The Lancaster County Agricultural Society will make a second attempt at securing approval to build a motel, restaurant and other businesses on 14 acres it owns near the Lancaster Event Center.

The society put the plans on hold more than three years ago  when city leaders delved into discussion about building a new downtown arena and concerns emerged about the potential of creating competing facilities.

The society’s big picture plan at the time also included an $18 million to $20 million expansion. That since has been scaled back to $8 million in work that is now under way.

The commercial plans, however, long sat on the City Council’s pending list. In April, as state leaders made their plans known to move the State Fair to Grand Island, City Councilwoman Robin Eschliman asked the council to reconsider.

But because a land-use planning document has been updated since the society’s first attempt at approval, the Ag Society couldn’t pick up where it left off, said Alan Wood, an attorney representing the group.

The plans are headed to the Planning Commission, which will hold a public hearing Wednesday. The commission narrowly approved the plans in September 2005.

Besides the amendment, the commission will consider a request for a zoning change and special permit. The Ag Society also is asking to annex portions of the 167-acre property, including the 14 acres proposed for development on the southeast corner of 84th Street and Havelock Avenue.

The City Council, which has final say on everything but the special permit, will hold a hearing in July.

Despite the repeat in process, the concept remains unchanged, Wood said.

State law prohibits the Ag Society from selling land, so it intends to enter into a long-term lease with a developer who would build a 75- to 150-room motel, restaurant and other complementing retail businesses, Wood said.

The development could help generate the funds the Ag Society needs to pay for county fair operations and facility improvements, rather than relying on tax dollars, said Event Center Manager Ron Snover.

The Ag Society is one of a handful of subdivisions that receive a small portion of property taxes for their operations.

The county is still paying off some debt from the center’s construction in 2000. Last July, the Lancaster County Board opted to refinance that remaining $2 million and to spend another $8 million on an expansion.

The additions include a third pavilion, parking and enclosing the open-air Amy Countryman Arena.

Work is on schedule, despite the recent severe weather, Snover said.

The pavilion will be ready for its first show June 23. Parking lots should be ready in time for the fair in August and the arena will be complete this fall, he said.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com.