The Hays Planning Commission met Monday evening.  During the meeting, Planning Inspection Enforcement Division Superintendent Jesse Rohr spoke.  Rohr discussed the recent approval by the City Commission to explore development of Danby Lane. As part of the discussion, Rohr was asked about the proposed Peterbilt dealership and how that development is different to the Danby Lane housing development.

Specifically, Rohr was asked what the developer had asked the city to do.  Director of Public Works I.D. Creech stepped up to address the question.  Creech said that there has only been behind-scenes discussion, no formal request.

“With the Doonan trucking property, there is a lot of infrastructure that would need to be constructed to get out there, and the discussion right now is not about special assessments, it’s more about who should pay to get that infrastructure out there.

“So in that regard, what Doonan is feeling around for are economic incentives to build there, much like you might say that the city will build the Ferris wheel is someone will bring a new circus to town and stay here forever. Or is someone wanted to sell widgets, we’d build the plant and give them the plant. He’s looking for economic incentives.”

The Planning Commission went on to point out that land near Commerce Parkway was set up with an infrastructure to support such a business back in 1994.  Creech said that the developer was presented with the two properties, specifically the infrastructure differences between the two areas.

The preliminary site layout plan for the Doonan Truck Center, Dealership, & Truck Stop development includes one fast food restaurant, one truck stop, one convenience store, and one dealership, among other buildings. At this time, though, conversations are continuing between all involved parties and a formal presentation has yet to be made to the city commission.