Commission certifies legal authority and blight finding to apply for CDBG funds for Midland Theatre

The Coffeyville City Commission voted Aug. 12 to authorize a 2025 Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for commercial rehabilitation of the Midland Theatre and to declare the building blighted to meet program eligibility requirements.

Amber Dean, the city’s director of community development, told the commission the application will request $250,000 to address auditorium electrical upgrades, egress and fire-code items. The Midland Theatre Foundation will provide the required local match and several board members attended the meeting to outline the project's needs.

Jim Criswell, vice president of the Midland Theatre Foundation, described needed items including replacement of the main electrical panel, egress lighting, extending the fire alarm, HVAC electrical upgrades and new power for theater equipment. Denise York, the foundation's treasurer, said the foundation is also selling state tax credits to raise private funds.

The commission approved two separate actions: a resolution certifying the city’s authority to apply for the CDBG grant and a resolution declaring the theatre building blighted (a CDBG threshold requirement). Both resolutions passed on unanimous recorded votes of the members present. Commissioners instructed staff to file the application and to attach the blight resolution as required by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Why it matters: If the grant is awarded, the funds would address auditorium infrastructure and life-safety systems needed before the theatre can expand programming. The blight finding is an administrative step required by the grant program.