There’s a new twist in efforts to create a business park near the Lecompton interchange on the Kansas Turnpike.

The development group is now seeking to have the approximately 155-acre tract northeast of the interchange annexed into the Lawrence city limits.

City commissioners at their meeting tonight will consider taking the first step in that annexation process. The development group – led by Lawrence businessman Duane Schwada – is asking commissioners to refer the annexation request to planning commissioners for a recommendation.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission in December recommended approval of a rezoning request that would allow the property to develop as a county business park. But that zoning must be approved by county commissioners before it becomes final.

The County Commission in 2004 rejected a similar plan after it was opposed by several neighbors. The plan, however, never has been considered by the City Commission.

The property – on the northwest corner of East 900 Road and North 1800 Road – is not adjacent to any part of the city limits. City Manager David Corliss said the city would have to study the feasibility of extending water and sewer to the site, if the City Commission decides to start the annexation process. Corliss also said it is possible that the project could be annexed into the city without using city water or sewer services.

Commissioners meet at 6:35 p.m. tonight at City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.