Commission recommends acceptance of Southwood Drive Phase 2 dedication plat to create new Tabs Drive–Jacobs Lane connector

The Green City Planning & Zoning Commission on March 18 recommended that city council accept the dedication plat for Southwood Drive Phase 2, which staff described as the remaining roadway connection between Jacobs Lane and Tabs Drive to provide an alternate outlet for nearby industrial and business traffic.

Staff explained the project background and purpose: the city’s prior work and developer dedications completed much of the corridor and Phase 2 will construct the balance of roadway between Tabs Drive and Jacobs Lane. Staff described the connector as an extension of “about 785 feet” and said the project is ready to go out to bid and is expected to require one construction season. The road will be a public roadway and, once accepted, city maintenance will extend to that segment.

Commissioners raised questions about traffic impacts from industrial businesses in the area. One commissioner observed there “will be more traffic on Southwood” once the connection is made; staff clarified that the corridor will mostly serve service and box-truck traffic rather than heavy distribution traffic. Staff said the project should provide an additional outlet to Fortuna and some industrial and business park traffic will use the new link rather than Madison or Butler roads.

A motion to recommend acceptance of the dedication plat to city council was moved, seconded and carried on roll call. The recommendation advances the dedication to council for final action and, if accepted, the city will receive the roadway for public maintenance and move forward with bidding the project.