Topeka local news summary
Week of August 16 2025
Council Rejects Controversial Fairlawn Acres Development
2026 Budget Discussions Reveal Proposed Police Department Cuts
Redevelopment Plan for 30th & Topeka Blvd. Moves Forward
Council Approves Rezoning for 190-Unit Affordable Housing Project
Commission Cuts Budgets, Approves Wage Study in 2-1 Vote
Over $45 Million in Bonds Approved Amid Debate on Debt Terms
Council Rejects Controversial Fairlawn Acres Development
TOPEKA – In a decisive 9-1 vote, the Topeka City Council on Tuesday August 12, 2025 rejected a zoning change for the proposed Maverik convenience store and fueling station at 605 SW Fairlawn Rd, the former Ramada West/Holidome site at 6th & Fairlawn. The vote went against the planning commission’s recommendation and effectively halts plans for the project. After being sent back for review, the commission had recommended removing the truck scale and semi-truck diesel pumps and proceeding only with a convenience store and 10 fueling islands for passenger vehicles, but the Council declined to adopt that revision. The item, which was moved to the beginning of the meeting due to significant public interest, drew debate among council members who cited a traffic study and pedestrian safety as primary concerns, particularly with Landon Middle School nearby. “In good conscience I cannot support this,” said Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz, referencing resident objections to the project’s potential traffic impact.
2026 Budget Discussions Reveal Proposed Police Department Cuts
TOPEKA - During a preliminary discussion of the 2026 operating budget on Tuesday, the Topeka Police Department presented a plan that includes the elimination of 11 positions, stirring debate among council members. The proposed cuts include civilian roles such as two animal control officers, two property maintenance officers, and positions in records and evidence. City Manager Robert Perez noted many of the positions have been held vacant for some time as part of a hiring freeze. However, Councilmember Spencer Duncan and others expressed concern that reducing staff in animal control and property maintenance could lead to diminished service and a decline in quality of life, with Duncan stating the cuts were “scary to lose”.
Redevelopment Plan for 30th & Topeka Blvd. Moves Forward
TOPEKA - The City Council unanimously approved a major redevelopment project for the northeast corner of 30th and Topeka Boulevard on Tuesday night. The plan involves demolishing an existing structure to make way for up to three new commercial buildings, including a quick-service restaurant. To facilitate the $19.3 million project, the council approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project plan, established a 1% Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax, and finalized a development agreement with Batis Development Company. The developer is eligible for up to $5.4 million in reimbursements from TIF and CID revenues.
Council Approves Rezoning for 190-Unit Affordable Housing Project
TOPEKA - A proposal to build a 190-unit affordable housing complex in North Topeka took a major step forward Tuesday after the City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request for properties at 2701 and 2703 North Kansas Avenue. The land will be rezoned from single-family residential and commercial to a multiple-family dwelling district to accommodate the project. The developer is currently applying for low-income housing tax credits to help finance the construction.
Commission Cuts Budgets, Approves Wage Study in 2-1 Vote
SHAWNEE COUNTY - During its 2026 budget discussion Monday August 11, 2025, the Shawnee County Commission approved reductions to the District Attorney’s budget and the county’s retirement fund contribution to move closer to its maximum mill levy. Commissioners approved a $200,000 cut to the DA’s budget and reduced the county’s funding rate for its retirement fund from 75% to 50% for one year, freeing up an estimated $425,000. In a subsequent 2-1 split vote, the commission approved adding $50,000 back into the budget to fund a wage study for county employees, with Commissioner Aaron Mays voting against the measure.
Over $45 Million in Bonds Approved Amid Debate on Debt Terms
TOPEKA - The City Council approved the issuance of more than $45 million in general obligation bonds and temporary notes Tuesday to fund a variety of capital improvement projects, including parking garage repairs and street improvements. The approval came after considerable debate, with Councilwoman Karen Hiller voting against several measures. Hiller raised procedural concerns and expressed discomfort with extending the city’s borrowing terms from 15 to 20 years for items with a shorter lifespan, such as fleet vehicles and mill-and-overlay projects. “Bonding them for 20 years I’m very uncomfortable with,” Hiller stated, warning that longer terms could strain future budgets.
Sponsors (click me!)
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
citizen journal offers three flagship products: a daily national news summary, a daily Kansas news summary, and local news and school board summaries from 12 cities across Kansas. Each issue contains 5 paragraph-length stories that are made to be read in 5 minutes. Use the links in the header to navigate to national, kansas, and local coverage. Subscribe to each, some, or all to get an email when new issues are published for FREE!
