Hutchinson – Week of August 6, 2025
Memorial Hall Plans Rejected; Restaurant Demolition Path; Subdivision Sidewalks Approved; Sales Tax Delayed; New Crime Signage
City Rejects Memorial Hall Proposals, Pivots to New Strategy
Council Greenlights Parallel Demolition Path for Bernard’s Restaurant in Split Vote
Council Overrules Staff, Approves Subdivision Plat with Fewer Sidewalks in Split Vote
Sales Tax Decision Pushed to Spring Special Election
Crime Stoppers Proposes New Signage to Deter Crime
City Rejects Memorial Hall Proposals, Pivots to New Strategy
HUTCHINSON - Hopes for a quick revitalization of Memorial Hall were dashed as city staff recommended rejecting both proposals submitted in response to the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP). City Attorney Paul Brown described one proposal from a shopping-center developer as “totally unresponsive,” with a projected cost of over $387 million for a massive arts and entertainment district that had little to do with the hall itself. The second proposal, submitted by a local group called the “Unconvention Hall group,” was praised for its sincere effort but ultimately deemed financially unviable. Their plan for an indoor village of businesses, studios, and a commercial kitchen called for $10 million in capital improvements and a $400,000 annual subsidy from the city, which staff concluded was not realistic given the city’s tight budget. With no viable proposals, the council indicated the next step is to issue a new RFP for a private manager or promoter for the venue, aligning with future STAR bond district plans.
Council Greenlights Parallel Demolition Path for Bernard’s Restaurant in Split Vote
HUTCHINSON - The City Council voted 3-2 to authorize staff to file for a demolition permit, creating a path for the city to tear down the building if the owner does not. The vote came after the owner, who had previously applied for a demolition permit, appeared to shift course after a Landmarks Commission meeting where commissioners recommended a one-year extension to save the building. Mayor Stacy Goss, who voted no, expressed frustration with the prolonged process, stating, “This has been ongoing for seven years, guys.” The decision allows the city to prepare for demolition concurrently, acting as a “safety net” should the owner’s renewed hopes of renovation—or their own demolition efforts—falter.
Council Overrules Staff, Approves Subdivision Plat with Fewer Sidewalks in Split Vote
HUTCHINSON - The City Council approved the final plat for the Plum Creek Replat in a contentious 3-2 vote, siding with the Planning Commission to grant a variance for sidewalks on only one side of the street. The decision went against an earlier staff recommendation and the city’s own subdivision regulations, which require sidewalks on both sides of new streets. Developer Jim Strawn argued the variance was a cost-saving measure to keep housing affordable, stating that many buyers, particularly seniors, do not want the maintenance responsibility of a sidewalk. Mayor Stacy Goss and Councilman Jon Richardson voted against the motion, citing the original grant application for the development promised sidewalks on both sides and arguing for increased pedestrian safety and connectivity, especially given the subdivision’s proximity to an elementary school.
Sales Tax Decision Pushed to Spring Special Election
HUTCHINSON - Hutchinson taxpayers will not see a sales-tax question on the November general-election ballot this year. City Manager Enrico Villegas announced that, after consulting with department heads, the recommendation is to pursue a sales-tax initiative in a special election next spring. While acknowledging the desire to save money by using an existing election, Villegas stated that the cost of a special election was “fairly nominal” in the larger context. He argued that a spring election would provide the city with crucial time to formulate a clear plan and strategy to present to voters, thereby increasing the likelihood of the measure passing.
Crime Stoppers Proposes New Signage to Deter Crime
RENO COUNTY - Reno County Crime Stoppers is seeking the city’s partnership in a new initiative to deter neighborhood crime through proactive signage. The organization’s president asked the council for permission to place signs on city property and right-of-ways and requested assistance from city crews with installation. The group has written a grant proposal to the Hutchinson Community Foundation for $5,337 to purchase 150 signs. The signs will feature a QR code and a number for texting anonymous tips, aiming to combat an increase in vagrancy and suspicious activity reported by residents in some neighborhoods. The council expressed support for the idea, which aims to provide a modern, accessible way for citizens to report crime anonymously.
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