(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission has approved a rezoning request from Benedictine College involving recently acquired properties, including land that could be used for the college's proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine.

The commission approved the ordinance during a special meeting Monday. The ordinance incorporates the properties into the college's Planned Development district and revises the city's zoning map.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the request August fifth, where residents raised concerns about parking, traffic, nearby property values, and the college's future plans for the properties.

Benedictine representatives outlined plans for properties around Sixth and Fifth Streets that are proposed for the medical school campus. They also said there are no immediate plans for changes in use or construction involving the other properties included in the rezoning.

City officials say Planned Development zoning gives Benedictine more flexibility with its property while also giving the Planning Commission and city staff greater oversight. Any future construction, changes to buildings, or changes in use within the Planned Development will require Planning Commission review and approval of an updated Development Plan.

The Planning Commission voted three-to-one in favor of the rezoning. The city says no protest petition was filed during the required 14-day period following the Planning Commission's vote, leading to Monday’s Atchison City Commission approval.