The City Commission work session lasted four hours last night and it was fairly interesting.
They did spend about 45 minutes in an executive session - a nice word for a private meeting. It was for personnel and attorney-client privilege, which are both legitimate. Ill just say again, that the law never says they HAVE to have a private meeting, only that they MAY.
The only reason I mention it is that it was supposed to only go for 20 minutes.
The city is certainly no worse than anyone else with private meetings.
The more interesting thing, I suppose, was the talk about the "big box store," that could come to town.
It looks like it will be a Lowe's, but as they pointed out, there is no deal, or no proposal on the table yet. Commissioner's do not "know" what it is. The developer has not said publicly what it is, so one could honestly say it is not known what the store will be.
I did some research. The developer in question has developed several shopping areas, and all of them that had a home improvement center, had a Lowe's. He could start with a different store this time, but you can draw your own conclusion from his track record.
But it doesn't matter what it is. What brand name is irrelevant. The more relevant issue is whether we want to make it possible for them to come here.
What is being discussed at the present time is whether to create the conditions needed for the developer to develop. Once that is in place, the developer can move forward and actually make a proposal. At that time the brand name the store will be revealed.
This developer has brought a new proposal for financing, that requires the city's cooperation, but will not result in any out-of-pocket expense for the city.
This deal would create a special finance district. Taxes would be paid, and those taxes would pay for all the improvements such as utilities and parking lots. The developer would have to pay for building the building and everything else.
The property would also have to be annexed.
Those are the issues that the commission is dealing with now.
This could hurt local hardware stores. But will it ?
There was a study done a couple years ago by a third party on economic development issues. The results showed that people in the "Highway 77 Corridor" - which means from the state line north to above Winfield .. something like $27 million is spent out of the area on home improvement items.
This is what is happening now. People are leaving Arkansas City and Winfield and going to Wichita or Ponca City, and spending $27 million each year.
The developer is projecting sales of $22 million.
City officials say this is money that is leaving the area, and that having a store like that here, would keep the money here.
It is an interesting point.
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The interesting part about what is going on is everyone talks about "big box" and nobody mentions it as a shopping center.
In watching the commission meeting on TV it appeared that the "big box" and at least one other good sized retailer will open at the same time. Then they will draw in other retailers. It sounded like they meant all national chain stores and restaurants, but of course, nothing was definite including the name of the big box.
I'm sure the home improvement store would fill a niche because I can't see them coming unless there is a market for it. I'm much more interested in what comes with it. We need a shoe store, and a hobby store, maybe more clothing stores and I'm sure other people have other needs. I would love to hear what other stores they think they can draw in.
Thats a good point.
Nothing is guaranteed, but more stores will likely come along with the "big box."
We will likely get a restaurant out of the deal. Probably a national chain upper end type place.
Something like an Applebee's or Chili's. I do not have any information to make me think it will be one of those, its just a guess.
Maybe we will get a shoe store, or another clothing store.
Should be interesting at least.
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