Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors urge council to reconsider rezoning and 24-unit proposal near Southeast 25th Street
Summary
Several residents told the governing body they were not adequately informed about a March 2 online neighborhood meeting and urged the council to remand recent rezoning decisions for additional study, citing traffic, safety near Dawnwood Park and daycare, and neighborhood character concerns.
Multiple residents told the Topeka governing body on March 17 that they oppose recent zoning changes and a proposed 24-unit development near Southeast 25th Street and Dawnwood Park. Speakers said they received little notice of a March 2 virtual neighborhood meeting and questioned whether the Planning Commission had sufficiently considered neighborhood concerns.
Tamika Terry said the area includes daycares, parks and several townhome complexes and that a 24-unit proposal would worsen traffic and safety around Dawnwood Park and nearby Head Start locations. Rosetta Prahl, a Colonial Park Townhomes resident, said the neighborhood has invested in property improvements and does not need additional density. Other commenters said virtual (Microsoft Teams) outreach excluded seniors and residents without internet access.
Several council members acknowledged the concerns and encouraged further review and community engagement; Council Member Banks encouraged constituents to work with the council on Dawnwood Park improvements and other neighborhood needs.
What’s next: Commenters asked the council to remand rezonings back to the Planning Commission for additional neighborhood outreach and study; no formal council action on the rezoning was recorded in this meeting’s minutes.
