protest from local property owners exceeded the 20% threshold, necessitating a supermajority vote of four out of five commissioners for approval.

During the meeting, commissioners expressed concerns about the implications of the zoning change, particularly regarding service provision. Commissioner Dennis questioned how essential services like water and sewer would be managed, given that the county typically does not provide these services. Whittle clarified that the applicant intends to annex the property into the City of Wichita, which would facilitate access to urban services.

The applicant's representative, Jay Cook, emphasized the mixed-use nature of the development and the need for diverse housing options. He pointed out that only a small fraction of property owners within the notification area had signed the protest petition, suggesting that the opposition may not represent the broader community's views.

Public comments included strong opposition from residents, with one speaker, Aaron Bastian, highlighting the potential for increased traffic and the mismatch of the proposed density with the surrounding single-family neighborhoods. Bastian argued that the zoning change would fundamentally alter the character of the area and urged the commissioners to consider the significant local opposition.

As the meeting progressed, commissioners deliberated on the implications of the zoning change, weighing the potential benefits of increased housing options against the concerns raised by residents. The board is expected to make a decision on the zoning request in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to have lasting effects on the community's development trajectory.