After more than an hour of comment from members of the public and discussion among planning commissioners last Wednesday, the seven-member body unanimously voted to allow batch plants in I-2 zoning, if owners of such plants obtain a special use permit.

Although the planning commission was not considering a specific proposal for a concrete batching plant, such a plant had been on the commission agenda about three months ago. So that apparently was not far from their minds.

Last week, the commission originally voted, 4-3, to table the matter because they were concerned about building-height requirements in the I-2 zoning designation. Commissioners later unanimously agreed to consider the issue after all.

The height issue arose after Gene Meier of Meier Ready Mix, told planning commissioners that any building Continued from page 1A

he would construct in Tonganoxie would be about 35 feet tall, with a 65-foot stack higher than what now is allowed in I-2 zoning. Meier has an option to purchase five acres along the west side of Leavenworth County Road 5, south of U.S. 24-40, where he hopes to construct a batching plant.

Several speakers Wednesday night urged the planning commission to approve the inclusion of batching plants in the I-2 district.

“Make a decision tonight to let this man know if you are interested in letting him come into this community,” said Judy Evans, 604 S. Shawnee.

“I think we made it clear that Tonganoxie wants this business,” said planning commissioner Greg Ward.

Pat Albert, who is a city council member and president of the chamber of commerce, urged the planning commission to make the batching plant a zoning use in the city.

“You have all of the time in the world to deal with that (height requirements),” Albert said, asking commissioners to remove the issue from the table and make a decision.

The planning commission on Feb. 2 will consider a change to the I-2 zoning designation that would allow buildings that are three stories or 50 feet tall and would allow towers or antennas that are 75 feet tall.

Linda Zacher, city planner, said the 75-foot proposal may be too high and planners might want to change that.

Zacher she was suggesting changes to the I-2 designation because the existing zoning ordinance is poorly written.

Other changes proposed would increase the minimum parking, lot and setback requirements.

The city’s zoning regulations are under review, Zacher said, but she believes the I-2 zoning designation should be addressed now.