Planning commission backs Wandering Creek annexation but removes two adjoining lots after neighbors object

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on April 15 recommended approval of annexation AN 26004 to expand the Wandering Creek planned unit development, but amended the proposal to exclude two adjoining nonconsenting lots after neighbors said they had insufficient notice and asked for more time to evaluate impacts.

The commission heard a staff presentation from George Wesselhoft of the Planning and Development Services Department describing the annexation boundary and saying the proposed PUD expansion covers 30.24 acres (the overall PUD totals 266.27 acres). The application includes two nearby lots at 1911 and 2021 South 98th Street that are surrounded on three sides by Wandering Creek and, staff said, were added consistent with the comprehensive plan’s annexation policy to avoid fragmented city limits and confusion for maintenance and emergency services.

Developer representative Denae Kalkowski, appearing for Matadol LLC, said the project was master planned beginning in 2018 and that annexation and rezoning are needed to complete the remaining residential phases and provide continuous street connections. Kalkowski asked the commission to consider neighbors’ requests for more time as that same issue will be revisited with a broader annexation package expected in June.

Neighbors Greg Bohach (2021 S. 98th St.) and Bridal Lisky (1911 S. 98th St.) testified in opposition, saying they received mailed notice April 6 and asked for additional advance notice and time to prepare a rebuttal. "Advance notice is what we're here to argue about," Bohach said, noting he had requested additional time in writing and received a staff reply asking him to appear at the hearing.

Planning staff and utilities staff answered commissioners’ questions about roadway and utility impacts. Staff said the annexation would include adjoining right-of-way for S. 98th Street so the roadway segment would be within the city limits. On sewer hookup, staff explained the ordinance typically requires connection when a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet and physically reachable; Lincoln Utilities (LTU) evaluates each case and, if connection is required, property owners generally receive a notice and about six months to connect.

Commission debate focused on whether excluding the two lots would create a problematic pocket in city limits along 98th Street and on giving neighbors reasonable time to understand potential costs. The commission then voted on a motion to recommend approval of the annexation without the two adjoining lots; the motion carried 5–2. City Attorney’s Office counsel (Timothy) reminded the public that the Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council, which makes the final determination.

The recommendation to exclude the two lots will be forwarded to the City Council with staff conditions, including corrected legal descriptions before scheduling with council. The council will consider the full annexation package and the commission’s amendment in a future meeting.

Action at a glance: Motion to recommend approval of AN 26004 without the two adjoining lots; motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by another commissioner; vote recorded 5 yes, 2 no (motion passed). The related zoning change (change of zone 17030G to R-3 PUD) for the Wandering Creek expansion also was recommended and later approved by the commission.

The commission’s record now goes to the City Council for final action.