County updates city on grocery site plans

In years past, a joint meeting between the Iola City Council and Allen County Commission might have required referees, Iola Councilman Jon Wells joked Monday.
“Today, we’re literally having a pizza party,” he added.
The two governing bodies met in a joint session Monday evening, complete with pizza, to discuss developments of the old Allen County Hospital site — in particular, ongoing plans to build a new grocery store and additional housing at the intersection of Madison and First streets.
County Counselor Alan Weber updated the city officials on the hospital site’s progress.
Buyers at a recent auction of surplus equipment have until Aug. 22 to get that equipment out of the old hospital building.
Demolition will commence almost immediately thereafter — a farewell ceremony is planned for Aug. 25, and a “building breaking” ceremony Aug. 26 — with the goal to have the building razed by the end of the year.
“What’s still up in the air is exactly how to develop the other part, the lots south of the street and parking lots,” Weber said.
The county is eager to visit with engineers from G&W Foods, which has signed a contract with Allen County to build a grocery store there, to determine how the rest of the property will be developed.
Also to be determined is whether a retaining wall along the hospital curve will be removed to improve sight lines.
Those plans, as well as other potential modifications to the curve will hinge on how much additional housing will be developed for the site, Weber said.
David Toland, in his role as an economic development director for the city and county, said three private developers have expressed an interest in building apartment complexes or townhouses on the site. Meanwhile, Iola Industries has agreed to fund a housing market study to determine how much additional housing is needed for Iola. That study will be completed this fall.
Toland gave assurance that all of the new complexes would have market-based rent, with no subsidized housing plans in the mix.
In response to a query from City Councilman Don Becker, Weber said changing the topography of the site almost certainly would be less expensive than modifying U.S. 54’s curve along the site.
“It’s a question of money,” Weber replied. “Straightening the curve could cost more than the rest of the project.”
County Commissioner Tom Williams said the county will visit with G&W engineers to learn the grocer’s dreams for adjoining properties.
After that, Toland said the plan is for G&W to break ground in the spring, and have the store built and open by the end of 2016.
Wells, meanwhile, expressed optimism zoning issues will not be a problem if the property is rezoned from commercial to residential.
The city’s other concern is how utilities will be handled as demolition proceeds, Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock interjected. Those will take a week or two to iron out, he said.
“G&W agreed that the site will be aesthetically pleasing” when the new construction is complete, Williams said. “It’s going to be great for the city of Iola.”

THE TWO groups talked freely about other topics.
In response to a question from Mayor Joel Wicoff, Williams and fellow County Commissioner Jim Talkington said the city-run ambulance service has gone well.
“The city’s done a fantastic job,” Talkington said.
“It’s surpassed my wildest expectations,” Williams added, lauding the council, City Administrator Carl Slaugh and the Iola firefighters who run the countywide ambulance service. “You all are making it work. I’ve said that all along, just give it a chance.”

WILLIAMS also spoke about the county’s plans to add lighting at the intersection of U.S. 169 and Oregon Road to better illuminate the intersection for motorists headed to Allen County Regional Hospital.
The city, conversely, has stalled in its plans for added lighting along North Kentucky Street, Wells noted, because of anticipated work to improve the thoroughfare to accommodate heavier traffic to the hospital.
“What are the odds of us working together on Kentucky?” Councilman Bob Shaughnessy asked.
“Let’s talk about it,” Williams replied. “I would be glad to see if maybe our road and bridge guys can talk to your guys. I’m not opposed to the idea.”
Williams noted the county’s budget constraints, like the city’s, will play the biggest role in determining what could be done.
Talkington added that the city assisted the county in installing new streetlights on South State Street near Elm Creek.
“You helped us to the south,” he said. “Maybe we can help you to the north.”

COUNTY Commissioner Jerry Daniels spoke briefly on upgrades to the Allen County Airport, including a new fuel system that can fill jets and other aircraft in a matter of minutes. In the past, such a process would take an hour or longer.
“We have one of the best airports in southeast Kansas,” Daniels said.

IN summation, Talkington said the county was eager to continue meeting with the city, once or twice a year, “to keep the lines of communication open. We’re willing to help with whatever you need.”