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Board hears findings on 169 South overlay to guide employment-focused growth
Summary
Julie Cruz of Snyder & Associates presented findings for a proposed 169 South Employment Overlay District at the Oct. 21 work session, describing a community-driven planning process that aims to attract technology, research and bioscience employers while blending new development with Smithville's residential character; staff will bring ordinance language for first reading Nov. 4.
Julie Cruz of Snyder & Associates presented findings for the proposed 169 South Employment Overlay District at the Smithville Board of Aldermen work session on Oct. 21, saying the proposal stems from the city's 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2020.
Cruz said the overlay is intended for the west side of Highway 169 at Smithville's southern boundary with Kansas City and would create a transition zone that supports commercial and mixed-use development while preserving neighborhood character. “The overlay district aims to encourage targeted economic development, attracting businesses such as technology, research, and bioscience,” the presentation said.
Jack Hendrix explained the process has been underway since August 2024 and emphasized that staff coordinated outreach with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Economic Development Committee. Public engagement included a project website (December 2024–March 2025), workshops and joint sessions that helped refine community expectations for design, permitted uses and site layout.
The overlay approach would layer development standards — such as height, setbacks and design — over existing base zoning to streamline implementation without rezoning each parcel individually, the consultant told the board.
Hendrix said staff will prepare ordinance language and bring the overlay district forward for a first reading at the Board's Nov. 4 meeting. No formal vote on the overlay ordinance occurred at the work session.
