Lenexa has advanced plans for a new mixed-residential development on the west side of the city.
On Monday, the Lenexa Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the preliminary plan and rezoning for Hedge Lane Residential, a new development near 91st and Dunraven streets.
The almost 14-acre development includes 18 single-family lots and 68 townhome units distributed among 13 townhome buildings. It will rezone the area from AG, Agricultural District to RP-1 Planned Residential (Low-Density) and RP-2, Planned Residential (Intermediate-Density).
If the development is approved, then it would remove the street access onto Kansas Highway 7, which both residents and councilmembers agreed is needed, as they viewed it as dangerous.
The development has received opposition from neighbors, who submitted a protest petition with 355 signatures, according to neighbors at the meeting, asking it to not move forward because of traffic and environmental concerns. (A city spokesperson said city staff are still analyzing the petition to confirm whether it’s valid.)
The development would be built in a field
The planned site for Hedge Lane Residential is currently a field with one residential dwelling, which will be bought by the developer, 29th Street Capital, and demolished.
This site where Hedge Lane Residential is planned is a field that was annexed into the city in 1999 as part of a 2,000-acre annexation of land west of K-7 Highway.
Nikola Krcmarevic, vice president of 29th Street Capital, views the project as a development germane to the neighborhoods that exist in the area.
“We see this as a natural extension of the neighborhood, providing housing for the demographic very similar to today’s residents, including professional families looking for more space before purchasing a home, or those who prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle,” he said.
Traffic, home values are major concerns for neighbors
Ten neighbors spoke in opposition to the project, with several saying they support more housing and growth in the city, but feared the effect the project would have on traffic and the environment.
One of the main concerns those in opposition to the project was an increase in traffic on roads that residents said are already congested.
“The local road network is simply not designed to handle a significant increase in daily vehicle traffic,” said April Soberon, a nearby homeowner.
Others worried about the type of people the development could attract.
“I speak for the homeowners in this area. We’ve moved here because it was open and green and quiet,” said Marvin Davis, another nearby resident. “(This project) is just not well planned, people. I welcome R-1 (low-density, single-family residential) for the whole thing, but not R-2 and the type of people that come with that.”
2 people spoke in favor of it
While a majority of people that spoke during the public hearing portion of the event were in opposition to it, two people asked for it to be approved.
The owner of the sole house on the property, Gary Rogers, detailed why the development fit the property.
“I understand that the neighbors and others, they want this to stay a green space. But you know, quite frankly, ladies and gentlemen, it’s for sale. If they wanted to stay a green space, it can stay at green space, but it’s what has been planned by the city in advance for (its) future,” he said.
The development would provide multiple advantages for Monticello Gospel Assembly
Church, which Hedge Lane Terrace provides access through, including access to city water.
“Since 1976 we’ve had no access to city water, so we’ve essentially been bringing in water twice a month just to be able to function, to operate, and be able to just operate as a church for functions and different things,” said Brandon Fisher, a representative for the church.
Commissioners approved the project
While several planning commissioners acknowledged and empathized with concerns from those near the proposed project area, they still expressed their support for it.
Regarding comments from the public about the wildlife that would be displaced by the project, Commissioner Chris Poss said that while loves nature, the reality is that animals will have to move.
“Unfortunately, wildlife has to move to a different spot. I hate to sound callous like that, but that is just the nature of living in a modern society,” he said.
In regards to the development, Commissioner Ben Harber said that new infrastructure can be “scary,” but that the western part of the city is in demand and the project fits what’s needed.
“In the western part of our city, we hear, pretty much every time something like this comes before us that ‘This is the straw that break the camel’s back,’ that the houses that you’re living in didn’t cause the traffic problems, and only these houses will cause the traffic problems,” he said. “I believe this is the right development for the area.”
What’s next
The preliminary plan and rezoning will be taken up by Lenexa City Council on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.
Other Lenexa development coverage: Lenexa OKs deal for 175-home subdivision. In exchange, city gets land for future park
