City Commissioners voted down a tax increment district by a 3-2 vote at their meeting tuesday, that would have paved the way for negotiations to begin to bring a Lowes to Arkansas City.
After hearing over 20 people speak, commissioners voted at the end of a 3 and a half hour meeting.
Mayor Dotty Smith cast the tie-breaking vote. Scott Margolius and Mel Kuhn voted against the measure. Patrick McDonald and Joel Hockenbury voted in favor.
More coming soon.
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65 comments:
It figures we put idiots in charge to screw this city up.
Opportunity knocks once.
The three amigos did not even have the guts to listen to the proposal they voted it down before all info was available. I say a new petition should be started to recall the three amigos!
I was a huge supporter of Kasha Kelly and was dissapointed to see her chicken out and not voice her opinion. She spoke loud and clear to me that if she will not support local progress she will not support the 79th district very well. The one thing they did not vote down was my ability to vote for whomever I choose next election.
What can we do to get these people out of office now? There is no hope of getting anything new while they are here.
we need to have a city vote and let the people decide for them selfs what they want to do. if we have mell and scott decide on things like that we wont have a thing.we need to do all we can 2 get this back on the table.
At the very least they should have voted yess last night just, so we could have heard the entire proposal. The three no votes have cheated our community and they should be removed from office!
KSA §25-4301 et seq.
Recall may not commence during first 120 or last 200 days in office.
Grounds for recall are conviction of a felony, misconduct in office or failure to perform duties prescribed by law.
Time for gathering signatures is 90 days.
Signature requirement is number equal to 40% of the votes cast for the office in the last election.
Thanks for the lump of coal Scott, Dotty, and Mel.
If you were going to follow the will of the people, you should have at least taken the steps to listen to the proposal. Maybe the will of the people will remove you from office. You have failed all of us. Shame on you!
the over 400 people that signed one of the multiple petitions should be OUTRAGED. the "3 amigos" skipped over that so fast my head is still spinning.
Last night, the people of Arkansas City voiced their opinions, and as has been noted, most were in favor of this development. At the very least, our Commissioners owed it to all of us to vote yes last night so we have the opportunity to learn more about this project. I am disappointed that they did not listen to the very people who voted them into office. The city needs people who truly are "honor bound", and not just working for their own interests.
Well lets see, there is about 100 jobs that won't be available to people in the area. That's ok, the city must enjoy supporting all those people out of work, oh and don't forget when people don't have a job, they sometimes turn to crime to make ends meet.
If those 100 people were employed the superintendent would be VERY upset because someone might be able to pay for their own lunch!
QUOTE "We just spent a lot to dress up Summit with the streetscape project. We take care of their parking lots, provide means for water and sewer, provide drainage and they don't pay for any of that," he said. ('HE' being Joel Hockenbury) They don't pay for any of it??? Since when Joel? They pay for their water and sewer and they pay their taxes. If you want to talk about people not paying, why don't you tell the Traveler just how much Kan Pak owes the city???? Tell them how many times you claimed bankruptcy and got out of the debts in past years, tell them you don't even pay for trash pick up anymore but were allowed to go to a different company, tell them how you somehow manage to remain on the commision despite these glaring conflicts of interest. Come on Joel, tell everybody about who's REALLY not paying!!!!
Let's try not to make this issue personal. I have gotten my share of rude emails from the city commissioners - and there's absolutely no reason fot it. Joel was referring to the fact taht the downtown businesses did not have to pay for the infrastructure to be built, as will any establishment that locates anywhere other than downtown will have to do. Everyone talked about an even playing field, but since the city provides parking lots and sewer lines and roads for the downtown merchants, how can it be an even playing field if we don't try to offer the same thing to new retailers?
When you bring big business to a community other good businesses follow we need more in this scrawny little town. We need more opportunities for work other than just factory. Maybe we can get something people would get excited about. I drive out of town to do my shopping at Lowe's or a home depot because it is not offered here or is inflated in price and sometime these business are closed where a big box would be open for the service I need. I think more people other than the 3 should get a vote. Put it to the tax payers. We would keep more money in our own town and people from Winfield, Dexter, South Haven, Oxford and other small communities would also come here to spend their money meaning more Tax $$$$ for Ark City. Every time a new business comes open here they drawn in people. This is just another way to shoot down a community that needs big business.
