By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
More proposed expansion of business north of Interstate 70 in Hays will be brought to the Hays City Commission during Thursday's work session.
JTL Leasing (Lewis Auto Group) has purchased two tracts near the intersection of East 41st Street and Sherman Avenue.
Lewis plans to utilize the existing building at 655 E. 41st St., formerly Vernie’s Toys 4 Trux, for a mechanic/service shop and to build a structure in the vacant lot across the street to the west.
The properties are just outside the current city limits.
Requests have been submitted for annexation into the city and for rezoning of the two tracts from general commercial to light industrial.
The properties have water and sewer available at each site. The Home Depot Addition was built in 2003 to serve future development in the area.
"Allowing this zoning change would increase chances for redevelopment north of 41st Street," Jared Kuckleman, Hays management analyst, said Tuesday.
Following a July 15 public hearing where there was no opposition, the Hays Area Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the zoning change.
Commissioners will also further discuss the draft 2025 budget.
Hays' total assessed valuation is up 4.2%, while the total mill levy remains at 25.
Public hearings will be Sept. 12 for the budget and to exceed the revenue neutral rate.
The complete Aug. 1 agenda is available here. The work session begins at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.