Not just Topeka

The two-year closure of Interstate 670 (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fm%2F08zr8f) in downtown Kansas City is required to construct a massive tunnel and deck infrastructure system directly over the highway. This engineering foundation will support the upcoming Roy Blunt Luminary Park (formerly known as the South Loop Project). [1] (https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-council-pushes-back-plans-for-cap-or-park-over-i-670/), [2] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95-3hyxMYAU), [3] (https://www.facebook.com/fox4kc/videos/kansas-citys-luminary-park-just-took-a-major-step-forward-city-councilmembers-ap/2309972603108903/), [4] (https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/development/article317088955.html), [5] (https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2025-04-12/kansas-city-is-naming-its-downtown-highway-park-after-sen-roy-blunt-when-will-it-open)

The closure is necessary due to several key factors:

• Building a Tunnel Cap: Crews must build a concrete cap spanning across eight active lanes of highway. This structural deck will cover a four-block stretch of the interstate trench from Wyandotte Street to Baltimore Avenue. [1] (https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2025-04-12/kansas-city-is-naming-its-downtown-highway-park-after-sen-roy-blunt-when-will-it-open), [2] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95-3hyxMYAU), [3] (https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/development/article317088955.html)

• Infrastructure & Safety: To safely build the tunnel and supporting walls, extensive excavation, drainage improvements, and structural work must occur directly inside the highway corridor, making it impossible to keep traffic flowing underneath. [1] (https://www.kctv5.com/2026/08/14/luminary-park-downtown-kansas-city-expected-break-ground-this-year/), [2] (https://www.facebook.com/fox4kc/videos/kansas-citys-luminary-park-just-took-a-major-step-forward-city-councilmembers-ap/2309972603108903/)

• Reconnecting the City: The ultimate goal of this $200 million urban park project is to heal a historic divide. When I-670 was built in the 1960s, it sliced through the city’s core. The new 5.5-acre green space will sit on top of the highway to seamlessly reconnect downtown Kansas City with the Crossroads Art District and Midtown. [1] (https://www.facebook.com/fox4kc/videos/kansas-citys-luminary-park-just-took-a-major-step-forward-city-councilmembers-ap/2309972603108903/), [2] (https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2025-04-12/kansas-city-is-naming-its-downtown-highway-park-after-sen-roy-blunt-when-will-it-open), [3] (https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/development/article317088955.html)

(Note: If you are hearing about a separate major highway disruption in Kansas City, the Missouri Department of Transportation is also implementing an 11-month full closure of a 4-mile stretch of Interstate 70 starting in early 2027. However, that specific project is for replacing bridges and widening the roadway rather than building the park.) [1] (https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2026/10/08/kansas-city-story-template), [2] (https://www.kctv5.com/2026/07/14/4-mile-section-i-70-downtown-toward-truman-sports-complex-will-be-closed-11-months/), [3] (https://fox4kc.com/traffic/modot-plans-11-month-closure-of-i-70-in-kansas-city-in-2027/), [4] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-0r7FOi21c&t=42)

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

today

Topeka Planning & Development updates (as of ~October 12, 2026)

The Tyler EP&L public portal (https://cityoftopekaks-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home) is live for many applications but requires login for detailed recent permit/application searches; some contractor licensing/permits remain incomplete, and the transition has caused reported delays for builders. The Building Permits map (maps.topeka.org/BuildingPermits/) did not resolve in checks. The latest public Development & Growth Management monthly report found is January 2026 (permits down year-over-year). Weekly reports (latest 10-5-2026) focus on roads, texting service, events, and the portal transition rather than specific new commercial cases.

Planning Commission (Topeka Speaks)

Next meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6:00 PM (City Council Chambers; livestreamed on Topeka Speaks). Agenda packet available; open for comment on several items.

• PUD26/07 – Amoco Station (Haag Oil Co.): Rezone 5977 SW 29th Street from C-2 Commercial to PUD (C-2 uses) primarily for a reduced rear-yard setback (25 ft to 10 ft on the south line). Enables a new ~4,500–5,000 sf convenience store replacing the existing one (gas island/canopy positioning). Staff recommends approval with conditions. Neighbor (Foxcross Properties) has objected. Planner: Driver.
• ACZR26/04: Text amendments to zoning code chapters 18.55 (Definitions), 18.60 (Use Tables/Dimensional Standards), 18.225 (Specific Use Requirements), 18.245 (Amendments), and related. Affects manufactured/modular homes, drinking establishments, indoor recreation, large truck services, residential accessory structures, D-3 uses, second-hand shops, RV parks/campgrounds, and other clarifications. Discussed in prior meetings (July–September).
• CPA26/02: Update to the Land Use & Growth Management Plan 2040 (comprehensive plan for land use/growth). Limited-scope refresh reflecting implementation since 2015 adoption, Citywide Housing Study references, Future Land Use Map tweaks, housing choice/diversity language, annexation/UGA/rural water policies, and related. Public hearing item.
• Housing Committee report and public comments.

