Lawrence-Douglas County planning commissioners agreed to recommend a controversial annexation northwest of Lawrence – after deliberating into the early-morning hours today.

Planning commissioners, on a 6-2 vote, agreed to forward on a recommendation for Lawrence to annex nearly 155 acres near the Lecompton interchange on Interstate 70.

Local developers are seeking the annexation as part of a plan to create an industrial park. The development group previously has tried to win approval for the project through the Douglas County Commission, but neighbors in the area protested the development as being out of place and premature.

Developers, including Lawrence businessmen Duane and Steve Schwada, have said the site is excellent for a distribution center or other similar use because of its proximity to major highways.

A large contingent of neighbors attending Wednesday night’s Planning Commission meeting voiced opposition to the plan. The meeting lasted until 12:30 a.m.

Commissioners Grant Eichhorn and Lisa Harris voted against the proposal. Commissioners Hugh Carter and Charles Blaser were absent.

The annexation still must receive necessary approvals from the city commission and county commission before it is final.