Joel Hockenbury is an EMPLOYEE not an owner of Kan-pak. By saying Joel IS Kan-pak would be saying you need to take accountability for all of your employers actions and affairs.
Hockenbury's dad spent years serving the people of this city in small business. Hockenbury has spent his ENTIRE LIFE living in historic Ark City, working downtown and supporting downtown. Thank you McDonald and Hockenbury for LOVING our city and downtown yet having the vision to support things that will pave the way for a better AC all around.
Three close-minded Commission members were an embarassment to Ark City last night. It was a "no brainer" to vote "yes" and at least hear out the proposals of those representing Lowe's. To close the door without even knowing what would evolve is the epitome of irresponsibility. Scott Margolius' "dig" toward the newspaper was out of place and in poor taste. And Mr. Margolius professed love for our town? He didn't move here merely because he fell in love with the city. There was the added perk of a ready-made and lucrative position in his father-in-law's & wife's business. Pompous Mell Kuhn's rude treatment of the developer and his attorney will certainly ensure that this developer and probably no other will ever again approach Ark City with their vision. Good ol' Mell gave us a good view of his sore lack of business acumen and inhospitality! And the mayor is the queen of embarrasment. Her whining and pleading prior to The Vote was pathetic. And... did anyone else notice that the only person she quashed last night with a time limit was Roger Brown? The Browns have done more for Ark City than any other family -- ever. He should have been allowed to finish his statement. Many speakers exceeded the 3-minute limit, but were not interrupted by Her Highness... oops, Her Honor. Recall? YES! YES! and YES!
I, too, was VERY embarassed by the "three amigos" at last night's meeting. They stated they would vote the will of the people. Yeah, right! Some of the most influential and experienced citizens of Ark City spoke in favor of the issue and were totally disregarded (and kept to the 3 minutes speaking limit). Those keeping track of the speakers, pro and con, noted that most of the speakers were pro. The number of citizens signing petitions were totally disregarded! I appreciated the comments of the two commissioners who were in favor. But what chance do they have to make Ark City move forward when they are outnumbered by the other three who appear to be idiots. And Mr. Kuhn is definity the most arrogant, rude person I have ever seen in action as a representative of this fine city! Amd Mrs. Smith is another piece of work. I felt that before she was elected and nothing so far has changed my mind. I worry now that because of the poor reception given the developer and others with him anyone in their right mind would reconsider before approaching us with future plans for progress to our wonderful city!
I am not only disappointed but astounded by the lack of foresight shown by Kuhn, Smith and Margolius at the city commission meeting last night. I too received rude comments in emails from Kuhn and Margolius over the last week. We had such an opportunity to see a wonderful spurt of growth in Ark City, something that us HOMETOWN people (which, by the way, NONE OF YOU ARE) have waited for many years. If this doesn't bring on a recall of all THREE of you, I will be surprised. All I can say is enjoy your term in office, because you WONT BE ELECTED AGAIN!!
RECALL, YES!!! After what these commisioners have done to the community and the non-management city employees (and then giving a new city manager with less than one year a HUGE raise for some great things he has done that I for one still don't know what they were?) they deserve it. Next thing you know, they will give themselves a big raise for some imaginary great things they have done (or perhaps Mayor Smith will just pray about it and claim God wanted her to have a raise)
Well, at least we now will have the answer to the age-old question: Which came first? The chicken (industry) or the egg (business)? The answer, at least in Ark City is: neither came at all.
We had no say in anything lastnight, the 3 amigos failed to listen to the people, so what can an average person do, here are some thoughts: I was getting ready to purchase a new heat and air unit, your out Mell! I will not vote to return any of the three amigos to office or their wife to the 79 district or any other office. You have destroyed any chance of future developers to even consider Ark City. You should all resign. You are an embarassment to our community!
Did I understand our mayor correctly last night? That she was a project manager during construction of San Diego's Sea World? Unbelievable! That would take intelligence wouldn't it? Require listening to experts before acting and keeping an open door to ideas that came along as the project moved forward? Surely I didn't hear her correctly.
