By BECKY KISER
Hay Post

Four areas of continued residential and business development in north Hays were approved unanimously by Hays City Commissioners during their Thursday night meeting, including one that was not supported by city staff.  Commissioner Kent Steward was absent.

Information was presented by I.D. Creech, Public Works Director, for a replat in the North Hays Addition east of Carrico Implement, the final plat and rezoning of Clubhouse Gardens II adjacent to the Smoky Hill Country Club,  as well as an engineering services agreement in King’s Gate Addition Phase II on the north side of 41st Street.

Creech reminded commissioners the Hays Planning Commission had already unanimously approved each project.

However, city staff recommended against approval of the final plat of Clubhouse Gardens II Addition because “the two large lots do not conform with the spirit of the city’s comprehensive plan,” Creech explained.  “There is too large of a discrepancy in lot size.”

“They do conform with the development to the south of it,” mayor Henry Schwaller pointed out.  “I think the developer (P & W Residential Investments LLC) is correct in configuring the development in this manner.”

City Commissioner Ron Mellick said he had attended the planning commission meeting when it was approved and “the nearby neighbors are aware of the change and support it.”

“We didn’t have anybody show up against this, which is unusual when we replat something.  I think the neighbors are fine with it,” Mellick said.

Commissioners also heard from Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno about special assessments for two Special Improvement Districts within the city which are ready to be finalized and assessed to the property owners. The SIDs are 46th Street Second Addition–with $453,951.60 to be assessed, and Golden Belt Estates Fifth Addition-with $522,416.55 to be assessed– for water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and streets.

A resolution was approved setting a public hearing for April 23 to consider the proposed assessments.