22 years of fighting - $125,000,000 - over 25 years and Topeka is broke - but the rich are getting richer - AT&T

Summary of "22 years later.pdf."

This 7-page PDF is a collection of documents from 2003–2004 related to economic development efforts in Topeka, Kansas, primarily focused on the Commerce Park (also referred to as Center Point Commerce Park) and associated infrastructure projects. It involves GO Topeka, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, local government officials, developers (including Henry McClure), and consultants like Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers. The documents highlight planning, funding requests, meetings, and budget concerns for park development, including a proposed highway interchange. Below is a page-by-page breakdown:

• Page 1 (Letter, September 5, 2003): A formal request to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for a Break-In-Access Study to assess the feasibility of a new interchange at US-75 and SW 49th Street. Signed by Topeka's mayor, chamber chairman, county commission chairman, GO Topeka chairman, and developer Henry McClure. It references ongoing master planning for the 600-acre Commerce Park, a stakeholder charette, and existing developments like the Target Distribution Facility.
• Page 2 (Memo, December 8, 2003): From Kathy Moellenberndt to a list of stakeholders (including engineers, developers, and chamber staff) scheduling a review meeting on December 17, 2003, to discuss proposed covenants and restrictions for Center Point Commerce Park. Enclosures are mentioned but appear as visual plans on subsequent pages.
• Pages 3–4 (Visual Plans): Hand-drawn or illustrated site plans, elevations, and sections for the "South Topeka Commerce Gateway Park Parkway" along SW 57th Street. These include landscape designs with trees, berms, signage, and pathways, likely part of the proposed covenants/restrictions. No text beyond labels like "Site Plan," "Elevation," and plant species notes.
• Page 5 (Agenda, August 25, 2004): Agenda for a Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Topics include approving minutes, federal funding discussions for projects like Topeka Boulevard Bridge replacement, 190th Operations Facility, Forbes Field Taxiway B, Commerce Park ($1.7 million allocation), Brown v. Board National Historic Site improvements, and Great Overland Station Riverfront Park. Other items cover national PR results, military/BRAC issues, an inter-city visit to Lincoln and Omaha, an audit presentation, Heartland Park update, legal discussions (IBSA vs. City of Topeka, Resolutions 7493 and 7494), and incentive package offers.
• Page 6 (Letter, undated but noted as 8/29/04): From Henry McClure (McClure Real Estate) to Douglas S. Kinsinger (GO Topeka/Chamber President & CEO) questioning two budget items in an attached list for "Go Topeka / Planet KS.": $867,829 for personnel and $847,878 for operations. McClure asks, "Where is this money going??"
• Page 7 (Letter, September 27, 2004): From Douglas S. Kinsinger to Dana K. Anderson (in Santa Monica, CA) thanking him for financial support toward the $10,000 Break-In-Access Study for the 49th Street and Highway 75 interchange. It notes involvement with Mel Chapman (consultant) and Henry McClure, KDOT's requirement for the study before further evaluation, and an expected 90–120 day completion timeline.

Overall, the PDF documents early-2000s collaboration on Topeka's economic growth, emphasizing infrastructure for Commerce Park, funding pursuits, and oversight concerns. The "22 years later" title may imply a retrospective view in 2026, given the dates.

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Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

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