Dear editor,
I am writing in support of rezoning the area on North Walnut to allow the old Arkhaven site to be converted into 51 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
I attended the zoning meeting on Jan. 18 and heard the statements from some of the residents of the area and understand their concerns. However, the only one that I thought merits any real consideration is how the increased traffic might be mitigated. I think that with planning by city officials, the “traffic problem” could be moderated.
Several years ago, I was involved in the recruitment of an individual who had a proposal for senior living apartments in Iola. This individual had a stellar reputation with other projects that he had completed in several other communities in Kansas. The residents living near the proposed area came out in force and caused him to take his project for Southeast Kansas to Chanute, where I understand it is doing quite well today. I have driven by the Chanute site, and it certainly isn’t the shoddy, dilapidated buildings that the residents who protested its construction in Iola predicted.
Opportunities like this do not come often to Iola.
I am a member of the Allen County Economic Development Committee sponsored by Thrive Allen County, Iola Industries, Allen County and Iola and Humboldt.
As a member of that group, my sentiments are certainly with Mary Kay Heard’s at the rezoning discussion.
Our community desperately needs housing. Our industries have trouble filling positions because the workers have no place to live. One- and two-bedroom apartments would not only be attractive to individuals moving to Iola to work, but would provide another source of housing for college students, as well.
This year, Allen Community College began the fall semester with eight residence halls whose rooms were built to accommodate two students each, but instead were assigned three students each. We also had to rent motel rooms for an additional eight students who arrived needing housing.
New college hires also struggle to find available rentals.
I realize that the planning committee voted against recommending rezoning. However, it was my impression that they did so more from the pressure they felt from the residents who attended the meeting than from any indication that the individual who is proposing the renovation is not on the up and up.
Sincerely,
John Masterson,
ACC president,
Iola, Kan.
