City commissioners tonight will consider allowing a proposed retail center at 23rd Street and O’Connell Road to grow in size.

Commissioners – as part of their consent agenda – will hear a rezoning request that would allow a proposed shopping area on the southeast corner of 23rd Street and O’Connell Road to grow from about 125,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet.

Lawrence-Douglas County planning commissioners have unanimously recommended the increase because it would make the property consistent with the approved Southeast Area Plan.

The development group, led by Lawrence businessman Bill Newsome, has tried to attract a grocery store to the corner. Newsome said the larger center should help in those efforts.

The total size of the area to be developed won’t change. Instead, the developers have agreed to eliminate from the plans about 10 acres of property previously zoned for apartments.

Commissioners meet at 5:30 p.m. today at City Hall.