College Hill developers get extension

Extension granted to College Hill project

City Council members approve a 2-year extension for the developers of the College Hill project to construct one more building.

Topeka — The city of Topeka is giving developers more time to put up a building in the College Hill development.

A building containing eight town homes was originally proposed for the corner of 11th and Lane, across the street from the main part of the College Hill project.

But developers say the economic downturn has made it hard to sell the townhomes they've already built, and they want to hold off building more.

"Given the market, they felt it was not appropriate to flood the market with additional spaces," said City Manager Norton Bonaparte. "Therefore they are requesting that it be allowed for the two-year extension."

"This isn't a city issue," said Council member John Alcala. "The responsibility falls upon the developer. It's unfair for the taxpayers to continue to bail this developer out of this project."

The City Council voted to grant developers a two-year extension. The vote was 5-3, with Alcala, Sylvia Ortiz and Bill Haynes opposed. Councilman Brett Blackburn excused himself from the discussion and vote, citing a conflict of interest.

In exchange, developers will pay the city about $50,000, to make up for lost property tax revenue.

Currently in Topeka, KS

KTKA

Breaking news