Lecompton — More questions need to be answered before this small community sees the first phase of a 700-acre development get off the ground.
Several people expressed concerns Tuesday night about a proposed development that could bring up to 2,000 new homes, some businesses and a community center south of town. Construction on the development's first phase, expected to begin in the fall of 2002, would add about 110 homes to the town of 750 people.
"The issue is are we going to have one town here and another town there," Lecompton City Council member Cyndi Treaster said.
Area developer J. Stewart said he first wants to develop the land closest to the Kansas Turnpike with the mindset "if he builds it, they will come."
About 300 acres of land separate the northern edge of the property from Lecompton's city limits. City officials and Stewart are working on an annexation agreement, which may entail Stewart acquiring an additional strip of land so that the development is contiguous to the city. A "de-annexation" contract may be part of the deal in case the development isn't successful.
Mayor Roy Paslay said the city council will discuss a possible annexation agreement within the next few months. A final agreement could happen near August, but he said it would require at least a 3-2 vote.
Even without Stewart's development, Paslay said Lecompton's outskirts will experience more growth.
"I've been around Lawrence and here for a long time, and farmers are already selling five-acres lots," he said. "There's more to come."
Another major concern was the financial aspect of the project.
Stewart said a Chicago investor is backing the entire project. A benefit district would be established to pay for a sewer and water treatment plant. The city would sell general obligations bonds for the project and then assess the landowners later with interest.
Since Lecompton must build a new $1 million water plant to increase its capacity, Stewart said he hopes to ease the city's share by contributing to the project instead of building his own.
"We're trying to do everything we can to plan for the future," he said.
Also, included in the project is 40 acres for the Perry-Lecompton school district to build a new school.
The city council will hold another special meeting March 29 to discuss annexation and building code issues.
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