Douglas County commissioners Wednesday night supported a proposed corporate retreat southeast of Lecompton.

But they tabled a 59-acre land rezoning request from Rockwall Farms LC and asked planning staff members to look into changing county regulations to give them authority to limit how the property is used.

“Finding a way to advance your project, I feel like conditional zoning might be a good compromise,” Commissioner Mike Gaughan said.

Members of the development group had asked commissioners to rezone the property as a general business district. They are seeking to raise funds and construct The Woods, a corporate retreat with a main lodge and cabins. The $6 million to $10 million project would provide a venue for weddings, retreats and meetings, architect Paul Werner said.

The development group includes Lawrence businessman Thomas Fritzel as the resident agent, according to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office. The project has been in the works for more than two years.

Attorney Mark Andersen said group members sought the zoning change because they would be unable to secure financing with a conditional-use permit.

Neighbors voiced concerns about commercial hunting on the property, and members of Rural Water District No. 6 worried about future business development.

“Rural Water District No. 6, or any rural water district, is not designed for business, period,” said Don Fuston, the water district’s chairman.

Werner said commercial hunting on the property was off the table, and he was not projecting water use at the facility to dramatically impact the water district.

Commissioners said their main concern was that changing the zoning classification of the property could open the door for other uses of the property they didn’t intend. A conditional zoning option would be more applicable, they said.

Commissioner Jim Flory said the county hoped to be reconsidering the project again within months.