The good thing is that a democracy comes equipped with the ballot box remedy. When the people are unhappy with their leaders, they can vote them out of office. The nad things is that Mayor Smith and Commissioner Kuhn are in office until 2011, and Commissioner Margolius is in office until 2009. So, unless we want to wait 2 or more years for change, recall is our only option. Let's do it! Let the people speak in a way that must -- under law -- be heard.
I'm seriously interested in a possible recall effort. Any else in favor?
I think a vast many in Ark City are ready for a recall, somebody get this organized....let's see if we can get the developers back when we get a pro-economic development commission seated!
Some citizens have expressed concern that the new development would have caused some other stores to close. I and a lot of others I have talked to feel that whether or not Ark City welcomes this new development, someone will. The real loss will be measured in what stores close if we don't try to welcome this new development. What I forsee happening is if the store does not build in Ark City, it will build somewhere nearby, ie Winfield. Then what are we going to do when the local shopping dollars follow the store wherever it builds and we also lose the other businesses we were trying to save. This, in my opinion is why we are so far behind in any type of development. We only look at the small picture, but if we would look beyond you can get a much better view and maybe move this sleepy little town forward.
The modifications that have been made to the downtown area do not have to be lost while moving forward with other development. I think that developing a mainstreet project to build on the downtown area would be key in drawing further development into the downtown area. But it is going to take a lot of hard work on the part of the merchants to try to build a new type of downtown, something you cannot get with a "big box" type of store, but that can still draw people downtown. Right now there is no reason for me to go downtown, there is nothing for me to buy.
I hope there is some way to undo the damage that the commission has caused in this whole process and maybe still be the choice for this development.
anonymous said...we can boycout the people who does not want this project here at Ark City, Ks. If they do not want the citizens to have what they want then do not support them in their businesse`s. There are different shops not to far from our home town. I have always been a blue collar worker, and I worked hard for a pay check. Do you think the people who work downtown make that much per hour. They certainly do not. Do not knock Wal Mart as they pay just AS MUCH AS YOU BIASED individuals do. Since when do you own the town. You have madce plenty of money off this town and the people who live here. Quit being so smug about you and your business. Let freedom ring one way or the other.
This deal is done, finished with us. The deal is completely dead. The developers said they would not return to Ark City.
The decision to not create a redevlopment district completely ended our ties with the developer. No negotiations, no second chances, no nothing.
Let us hope they do not spread the word to other developers that Ark City is anti-progress
The commissioners did represent us! Not everyone thinks alike as was obvious at the meeting and I think a lot more people are against this that were not willing to speak out. Everyone kept saying that it is easy to be a naysayer. Not in this instance! One of the speakers at last night's meeting was called a Bastard to his face on the streets of downtown today. Are you still proud of your town? It is easy to say that a big shiney lowes is good for the town, after all we all shop there right? It's much harder to actually look at the studies and examples and see that it won't be good for us and stand up against your friends and say no. The other thing that bugged me last night was the number of older folks who have made the decisions in this town for years while the town has declined complaining that the young people are leaving. Look around! We came back! We were there, most of the speakers against the lowes, including the Bastard and the business owners were all under 40. Maybe it's time, for a change, to start listening to the young ones, not the same old people. Thanks Scott, Doty and Mel for listening to everyone!
December 19, 2007 1:07 PM
Who is leading the recall? Who do I contact? What do I do?
RECALL? Here's the scoop. A Recall Committee of three registered voters draft a petition according to guidelines and a form prescribed under the Kansas Recall Petition Guidelines. The completed Petition for Recall of Elected Official (form) is presented to the County Election Officer for examination. If it passes scrutiny, she passes it on to the County Attorney for approval. Only then is the petition ready for circulation. All who sign the petition must be registered voters. The number of signatures required is not less than 40% of the total votes cast for all candidates for the office of, in this case City Commission, in the last general election for the current term of office. All who sign must be registered voters. As 1,632 votes were cast in 2007 in the election for city commissioners, 653 valid signatures would be required. Commissioners can only be recalled for the following: conviction of a felony, misconduct in office or failure to perform duties prescribed by law. The question then, is whether or not their failure to act in accordance with what certainly appears to be the will of the majority of the people, and/or their failure to pursue the opportunity for additional sales and property tax revenues which would be of benefit generally to Ark City, rises to the level required to get a petition approved by the County Attorney. There is, of course, always the ballot box remedy in the election in 2009 and again in the election in 2011.
