Council approves Prairie View preliminary plat, declines McMurray extension

Prairie City’s City Council approved a preliminary plat and stormwater management plan for the 14.23-acre Prairie View subdivision during its Sept. 11 meeting and agreed to accept a retention basin that will be dedicated to the city.

During a public hearing, resident Erik Anderson urged caution about extending McMurray Street, saying neighbors “do not want McMurray to be a through street” because of concerns that added traffic would reduce walkability. Brad Kuehl of Bishop Engineering described a planned water-retention pond with an extended trail that would be dedicated to the city. Preston Moon of MSA asked whether fire and EMS were comfortable with the cul-de-sac design and the dead-end streets it creates. Developer Mitch Seiberling said the city needs more housing and commercial space and that the McMurray extension is not necessary for the project to proceed.

After closing the hearing, the council voted to approve the Prairie View preliminary plat and associated stormwater plan, and separately approved acquiring the retention basin. Councilor Joe Disney moved not to extend McMurray Street to Commerce Drive; the motion passed on a roll call vote with Disney, Phil Holland, Derek Ingle and Emily Simmons voting aye and Deb Townsend voting no. The council also approved improvements to the S Norris Street intersection east of the development and authorized proceeding with the design process and funding options.

The approvals are limited to the preliminary plat and related infrastructure decisions; no final plat or building permits were approved at the meeting. Staff was asked to conduct a site review of the city square in preparation for a future Phase 3 discussion and to engage the community about potential reuse options for the old library building on E 5th Street.