Construction activity continues in Mitchell County, Kansas. We have been working to document the many projects underway at this time. We have been adding pictures to our Mitchell County Community Development Facebook page to help keep up with the changes that are occurring in our communities. You can see that page HERE.
The new Rail Car and grain handling facility improvements are underway in Glen Elder. The Crown Homes development is nearly finished as City of Beloit crews are constructing the new street. Sunflower Manufacturing is putting up a new building on Highway 24 on the southeast edge of Beloit.
Construction is just beginning on a new walking trail. A parking lot is being added to the North Campus area where the Law Enforcement Center, USD 273 and Early Learning Center are already in place.
Solomon Valley Home Center is putting a new face on their store on Highway 24
At least two more commercial buildings will begin construction too. Keep up to date on the construction activity in Mitchell County by following our Facebook Page.
Showing posts with label City of Beloit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Beloit. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, June 23, 2011
North Campus Development Plans Moving Forward
The Beloit City Council has authorized the survey and platting of the North Campus Development area. The action by the city is the next step in the process of developing the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility property. It opens many new opportunities for the community.
The site will include 12-15 acres for new housing develop directly west of the former correctional facility campus. It will also include 8-10 acres along U.S. Highway 24 for commercial development and approximately 20 acres of land directly north of the campus for mixed use development of housing, and light commercial businesses.
The City is in the process of having the property platted and rezoned. Mitchell County Community Development Director Murray McGee says he has already been contacted by people interested in both the residential and commercial property along the highway.
The city will be working over the next few months to determine how they plan to market and sell the land for development.
Parties interested in the development can contact McGee at 785.738.2717 or 785.569.1465.
The site will include 12-15 acres for new housing develop directly west of the former correctional facility campus. It will also include 8-10 acres along U.S. Highway 24 for commercial development and approximately 20 acres of land directly north of the campus for mixed use development of housing, and light commercial businesses.
The City is in the process of having the property platted and rezoned. Mitchell County Community Development Director Murray McGee says he has already been contacted by people interested in both the residential and commercial property along the highway.
The city will be working over the next few months to determine how they plan to market and sell the land for development.
Parties interested in the development can contact McGee at 785.738.2717 or 785.569.1465.
Monday, March 14, 2011
North Campus Development Steering Committee Fine Tuning Recommendations
The North Campus Development Steering Committee conducted their final public meeting last week to discuss their vision for former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility property along U.S. Highway 24 and Walnut Street.
The committee will continue to fine tune their recommendations before presenting them to the Beloit City Council on April 5th. Currently the plans include a proposal to develop 15 acres of land to the west of the main campus for new homes. Ten acres along U.S. Highway 24 is being considered for commercial development and the remaining 20 acres between the highway and the main campus could be zoned for “mixed use” housing and light commercial development.
The committee is also working on recommendations for the city council to consider such as time limitations for those who purchase property. The committee has recommended those who purchase property be given 2 years to build on it.
The steering committee is encouraging the city to consider improvements to Walnut Street and to work quickly to provide some street access to the undeveloped land so it can be marketed.
The group will make their final recommendations to the Beloit City Council at thir first meeting in April.
The committee will continue to fine tune their recommendations before presenting them to the Beloit City Council on April 5th. Currently the plans include a proposal to develop 15 acres of land to the west of the main campus for new homes. Ten acres along U.S. Highway 24 is being considered for commercial development and the remaining 20 acres between the highway and the main campus could be zoned for “mixed use” housing and light commercial development.
The committee is also working on recommendations for the city council to consider such as time limitations for those who purchase property. The committee has recommended those who purchase property be given 2 years to build on it.
The steering committee is encouraging the city to consider improvements to Walnut Street and to work quickly to provide some street access to the undeveloped land so it can be marketed.
The group will make their final recommendations to the Beloit City Council at thir first meeting in April.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Shaping Our Future with the North Campus Development
Unfortunately we don't have a crystal ball and can't take a clear look into the future. But in Economic Development we always have to look forward as far as we can to identify what can be done for continued growth and sustainability of our businesses and our community.
Work is underway to redefine and set a new direction for the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility. To begin the facility is now being referred to as the "North Campus Development" which is a way of looking forward and setting our sights on the future.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together right now on developing plans to "re purpose" at least one building on the campus. The Morning View building is a hard-cell, lock-down, jail facility that was designed to house juvenile female offenders. It is going to become the future home of the Beloit Police Department, Mitchell County Sheriff's Department and it will serve as our jail for adult prisoners. This step is expected to be a long term move for our local law enforcement personnel.
The City of Beloit is expected to take another step in working with officials from USD 273 to utilize the "North High School" building on the campus.
