Riley County planning staff present draft goals, propose limited expansion of designated growth area near lake

Comprehensive-plan update: Riley County planning staff presented draft goals and growth-area mapping and sought commissioner direction at the Sept. 29 commission meeting.

Planning Director Amanda Webb and consultants from Stantec walked commissioners through draft goals developed from prior public workshops and stakeholder interviews and explained a proposed modest expansion of the county's designated growth area along the county lake to provide more residential flexibility where topography and existing development make that appropriate. "We're just trying to keep it kind of high level right now not to overwhelm," Webb said, describing the distinction between overarching goals and the later objectives and actions that will specify implementation.

The nut graf: The draft goals reflect prior engagement and new outreach; staff said they will use objectives and actions to clarify how the goals will be implemented and will coordinate with the four small cities that asked to retain their existing…