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Topeka council approves 1.5% CID, $1M phase‑one reimbursements for California Crossing
Summary
After a public hearing, the Topeka governing body approved a 1.5% community improvement district for California Crossing and a capped $1,000,000 development agreement to fund initial tenant improvements for a new supermarket and related site work.
The Topeka governing body on Feb. 3 approved an ordinance establishing a 1.5% community improvement district (CID) for the California Crossing shopping center and authorized a development agreement that caps phase‑one reimbursements at about $1,000,000.
Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley told the council the CID application supports tenant improvements for a new supermarket, Super Mercado Nuestra Familia, and that staff limited the reimbursable costs for phase one to the tenant upgrades and parking, sidewalk and mechanical work necessary to open the store. Copley said the developer may seek future amendments if additional tenants are secured and CID‑eligible costs increase toward a maximum project total of roughly $6,000,000.
Developer counsel Matt Goff said the center is about 42% vacant and that the CID application "meets the established criteria set forth in the city's CID policy." He added that the approval would not reduce city taxes and that the city would not be obligated for costs. Public commenter Henry McClure urged a larger 2% CID, citing precedent in other parts of town and arguing a higher rate would help attract tenants.
Council discussion focused on balancing neighborhood impacts with redevelopment benefits. One councilmember said even a small increase in sales‑tax surcharges can burden residents on fixed incomes and voiced strong support for keeping the surcharge at 1.5%. Councilmember David Banks, whose District 4 includes the site, called the project "a feather in our cap" that could spark further investment.
The motion to adopt the ordinance and the companion development agreement passed in roll‑call votes with the required majority. The ordinance establishes the 1.5% CID and staff will monitor any requests to amend the reimbursable cap if additional phases are proposed.
Next steps: the council approved the development agreement that sets the $1,000,000 reimbursable cap for phase one; any increase tied to future phases would require a return to the governing body for approval.
