Emporia city commissioners have finalized the process for the Cedarbrook Meadows development.
Commissioners unanimously approved the development agreement and final plat Wednesday, paving the way for construction to begin. The development involves nearly 40 acres along the north side of West 18th between Jones Aquatic Center and Americus Road. Thirty acres are dedicated to new homes, with over 120 houses expected. Eight acres along the east side of Americus Road and north of Frontier Farm Credit are reserved for commercial development.
City Manager Trey Cocking says this is a good project for Emporia’s housing inventory.
A construction timetable is pending, but Cocking says infrastructure work could take place this year. It’s a project that overlaps planned upgrades to the DeBauge Sports Complex this summer and the start of construction for the Stormont Vail Emporia clinic, perhaps as soon as next month.
Commissioners whisked through the rest of their action meeting agenda, approving the following:
*A nearly $1.2 million contract with APAC Shears for the upcoming Street Rehab project
*A Request to Exchange Federal Funds agreement with the Kansas Department for Health and Environment
*An Environmental Use Agreement ending a 5-year process to remove the old Fanestil Meats plant just south of Emporia. FEMA regulations indicate the city of Emporia may not build on the property because of the business’ prior presence in the Cottonwood River floodplain
The city also accepted the Kansas Rural Water Association award for having the best-tasting water in Kansas. This puts the city in the running for the Great American Water-Tasting Contest next year.
The study meeting saw commissioners approve a $230,000 change order on the Southeast Transmission waterline project so there can be more work near the 10th and Commercial sinkhole. Cocking says this has become a three-phase project.
Commissioners also fielded a recommendation from the Multi-Use Path Planning Committee to have a Request for Proposal to develop a comprehensive bike plan and pedestrian plan.
Also, the Emporia Bike Club has requested a bike playground and park. Cocking says those conversations have been going on behind the scenes for some time and could lead to updated plans for Delgado/Santa Fe or Jones — as well an updated master plan.
City Engineer Jim Ubert joins KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment at 8:20 am Thursday with updates on the sinkhole situation, the upcoming end of the Southeast Transmission waterline project and the start of the Street Rehab project later this summer.
