Planning Commission approves rezoning for Myers Place to allow duplexes

The Topeka Planning Commission on June 24 approved a request to rezone roughly 16 acres identified as Myers Place from R-1 (single-family dwelling district) to M-1 (two-family dwelling district), clearing the way for the applicant to build duplexes on the site.

Planning staff described the property as five parcels platted in 1995 and currently used as vacant or agricultural land near the southeast intersection of Northwest Lyman and Northwest Vail Road in the North Topeka West neighborhood. Staff said the future land use designation is low-density residential and recommended approval as the proposed two-family density falls within an acceptable range.

Chad Gerhardt of Bettis Companies, the applicant, told the commission the site already contains 40 platted lots and three short streets and that the company plans duplex construction; he said the property to the east already has multifamily zoning. Commissioners discussed parking and flood‑hazard notes in the staff report; staff said most of North Topeka is within the levee-protected Zone X and not in the flood hazard area.

After discussion the commission voted to approve the rezoning. The roll-call vote showed all commissioners present voting aye; the motion passed.

The approval is a rezoning only; site design, parking and any utility or flood‑protection details will be handled later through site-plan and permitting reviews.