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Commission approves rezoning at 625 SW Polk after neighborhood debate over park vs. housing
Summary
The commission approved a rezoning for a half‑acre parcel at Sixth and Polk from O&I2 to M‑3 despite neighborhood efforts to convert the property to parkland; the owner said she offered the site for sale to the neighborhood but had not received funds, and commissioners found the rezoning consistent with plan policies.
The Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for a half‑acre parcel at Sixth and Polk (near Old Town) from O&I2 Office and Institutional District to M‑3 Multiple‑Family Dwelling District, a proposal that drew extended public comment from neighborhood leaders seeking parkland purchase and others expressing concern about density.
Staff said the lot has been vacant for several years after previously housing a church and that the applicant is considering a 12‑unit apartment building under M‑2 standards; M‑2 permits up to 25 units per acre (about 12 units on a half acre) while M‑3 permits up to 40 units per acre (about 20 units on a half acre), though staff noted parking rules and site constraints make the higher density challenging.
The parcel’s owner, identifying herself as Carolina of Culpe Investments, told commissioners she bought the lot in September, was pursuing multifamily buyers and gave a neighborhood group 30 days to raise funds to purchase the site for a park; she said the neighborhood was not able to raise the funds and she could not delay indefinitely. “I’m not opposed to the park,” Carolina said. “But I just can’t wait forever.”
Shameka King Sims, president of the Historic Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Association, urged the commission to protect the neighborhood’s opportunity to acquire parkland and described the area as low‑income and in need of revitalization; she said the NIA had been in talks with Shawnee County Parks and Rec since 2021. Commissioner Cowell said staff reports show the proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Old Town neighborhood plan and that he did not see a basis to deny the application.
Commission discussion noted off‑street parking requirements (two stalls per dwelling unit for the first 20 units, then 1.5 for smaller units) and that M‑3 approval would allow more density than M‑2 though approvals are constrained by parking, site design and a requirement for building permits. After public comment the commission voted to approve the rezoning; the roll call recorded one dissent (Commissioner Pearson) and the motion carried.
Key factual clarifications from staff: the site is approximately 0.5 acres; M‑2 maximum density is 25 units per acre; M‑3 maximum density is 40 units per acre; parking requirements are two stalls per unit for the first 20 units and 1.5 for units under 800 square feet beyond that.
