Topeka local news summary

Council approves $16 million Sunflower Crossing development

Split vote passes sales tax for Sunflower Crossing district

New retailers and CAVA coming to Wanamaker Hills development

Visit Topeka contract extended for three years

Tourism official predicts World Cup impact on local hotels

Planning commission recommends approval for maternity home

The Villages to end refugee program, reopen youth homes

Home Plus care facility approved despite neighbor opposition

Lobbying group targets solar restrictions via text campaign

Staff disputes 'total ban' rhetoric in solar campaign

Public solar advocacy group seeks looser zoning rules

Council approves $16 million Sunflower Crossing development

TOPEKA, Kan. - The governing body voted unanimously to approve a redevelopment project plan for Sunflower Crossing, located at the northwest corner of Topeka Boulevard and Kansas Avenue. The $16 million project is set to feature a QuikTrip convenience store, a 3,500-square-foot retail store and a 6,500-square-foot build-to-suit restaurant or retail space. The council approved a tax increment financing (TIF) project plan that includes a maximum reimbursement of $3.38 million to the developer, BHI Development Inc., to assist with civil site work and horizontal development.

Split vote passes sales tax for Sunflower Crossing district

TOPEKA, Kan. - While the development plan for Sunflower Crossing passed unanimously, the establishment of a community improvement district (CID) to support it sparked a split vote. The ordinance, which levies an additional 1 percent sales tax within the new district for up to 22 years, was approved by a vote of 8-1, with Council Member Spencer Duncan voting against the measure. The CID is capped at a maximum reimbursement of $1.88 million, with funds distributed between the developer and the QuikTrip entity to offset construction costs.

New retailers and CAVA coming to Wanamaker Hills development

TOPEKA, Kan. - During the approval of a partial assignment of a development agreement, city officials revealed new tenants for the development at 17th Street and Wanamaker Road (formerly the site of a K-Mart). The council approved a transfer of land to a private living trust associated with a former professional football player, which facilitates the construction of a CAVA restaurant. Additionally, Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley disclosed that Skechers and Rally House have been contracted as tenants to move into the facility.

Visit Topeka contract extended for three years

TOPEKA, Kan. - The city council voted unanimously to extend its agreement with Visit Topeka Inc. for another three years to manage convention and tourism programs. Under the agreement, the city retains 10 percent of the transient guest tax funds for the general fund, while the remaining portion is managed by Visit Topeka to attract visitors and leverage economic growth. Council Member Spencer Duncan noted that the Transient Guest Tax Committee had thoroughly vetted the contract and recommended its approval.

Tourism official predicts World Cup impact on local hotels

TOPEKA, Kan. - Visit Topeka President Sean Dixon reported that the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City is expected to saturate the Topeka hotel market. Following the recent draw announcement that Argentina will play in Kansas City, Dixon noted that the agency is preparing for a heavy influx of visitors in June and July of 2026. Dixon told the council that hotel rates during that period are already projected to be two to three times higher than average due to the anticipated demand from international fans and Kansas City residents renting out their homes.

Planning commission recommends approval for maternity home

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Shawnee County Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for The Villages Inc. to establish a maternity home in Mission Township. Located at 7220 SW 10th St., the facility will serve up to six homeless pregnant women and their children, with a maximum occupancy of 12 residents. The site, formerly an office for the nonprofit, will be staffed 24 hours a day and aims to help mothers transition to independent living within a year of giving birth. The measure now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration on Jan. 12.

The Villages to end refugee program, reopen youth homes

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - During the presentation regarding the maternity home, Mark Byrne Heide, CEO of The Villages Inc., revealed that the organization is ending a program previously conducted in partnership with the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Heide stated that the nonprofit plans to bring five residences on their 400-acre property back online to house children. This operational shift marks a return to the organization's traditional focus on youth services.

Home Plus care facility approved despite neighbor opposition

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously recommended a conditional use permit for a "Home Plus" medical care facility at 738 NE 43rd St. in Soldier Township. The applicants plan to convert the single-family residence into "Bee's Place," an assisted living environment for up to eight residents. During the public hearing, a nearby resident opposed the project, citing concerns regarding increased traffic, property values and the introduction of a business into a quiet residential area. The commission ultimately determined the facility was compatible with the neighborhood's character and imposed conditions regarding signage and parking.

Lobbying group targets solar restrictions via text campaign

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners and planning staff reported receiving unsolicited text messages from a group describing itself as a pro-solar advocacy organization. Commissioner Myron Leinwetter disclosed the ex parte communication at the start of the meeting. The group is encouraging residents to contact the commission to oppose current drafts of solar regulations, specifically advocating for the removal of acreage caps and the allowance of battery storage facilities. Planning staff read the text into the record, noting that it provides a link for residents to send pre-written letters to county officials.

Staff disputes 'total ban' rhetoric in solar campaign

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Planning staff pushed back against language used in the advocacy campaign which claims the county currently has a "total ban" on solar development. Staff clarified during the work session that Shawnee County currently has a moratorium on solar projects, not a permanent ban, noting that a ban previously existed only for wind energy. Staff emphasized that the purpose of the upcoming hearing is to establish regulations to lift that moratorium and allow projects to proceed under specific guidelines.

Public solar advocacy group seeks looser zoning rules

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The text campaign discussed during the work session outlines specific policy changes desired by solar advocates. The group is asking the Shawnee County Planning Commission to increase the acreage cap to allow for utility-scale projects and to lower proposed setback requirements. Additionally, the group seeks the elimination of what they term "dual permitting" requirements between cities and the county, as well as the removal of bans on accessory battery storage, arguing these changes are necessary to prevent blackouts and stabilize energy prices.

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