The Emporia/Lyon County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission convened on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to deliberate on two pivotal proposals concerning the Stormont Vail property at 1700 Road G.
This 17-acre parcel, annexed into Emporia’s city limits in late 2024, is poised for significant development aimed at enhancing regional healthcare services.
Rezoning Approval
In a decisive 5-1 vote, the commission recommended the rezoning of the 1700 Road G property to align with city zoning regulations.
Commissioner Larry Bucklinger cast the sole dissenting vote but was unavailable for comment post-meeting. This rezoning is a critical step, facilitating the property’s transition from county to city jurisdiction and enabling urban development standards.
Preliminary Plat Endorsement
Subsequently, the commission addressed the preliminary plat for the site, now designated as the “Stormont Vail Regional Health Subdivision.” The proposal received a 4-2 vote in favor, with Commissioners Bucklinger and Lillian Lingenfelter opposing.
The preliminary plat outlines the site’s developmental framework, including infrastructure layout, utility provisions, and compliance with city planning criteria.
Public Discourse and Transparency Concerns
The session featured robust public commentary, with community members voicing concerns about the potential impact of a new Stormont Vail facility on local healthcare dynamics, particularly regarding Newman Regional Health.
A recurring theme was the call for greater transparency from Stormont Vail regarding their specific intentions for the property.
Tim Shultz, Stormont Vail’s Associate General Counsel, addressed these concerns during the meeting. He expressed appreciation for the community’s dedication to Newman Regional Health and reiterated that Stormont Vail has been forthcoming about its plans.
Shultz confirmed the organization’s intention to construct a medical office building on the site, aiming to expand healthcare access and services for Emporia residents.
Steven Bazan, Director of Business Development at Newman Regional Health, acknowledged that while there had been mentions of a medical office building, Shultz’s statement provided the first definitive confirmation of such plans.
This clarification is anticipated to inform ongoing discussions about the project’s scope and its integration into the existing healthcare landscape.
Commission Deliberations
Commission Chairman Raymond Rogers, who supported both proposals, recognized the community’s concerns and emphasized that the commission’s current mandate was to assess land use and zoning appropriateness, rather than broader healthcare policy implications.
This perspective underscores the procedural nature of the commission’s responsibilities in facilitating orderly urban development.
Commissioner Lingenfelter, despite approving the rezoning, opposed the preliminary plat. She articulated that while rezoning pertained to regulatory alignment, the preliminary plat’s approval directly influenced the project’s execution, warranting a more cautious approach.
Next Steps
The commission’s recommendations will advance to the Emporia City Commission for final deliberation, potentially as early as March 19, 2025.
This forthcoming review will be pivotal in determining the project’s progression and its alignment with Emporia’s urban development objectives.
CareArc Parking Expansion
In other proceedings, the commission unanimously approved CareArc’s request to rezone property at 400 West 15th Avenue.
This rezoning facilitates the transformation of the space into a parking lot, providing an additional 70 parking spaces for staff. Renee Hively, CareArc’s CEO, highlighted that this expansion addresses current parking shortages and supports the organization’s operational efficiency.
The Emporia Planning Commission’s recent approvals mark significant strides in the city’s healthcare infrastructure development.
The advancement of Stormont Vail’s project at 1700 Road G promises to enhance medical services, while CareArc’s parking expansion addresses logistical needs.
As these projects proceed to the City Commission for final approval, continued community engagement and transparent communication will be essential to harmonize development with public interest and existing services.