Planning commission recommends rezoning of 425 acres at Astra to light industrial

The De Soto Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council rezone about 425 acres at the Astra Enterprise Park from RUR (rural) to M1 (light industrial).

Planning staff, identified in the record as Brad (speaker 10), told commissioners the area south of the previously rezoned acreage is consistent with the city's land use plan and that utilities, sewer extensions and road improvements are being planned to support development. "What you have before you is a rezoning application at Astra for 425 acres," Brad said during his presentation.

During public comment, a nearby property owner asked whether rezoning would require extending Evening Star Road; staff responded there were no immediate plans for a road extension but that future traffic mitigation could be required as development advances. Jackson Brogart (speaker 11), who said he lives at 40025 West 111th Street in Eudora, asked whether the project would affect Evening Star Road and related traffic.

Commissioners reviewed staff's evaluation under the commission's "golden criteria," noting the staff report scored 11 positive and one neutral findings. Based on that analysis and the staff recommendation, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the rezoning; a roll call produced affirmative votes and the motion carried.

The planning commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council, which will take the final vote at an upcoming council meeting. The commission record notes public notices and a sign were placed near the site and that the applicant has submitted legal descriptions and cleanup documentation as part of the application packet.