Community voices concerns over proposed event center near landfill on Fortiva Avenue

A recent public hearing held by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on December 12, 2024, drew significant community concern regarding a proposed agritourism development near Fortiva Avenue. Residents voiced their apprehensions about safety, traffic, and environmental impacts associated with the project, which aims to establish an event center in close proximity to a landfill.

Local property owner Dennis Hebold was among the first to express his concerns, highlighting the poor visibility and heavy traffic on the access road, which he argued is already burdened by dump trucks and other vehicles. He emphasized that the road's current state is inadequate for increased traffic that an event center would bring, particularly during nighttime events.

Kathy Holton Neuschel, another resident, raised issues about potential noise and light pollution from the proposed venue, questioning the operational hours and the impact on nearby homes. She pointed out that existing event centers in the area already meet community needs, suggesting that another facility may not be necessary.

Lisa Veil, also a local property owner, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the development plans. She questioned the environmental implications of building on a low-lying area, which she described as a "fishbowl," and raised concerns about how the project would affect local water supplies.

The Board of Supervisors clarified that the meeting was focused on a rezoning application, which is only the first step in the development process. They noted that specific details about the project's design and use would be addressed in future phases, including a commercial site plan. The county engineer had previously assessed the site and indicated that the proposed access point could be approved, contingent on further traffic impact studies.

As the meeting concluded, Supervisor Green acknowledged the community's concerns and suggested that discussions about traffic safety, including the potential need for a turning lane, should be prioritized, especially given the anticipated increase in traffic from the proposed development.

The outcome of this public hearing will play a crucial role in shaping the future of agritourism in Johnson County, as residents continue to advocate for their interests and safety in the face of new developments.