After a meeting lasting more than four hours, Douglas County commissioners postponed their decision on a 51-acre land annexation request.

Venture Properties Inc. submitted the request to annex the area, which is just south of the Farmer’s Turnpike, into the city of Lawrence.

Jane Eldredge, attorney for Venture Properties, Inc., said the land is ideal for annexation because of its close proximity to transportation access, its class-two soils and its minimal slope.

The City of Lawrence Planning and Development Services also requested the County Commission vote to annex the land, suggesting that approval would align with principles outlined in the K-10 Turnpike Plan and the Horizon 20-20 Plan.

The Chamber of Commerce has already voted in favor of annexing the land into Lawrence. Tom Kern, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said the location of the land makes it a viable spot for industrial development — a much needed commodity for the city.

Proponents said approving annexation would enhance the community’s chances of attracting site developers.

More than a dozen people spoke in opposition to the land annexation. Among them was JoAnn Farb, whose home is near the property.

“When we bought this property five years ago, there was absolutely nothing in writing to suggest that this could happen,” said Farb. “It really is unjust to us and dozens and dozens of families who have taken the biggest risk they will ever take by buying homes in this area.”

The County Commission is now scheduled to make a decision at its next meeting, which is on Dec. 1.