Depot assessment reveals solid structure, million-dollar roof replacement

City prepares RFP for Depot District redevelopment

Housing Authority board members resign, averting removal hearing

Commissioner calls for unified approach to Newton housing needs

Commission advances housing district for Sand Creek Station development

RHID approved for Fox Ridge apartment complex

Infrastructure funding approved for Fox Ridge single-family homes

Survey highlights safety concerns for students walking to school

Officials identify need for pedestrian crosswalk at 24th and Old 81

Commission approves street closures for Harvey County Free Fair parade

Depot assessment reveals solid structure, million-dollar roof replacement

NEWTON, Kan. — An architectural and engineering assessment of Newton's historic train depot found the masonry building to be in remarkably good structural condition, though its slate roof is nearing the end of its life. A consultant involved in the assessment told the city commission that while the building's interior finishes and HVAC systems need replacement, the brickwork and structural elements are sound. However, replacing the aging slate roof with like-kind materials could cost between $800,000 and $1 million, prompting discussions during the meeting about alternative, modern materials that might satisfy historic preservation standards.

City prepares RFP for Depot District redevelopment

NEWTON, Kan. — Following a recent structural assessment of the historic rail depot, city staff are actively preparing a request for proposals (RFP) to seek qualified developers for the Depot District. The redevelopment area encompasses both the depot and the property at 320 N. Main St. The upcoming RFP will target development teams and public-private partnerships capable of financing, constructing and activating the site, with staff expecting to present the proposed document to the city commission for approval in the coming months.

Housing Authority board members resign, averting removal hearing

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission appointed two new members to the Newton Housing Authority board Tuesday after two existing members resigned just hours before a scheduled hearing regarding their board status. Amanda Buffalo and Deborah Kingsley submitted their resignations Tuesday afternoon, eliminating the need for the city to conduct a formal public hearing regarding their potential removal. Following the resignations, the commission unanimously approved two new appointments to fill the resulting vacancies.

Commissioner calls for unified approach to Newton housing needs

NEWTON, Kan. — Following the appointment of new Newton Housing Authority board members, a call for community-wide collaboration on local housing initiatives was made during the city commission's closing roundtable. Noting that recent housing studies indicate a need for all types of development, officials expressed hope that the leadership change at the Newton Housing Authority will spur cooperation with the United Way's new housing alliance and other local groups. The goal is to establish regular communication among organizations to holistically address everything from affordable units to executive-level homes.

Commission advances housing district for Sand Creek Station development

NEWTON, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a resolution of intent to establish a Reinvestment Housing Improvement District (RHID) for a 30-acre property near the Sand Creek Station clubhouse. A development representative proposed a development of approximately 60 executive-level homes priced between $400,000 and $600,000. The RHID will strictly cover infrastructure costs, avoiding special assessments for future homeowners while addressing a recent city housing needs assessment that highlighted a severe shortage of executive-level housing.

RHID approved for Fox Ridge apartment complex

NEWTON, Kan. — A Reinvestment Housing Improvement District is moving forward for Phase 2 of the Fox Ridge development following city commission approval. The district covers a proposed apartment complex on Blaine Street in southeast Newton, developed by a team including Bryan Lagaly, Mike Hampton and Mike Brand. Preliminary plans indicate the complex will feature nearly 100 units across multistory buildings and may include community amenities such as a dog park.

Infrastructure funding approved for Fox Ridge single-family homes

NEWTON, Kan. — In a move to offset development costs without burdening future homeowners, the city commission approved a Reinvestment Housing Improvement District (RHID) for infrastructure on Phase 2 of the Fox Ridge single-family housing project. Located along South Kansas Avenue, the RHID will solely fund the installation of streets and utilities. City staff confirmed that the development's perimeter will consist entirely of single-family homes, maintaining consistency and preventing multifamily units from backing up against existing single-family properties.

Survey highlights safety concerns for students walking to school

NEWTON, Kan. — A recent community survey revealed that weather, inadequate sidewalks and safety concerns are the primary reasons parents hesitate to let their children walk or bike to school. A walkability consultant presented the findings, noting that out of 171 respondents, significant worries included dangerous driving, missing crosswalks and crime near campuses. The consultant invited residents to participate in an AARP-style walk audit at Northridge Elementary on July 9 to identify specific infrastructure improvements that could create safer neighborhood routes.

Officials identify need for pedestrian crosswalk at 24th and Old 81

NEWTON, Kan. — Discussions regarding pedestrian safety highlighted a pressing need for a crosswalk near 24th Street and Old 81, a route heavily used by subsidized housing residents walking to Dollar General. Officials noted that at least 33 percent of the neighborhood's residents do not own a vehicle, and many face physical mobility challenges while navigating highway-adjacent streets without sidewalks. City officials suggested that 22nd or 23rd streets might serve as better crosswalk locations and emphasized the need to collaborate with North Newton to address the safety hazard.

Commission approves street closures for Harvey County Free Fair parade

NEWTON, Kan. — West First Street will see temporary closures in early August to accommodate the Harvey County Free Fair parade. The city commission unanimously approved shutting down West First Street from Meridian to Grandview, and Grandview to the Athletic Park entrance, on Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. City staff recently met with fair organizers to review event plans and coordinate municipal support for the annual community parade.

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