ShawneeDispatch.com

The Shawnee Planning Commission Monday approved a preliminary plan for a development that will turn a former dumping site into a small residential development.

The Commission approved a preliminary plat and rezoning from agricultural to residential estates for six lots in the Saer Subdivision, located in the 26900 block of West 73rd Street.

The 50-acre property is situated on the city's far western border, just east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks and the Kansas River. An older single-family home in the northeast corner of the property will be demolished to make way for six new homes on two-acre or larger lots.

The land also contains a ravine area that was previously used as a dump site containing "non-approved fill material," but the developer told the Commission the Environmental Protection Agency had surveyed the land and the Johnson County Environmental Department had cleaned up the debris.

City staff recommended approval with several requirements, including the stipulation that potential buyers, builders and homeowners should be made aware of the property's history. The Commission approved the rezoning and plat unanimously.

In other areas of residential development, the Commission also approved a final plat for 33 lots in the Woodland Farms subdivision, located in the 4900 block of Longview Street, and the final plat for 46 lots in Meadowbrook Estates, located in the 5200 block of Old K-7 Highway.

The Commission also approved site plans for outdoor seasonal displays at Lowe's Home Center, 16300 W. 65th St.; Hy-Vee, 6495 Quivira; Home Depot, 15501 W. 67th St.; and Wal-Mart Super Center, 16100 W. 65th St.