I agree with the person that said we need to have a city vote and get this issue back on the table. Think of all the good new business could do for OUR town!
Why did they let Walgreens and come to town but not Lowes? Do they care more about protecting the lumber yard than protecting Graves Drug and Taylors?
Walgreens didn't ask for infrastructure incentives because they are building in a developed area. So they needed no one's permission to build. They bought the land and built the building. It is illegal to stop building just because someone may or may not go out of business. But, Lowes wanted to pay for the infrastructure portion of this project with the sales tax for a period of time until the cost of the new development was covered. This is what happened for Creekstone, or then, Future Beef. 2013 we will see that $...it is close. By the time my preschoolers are in high school our city would have seen the $ from Lowes....not to mention immediate $$ from some of the other things that went in with it. PLUS - a more valuable city as a whole.
well..in regards to Walgreens...has anyone noticed the KUHN Plumbing trucks at that construction site lately?? He seems to be making a nice chunk of change off of Walgreens.....
We were all lied to by hypocrites. Many complained that they would welcome lowes but only on their own money. Will everyone that wants to start a new business get from dumping from the county, like the music man. Will I get a tax abatement on my building if I want to compete against First Intermark. Seems our three amigos have managed to start the first step towards a kingdom of three. The mayor will run around town flashing her badge and surley will stop any future home growth that would compete against her rental property. Mell can stop anything that will compete against his plumbing. Scott not sure what you will do, because we can't just fix stupid! Love to write more but I am heading to ponca to do some shoping.
Thanks Mel, Dotty, and Scott, You have managed to discredit our community. You have also left a blackmark on us that will be difficult to overcome. Mel your pompas rude treatment of those visiting our community is unforgivable. Most troubling to me is I just have to take it for the next few years until you are all voted out of office. What scares me most is the amount of things you can screw up in the next few years. God Help Us!
lets get the recall started. im a younger Ark City resident who has lived here all my life and am planning on registering to vote so i can help get the three amigos out of are office.If they want to ruin developement they need to move back to were they started there lifes so we can be rid of them.they are all about keeping the money all to them selves and not letting any other company come in and take that from them,and if they were selling things to us at lower priceing they would not have a thing to be worried about.
I notice that the majority of these posts are anonymous. And I ask you why? Many of you have specific views that sound very important....are you afraid to be quoted for the record like the "Traveler" published tonight? Are you afraid to actually take a stand in front of other Ark City residents and voice your words of enlightenment? I have read all the fodder about wanting to recall the three commissioners that said Nay. Why would any of you waste your energy to do that? There is no just cause to do so. I have read where you will boycott all the stores and businessmen and businesswomen that did not support a TIF district. Go ahead, you have all said you already shop out of town...remember the 27 million that is leaving the U.S. 77 Corridor Study. Interestingly enough that very same study that the proponents claim to be accurate also clearly stated on page C-8 of the appendix that this community COULD NOT support a Lowe's or a Home Depot. Yet, this part of the study was completely ignored. How can the study be right on one hand and wrong on the other? Those of you that passed the survey around town led a full blown smear of the facts. It was told to the local physicians that it would pave the road for the new hospital if they signed it....LIES! It was told to the people walking into Graves Drug it would lower property taxes if they signed it....MORE LIES!
The meeting last night several people were begging for change from how we have always done business.....well you got what you were asking for. NO you say? We got railroaded you say? No you did not....what you got was a chance for the City of Arkansas City not to bow down to the whim of some old time power mongers that currently are in control of Arkansas City Industries, Inc. We have followed these individual for almost 40 years and what have we got? Less industry than we used to have and a lot of land that could be developed, but wait it is not a good idea unless Mr. AC Industries, Inc. owns it or can somehow make a buck from it.
Truth is Change hurts and it was time for that change!!!