Mitchell County Partnership for Children and The Early Learning Center have occupied two buildings on the campus for the past several years and it's anticipated they will have contracts from the City to keep them there as well.
Efforts are underway to find other purposes for the remaining buildings. Each step is being considered very carefully.
Taking a broader look at the "North Campus Development", opens the doors to many opportunities for our community. There are nearly 50 acres of undeveloped land. Portions of the land provide frontage on highway 24 that could be utilized for key retail services. This land could also provide space for lighter commercial uses, multi-family residential development and much needed single family housing development.
This will all take careful planning. And that is what is currently being done with specific attention given to the location of existing roads and utilities. An examination of how those can be extended to serve the existing campus facilities and extend into the undeveloped property for future growth.
These items must be studied carefully and not rushed. The direction taken today could set the course for the future of our community for the next 40 years. When you consider the former juvenile correctional facility was planned and developed over 120 years ago. Then 40 years really doesn't seem like such a long time. But it's an important timeline because what is done today and in the next few years will set a new direction for our community that will have a long lasting impact on our future.
Work is underway to redefine and set a new direction for the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility. To begin the facility is now being referred to as the "North Campus Development" which is a way of looking forward and setting our sights on the future.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together right now on developing plans to "re purpose" at least one building on the campus. The Morning View building is a hard-cell, lock-down, jail facility that was designed to house juvenile female offenders. It is going to become the future home of the Beloit Police Department, Mitchell County Sheriff's Department and it will serve as our jail for adult prisoners. This step is expected to be a long term move for our local law enforcement personnel.
The City of Beloit is expected to take another step in working with officials from USD 273 to utilize the "North High School" building on the campus.
Mitchell County Partnership for Children and The Early Learning Center have occupied two buildings on the campus for the past several years and it's anticipated they will have contracts from the City to keep them there as well.
Efforts are underway to find other purposes for the remaining buildings. Each step is being considered very carefully.
Taking a broader look at the "North Campus Development", opens the doors to many opportunities for our community. There are nearly 50 acres of undeveloped land. Portions of the land provide frontage on highway 24 that could be utilized for key retail services. This land could also provide space for lighter commercial uses, multi-family residential development and much needed single family housing development.
This will all take careful planning. And that is what is currently being done with specific attention given to the location of existing roads and utilities. An examination of how those can be extended to serve the existing campus facilities and extend into the undeveloped property for future growth.
These items must be studied carefully and not rushed. The direction taken today could set the course for the future of our community for the next 40 years. When you consider the former juvenile correctional facility was planned and developed over 120 years ago. Then 40 years really doesn't seem like such a long time. But it's an important timeline because what is done today and in the next few years will set a new direction for our community that will have a long lasting impact on our future.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Utilities and Technology Vital
When it comes to business growth and new business attraction having up to date utilities, infrastructure and technology is a vital.
Sometimes rural communities are over looked because people think they aren't up to speed with the rest of the world. Well you might be surprised by what you can find in a rural community like ours.
For example, fiber optics is a MUST for many businesses today. But some might not think we have access to it here. I contacted Brent Cunningham with Cunningham Telephone and Cable and was impressed to find they have over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. That is very significant to business sustainability and growth here in north central Kansas. Cunningham Telephone exchanges are built with "Fiber-to-the-Home" technology with dedicated fibers per customers and 100 Mbps capable connections.
This didn't happen overnight. Cunningham Telephone is a founding member of the Kansas Fiber Network connecting Kansas with advanced services. Cunningham Communications cable systems are built with fiber optic nodes and 1GHz technology. They have been providing broadband Internet service since 1997.
Another great asset for our community is the North Central Kansas Technical College. The college provides training and services that can be very beneficial for business. Some of these are on the cutting edge of technology. The NCK Tech College has a great GIS/GPS program and can provide training and services related to geographic information systems.
The college can also provide training in telecommunications, business, computer courses, welding and a wide variety of other programs.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together on gathering GIS data and creating new aerial maps and databases. This information can be important for business planning, infrastructure development and improvements.
Utilities are another important element when a business considers expanding or relocating in our area. On one recent site visit a business person asked me how many times a year we had power outages and how long they lasted. I contacted the Systems Operations department for the City of Beloit and they verified my answer. In 2009 the city of Beloit had 3 power outages. Two of those were during winter ice storms. The average time of the outages was only about 15 minutes. In most cases the outages are limited to one section of the city or another depending on what caused the outage and where it is located.
Beloit us unique in that the city still has a power plant and can generate their own power if needed during outages from their suppliers. Or in case of emergencies. In 2009 the City of Beloit generated their own power for a total of 761,780 kWh. They purchased over 47,000,000 kWh of electricity last year from KMEA, WAPA and GRDA.
