Garden City Commission votes on unsafe structure at Dusty Trail Inn

The Garden City Commission convened on January 7, 2025, to discuss significant community issues, including a pedestrian pathway expansion and the fate of a long-neglected structure deemed unsafe.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was the approval of a supplemental agreement for the East Side Pedestrian Pathway Sidewalk Expansion Project. This project, originally set to begin in fall 2024, has now been extended to allow for bidding no later than six months after June 2025. The total estimated cost of the project is $2.59 million, with $1.5 million funded by a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant and the city contributing $1.09 million from previously budgeted funds. The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area, particularly at the intersection of Highway 83 and the bypass, where pedestrian signals and flashing lights will be installed.

In another critical discussion, the commission held a public hearing regarding the structure at 2808 North Taylor Plaza, known as the Dusty Trail Inn. Following two significant fires in 2022 that left the building in a state of disrepair, city staff recommended declaring the structure unsafe and dangerous. The building has been boarded up multiple times, and its deteriorating condition poses a safety hazard to the surrounding community. The commission considered the property owner's request for a six-month extension to complete demolition, but many members expressed concern over the lengthy timeline given the building's current state.

After deliberation, the commission proposed a compromise, suggesting a timeline that would allow for a two-week permitting process followed by a four-month period for demolition, setting a completion deadline of May 21, 2025. This decision aims to expedite the removal of the eyesore while still providing the owner with a reasonable timeframe to address the situation.

The outcomes of this meeting reflect the commission's commitment to improving community safety and infrastructure while balancing the needs of property owners. As these projects move forward, residents can expect enhanced pedestrian pathways and a resolution to the ongoing issue of the unsafe structure, contributing to a safer and more appealing Garden City.