The Riley County Planning and Zoning Appeals Board Monday denied a request by Evergy to construct an electrical switch station in the southern part of the county along McDowell Creek Road.
The motion to deny was 4-0 and followed a two hour public hearing, which included opposition from several neighboring property owners in the Ashland Bottoms area. The proposed site is north of the location where Evergy had previously proposed such a facility, but ultimately was denied last May. Board member Eric Peck shared concerns tied to possible future expansion of the switching station.
Board member Jack Platt also agreed the new proposed site doesn’t do enough to satisfy nearby property owners.
Some of the concerns raised from citizens dealt with the close proximity to the Ashland Cemetery and preservation of the scenic area near the Konza Prairie, among other factors. Evergy spokesperson Jessica Keck…
The Riley County Commission will consider the planning board’s recommendation for denial at its May 2 meeting.
