The Junction City – Geary County Metropolitan Planning Commission meets in special session at 3 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Friday to consider a recommendation on the site plans for the construction of proposed additions to Westwood and Franklin Elementary Schools.

David Yearout, Planning and Zoning Administrator, in his staff report said under an amendment to the zoning regulations in 2013 any changes to school buildings would require submission of a site plan showing the proposed expansion and addressing issues such as parking, loading and unloading areas, bus parking areas, and lighting.

Yearout noted parking is a major concern at all existing schools within the City. Staff is not clear if either of the two schools meet the regulatory requirements because they do not have details on the number of staff and full-time employees.    He says it cannot be determined whether additional off-street parking is required at this time.

Yearout also reported that changes in society have resulted in significant traffic congestion surrounding the schools because so many parents drop their students off and pick them up at the schools today. In a previous era students walked to their neighborhood school.  He said with respect to these two schools the issue becomes where and how parents or guardians temporarily park to drop off and pick up students.

The planning and zoning administrator added it doesn’t appear the proposed building additions warrant or mandate additional modifications to address the traffic impacts at the schools at this time. However a time may come when USD 475 officials will be required to make modifications.

Yearout said staff does not believe specific modifications to the parking or vehicular / pedestrian circulation at the two schools is warranted at this time. But in his recommendation he stated that staff believes USD 475 officials need to provide documentation showing they have adequately evaluated the potential impacts to the traffic patterns at Franklin Elementary by creating a new entrance on the north side of the building, and are prepared to make additional improvements to mitigate any problems that arise without the financial costs being borne by the City. Additionally staff believes USD 475 officials should be prepared to address the traffic issues around Westwood Elementary school in the future…..especially as student populations increase.

Yearout reported that staff recommends the MPC recommend approval of the site plans, subject to incorporating the  conditions outlined, for the building expansions at Westwood and Franklin Elementary Schools.