The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved the final two of eight city-requested annexations.
Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend annexations of 156 acres at about 93rd and O streets and approximately 68 acres near 84th Street and Yankee Hill Road.
The areas are among eight around the city identified by Planning Department staff as appropriate for annexation. The Planning Commission approved the other six areas after hearings held Sept. 27 and Oct. 11.
As was the case in several of the other areas proposed for annexation, neighbors expressed strong opposition.
The strongest came from residents of Hillcrest Heights, an acreage subdivision at 93rd and O.
Ryan Sullivan, a resident of the neighborhood, said most residents are not opposed to zoning in principle but are opposed to it happening right now. He said the city's notification was "sudden and unexpected," especially considering neighbors have been told several times they were not being considered for annexation any time soon.
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Neighbors also raised concerns about fire and police services and whether their children would be able to continue attending Waverly schools.
Assistant Fire Chief Pat Borer, as he has with the other proposed annexation areas, assured residents and Planning Commissioners that he believes Lincoln Fire & Rescue can adequately serve both areas, which currently are in the Southeast Rural Fire District.
Commissioners said they believed the areas were appropriate for annexation because of their proximity to the city limits and other factors.
"The justification is clear to annex," Commissioner Dennis Scheer said.