At its meeting Wednesday afternoon, the Emporia City Commission took action to clear the way for demolition of the old motel at Merchant Street and Interstate 35. Commissioners adopted a resolution to amend the Neighborhood Revitalization Program to add the abandoned University Inn at 1839 Merchant St.
In September, the Emporia-Lyon County Metropolitan Planning Commission approved a request of Merchant Street Redevelopment Group to rezone the property from C2, restricted commercial district to R3, high-density residential district.
Ben Eastep and Pat Sherman want to tear down the old motel, which has been closed since January 2005, and replace it with a 18,000-square-foot apartment complex for Emporia State University students.
Also on Wednesday, The commission authorized Mayor Agler to sign three proclamations. The first was to declare Nov. 15 as America Recycles Day in Emporia. According to the proclamation, “Recycling creates jobs, strengthens the economy, saves energy, conserves natural resources, extends the lives of existing landfills, and prevents soil, water and air pollution.” The theme of America Recycles 2008 is “Get Caught Recycling.”
Agler then signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 5-11 as All Veterans Tribute Week in Emporia and Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Veterans Day was “Conceived, originated and was first observed ... at Emporia, Kansas, on Nov. 11, 1953” to honor living veterans and those who died for their sacrifices in the service of the country.
The third proclamation was to honor Tod Noble for 21 years of service in the fire department. Noble is retiring from the department.
In other business, commissioners:
• Awarded a bid to Shown-Carter Construction in the amount of $63,349.05 for the water main relocation project at Highway 50 and Graphic Arts Road.
• Awarded a bid to John North Ford for a 2008 Ford F150 for the street department. The truck cost $18,198.
• Awarded a bid to Insituform of Kansas City $160,458 for the sanitary sewer relining project.
• Approved a request of Merchant Street Redevelopment Group, LLC, to rezone the property at 1839 N. Merchant St. from C-2, restricted commercial to R-3, high-density residential. The developer intends to build a complex on the site that will include 49 “Class A” apartments.
• Tabled a request of Westar for a conditional use permit to add improvements at the substation on South East Street. The commission will take up the issue at their Nov. 19 meeting.
RalphTebbetts (anonymous) says...
I'm all for doing anything to help beautify Emporia. I agree that this "Eye-Sore" need to go. But what I would really like to know is, when is something going to be done about the ruins of the old Santa Fe Depot???
November 6, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coldhardtruth (anonymous) says...
Why not just rent it out to college kids as it is now? That way it can be cheaper for them since they're not paying for a brand new building they're going to trash and not live in for too long anyways.
November 6, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
RalphTebbetts, the ol depot is to far south to get any needed attention. I would agree with you that something needs done, I mean just look how fast bruffs got cleaned up after it burned down, of course it was right where the city commission had to see it every day. They dont travel down in the area of the depot.
coldhardtruth, your idea makes to much sense, it will never happen
November 6, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
With all the broken windows, lack of any controlled environment, I suspect the mold and vermin are pretty well infested in the place. I also don't believe, based on the developer's presentation, the existing structure would work anyway. I'm just happy it's going away and something of more value on the tax rolls will take it's place.
November 7, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
justthefacts , you are probably right, but have ya seen how many (not all) college kids live? they would be used to that! lol
November 7, 2008 at 5:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )