Development News for Atchison, Kansas

City Approves Common Consumption Area Ordinance with Conditions

The city commission discussed and voted on Ordinance 6732, which establishes a common consumption area (CCA) in the downtown district. This ordinance, allowed by state statute, permits the consumption of alcohol in designated areas with fewer restrictions, using specific types of cups (plastic or lightweight aluminum) bearing the serving business's logo and a city-chosen design. The CCA boundaries are defined from 8th Street west to Kansas Avenue north, dipping to Commercial Street, and extending to Atchison Street on the riverfront. Open container laws still apply outside this zone, and signage will be installed at exit points. Businesses serving alcohol within the CCA must file a form with the state, and licensed establishments within the district must also apply to participate. The ordinance includes a $500 fine for littering, fighting, vandalism, or harassment within the CCA, in addition to existing open container laws outside the zone. The CCA will be operational after the state approves the city's permit and participating businesses apply. The operating hours for the CCA are set from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Commissioner Slattery expressed reservations about the ordinance's effectiveness and enforcement challenges, particularly concerning college students, and ultimately abstained from voting. The ordinance passed with four affirmative votes and one abstention.

Atchison Plans Extensive July 4th Celebration for America's 250th Birthday

Travis and Heidi Grossman, co-chairs of America 250 Atchison Celebration, presented plans for the upcoming 250th birthday celebration of America on July 4th. The event will feature a pancake feed on Fifth Street and Maine, starting at 8 a.m. Benedictine College will open its new library, inspired by Liberty Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Core Discovery Expedition Group will also be present, with historical reenactments related to Lewis and Clark. A parade is scheduled for 4 p.m., starting at 10th and Commercial and ending at MGP. Following the parade, activities at the River Park will include bounce houses, games, food trucks, and live music from Garen Nolan Band (5 p.m.) and Soka Jukebox (7 p.m. until dark). The celebration will culminate with fireworks and a drone show at dark. The Grossmans highlighted the website America250Acheson.com for detailed information and encouraged participation in the parade. They also mentioned other community events happening that day, including museum hours, an art exhibit, a commemorative tree planting, and the reopening of the International Forest of Friendship. The committee includes Jonathan Mize, Jill Thorne, Rick Berger, La Rochelle Young, Mark Westoff, Derek Franklin, Bruce Hundley, Steve Kaplinger, Seth Slayman, Susan Turnbull, and Alicia Pruitt.

Explosive Chemical Safely Detonated at Atchison Tubular Plant

Chief Weiser reported on an incident at the Atchison Tubular plant in the industrial park where a container of PICRIC chemical was discovered. The chemical is known to be highly explosive and was deteriorating, posing a significant risk. The plant contacted authorities, and with the assistance of Officer John O'Grady, a former bomb technician, the Leavenworth County and City bomb squad was called in. The bomb squad safely detonated the chemical in a controlled manner, eliminating the threat. The incident was described as a 'non-event' due to the successful mitigation.

Starbond Expansion Project and Opportunity Zone Application Submitted

The City Manager provided an update on the Starbond expansion project application, which has been submitted to the Department of Commerce. This project, also known as Phase Two, involves expanding the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum at the airport to accommodate larger groups, potentially including a maker space, flight simulators, and additional tourism-related hangar space. The project also includes resurfacing and updating the downtown farmers market area. The total estimated investment for these projects through the Starbond process is approximately $3.23 million. A public hearing required for this process is scheduled for the next meeting on June 15th. Additionally, an application for Opportunity Zone 2.0 has been submitted. Opportunity Zones, created in 2017, are designed to leverage capital gains taxes for investors in smaller communities. Atchison has had at least one successful project utilizing Opportunity Zone 1.0 (the YMCA 1913 apartments), making its application for the second round more competitive. The Opportunity Zone program is an investment tool for private investors, not directly used by the city.