I liked the idea of this store but i wonder why if someone disagrees with you they are a hypocrite, an amigo, and all the other names. This makes me scared to speak out if I disagree on any issue. But i guess if we can't all agree, then somehow you become a bad person. i feel sorry for the comissioners. how could they win? Either way someone was mad. I listened last nite and heard alot of people passionnate, but did not feel like i could call them names if they didnt agree with me. is this whta we've come to? I like Lowes and hope something else can now happen. I will be positive rather than run good peopel down. And our town has good people no matter how they believed. at least peopole are willing to run for office. I was glad to not be a comissioner last night.
I agree. My two year old has less temper tantrums.
Temper tantrums?? You make it all sound like a game.....our town had the opportunity to be a shopping destination....and it is ruined. For those of you who haven't been here for the last 30 years this may not seem like much. But to the rest of us..it is big. Bigger than those three can even imagine.
For the person who said the Corridor Study stated we could not support a Lowe's or Home Depot... MAYBE that is why they needed the TIF to get started?
With a little help, diverting taxes back into the infrastructure costs, maybe it would have.
Then again we'll NEVER know. The three amigos cut off every opportunity to see the proposal and feasability study.
Only fear or being bought out could have prevented them from hearing the proposal... or should that be preventing US from hearing the proposal?
I don't know why they didn't move forward with NO OBLIGATION. I think a recall is our only protection for the future.
"For the person who said the Corridor Study stated we could not support a Lowe's or Home Depot... MAYBE that is why they needed the TIF to get started?"
Yes the TIF could have used to get the project started and completed. That is not the issue with the corridor study...it states that this community of 28,000 can not support a Lowes or Home Depot, this is due to the lack of population in which to draw from...intead it suggests that a store more in the size of Sutherlands be implemented. Still don't believe this? That is fine and I understand many people have hurt feelings, feelings of betrayal and feelings that the door has been closed in Ark City. There are many many studies on the negative after-effects of National Big Box retailers in small communities. I tried to stay open-minded and looked for the same studies that should be out there disputing them. I could not find any. I searched with Google, the Kansas Dept. of Commerce, asked economic professors at KU and KSU. Even went to my Alum OU to find some answers. There are no studies out the to say differently, if there were wouldn't Wal-Mart want them out to the public?
Col. Lind says the pottys are in disrepair at Woods and Bryant's. I still feel that if Zach Bryant puts in a new bathroom it is not going to affect his business base, but it will improve his marketability for future growth. Amazingly enough, Zach has found a renter for the collectable side of Bryant's. All he will say is that they will remodel, install ADA toilets and be a nice draw for downtown...who knows maybe they will. Question is, will any of those that wanted Lowe's hold a grudge for so long even this new renter will not make it, because they rent from Bryant's? Are all of you so mad that friendships will not be repaired? You have to at least understand that Zach is not to be blamed, yes he was against a TIF district, be he has been quoted that if Lowe's comes on it's own dime, then that would be fine. If your livelyhood was to be affected you would be against it too. Be honest with yourself and think like a new businessman, if you just bought a business and now it's very exsistance is in the sights to be destroyed what would you do? I happen to know many of you think it was Zach's poor decision for buying in to a crumpled up old building, and I have heard that, "he knew the condition of the bldg. before he bought..." I also know that Roger Brown of AC Industries gave Zach his "Personal Guarantee" that the Big Box Store issue was dead. One month after Bryant's was bought, here comes AC Industries out with the Big Box Proposition. Maybe it was coiencidence....
In any event, I respect each of your thoughts, hope we can heal the dispute...but moreover please do not hate the businessmen for trying to keep a level retail playing field. No, you do not have to shop in AC ever again, but at least be friendly when you see a businessman.
One more comparision:
Think of a Union Strike all of you GE workers....do you have the Guts to cross that picket line for something you believe in, or do you just call in sick that day, so you don't have to confront anyone? Well the businessmen did not have the option of calling in sick!!!
I plan on doing four things to protest this vote:
1. Signing the recall petition.
2. I will not spend another dollar at the businesses that spoke against the proposal.
3. I plan to move my banking services to the Home National Bank. Which is pro growth and said so at the public meeting Tuesday night.