September 21, 2026 meeting (discussion items, not final actions):

• ACZR26/05: Framework for future text amendments on data centers and energy storage systems (definitions by type/power, CUP requirements in industrial districts, standards for screening, water/power, etc.). Aligns with county approach but applies only in city limits. City has a 12-month moratorium (adopted ~August 11, 2026) on accepting/processing data center applications and utility connections (inside and outside city limits).
• ACZR26/04 and CPA26/02 continued.

Earlier 2026 cases of note (status often pending or approved at PC and advanced):

• A26/02 (August): Annexation by St. Peters and Paul Orthodox Christian Church and 37th and Gage LLC (near SW 37th & Gage area).
• Other residential/multifamily or smaller items (e.g., duplex rezonings, PUD amendments for clinic/reuse, Shorey Estates plat, Habitat for Humanity).

Flagged items: 37th & Gage / Eveningside / California Crossing / Data Centers

• 37th & Gage area: Dollar General construction underway at the northwest corner (reported mid-2026; expected completion ~late September/early October 2026, opening soon after). Shovel-ready land (roughly 19–36 acres, graded) marketed by 37th & Gage LLC (linked to Dana K. Anderson/MCRE); across from Vern’s, near the church and Dollar General; preference for sale or partnership for mixed-use/multifamily/retail. Related annexation case A26/02. Earlier withdrawn multifamily zoning attempt (Z26/03).
• California Crossing: CID established (Ordinance ~February 2026) for improvements (interior/exterior, parking, lighting, signage, landscaping; estimated ~$6M+) in the area southeast of SE California Ave & SE 29th St; 1.5% CID sales tax.
• Data centers (high activity):
• City moratorium in effect; PC discussing definitions/standards (Types I–III by MW, CUP in I-1/I-2 and limited commercial/mixed, screening, water/power focus). County has its own CUP rules and a separate six-month moratorium (to ~Feb 17, 2027).
• Compass Datacenters: Large proposed campus (~10 buildings, hundreds of acres, SW 77th St / Wakarusa area, unincorporated; hundreds of MW potential). CUP application to county (initially incomplete, later supplemental materials).
• Forbes Field / MTAA: Nonbinding LOI (~third week of August 2026) with an unnamed developer for a smaller project on 30–40 acres (southwest area of site; two ~150,000 sf buildings expandable to four + substation; ~70–80 MW; closed-loop cooling; 45-year ground lease). Discussions with Evergy; application timing discussed post-county moratorium. City has indicated no additional water service extension for data centers. Recent local coverage (Capital-Journal, Oct 12).
• No new Eveningside-specific hits in recent official materials.

Incentives / Notable projects

• Project View District / “The Hutch” (Flaherty & Collins / Topeka FC 1, LLC): Downtown 192-unit market-rate apartments (mix of studios, 1- and 2-bedrooms; ~$50M) between SW Van Buren–Jackson and SW 6th–7th. RHID established (ordinance ~February 2026 after Dec 2025/Feb 2026 hearings); state review involved. Construction goal previously cited around Oct 2026 start with phased opening.
• Other RHID examples in 2026 process: Lauren’s Bay area (market-rate/higher-end single-family), 3D-printed homes concepts, Urish Road duplexes.
• QuikTrip (second location) rezoning/approvals advanced earlier for SW Gage & 29th area.
• I-470 interchange planning with KTA near SE 29th/California continues.
• Residential Development Forum registration and Affordable Housing Trust Fund activity ongoing; permit portal transition is the dominant operational update.

Bottom line for a commercial broker/developer: No major new commercial, industrial, multifamily, or mixed-use building permits or site plans are publicly detailed as “new” in the latest weekly reports or available DGM summaries beyond the portal transition itself. The most actionable items are the October 19 PC cases (especially the Amoco PUD and the LUGMP/text amendment discussions), ongoing 37th & Gage land/activity, California Crossing CID, the Project View RHID apartments, and data center policy/proposals (city moratorium + Forbes and Compass activity). Check Topeka Speaks packets for full staff reports and the Tyler portal (login) or call Planning (785-368-3728 / planning@topeka.org) or Development Services for the newest applications.

