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Downtown Plainville, Inc. seeks approval to build "yard" performance space; flags drainage and ownership issues
Summary
Downtown Plainville, Inc. presented engineered plans and renderings for a multi-phase downtown "yard" project centered on a stage, said it has applied for a $25,000 Kansas Department of Commerce seed grant and a $123,000 Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant, and asked the city to consult DPI before approving work on the donated lots; council discussed an alley vacation and drainage coordination.
A representative for Downtown Plainville, Inc. (DPI) presented a multi-phase plan to turn donated downtown lots into an outdoor entertainment venue anchored by a small stage and connected flatwork, shade structures and a modest play area. The group said it has completed a survey, paid for engineering and a landscape architect, and has vendor quotes for stage metal, concrete and flatwork.
DPI told the council it has applied for a Kansas Department of Commerce seed grant (a $25,000 application) and a larger Dane G. Hansen Foundation request (noted in the packet as $123,000) and asked the council to be mindful that DPI has fundraised for the designs. The representative asked the city to consult DPI before approving any work on the lots, saying that DPI has no mechanism in the MOU forcing the city to check back with DPI before permitting changes.
Councilors and staff discussed a problematic drainage flow from a neighboring property (310 West Mill) that currently drains across the yard project parcel, the status of an alleyway that may be vacated (which could create a consolidated drainage corridor), and unresolved abatement/back-tax issues for one adjacent lot. Staff said an ordinance draft to vacate the alley exists but may not have been finalized; council directed staff to investigate and suggested a multi-party site meeting to resolve drainage and title/utility issues before construction.
DPI listed local contractors who provided quotes (Tom's for metal, B&B Readymix for concrete, Gabe HL for flatwork, M & D for dirt/scraping) and said it intends to remove contaminated soil and plant grass as early phases if grant funding comes through. No city funds were committed at the meeting; councilors expressed general support and asked DPI to return with final plans, proof of grant awards (if received), and coordination steps for any work that affects adjacent properties.
