Council approves 2 percent sales tax for Hotel Topeka to recoup city investment

High rent draws criticism as council advances incentive for west Topeka duplexes

Council advances novel tax incentive plan for affordable townhomes

Topeka Housing Authority warns of looming affordable housing crisis

Topeka Housing Authority plans 20 new homes at fire-damaged Van Buren site

Easement vacations clear the way for addition at West Ridge Mall

Council member condemns released police videos, calls for better de-escalation

Council approves 2 percent sales tax for Hotel Topeka to recoup city investment

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council voted 8-2 to establish a 2 percent Community Improvement District sales tax at the Hotel Topeka property. The tax, which goes into effect July 1, is expected to generate $3.2 million over 22 years to help reimburse the city for its $18 million investment in purchasing and maintaining the property. A council member defended the localized tax as a necessary tool to protect taxpayer dollars and sustain the nearby exhibition center, while two other council members voted against the measure.

High rent draws criticism as council advances incentive for west Topeka duplexes

TOPEKA, Kan. — A proposal tied to incentives for 18 new duplexes on Southwest Urish Road advanced, but not without sticker shock from the dais. Developer ATA Development LLC cited an expected monthly rent of $2,499 for the two-bedroom units, prompting a city council member to criticize the rate as out of step with the local market. The vote moves the project forward for additional review steps before a final development agreement and financial analysis are brought back to the council. One council member provided the lone dissenting vote.

Council advances novel tax incentive plan for affordable townhomes

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city council unanimously set a public hearing for April 21 to consider a Tax Increment Financing district for the Capitol City Townhomes. The developer plans to rehabilitate 47 units — 38 of which will be reserved as affordable housing — using a structure that relies on the financing district solely to qualify for a 20-year Neighborhood Revitalization Program tax rebate. The discussion prompted a council member to raise concerns about accountability for the condition of affordable housing and oversight tied to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation-administered programs.

Topeka Housing Authority warns of looming affordable housing crisis

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Housing Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Trey George urged the city council to advocate for the Kansas affordable housing tax credit, warning that its scheduled phase-out by 2028 will cripple affordable housing development. George said hundreds of affordable homes currently under construction in Topeka are only possible because of the state credit. He cautioned that without state intervention, large-scale affordable developments will no longer be financially viable in the city.

Topeka Housing Authority plans 20 new homes at fire-damaged Van Buren site

TOPEKA, Kan. — A fire-damaged property on Van Buren Street is slated for a major redevelopment, according to an update from the Topeka Housing Authority. The agency is currently awaiting environmental funding to demolish the existing structure and prepare the site for 20 new affordable homes. If the environmental funding is secured, the housing authority will rely on a pending state tax credit application to finance the new construction.

Easement vacations clear the way for addition at West Ridge Mall

TOPEKA, Kan. — The city council unanimously approved the vacation of public sanitary sewer and water line easements at 1801 SW Wanamaker Road, paving the way for a new building addition on the west side of West Ridge Mall. The development group and property owner will relocate the utility lines at their own expense to accommodate the commercial expansion.

Council member condemns released police videos, calls for better de-escalation

TOPEKA, Kan. — Returning to the dais after a medical absence, a council member publicly criticized recent police body camera footage released by the city, describing the encounters as "beyond brutal." The council member referenced a recent incident involving a resident, arguing the situation required mental health services rather than a tactical approach that the council member said left the subject feeling cornered. The council member expressed hope that the Topeka Police Department will prioritize de-escalation as the standard rather than the exception moving forward.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us