(WICHITA, Kan.) — Contentious debate as Sedgwick County Commissioners accept the downtown Wichita master plan at Wednesday's meeting.
Commissioners were considering a motion to accept the plan created by consultants Goody Clancy. The plan outlines development possibilities over the next 10 to 20 years. Supporters of the plan say the goal is to ensure downtown is developed in a thoughtful way.
Several people addressed the commission over the issue, some bringing up concerns about issues including spending of tax dollars or use of eminent domain for development.
The plan does not require the county or city of Wichita to spend any money. Each public dollar request will go back before county or city leaders for a vote.
Commissioner Karl Peterjohn wanted to add provisions specifically saying the plan does not commit the county to providing any funds, limiting eminent domain, putting a moratorium on any new Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, districts through January 2013, requiring sings for CID or TDD incentives and adding a copy of Gov. Sam Brownback's economic development plan.
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Lengthy debate as Sedgwick County discusses downtown plan
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Commissioner Jim Skelton expressed concern that the substitute motion could unnecessarily tie commissioners' hands in the future. Peterjohn's motion failed by a 3-2 vote. Another motion to send the issue back to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission also failed.
Ultimately a vote to accept the plan passed with a vote of 3-2, with Peterjohn and commissioner Richard Ranzau voting against it.
The plan estimates private developers will spend $500 million over the next two decades, with a public investment estimated at $100 million.
