The Raytown Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit Dec. 5 allowing Evergy to expand an existing electrical substation at the southeast corner of East 50 Ninth Street and Woodson Road (case PZ202409). The vote includes four staff conditions: record a 5-foot ADA sidewalk easement, submit and obtain public-works approval of a stormwater study and management plan before construction, maintain the required landscaping, and meet the city's major-utility screening and lighting standards.

City staff described the site as an expansion of an existing facility in an R-1 (low-density residential) zone and recommended approval. "I am recommending approval, with conditions of the conditional use permit application," Community Development staff member Shana Kelly told the commission, then reviewed the municipal-code requirements for setbacks, an eight-foot minimum solid screening wall or equivalent, landscaping and a photometric plan that must show a 0-foot-candle reading at property lines.

Evergy representatives said the company prefers expanding an existing substation where infrastructure is already located rather than buying a new site and constructing new transmission lines. "It's a lot easier and makes a lot more sense and is less disruptive to the community to expand that substation onto adjoining vacant property than what it is to find a new site," consultant Chris Carey said. Evergy project manager Mark Rothmeyer added the work is intended to improve transmission ties and operational flexibility rather than to add numerous new distribution circuits: "This project's about is to support the distribution that's there, but to enhance our ability to be able to maintain those circuits in the event that ... we have outages or lines down."

The application proposes a new transformer and associated switching equipment within an expanded fenced compound; Evergy plans a solid wall at least nine feet high on three sides and to retain the existing chain-link fence on the south side to avoid removing mature trees. Staff said the applicant will extend the sidewalk around Woodson and East 50 Ninth Street and install landscaping in front of the wall. The permit conditions also require that cabinets be secured against unauthorized access and that lighting not create glare onto abutting residences or public right-of-way.

Commissioners asked about construction timing, community impacts, and property values. Evergy said construction is scheduled to start mid–late 2025 with energization expected in 2026, subject to budget changes, and that most work will occur during normal daytime hours although some weekend or evening work is possible. The company acknowledged there will be construction traffic and occasional temporary disruptions but said it will coordinate with the city for any road closures and provide contact information for resident concerns.

One nearby homeowner, Jenna Terrell, who lives at 11609 East 50 Ninth Street immediately east of the site, urged caution and described long-standing concerns about noise and property impacts from the adjacent facilities. "I don't wanna even live in my house anymore," Terrell said, explaining she lives on Social Security, has invested in the home for 41 years and fears the expansion will worsen quality-of-life and resale prospects. Evergy staff provided their contact information and told the resident they will follow up and be available to address issues.

Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve PZ202409 with staff's four recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor; staff told the applicant the case will be scheduled for the Board of Aldermen first reading Jan. 7 and second reading Jan. 21.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve case PZ202409 (conditional use permit for Evergy substation expansion) — outcome: approved (unanimous).