4. Showing up at every Commission meeting and speaking out until the Commissioners are recalled.
I am a home town girl and I've only been on earth for a little over 30 years and it is very important but there is no need to act the way many have.
The major thing I noticed at the meeting was the fact that people for bringing a Lowes here really had no reasoning behind their decision other than that they were not afraid of change. The opposition actually brought facts and info to the commision that pretained to the topic. I believe the right decision was made. The amazing thing about all the community minded people who were for this project are the same people that never grace a community door step. Although they are all upset they can all crawl off back home to their cities and states and try to figure out the next way to make millions on our backs. At least Mel Dottie and Scott looked behind themselves before grabbing their ankles. I thank them all for their strength in what they believe. One day we may be rid of the ventriliquist and our commision will be full of people who acctually think for themselves.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU:
May each of your that voted against the TIF be blessed. I am only 19, one of those that apparently are not counted by the old money in town.
Listen to yourselves bellyache, I think a Lowe's would be great, especially if Best Buy was closer too. But, being a former debate member...you all lost the point. The TIF was a bad way to go.
THANKS MEL, DOTTIE and Scott us young ones do exsist
Ever stop and take a look at this proposal? Who really benifits? Jim Sybrant had a remarkable speech about we need to get this done. Wasn't that his land once? Did he not sell it to AC industries? Isn't our city manager on the board of AC industries? Isn't the city attournies husband on the board of AC industries? Isn't everyone from the Home National Bank who spoke a member of AC industries? Did AC industries give a guarantee that there would be no Lowes at it's last meeting? How many people acctually spoke out for the project at the meeting that were not associated with AC industries? I read the headline that AC industries was disappointed with the outcome. I personally know some business men of Ark City own stock in AC industries and are very happy with the outcome of that meeting. Look into AC industries involvement in this project. (Might I mention I've never found building retail and houses to be industry.) Would AC industries have pushed so hard for a Bank of America? I agree we need more people in town but killing your down town and providing a few minimum wage jobs is not the way to go about it. Your local lumber yards, plumbers, hardware stores, electricians, and paint stores are alot of the same families who started this town. They use local labor on their businesses. They buy insurance in town, along with accounting. They bank at home (and I'm not talking about AC industries HQ). Tell me Lowes would do any of this. I dare you all to keep lieing to yourselves.
I find it interesting that three local lawyers spoke against the proposal...all three are the ones who spoke against annexation and helped create Parkerfield...and they have the best interests for this town in mind...NOT.
Yeah, young people do live here and I am one of them but the wages I make here are half of what I will make when I leave and I have no benefits, no where to go eat except a few "corporate chains" which don't count to the commission and certainly no where to shop. Why do I stay...well, its not the brick streets or the downtown merchants or the friendly people...I just keep thinking things will change and now I know better so the resume is out and the moving boxes packed. I am ready to see the world...Best Buy, Lowe's here I come.
I find it interesting that three local lawyers spoke against the proposal...all three are the ones who spoke against annexation and helped create Parkerfield...and they have the best interests for this town in mind...NOT.
Yeah, young people do live here and I am one of them but the wages I make here are half of what I will make when I leave and I have no benefits, no where to go eat except a few "corporate chains" which don't count to the commission and certainly no where to shop. Why do I stay...well, its not the brick streets or the downtown merchants or the friendly people...I just keep thinking things will change and now I know better so the resume is out and the moving boxes packed. I am ready to see the world...Best Buy, Lowe's here I come.
I find that there is no reason to pray before our meetings. THere is no forgiveness in this town. Do to the fact I spoke against this people are stating that they will no longer shop with me. I hold it against no one that they wanted this. I just had a difference of opinion than others. People keep threatening to leave town because of the decision. Good ridance. The last thing our town needs is a bunch of people who feel that if one disagrees with them they are dead to them. I personally appologize to anyone I offended. I took nothing personal. Thank you everyone for or against for showing an interest in you community. Everyone is welcome at my store and home.
Hey Zack,
ya got any beer at your house? I will be over tonight.
Cowley County residents want the U.S 77 corridor between Arkansas City and Winfield to develop in an orderly manner that preserves a quick and safe avenue of travel between the two towns, says a consultant with a firm that studied the corridor.
