The annexation of property northwest of Lawrence may encourage needed industrial development, but city leaders must be careful that their action carries no commitment – implied or otherwise – to extend city utilities to the site.

Although some local residents oppose industrial development at the 155-acre site, the property’s location adjacent to the Kansas Turnpike’s Lecompton interchange has obvious advantages for some types of businesses. At least some of those businesses wouldn’t need to be connected to the city’s water and sewer services, and the developers have pledged not to ask for those services to be extended.

It may not be appropriate to formalize that arrangement as part of the annexation proceeding, but the city should do whatever it can to try to make sure that the developers don’t change their minds and try to pressure either current or future commissions into expensive utility extensions once the property is annexed.

Lawrence needs more jobs and it is looking at several areas, including the former Farmland property east of Lawrence, to help satisfy that need. Supporting private business development at the northwest site is a good move for the city, but committing to public improvements to the property should be clearly off the table for now.