Approval granted, just in time

Despite updated backup documents and a last-minute request, the Zoning and Platting Commission approved the final plat for six lots on 14.57 acres of land at 7300 1/2 McKinney Falls Parkway for the Springfield Commercial – South Final Plat at its meeting on May 15. David Wahlgren, who is a planning officer with the city, said the plat had to be approved at the Monday night meeting, citing a preliminary plan that was approved for a large site almost 10 years ago. He said the development was given 10 years and a specific date before the final plats had to be approved. Failure to approve this final plat before the March 16 deadline would result in both the preliminary plan and the final plats ending. Commissioner Betsy Greenberg expressed dissatisfaction by the request’s tardiness and asked why the request was presented to the commission at the very last minute – and without the necessary information. She continued to say that she was “uncomfortable approving something (that she) didn’t get to look at,” and approving a request she and her colleagues didn’t see would be a disservice to their jobs. Despite Greenberg’s concern, the rest of the commission agreed that the applicant shouldn’t be penalized for staff’s misstep in neglecting to upload the proper documentation. The motion passed 9-0-1, with Greenberg abstaining and Commissioner Dustin Breithaupt absent.