While a major west Emporia development continues working through the local and state financing discussions, a road construction process continues in advance of work on actual buildings.
Late last month, work got started to build a street connecting the West US Highway 50 roundabout to the so-called Red Brick Investments travel plaza just west of Graphic Arts Road. This part of the overall project could continue through October, and the work is ongoing as Emporia city commissioners prepare for two public hearings on the financing side June 1. Commissioners are planning for public hearings on tax increment financing and community improvement district status, which are important because TIF lets developers collect taxes to cover construction costs and CID sets a 2-percent sales tax for all eligible items in the district boundaries — with proceeds going to the developers.
Developers have not responded to recent calls from KVOE News seeking updates on tenants and construction timetables. Last fall, developers said they had a confirmed — an unnamed — tenant for the travel plaza with other possible tenants nearing agreements for the RV park, motels and multi-family housing.
