Dear editor,
As of Sunday, Aug. 14, it has been six months since the Iola City Council voted unanimously to change the zoning from R-1 to R-2 in the neighborhood of the old Arkhaven nursing home so that it could be remodeled into an apartment complex.
What is the delay? Are there some problems with Rocky Meo of Meo Development LLC of DeSoto that have not been reported? Maybe Mr. Meo should be asked to come to a city council meeting to give an update on the project.
It would be nice if the council made another try at obtaining an area close to town where citizens could dispose of yard waste. It would be more convenient than driving to the LaHarpe landfill or waiting for the city to pick it up.
Some wrecking company will soon remove three more condemned houses around Iola with the house at 19 S. Ohio on a nine-month hold while the owner attempts to bring the house up to code.
The lack of affordable housing in Iola and Allen County has been the number one problem for years. Can’t this be helped by filling these vacant lots? How about renovation of old but structurally sound houses? Some of our older homes have real potential and could add to the dwindling housing stock.
A concerned citizen,
Paul Zirjacks,
Iola, Kan.
