A development agreement is now in place for a major planned development project in northeast Emporia.
Emporia City Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement for the Mahtropolis subdivision as part of the city’s Rural Housing Incentive District program. Nearly 30 homes are planned to be constructed as part of the subdivision set to be located near the Trusler Sports Complex.
The agreement will see the city issue $1 million in general obligation bonds to help cover the cost of water, sewage, street and drainage improvements for the development. The agreement will also put the city in the first position to receive funds once RHID revenue begins to occur according to Special Projects Coordinator Jim Witt.
Per the agreement, the city will not be responsible for “private infrastructure improvements” – electric, gas, telephone or cable/fiber services. Those improvements will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
In separate business, commissioners also approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue $3.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for Capitol Holdings LLC. This is just the first step in the process for formally issuing bonds for a proposed 12 duplex development project within the city limits.
The development will be eligible for both sales and property tax exemption for a term of ten years following the completion of construction. In other business, commissioners also approved:
- A resolution for the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan
- A request for qualifications (RFQ) for maintenance on the 12th Avenue elevated water storage tank
- Annual bonuses for city employees
Following their action meeting, commissioners moved into their regular study session and resumed conversations on the future of the Carnegie Library building. Following discussions, commissioners voted to reject a $10,000 offer to purchase the building with plans to convert it into an entertainment venue, the only offer with a dollar figure attached to it.
Commissioners appeared to be in favor of demolishing the property with plans to convert it into a green space. Those plans may likely be just the tip of the iceberg according to City Engineer Jim Ubert.
The idea for creating an amphitheater or entertainment venue was proposed by Emporia Public Library Director Pauline Stacchini. In recent months, city administration has stated the chosen use of the building would not be determined by finances, but rather what decision best benefits the community.
Stacchini believes this plan would accomplish that goal.
Additional conversations on the Carnegie Building are expected to continue when the commission convenes for its next regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium. Commissioners will convene for a special meeting Monday at 11:00 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
