PLANNED EAST OF I-29, NORTH OF HWY. 92
Approval of a preliminary plat for a major subdivision planned east of Interstate 29 was given earlier this month by the Platte City Planning and Zoning Commission.
The planning commission voted to approve the preliminary plat with the condition that the developer–David Barth–continue to work through some items with city staff.
Approval of the preliminary plat is the most recent step in the process for the development to work its way through the city’s planning system.
The subdivision, known as Nelly Hills, named after a Barth family member, is planned to include 225 homes that will be divided into six phases of development, which will take place upon 140 acres. Development will begin at the southeast corner of the site and expand to the west, then to the north.
“I’m excited, it’s a beautiful piece of ground,” David Barth said at the planning commission meeting held Sept. 5. “My daughter’s name is Janelle, that’s why it’s called Nelly Hills.”
Barth pointed out that his plan leaves 40 acres for a greenway in the subdivision, for a future public trail system on the south side of the development.
“I don’t do a subdivision without putting my heart and soul into it,” he added.
The site is east of I-29 and north of Hwy. 92. In February of 2022 the location was rezoned from general business district to R1-8 high density single family residential district.
Planned is one access point off of Hwy. 92 located roughly 1,200 feet from the west lot line, starting south on Hwy. 92, and it will continue to the north line and be stubbed.
Interior roadways shown on the preliminary plat will be privately constructed and drives that will be dedicated to the city. There are no additional exit/access drives adjacent to properties east, west or north of the development, according to a city staff report.
The proposed development is estimated to create a total of 2,223 total trips on an average weekday, according to a traffic study conducted by the developer. The single proposed access point meets MoDOT access spacing recommendations, the city says.
The traffic study proposes the following development conditions:
a. Retain right of way for future Hwy. 92 expansion to four lanes.
b. Construct an eastbound left turn lane with 50 ft. storage length, 200 ft. deceleration distance, and 180 ft. straight line taper.
c. Modifying road or driveway for adequate intersection sight distance, either through relocating access point further west, lowering both hill crests on the same side as the access point, and/or increasing elevation of access point at Hwy. 92.
FUTURE HWY. 92
IMPROVEMENTS
The city and MoDOT have plans to develop Hwy. 92 as a four-lane divided highway from I-29 to the eastern city limits at Bethel Road.
The alignment for future improvements constructs two additional lanes on the north side of the current alignment of Hwy. 92 from I-29 east to Timber Creek subdivision. At Timber Creek, the alignment moves south with the two additional lanes constructed on the south side of the current lane locations. City officials have said this option minimizes impact to existing development and minimizes utility relocation.
The developer is providing 82.2 feet of additional right-of-way for future Hwy. 92 improvements. This dedication results in a 120 ft. wide right-of-way.
The highway project is in the design phase. Plans could be available later this year and public hearings will be held at a later date related to the Hwy. 92 project. Tentative plans call for the completion of the Hwy. 92 widening project in 2025.
“There is currently no schedule of funding for these improvements, though the city is working with the developer, MoDOT and the Mid-America Regional Council to resolve these issues,” states a report from city staff dated Aug. 30.
Staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat for the subdivision with the following contingencies:
- Developer’s conformance to any and all MoDOT requests.
- Developer to provide the recommended sanitary sewer system which consists of a traditional gravity sewer system that discharges to a single lift station, meeting Missouri Department of Natural Resources standards at a minimum.
- A developer’s agreement between the city and the developer.
Neighbors to the proposed development mentioned traffic concerns and the desire for more than one access point off of Hwy. 92. Another concern mentioned was over a proposed grinder pump system to serve some homes.
Barth has requested the city consider some grinder pumps in areas where gravity sewer system might not work.
