Andover council approves Thoroughbred preliminary PUD after drainage debate

The Andover City Council on the evening of the hearing approved the Thoroughbred preliminary planned unit development, a rezoning application (case ZPUD25‑0009) for a roughly 19‑acre parcel at 515 West Highway 54. The vote adopted the planning commission’s findings and recommended zoning that includes MXR (multiple‑family mixed residential) and B‑5 (highway corridor mixed‑use business). The motion passed by recorded vote.

Residents who live immediately downstream raised repeated concerns about drainage and the capacity of existing outfalls. Kate Andrews, a resident at 641 South Allen Street, said the property line adjacent to the proposed detention reserve has already caused erosion on her fence and worries that the project could worsen runoff: “If they don’t address the drainage issues correctly on this property, it’s gonna happen on my side of the street, which is then going to start flooding my house.” Assistant City Administrator Joanne Graham and Community Development Director Les Mangas told the council the application includes a drainage study and that the developer is responsible for detention that meets predevelopment runoff rates.

Julie Boyd, the interim planning and zoning administrator, outlined the plan’s land‑use framework and said the comprehensive plan supports denser uses near the highway while preserving lower‑intensity residential further south. The applicant’s representative, Josh Robinson of Winterwood Development, said the team had coordinated closely with city staff and planning consultants and had unanimous planning commission support. Jason Gish of MKEC Engineering, the applicant’s engineer, said the submitted drainage report models storms from the 2‑year through the 100‑year and shows the project will not increase downstream discharge rates.

Council discussion centered on whether staff and engineers had adequately assessed downstream capacities and whether additional drainage requirements should be considered. Several council members asked staff to ensure engineering reviews examine downstream ditch capacities and longer overland flow conduits so pipe outfalls do not create bottlenecks. The council president noted that valid protest petitions had been filed and that six affirmative votes were required to approve the case under state statute; after a roll call the motion carried with a majority vote.

The council’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to subsequent platting and engineering steps required for development. Appeals of the decision were noted as available to interested parties under state law.