With close to a dozen vacant distressed properties in the city limits, the Emporia City Commission is exploring avenues to encourage future development and improve neighborhood vibrancy.
During Wednesday’s study session, commissioners fielded the idea of a potential land bank board to help dispose of said properties. The city is considering a so-called “Land Rush,” where people interested in buying city-owned property can submit an application, purchase a lot and build out their plan within two years of the purchase date and then get a full refund on the lot payment. City Commissioner Becky Smith says it could be a benefit to the city.
City Attorney Christina Montgomery is in the process of drafting a land bank ordinance. During the meeting, she showed commissioners and city staff examples of successful land banks used in Overland Park, Lyons, Pittsburg and Kansas City, Missouri.
The City Commission also heard a funding request from Flint Hills Technical College President Dean Hollenbeck to help support some of its technology needs moving forward. While no exact dollar amount has been requested, Hollenbeck noted he’s looking for sustainable funding both from the city and county. Smith says they’d like to see any possible line items in the budget allocated toward FHTC’s manufacturing programs.
Smith adds she’d like to see a quantitative measurement after a potential funding request was permitted.
The city commission is off next week. The next meeting is set for Sept. 5.
