A controversial proposal to develop a rural subdivision that would eventually lead to the construction of more than 20 estate-style houses will be taken up by the Douglas County Commission tonight.

It might have a large audience.

“We’re trying to get as many people there as we can,” said Joe Karbank, an opponent of the proposal submitted a few months ago by the Travis Morgan Sr. family.

The Morgans seek to rezone 80.52 acres of their property at the northwest corner of North 900 Road and East 2000 Road, which is about six miles southwest of Eudora. They want to build up to 22 houses that would each cost in the upper-$300,000 to $500,000 range.

Though the county planning staff has recommended approval, during a meeting in November the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission, which reviews such proposals, recommended denying the rezoning. The Planning Commission said the proposal was inconsistent with Horizon 2020, the city and county’s master planning guideline, because it is outside the urban growth area.

Prior to the Planning Commission meeting Karbank was one of 40 people who live or own land in the area who signed a petition opposing the development. He and others also sent letters detailing their opposition. Among the reasons cited were road dangers from increased traffic and damage or destruction of a rural area.

“We’re not really ready for something like this,” said Stewart Grosser, one of the neighbors who signed the petition. “I think you got some serious, serious problems with this.”

The proposal was initially scheduled to be taken up by commissioners in early December, but the Morgans withdrew it from the agenda and asked for a later date. Travis Morgan Jr. has handled the development issue for the family. He didn’t return phone messages from the Journal-World.

Karbank and Grosser said they had not heard from the Morgans nor were they aware of any changes to the plan.

Commissioners will meet at 6:35 p.m. on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.