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Residents urge commissioners to keep Atchison County Lake public, cite WPA history and safety concerns
Summary
Dozens of residents told Atchison County commissioners on April 15 they oppose selling Atchison County Lake, citing New Deal-era origins, access and safety concerns about the spillway and potential loss of public recreation.
Dozens of residents urged the Atchison County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to abandon plans to sell Atchison County Lake and instead invest in repairs and management to keep it open to the public.
Speakers at an 11:30 a.m. public forum described the lake as a longstanding community resource and raised legal, environmental and safety questions about any sale or redevelopment of the property.
The community urged the board to pause the sale conversation and complete a full historical and legal review. Resident Jessica Saxton told commissioners the lake is used year-round by local families and students and said reports that “no one uses the lake” are incorrect. “There is never a time when this lake isn’t being enjoyed,” Saxton said. She also asked whether potential buyers had been informed about restrictions that may attach to land acquired via eminent domain or federal programs.
Why it matters: Speakers said the lake was created during…
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