(Wichita, KS) — Wichita city council members approved a revised plan Tuesday morning, to develop the area near 47th St. South and I-135.
The plan would put shops, restaurants and hotel space in the area.
Now it's up the Sedgwick County Commission to decide on the proposal. Developers made changes to the plan after commissioners rejected it the first time.
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Tuesday may be the last chance for a multi-million dollar development in South Wichita to come to life.
City council members approved the Southfork project near 47th and I-135, but Sedgwick County Commissioners voted it down. Now developers are bringing a new plan to the table...hoping to please both sides.
It's a vacant piece of land just off the interstate, but some say the 72 acres could be a prime spot for new businesses in South Wichita
"What we would like to see behind us are first rate restaurants, nice hotels, places for people to come shop," said Wichita City Council member James Clendenin.
To make that happen, Clendenin says developers need tax incentives to help with constructions costs.
Sedgwick county commissioners rejected the initial proposal, so developers revised their plan. Now they're moving in dirt to raise the land above the floodplain, which was a concern, plus they're asking for fewer tax dollars.
"It will be capped at about $16 million, which is just over 50 percent of the available TIF money," said Clendenin.
Residents like Connie Klassen like the idea of having new shopping options. She often drives to Derby to buy certain items.
"If you improve a neighborhood, the property values goes up and everything gets better for everybody," Klassen said. "We've been ignored for a long time down here."
Council members expect to hear some opposition, but Clendenin knows this is South Wichita's last chance. He says developers won't move forward without city and county support.
"If this doesn't pass, he has other options that won't benefit the community as much as this will," said Clendenin.
That may be something the council considers when they vote on the project Tuesday.
If city leaders approve the project, it will still need support from Sedgwick County Commissioners.
