Ottawa, Kansas Development News
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Ottawa Approves Agreements for Airport Runway Extension Design Phase
The City Commission received an update on the airport runway extension project. The project is moving into the engineering design phase, with agreements proposed with Alfred Benish and Company. One agreement for $670,500 covers the engineering design of the runway extension, and a second agreement for $11,848 addresses required boundary adjustment work. The state, through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), will reimburse approximately 90% ($603,000) of the engineering design costs, leaving a local match of $67,050. The boundary adjustment work is not eligible for grant reimbursement and will be fully funded by the city ($11,848). In total, the city's financial responsibility for these agreements is $78,898. The project aims to extend the runway by another thousand feet, moving it from the planning to a construction-ready phase. Land acquisition may be required for the southern parcel, with preliminary estimates of around 20 acres. The commission approved the agreements.
Make My Move Program Attracts 8 Households to Ottawa, Phase Two Proposed
The Ottawa City Commission was updated on the Make My Move program, a grant initiative aimed at recruiting new households to the community. Since its start in October 2025, the program has successfully attracted 8 out of the 10 target households, comprising 27 individuals, including 12 children. The average age of applicants is 36. The grant, totaling over $145,000, funds Make My Move's services and cash incentives for relocating families. The program has generated significant marketing exposure, with 140,000 unique visitors viewing Ottawa's page on the Make My Move website. Applicants have brought remote jobs or found local employment, contributing to the local workforce. The program has resulted in an estimated $20 in new annual economic input for every $1 invested locally. The Chamber of Commerce, which manages the program, is seeking approval to proceed with Phase Two, which aims to attract 15 households with a similar local cash investment of approximately $26,000.
Residents Voice Strong Concerns Over Proposed Data Center
During the public comments section, residents raised concerns about a proposed data center in Proximity Park. Susan Hughes urged the commission not to grant extensions or tax incentives to the company, stating they are a billionaire company. She questioned the long-term revenue projections, the costs of decommissioning, and potential drops in surrounding property values. Polly Schemer echoed these concerns, advocating for the expiration of the current Proximity Park contract and the establishment of specific regulations for data centers and associated utilities, citing that current codes are incomplete and too general. She also emphasized the need for data centers to detail water chemicals and noted that clean water standards might be insufficient. Scott Juergen shared a USGS article warning of more severe hydrological droughts in Kansas in the future due to climate change, raising concerns about commodifying water resources. Greg Hernandez highlighted public sentiment against secret deals and data centers, pointing to potential conflicts of interest for council members involved in related businesses and referencing a similar situation in Jasper, Missouri, where council members were voted out. Concerns were raised about the data center's potential impact on water usage, hazardous chemicals, property values, and the need for public hearings to get answers.
Rental Property Safety and Tenant Rights Discussed Amidst Condemnation
Commissioner Allen inquired about the city's ability to assist tenants in unsafe rental properties, particularly in light of the condemnation of the multi-family structure at 1017 South Ash Street. City Attorney Finch and Community Development Director Hodges explained that the state's landlord-tenant laws are primary, with minimal city codes for rentals. While the city can declare a structure unsafe and order it vacated, they cannot force landlords to make repairs if costs exceed 50% of the property's value, nor can they mandate specific housing quality standards beyond basic habitability (heat, water). The city does not have a housing authority to assist displaced tenants, and enforcement is largely through state law. Chief Running of the Police Department noted that the community policing team can assist residents facing housing crises by connecting them with resources and acting as advocates. The commission discussed the possibility of exploring new local ordinances to provide more avenues for tenants to report issues and seek assistance.
Ottawa City Commission Approves Condemnation of Knights Inn Motel
The City Commission considered and approved a resolution to condemn the commercial structure located at 1641 South Main Street. The structure, a Knights Inn motel, was severely damaged by a tornado on April 13th. Representatives for the ownership, Ravi and family, stated that they have resolved the insurance claim, paid off the mortgage, and decided not to rebuild. They plan to demolish all five buildings on the property, including filling in the pool and removing a large sign, and then market the land for sale. Asbestos testing is scheduled, and demolition is expected to take three to four weeks, with completion within 90 days. The city staff recommended adopting the resolution to maintain pressure on the owners to proceed with demolition, noting that if the owners fail to demolish, the city can proceed and assess costs against the property. The Commission's resolution allows for repair or demolition, with a 30-day deadline to begin work, which staff will consider as the permit application process. Flexibility in timelines will be considered by staff.
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7-22-26 City Commission Meeting
City Commission Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
7-15-26 City Commission Meeting
Inside Ottawa City Hall /Your Guide to City Services. From paying your utility bill to attending City Commission meetings, applying...
Inside Ottawa City Hall /Your Guide to City Services. From paying your utility bill to attending City Commission meetings, applying...
City Commission Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
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