After months of being out for consideration, responses to an Economic Development Authority (EDA) survey for the future of a large vacant area in the heart of Rushford are compiled. Conducted in partnership with Kansas State University, Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Regional Director Kristin Prososki and Leslie Vanelli, Research Project Manager for TAB and Tribal Evaluation at the University of Memphis are leading the work on the survey for the former Farmers Win site that sits between Mill and Elm Streets along the Root River State Trail.
According to EDA member and city councilor Sally Ryman at the October 15 Rushford Council meeting, the survey recorded 527 responses. Considered to have an exceptional response rate, Ryman summarized the discussion of the most recent EDA meeting on the topic.
The results offered what she dubbed a “juxtaposition” of like/don’t like ideas, which is very common. Many ideas were very specific, which isn’t typical according to survey leaders. In a letter to City Administrator Tony Chladek, Vanelli indicated while the response rate was good, as the data was coded it was obvious that the same people completed the survey multiple times.
“Respondents overwhelmingly would like to see the site be a multi-use green space/event and gathering space with fun events and activities for residents (in particular families) and to attract tourists to town,” wrote Vanelli.
In the 41 pages of responses, the compilation summarized the top three priorities: family-friendly entertainment (29%), green space or event space (26% ), and a stronger commercial environment (16%). Idea priorities for the space were first, event/green space or park; second, entertainment; third, housing; and fourth, commercial business.
The next steps include TAB partnering with Adaapta on the scope. According to their website, Adaapta helps communities to “achieve their economic, social, and environmental goals by successfully redeveloping underutilized and contaminated properties.” Four feasibility studies will be done on the priorities identified in January or February. A follow-up with the community will be hosted after the presentation of the feasibility study results. Up to four options for the community may be presented, but the hope is it will be narrowed to just one or two.
“This will help identify which have the greatest economic impact. It will also tell us which of these has more cost, and they’ll do a cost-benefit analysis,” said Chladek.
“We’ll just have a lot better information about how much is this going to cost the city, what are the benefits of it, and how much would somebody need to come and do some of these things because obviously, the city’s not going to do all these things,” added Ryman.
“I think that’s the concern I have,” said Mayor Terri Benson. “The survey was the right idea. We had to get input. How do you communicate we’re a stepping stone to some of these, but how do you get people to deliver on some of these ideas?”
“When we get through this process and we do whatever it is that we do, they can say, ‘This is what we’ve got, now let’s build community groups around it and let’s take what you’ve got and make it happen,’” said Chladek. “Then, something can start to germinate with pulling that all together.”
“We’ve always stressed when we’re talking to people. We’re coming up with ideas… but, for most of these ideas, somebody is going to have to come forward. The city is not going to be owning all this or running this,” stressed Ryman.
The environmental review of the property is expected this November. That, too, will affect the feasibility of ideas. The city did survey the property already. Future open houses and community meetings will be forthcoming once the studies are complete.
In other news, the city approved three separate airport-related items. These included the updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), accepting the new hangar lease language, and the renting of non-hangar space, including cost and terms.
One of the more exciting pieces of information is that the cost share has been adjusted further in the city’s favor with 95% now federal and just 2.5% state and 2.5% city responsibility. The renewed CIP plan was expected for future development and budgeting. It’s been amended for 2025 and onward with the new cost-sharing terms.
The new hangar has three of the five hangars leased. An additional unit is available in the old hangar. The lease language assures that the units be used for aeronautical equipment and planes. The planes must have a non-provisional Federal Aviation Administration N-Number. One lease is being terminated because of this FAA rule.
The south storage unit adjacent to hangars four and five will also be rented out to CCR Holdings. The approximately 500-square-foot space has both electrical and heat accessibility. The city proposed renting the space for $75/month if all other qualifications are met.
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