A new development opportunity in Emporia is now a viable option following the Emporia City Commission’s action session Wednesday evening.
Commissioners approved two separate, yet related items, during that time related to the so-called Kretsinger Tract located at the eastern end of Soden’s Road and east of South Exchange. The first item was the approval of an ordinance to rezone the property from agricultural to R-1 residential which allows owners John and Claudia Kretsinger to develop the land in a “manner outside normal development parameters for residential use and districts in Emporia.”
This led to the second action item where commissioners approved a conditional use permit that will allow for the development of a housing overlay opportunity district. As KVOE reported a week ago, the overlay district would allow the city to maximize use of the 16-acre property by building smaller residential units.
Prior to the commission’s action, a trio of local residents offered comment on the matter with some noting a concern of the cost for taxpayers in the potential development. Mayor Becky Smith made a point during the meeting that the approval of the conditional use permit was not a green light for any pending projects.
While no project is on the books at the moment, one local entity has expressed interest in purchasing the property for housing development in the near future. Ignite Emporia, and by association, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is in talks with the Kretsingers to purchase the property for that exact purpose.
Chamber President and CEO Jeanine McKenna.
The commission approved both items 4-0 with one abstention from commissioner Rob Gilligan who, in addition to his seat on the commission, also serves as Executive Director of Ignite Emporia.
In other business, commissioners approved another conditional use permit this time for Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness as the agency is planning to consolidate its services to the former Chi Omega building at 1519 Merchant Street. The move comes as Newman Regional Health is planning to expand its operations by taking control of the current Crosswinds facility at 1000 Lincoln Street following the expiration of Crosswinds’ current lease.
Crosswinds CEO Amanda Cunningham will join KVOE’s Newsmaker segment at 7:15 am Tuesday to discuss the impending relocation.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene at 10 am next Wednesday for a study session inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