“We heard that a lot when we talked with people,” says Brian Comer, of HNTB, a firm that conducted the study as part of state and local efforts to develop the U.S. 77 Corridor Management Plan. “People don't want the highway to become another Rock Road.”
Comer says Rock – with its traffic jams and multiple driveways – is a Wichita street name that came up frequently when HNTB talked with Cowley County people about development along 77. While the corridor may be an attractive location for commerce, many commuters were interested in keeping traffic flowing.
“I think it's vital that mobility be maintained,” Comer says.
But increased development is likely along the corridor at some point, he says, and there must be a plan for balancing economic growth and smooth traffic flow.
Comer addressed about two dozen leaders from Cowley County, Strother Field and the cities of Arkansas City and Winfield during the presentation of the management plan Wednesday. The state helped to fund the project which is focused on formulating a plan for development along the entire corridor from Winfield to the Oklahoma line.
The $250,000 corridor study and the plan developed from it was paid for by the state with contributions from the Ark City, Winfield and the county.
The plan – if adopted by the funding parties – would provide a guideline for development and also identify projects in need of funding. Those projects would include addressing safety concerns at troubles spots at locations like U.S. 77 and Kansas Ave. in Ark City and the entryway to Strother Field.
The plan for the corridor offers a 50 year-outlook that includes completing bypass work near Winfield. Funding for all these projects is non-existent at the moment, but local officials are hopeful that having a strategy in place will increase the likelihood that the state will fund them.
Interest in a corridor plan spiked in 2004 when Wal-Mart considered a spot just south of Winfield, near 77, for a new SuperCenter. Wal-Mart officials wanted a stoplight to slow traffic along the highway near the store's entrance.
The state denied the request pending a corridor study. Wal-Mart later picked another location for the store, which has since opened.
But local governmental leaders have forged ahead with developing a plan for the corridor. Winfield city manager Warren Porter says that without guidelines – which include land use regulations and zoning – the Kansas Department of Transportation will remain reluctant to approve requests from businesses or developers that might impede traffic flow.
WINFIELD DID NOY BOW DOWN TO A DEVELOPER....GET A CLUE YOU IDIOTS!
You are the IDOIT we are not talking about a road
OK so you think it is best to let developers come in and finance the project with your money.
Whatever, it is DEAD and drop it already, both sides are acting like babies
you our a bunch of sickos
and greedie to
Kudos to Zack for putting his name on his post.
Others ... calling people "Idiot" is not productive.
Lets be civil ok?
jj
Hey James how do we find a copy of this Corridor Report? Is it true about the page c 8?
TIFS are corporate welfare.
Do you guys really want your taxes to go up so Home Depot can get a subsidy???
Way to go City Council!!!!
Zach, those are empty threats to not shop with you. The anonymous people saying that are people who are already leaving town to shop. They don't shop at Woods either. How else do you think we have so many dollars of leakage? It is because they leave town with their money already. They don't give you first choice and probably never will. They are part of the problem. Everyone who was willing to destroy the downtown in order to get an Applebee's is a traitor to this town and should go ahead and leave like they are threatening to. But, they won't leave even though we need to start over with fresh ideas. They have no initiative and are too negative and short sighted. That is how this town got in the mess that it is in. The city fathers for the last 30 years have sold you a bill of goods and say they've done so much but what do we have to show for it other than a crumbling infrastructure.
Wow there are a lot of negative comments here.....Well, let me throw this out there.....I don't think that the current city councel is to be blamed for the situation we currently have here.....Yes, we need jobs but they should be jobs that pay a reasonable living wage.....Both Ark City and Winfield along with the county should have had the forsight to develope what is a "Gold Mine" out at Strother Field.....The runway should have been beefed up and money spent to get us a tower.....Yes, it would have cost us some money but the majority would have come from both Federal and State funds.....We could have some serious aviation work going on out there had this been looked into a little closer....One couldn't ask for a better location.....A "Big Box Store" would be nice but it is not what we need here.....Industry is the key and Strother Field is waiting for developement....So no, this City Counsel is not to blame for the troubles we have now.....One needs to look at former administrations to see where things went wrong.....No foresight leaves us only with hindsight......Then its to late!!!
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