Ruth Hughs often feels neglected when reading online comments about senior housing. 

Hughs, with the Eudora Senior Foundation, said there is a huge need for more senior housing that offers maintenance-free living for those wanting to downsize out of their homes. Not only does building more of this housing benefit seniors, she said, it also would free up housing to allow more families to move in. 

“You all have supported the idea of having seniors come to this community and make a difference,” Hughs told city commissioners Monday night. “We volunteer, we love, we share, we make a difference.”

As the City Commission considered whether to rezone the Holladay property for duplexes that a developer wants to turn into senior villas, Hughs spoke during public comment.

“I would really appreciate for you all to consider that we need a place to grow,” Hughs said. “We need a place to make Eudora the heartland of senior living, and it could be done.”

City Commission members on Monday voted unanimously to rezone 14 acres near K-10 from single-family to duplex housing, overriding a prior recommendation for denial from the Planning Commission. 

The proposal for the southern portion of 1419 Cedar Street, property owned by Kenneth Holladay, drew concerns in November about increased traffic and the lack of a detailed development plan. 

City staff, however, recommended approval, saying the duplex zoning fits the city’s comprehensive plan and would provide a transition between nearby commercial and residential areas. Staff also say existing utilities can support future development and note that traffic impacts would be similar to what single-family homes would generate.

The rezoning application describes the proposal as twin villa homes geared toward senior living. 

Because the Planning Commission voted against the change, the City Commission needed a two-thirds majority to approve the rezoning, which on Monday night meant a unanimous vote from the four commissioners present. Commissioner Jolene Cullen was absent. 

Mayor Tim Reazin said he would prefer having senior housing throughout town and not boxed into certain areas, which possible development on the Holladay property could allow. He argued the Planning Commission’s denial was outside the scoop of assessing only whether the rezoning aligned with the city code.

“It’s hard for me to ever say that we should have less,” Reazin said in regard to senior housing. “We can’t halt progress when a developer is ready to do it and it fits the greater need of the community, especially when it comes to senior housing and those opportunities.”

Commissioner Alex Curnes agreed, acknowledging the Planning Commission’s meeting was filled with emotion, but saying the City Commission needed to look at the decision based on whether the rezoning aligned with the city code.

“I think progress has to be made,” Commissioner Roberta Lehmann said. “And to have senior citizens living in the community amongst the neighbors, what a great gift that is for people.”

The City Commission on Monday also unanimously approved two mayoral appointments to the Planning Commission. 

Three members of the Planning Commission resigned their seats this fall: Jason Hoover, Ryan Rock and Johnny Stewart. Commissioners on Monday voted for Lewis Cox and Pat Jankowski to fill two of the vacancies. 

Cox currently holds a seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals, which he will resign. That vacancy will need to be filled at a later date.

Commissioners tabled an application for a digital sign for Holy Family Catholic Church along Birch Street. City staff recommended denial of the request, citing its proximity to nearby homes. 

City Manager Zack Daniel said it did not comply with city regulations requiring the sign to be set back 10 feet from property lines.

Reazin said he would be more inclined to support the sign if it was shut off or set on a static screen at night, to help alleviate the effect on neighbors. Lehmann said she wanted to hear more from neighbors about their views on the sign.

Jim Lyle, with Lumineo Signs said they were hoping to rework the application a bit to address the comments from city staff and commissioners. They also wanted to speak with some neighbors and hear their concerns. He said part of the challenge is that a 10-foot setback would make the sign hard to read from the road and there is not a lot of room between the property line and the building. 

Daniel signaled they would tentatively plan to discuss the sign again at the Commission’s Dec. 8 meeting. 

The Commission voted unanimously to approve purchase of a multi-use vehicle for the Fire Department, allowing for a dedicated unit for medical response. 

The SUV will also be used for inspections, training and a chief’s vehicle when one is down for maintenance. The city will pay $69,984 for the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Fire Chief Justin Lee said the Tahoe has good storage space and longevity. He said a pickup truck would be more expensive and the Tahoe fits the Fire Department’s needs.  

Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said they held a good first Pilla Park meeting with consultants and designers.

Daniel said the Commission may choose to have a meeting the week of Memorial Day next year for the Pilla Park project.

Pennington also gave an update on some upcoming city-organized holiday events around town.

Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]