Commission approves rezoning and site plan for new Gardner‑Edgerton elementary, adds crosswalk and refuge-island conditions

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 27 to approve rezoning and final development plans for a proposed Gardner‑Edgerton elementary school on a roughly 15.17‑acre parcel just east of the recently reviewed 4 Corners Village site.

David Ratley of MKEC Engineering represented the school district and said the district is purchasing the property and proposes a building consistent with district architectural standards. Jody Marshall, assistant superintendent for the district, said the new school will allow Sunflower Elementary to be taken offline and converted into a preschool; she said a formal boundary study will follow to reassign students as needed.

Staff described three deviation requests (a wider access drive typical for public use, reduced parking depth and drive-aisle width to match a nearby middle school and 52 bicycle spaces) and recommended approval with conditions. Commissioners focused on pedestrian safety and traffic mitigation; motions added a requirement for a refuge island and crosswalk at Kilcreek and 164th and required a flashing signal at the crosswalk east of the future local street. The commission approved the rezoning recommendation and the preliminary and final plans with the added conditions; votes were 6–0.

School officials said they will coordinate drop‑off/pick‑up circulation, bus staging and potential timing changes with First Student (the district’s transportation contractor) and with city staff to reduce stacking and improve safety. Staff noted that the school-zone flashing device will be included in final public‑improvement plans and that the project will include sidewalks and refuge islands as required.