Planners present conceptual Southeast Topeka development plan; city staff to refine policies and partnerships

Development Strategies presented a conceptual plan for Southeast Topeka to the Topeka City Infrastructure Committee on May 20, emphasizing options to increase housing variety, preserve open space and connect new neighborhoods to Lake Shawnee.

The plan, led by Andy Feaster, principal with Development Strategies, examined market trends, infrastructure needs and two primary build scenarios — a conservative “business-as-usual” subdivision approach and a higher-density traditional neighborhood design (TND) aimed at producing more housing types and higher per-acre value. "This plan is conceptual, so it sets the table for future development, but it does not address all of the details," Feaster said.

Why it matters: Committee members said the area has been targeted for growth but land ownership patterns, infrastructure limits and amenities have slowed development. The presentation laid out long-range choices the city can make now — zoning, infrastructure funding and partnerships —…