Revenue Bonds have been approved to fund ongoing work towards Emporia Fire’s new headquarters building — and, possibly, renovations or other steps at Fire Station 2.
On Wednesday, city commissioners authorized the Public Building Commission’s issuance of $16 million in bonds. Mayor Erren Harter tells KVOE News this will definitely help firefighters serve the community.
Work on the headquarters building in the 500 block of Market is tentatively set to end in early 2026. Decisions about work at Fire Station 2 are pending.
Also in their action session, commissioners essentially took final action or near-final action to move forward several housing ventures:
*An ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and adopt a development agreement for the 502 Lofts redevelopment project at 502 Commercial
*A separate ordinance to authorize taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Capital Holdings, LLC, for construction of 16 residential duplexes across Emporia.
*Acceptance of a $450,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka’s Affordable Housing program. Funds could rehabilitate 30 owner-occupied homes
As part of the study meeting, commissioners moved forward on a possible common consumption area. Harter says this will lead to a smoother process for all involved.
Previously, interested business owners had to file paperwork with the state, wait for approval and then have conversations with Police Chief Ed Owens. If this gets final approval, Owens can activate the common consumption area as needed.
If given final approval, the new common consumption area will include:
*10 block of West Fourth
*Commercial from Fourth to 12th
*Merchant from Fourth to Eighth
*Mechanic from Fifth to Eighth
*Market from Fifth to Sixth
