Signs are emerging that city commissioners are having second thoughts about efforts to buy the former Farmland Industries property east of Lawrence.

Commissioner Mike Amyx said he wants the commission to have a “frank” discussion about whether it is still prudent for the city to try to purchase the 467-acre property, which could be converted into a new business park.

A recent report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment indicated that it may cost far more to address environmental problems at the property than was previously estimated.

The property currently is up for sale as part of a bankruptcy proceeding. Commissioners had hoped there would be enough money in an environmental trust fund that stays with the property to clean up the former fertilizer plant site. That now appears less likely, according to the latest KDHE report.

Commissioners tentatively agreed to place the item on a City Commission agenda in mid to late August.