Water is another vital resource for residents and businesses alike. The city of Beloit gets its water from the Solomon River/Waconda Lake. The City has total water rights of more than 227,102,673 gallons per year or approximately 622,199 gallons per day.
The capacity of the City Water Plant is 1.5 million gallons per day and the average annual consumption is 800,000 gallons per day.
The numbers, facts and figures concerning the utilities, infrastructure and technology available in our area goes on and on. But I think this summary give you a better idea on what we have to offer to businesses and the fact that we are up to speed with the latest technology that is so important in today's business world.
Sometimes rural communities are over looked because people think they aren't up to speed with the rest of the world. Well you might be surprised by what you can find in a rural community like ours.
For example, fiber optics is a MUST for many businesses today. But some might not think we have access to it here. I contacted Brent Cunningham with Cunningham Telephone and Cable and was impressed to find they have over 1,000 miles of fiber optics connecting homes, businesses and communities in Mitchell, Jewell, Cloud, Republic, Osborne and Ottawa counties. That is very significant to business sustainability and growth here in north central Kansas. Cunningham Telephone exchanges are built with "Fiber-to-the-Home" technology with dedicated fibers per customers and 100 Mbps capable connections.
This didn't happen overnight. Cunningham Telephone is a founding member of the Kansas Fiber Network connecting Kansas with advanced services. Cunningham Communications cable systems are built with fiber optic nodes and 1GHz technology. They have been providing broadband Internet service since 1997.
Another great asset for our community is the North Central Kansas Technical College. The college provides training and services that can be very beneficial for business. Some of these are on the cutting edge of technology. The NCK Tech College has a great GIS/GPS program and can provide training and services related to geographic information systems.
The college can also provide training in telecommunications, business, computer courses, welding and a wide variety of other programs.
The City of Beloit and Mitchell County are working together on gathering GIS data and creating new aerial maps and databases. This information can be important for business planning, infrastructure development and improvements.
Utilities are another important element when a business considers expanding or relocating in our area. On one recent site visit a business person asked me how many times a year we had power outages and how long they lasted. I contacted the Systems Operations department for the City of Beloit and they verified my answer. In 2009 the city of Beloit had 3 power outages. Two of those were during winter ice storms. The average time of the outages was only about 15 minutes. In most cases the outages are limited to one section of the city or another depending on what caused the outage and where it is located.
Beloit us unique in that the city still has a power plant and can generate their own power if needed during outages from their suppliers. Or in case of emergencies. In 2009 the City of Beloit generated their own power for a total of 761,780 kWh. They purchased over 47,000,000 kWh of electricity last year from KMEA, WAPA and GRDA.
Water is another vital resource for residents and businesses alike. The city of Beloit gets its water from the Solomon River/Waconda Lake. The City has total water rights of more than 227,102,673 gallons per year or approximately 622,199 gallons per day.
The capacity of the City Water Plant is 1.5 million gallons per day and the average annual consumption is 800,000 gallons per day.
The numbers, facts and figures concerning the utilities, infrastructure and technology available in our area goes on and on. But I think this summary give you a better idea on what we have to offer to businesses and the fact that we are up to speed with the latest technology that is so important in today's business world.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Beloit Recieves Deed to BJCF
Who says the wheels of government move slowly? The City of Beloit has received the deed for the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility. And now the City and County are working together on working out the details for the first steps towards bringing new life to the buildings on the campus.
The Beloit City Council will discuss the new developments at their next meeting Tuesday night.
Several things are already in motion.
1) Plans are to keep the Mitchell County Partnership for Children and The Early Learning Center in the two buildings they currently occupy on the campus.
2) The City and County Lawenforcement would like to relocate to the Morning View building which is a hard cell, lock down, jail facility on the campus. This would give both local agencies more space and would incrase the county's jail capacity.
Several other groups have also expressed interest in various buildings on the campus and agreements will have to be worked out with each of them. This will of course take some time. But the wheels are moving and this project is definitely a "community" effort.
The Beloit City Council will discuss the new developments at their next meeting Tuesday night.
Several things are already in motion.
1) Plans are to keep the Mitchell County Partnership for Children and The Early Learning Center in the two buildings they currently occupy on the campus.
2) The City and County Lawenforcement would like to relocate to the Morning View building which is a hard cell, lock down, jail facility on the campus. This would give both local agencies more space and would incrase the county's jail capacity.
Several other groups have also expressed interest in various buildings on the campus and agreements will have to be worked out with each of them. This will of course take some time. But the wheels are moving and this project is definitely a "community" effort.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
BJCF Bill Clears Another Hurdle
Senate Bill 357 cleared another hurdle last week when the House Local Government Committee voted unanimously to pass it on to the full House for consideration. The bill authorizes the transfer of the former Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility property to the City of Beloit.
