The Emporia Gazette

Rob Gilligan answers questions regarding city commissioner position

I am voting for Rob! I think he will make a great addition to the City Commission. A fresh perspective, a good listener, and a long time resident with a true vested interest in our community!

February 28, 2011 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Meet the City Commission Candidates

When is the Meet & Greet...did I miss a date?

February 4, 2011 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Committee will recommend adding onto EMS

Questions I would like to know...

1. Several years ago, two new schools were built and the 5th graders moved to Lowther, due to over crowding. Will all the 5th graders fit in the elementary schools??
2. What about all the teachers, support staff, etc at the 5th grade...are they ALL going to be absorbed into the elementary schools or will some loose their jobs???
3. Is building an addition on EMS more cost effective and efficient than keeping the Lowther buildings open?? And how much is that addition going to cost, where is the money going to come from???
4. What are they going to do with the Lowther buildings...they are historic buildings and part of Emporia's history?

Monica, do you have more information?
Thank you!

December 7, 2010 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Artists pool together to form holiday gift shop

We just added two more artists this week...

Conrade Wempe with C & J Woodworks and
Alan Tollakson, Stone Sculptor

Come see us at 1122 Commercial, Wednesday to Sundays in December!

December 8, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Madelynns auction set

Sociallyconsious.....Thank you.

September 6, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Students return to Block Party

The Block Party actually starts at 6pm and goes til 9pm. It is always a great event for all ESU students and staff!

August 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Festival seeking volunteers

I would like to know how to get involved as a Buisness. What is going on that day, where and when we can participate in events?
Who do I contact for that information?
Thank you!

June 17, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Taste of Emporia set Friday night at auditorium

I know I can't wait til Friday. We have friends coming from out of town and always have a great time!

April 20, 2009 at 9:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City commission says no to historic district

Deepthoughts,

First: Yes, the Broadview developer brought the district up, but the concept of a historic distinct has actually been kicked around for years. No one had the money to fund it so it never went anywhere. When the Broadview developer offered to pay for the nomination people jumped at the chance.

Second, the "hoops" people have to jump through are the "hoops" most in the downtown jump through right now. You file for a permit and it goes from the city to the state for comment. In about three to seven days the state sends the permit back to the city. 98% off all permits have a positive comment from the state. That's one heck of a hoop. A lot of people are in the "hoop" right now and have never even known it.

Third, most cities want to get as many buildings into a historic district as possible so they can fund as many projects as possible. The city commission had the right to change district boundaries any way they wanted, and after the first study session the northern most two blocks of Commercial were removed. Most building owners surveyed wanted the district (70%) because it would help them maintain their buildings if they chose to use credits.

Finally, in the two city meetings and the open public meeting Mrs. Davis openly stated who she worked for, that she did have a financial consideration involved and how much she would be paid by the developer if she had the chance to write the district proposal. She never hid anything. As it is, in her attempt to help Emporia take advantage of tax funding sources she's out over 10 grand of her own money that she had invested in time and paperwork so she could get the district off the ground quickly. Like a corporate attorney, her skill set is highly specialized and sought after. We are lucky that we had the opportunity to have an outside developer donate her services.

It is a shame the City Commission and the Chamber did not read the information given or were to selfish and short sighted to approve the district. It was a FREE project and a win win for all. It chould have benefited downtown businesses, property owners, developers and the city as a whole.

April 2, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City discusses historic district

I think this will be great for Emporia!! It will help existing business owners fix up their businesses and encourage developers to come in and save some of our existing businesses in need of repair.

All the better, the cost of this historic district was donated..yes NO LOCAL TAX DOLLARS USED FOR THIS PROJECT!!!!

I hope the commissioners support this project...considering how supportive they were of TIF with its downsides. This historic district is a no brainer with all its upsides for business owners, developers, and our community!!!

March 26, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )