A drag racing strip is not the only controversial item on the agenda for Wednesday’s Planning Commission.

Also scheduled for a public hearing is a proposal to turn the North Forty golf course into a development with homes and commercial space.

Developers want to build 66 homes on about 30 acres, while a large grocery store, restaurants, a bank and other retail uses are proposed on the remaining 18 acres on the southwest corner of 84th and Adams.

David Kohrell, an area resident who has helped spearhead neighborhood opposition to the project, said neighbors have had “substantive discussions” with the developers and some changes have been made to allay neighborhood concerns.

Kohrell said the neighborhood has three options: Fight the development, try to find another buyer for the property or work with the developers to get as acceptable of a development as possible.

“We’re definitely leaning toward working with them,” Kohrell said.

Peter Katt, an attorney for the developers, could not be reached for comment, but Kohrell said it was his sense that the developers want to have the project under way by next year.

Even though, as Kohrell conceded, the site is “very attractive” to develop, the Planning Department is recommending denial of the development.

Citing the proposed Hy-Vee at 84th and Holdrege and a large amount of approved but unbuilt space along North 84th Street, a report concludes that the proposal would create “excess commercially-zoned land beyond what the Comprehensive Plan concludes is necessary.”