[email protected] The Chanute City Commission on Monday night appointed a new member to the Board of Zoning Appeals, approved a residential plat on the city’s south side, and held an extended discussion on housing shortages, property demolition, and long-term economic development challenges.
Commissioners unanimously appointed Tim Egner to a three-year term on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Egner was also referenced in a discussion regarding the planning commission, as both boards currently have vacancies and have not been fully seated. City officials said applications for boards and commissions are available online or through the city manager’s office, and positions are advertised but not actively solicited.
During new business, the commission approved a final plat for the OSA Martin housing project, creating 13 residential lots south of 14th Street. The development was originally planned for 15 lots but was reduced to 13. Approval allows the plat to be recorded so development can proceed.
City Manager Todd Newman said the project represents a $1.3 million overall investment, including approximately $600,000 to $650,000 for concrete and infrastructure. He noted that once the lots are developed, the city will have limited remaining residential land available.
Commissioners praised city staff for work on the project, including road widening and infrastructure planning, while also raising concerns about drainage and stormwater runoff in the area. City staff said runoff is a recurring issue that must be addressed through proper development and design.
The commission also approved an amendment to the city’s malt beverage ordinance to bring it into compliance with recent changes in state law. City officials said the changes were minor and largely administrative, including updates to application language and inspection timelines. Commissioners emphasized the importance of local oversight and maintaining city authority in the licensing process.
A lengthy portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion of deteriorating properties, demolition costs, and the city’s limited housing supply. Commissioners said the city’s demolition budget is approximately $80,000, noting that demolition activity has been increasing and that the underlying causes are complex.
City officials said many demolition cases involve properties formerly owned by elderly residents, where heirs choose not to invest in repairs, properties sit vacant, and title issues prevent reuse. Commissioners discussed the possibility of expanding or reactivating a land bank, but noted that funding, staffing, and legal hurdles remain significant challenges.
Commissioners and staff agreed that housing availability is closely tied to economic development, workforce retention, and population trends in rural communities. Several cited the difficulty of attracting private investment for infill housing and redevelopment without public incentives or new funding mechanisms.
“We can do something, or we can do nothing,” City Commissioner Tim Fairchild said during the discussion. “I’d rather do something.”
No formal action was taken on housing or land bank initiatives, but commissioners agreed to place the issue on a future agenda, potentially as a dedicated work session involving the Chanute Regional Development Authority.
The meeting concluded with commissioners thanking city staff for recent snow removal efforts, street maintenance, and storm cleanup, including work done over the weekend and during severe weather conditions.
