Topeka Planning Commission Meeting - March 17, 2026

The City of Topeka Planning Commission met on the evening of March 17, 2026, with eight members present, forming a quorum. The commission considered three main agenda items: a conditional use permit amendment for a church parking lot, a contentious rezoning request for multifamily housing, and an annexation for infrastructure extension. The meeting also included a report from the Special Committee on Housing.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from February 16, 2026, was moved and seconded. All members voted aye except Commissioner Hannon, who abstained as they were not present at the previous meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• CU26-01 (Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas): Jack Calcutta, a parishioner at Most Pure Heart of Mary, spoke in favor of the parking lot expansion, citing overcrowding at Sunday masses and noting the lot is surrounded by other parking lots.
• Z26-02 (Kalopi Investments): The pastor of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ spoke in opposition, arguing the area is already saturated with apartments and that the development would bring more problems to the neighborhood. A church member, Dale Cushimberry, echoed these concerns, questioning why apartment complexes are always placed in East Topeka. Later, after public hearing was closed but during discussion, the applicant’s representative (Steve Franklin) emphasized the project’s community benefits and partnership with the NFLPA, though this was not formal testimony.

Discussion Items

• Z26-03 Anderson Family Trust: Withdrawn by the applicant; no discussion.
• CU26-01 Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas: Staff presented a proposal to amend an existing conditional use permit to expand a parking lot at 1715 SW Stone Avenue (zoning R1). The church is constructing the lot to provide overflow parking. Staff recommended approval with conditions; the applicant acknowledged construction began prematurely but at-risk. No commissioner questions or public opposition. Approved 7-1 (Commissioner Pearson dissenting).
• Z26-02 Kalopi Investments: A rezoning request at 2450 SE 25th Street from R1 (single-family) to M2 (multifamily, up to 25 units/acre) was heavily debated. The applicant’s representative proposed a 24-unit townhome development but had no approved plan. Staff recommended either M1A (quadplex, up to 15 units/acre) or M1 (duplex, up to 8 units/acre), citing density transition concerns and the site’s proximity to single-family homes. Public testimony from nearby church representatives opposed the M2 density. Commissioners expressed conflict over housing needs versus neighborhood character. The original motion for M1 was amended to M1A. Vote: 6-2 (Commissioners Bowling and Mock dissenting) to rezone to M1A.
• A26-01 Annexation (Old Castle Infrastructure): Staff presented an annexation of property at 5230 NW 17th Street for a water main extension. The property is in the employment tier of the urban growth area; the owner will pay for infrastructure. Commissioners noted annexation is contingent on the water connection. Approved unanimously 8-0.
• Special Committee on Housing Report: Commissioners reported on a March 11 meeting with Mayor Duncan, discussing rising construction costs and potential solutions such as reducing permitting fees and reviewing codes. The mayor expressed openness to ideas, and no formal action items resulted.

Key Outcomes

• CU26-01 Approved (7-1) – Conditional use permit amendment for parking lot expansion, subject to staff conditions.
• Z26-02 Approved (6-2) – Rezoning to M1A (quadplex district), allowing up to 15 units per acre. The applicant may still pursue a PUD for a higher density plan.
• A26-01 Approved (8-0) – Annexation deemed consistent with comprehensive plan; will proceed to governing body.
• Housing Committee – Continued engagement with mayor on housing affordability initiatives.