Commission approves rezoning for plaza parking despite neighborhood pushback

The Shawnee City Commission approved a rezoning request to change 4411 North A Lot Street from R1 low-density residential to C1 local commercial, a move staff said is needed to restore parking removed by a planned widening of 45th Street.

Peta Stephenoff, community development director, said the rezoning would provide buffer parking for Lifestyle Plaza after 12 spaces were removed for street widening. Stephenoff said screening and landscaping would be required and that the change would meet city code and comprehensive-plan objectives for major corridors.

Several residents and planning commissioners urged the commission to defer the matter so neighbors could review supplemental information. "I would ask that you honor the planning commission's wish to defer it so that we can look at it with more information next month's meeting," said Steve Reese, who said the planning commission had earlier voted to defer and residents had unresolved concerns. Rob Morris and other speakers echoed worries about notice and neighborhood traffic.

Commissioners debated the timing and whether posting requirements had been met; staff responded that required notices were posted and that planning review had occurred. One commissioner said rezoning was necessary to replace parking lost to the 45th Street widening.

After discussion, the commission approved the rezoning (vote recorded in the minutes as 'carries 61'). The record shows community concern about notice and neighborhood impacts; staff said screening, landscaping and code-compliant construction would be required when the property develops as a parking lot.

Next steps: the property owner will be responsible for landscaping and screening, and staff indicated inspections and code requirements apply before the lot could open.