Commission approves preliminary plat for Newton Prestress Second Addition, waiving sidewalks

The Newton Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Newton Prestress Second Addition and granted a waiver to not require sidewalks along the new plat.

S5 and city staff reviewed the submitted plat, noting only minor engineering label changes remained and that Kaw Valley staff were assisting with final comments. S2 asked about wastewater and employee impacts; Rob Ellifert, who identified himself as representing Prestress Concrete, said, “So there won't be any more employees. We're actually replacing an old batch plant that was there. So the wastewater storm water wastewater won't be there and storm water will be the same amount as before.” He confirmed wastewater currently goes to lagoons and that a water line will be installed to the site.

Engineer Trenton Heinecovall described fire‑apparatus access and access control plans, noting one primary opening along Old Highway 81, a gated private drive on the northeast portion of the site, and plans for a fire hydrant within a new 30‑foot waterline easement on the office frontage. Commissioners and presenters discussed that the new batch facility would be sited northeast of the office building and that disturbance would be minimal because the site largely reuses existing gravel and paved areas; a speaker estimated the triangular parcel under consideration to be about 10 acres.

Commissioner S1 moved to approve the preliminary plat without sidewalks; S2 seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote and the chair announced the motion carried.

Staff noted the parcel was annexed previously and that the northern adjacent parcels had been platted earlier; the commission directed staff to record the approved plat and proceed with necessary administrative steps for permitting and infrastructure extensions.