The bill has been placed on "General Orders" on the House Calendar. On Monday, February 15th it was listed on page 10. This morning (February 16) the bill is listed on page 8.
Legislators have been moving the bill through the process quickly so the property can be removed from the states inventory as soon as possible and remove their liability for the utilities and maintenance of the facilities.
Local leaders are standing ready to receive the property. They include the City of Beloit, Mitchell County, USD 273, Mitchell County Partnership for Children, the Early Learning Center and NCK Technical College and possibly others.
Once the House of Representatives approve the bill the Kansas Department of Administration and the Attorney General's office will be involved in handling the final transaction with the City of Beloit.
The House of Representatives meet at 11 A.M. each week day. You can listen in on their debate of bills online at kslegislature.org.
The bill has been placed on "General Orders" on the House Calendar. On Monday, February 15th it was listed on page 10. This morning (February 16) the bill is listed on page 8.
Legislators have been moving the bill through the process quickly so the property can be removed from the states inventory as soon as possible and remove their liability for the utilities and maintenance of the facilities.
Local leaders are standing ready to receive the property. They include the City of Beloit, Mitchell County, USD 273, Mitchell County Partnership for Children, the Early Learning Center and NCK Technical College and possibly others.
Once the House of Representatives approve the bill the Kansas Department of Administration and the Attorney General's office will be involved in handling the final transaction with the City of Beloit.
The House of Representatives meet at 11 A.M. each week day. You can listen in on their debate of bills online at kslegislature.org.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Proposed Housing Development Positive Step
Wichita housing developer, Manske & Associates is looking at the possibility of constructing ten new homes in Beloit. The developer has been working with representatives from Mitchell County Community Development, the Solomon Valley Economic Development Housing Task Force and the City of Beloit. They have submitted an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to participate in a special housing tax credit program to encourage the development of income based housing.
The total cost estimate for the development is $1.8 million and calls for new homes to be built at 3rd and Mill and in the Zimmer Addition in Beloit, KS.
Manske & Associates has a very long and positive record of developing housing in communities all across the state of Kansas. The homes proposed for Beloit will be single family houses with 3 bedrooms, two baths and a two car garage. They will be approximately 1,275 square feet and some will include an unfinished basement.
The application for the housing development program has been submitted to KHRC and will be reviewed and scored against other projects being considered throughout the state.
Just the other day someone asked what a housing means to economic development. Of course there is the initial benefit of the jobs created for construction of the homes and the purchase of materials. There is also an increase in property value created with the addition of new homes.
Beyond the construction phase of the project there are many other economic benefits to creating additional housing in a community. Rental housing in Beloit is extremely tight and adding 10 homes with 3 bedrooms each would help relieve some of the pressure on the housing market. This would add to the number of people living in our community as they move into the new homes. Some will be new residents. Others will be moving out of other homes in Beloit and freeing them up for other families to move into.
Having more families in Beloit would increase the demand for retail goods and services, sales tax revenues and possibly add more children to our school system. For the City and County it would generate more property taxes and utility revenues.
The housing project will be owned locally. Manske & Associates only serve as the developer. The local owner of the project will benefit from the revenues generated by the rental and sales of the homes.
In all there are many ways that a new housing development benefits the local community. We are hopeful our application is approved by the KHRC.
The total cost estimate for the development is $1.8 million and calls for new homes to be built at 3rd and Mill and in the Zimmer Addition in Beloit, KS.
Manske & Associates has a very long and positive record of developing housing in communities all across the state of Kansas. The homes proposed for Beloit will be single family houses with 3 bedrooms, two baths and a two car garage. They will be approximately 1,275 square feet and some will include an unfinished basement.
The application for the housing development program has been submitted to KHRC and will be reviewed and scored against other projects being considered throughout the state.
Just the other day someone asked what a housing means to economic development. Of course there is the initial benefit of the jobs created for construction of the homes and the purchase of materials. There is also an increase in property value created with the addition of new homes.
Beyond the construction phase of the project there are many other economic benefits to creating additional housing in a community. Rental housing in Beloit is extremely tight and adding 10 homes with 3 bedrooms each would help relieve some of the pressure on the housing market. This would add to the number of people living in our community as they move into the new homes. Some will be new residents. Others will be moving out of other homes in Beloit and freeing them up for other families to move into.
Having more families in Beloit would increase the demand for retail goods and services, sales tax revenues and possibly add more children to our school system. For the City and County it would generate more property taxes and utility revenues.
The housing project will be owned locally. Manske & Associates only serve as the developer. The local owner of the project will benefit from the revenues generated by the rental and sales of the homes.
In all there are many ways that a new housing development benefits the local community. We are hopeful our application is approved by the KHRC.
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