Fw: Lights

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Sent: Monday, 12 October 2026 14:40:26
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>; Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>; City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>
Cc: Jason Tryon <jtryon@topeka.org>
Subject: RE: Lights

 

Mr. McClure

 

Staff have verified that the two street lights identified in your letter are owned and maintained by Evergy and not the City.  Staff have notified Evergy of the issues and asked for repairs to be made

 

Thanks for letting us know about these issues so we could have Evergy address them

 

B

 

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2026 10:20 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Subject: Lights

 

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

 

 

 

 

---

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2026 7:17 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>
Subject: weeds

 

October 6, 2026

Brenda Younger, City Clerk City of Topeka 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166 Topeka, Kansas 66603

Re: Formal complaint and demand for inspection — vegetation and debris, SW Gage Boulevard, Arrowhead Plaza Sub, Parcel 1451504014037000 (QuickRef R59591)

Dear Ms. Younger:

This is a formal complaint. File it, and refer it today to the Property Maintenance Unit for inspection and enforcement. The vacant tract below is in violation. Weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and accumulated leaves stand along SW Gage Boulevard and the property edges. Neighbors have complained. The condition is visible from the public street. It is not being maintained.

Owner of record: Anderson Family Trust Mailing address: 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66609 Site: SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66614 Subdivision: Arrowhead Plaza Sub Size: 4.04 acres, no improvements (land use 9010, farming / ranch land) Parcel ID: 1451504014037000 · QuickRef R59591 Instrument: 2023R09530 · Tax unit 001

Topeka Municipal Code 8.60.150, which replaces Section 302.4 of the property maintenance code, requires premises to be kept free of vegetation in excess of twelve inches. Vegetation includes weeds, woody vines, volunteer saplings, shrubs, brush, grass, and uncultivated plants. Noxious weeds are prohibited. This tract is undeveloped and exceeds two acres, so subsection (d) still requires the owner to remove or destroy vegetation, other than grass or ground cover, within fifteen feet of any sidewalk, street, or adjacent property line. The sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation along the frontage are exterior debris and are part of this complaint. The owner of record is responsible. Vacant land is not exempt.

I expect the City Clerk to enter this complaint in the record and forward it immediately to the Property Maintenance Unit, 620 SE Madison, Unit 13, propertymaintenance@topeka.org, (785) 368-3161. The Unit is directed by its own procedure to review a weed complaint within 48 hours. I am asking that it do the following, and that I be told when each step is done:

1. Inspect the tract from the public right-of-way within 48 hours. Photograph the street frontage and the fifteen-foot strip along SW Gage Boulevard and every adjoining property line.
2. If a violation is confirmed, serve notice the same week on Anderson Family Trust at 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard and require the weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation to be cut and removed.
3. If the owner does not comply within the time allowed, abate the violation and assess the cost against the owner under TMC 8.60.150(e). Do not let the notice expire without action.

A commercial-frontage tract left in this condition is unfair to every owner who keeps property up. The code is clear. Enforce it. Confirm receipt of this letter, give me the case number, and report the inspection result in writing.

Respectfully,

Henry McClure MCRE, LLC 3625 SW 29th Street, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66614 785-383-9994 mcre13@gmail.com

cc: Property Maintenance Unit, propertymaintenance@topeka.org

 

Fw: weeds

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>
Sent: Monday, 12 October 2026 09:24:46
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>
Cc: Chris Vallejo <cvallejo@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Subject: RE: weeds

 

Good morning, everyone,

 

The Anderson Family Trust property was cited on 10/8/2026 by PMU Insp. Travis Hedrick. A reinspection is scheduled for 10/26/2026. If the property is found noncompliant at that time, PMU will start legal steps to abate the property.

 

For additional information, Insp. Hedrick can be contacted at 785.787.3177. Travis’ direct supervisor is Carlos Hernandez – 785.383.9128.

 

No need to file a formal complaint since the property was cited. If you have any questions, please contact me at 785.368.3170.

 

Have a great day

 

From: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2026 9:13
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>
Cc: John Schardine <jschardine@topeka.org>; Chris Vallejo <cvallejo@topeka.org>; Avery L. Moore <almoore@topeka.org>
Subject: Re: weeds

 

Mr. McClure,

 

Copying John Schardine on this email to provide an update.

 

Thanks,

Robert

 

Robert M. Perez, Ph.D. City Manager City of Topeka Phone 785-368-3725 Email rmperez@topeka.org

 

---

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2026 7:17 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>
Subject: weeds

 

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

 

October 6, 2026

Brenda Younger, City Clerk City of Topeka 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166 Topeka, Kansas 66603

Re: Formal complaint and demand for inspection — vegetation and debris, SW Gage Boulevard, Arrowhead Plaza Sub, Parcel 1451504014037000 (QuickRef R59591)

Dear Ms. Younger:

This is a formal complaint. File it, and refer it today to the Property Maintenance Unit for inspection and enforcement. The vacant tract below is in violation. Weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and accumulated leaves stand along SW Gage Boulevard and the property edges. Neighbors have complained. The condition is visible from the public street. It is not being maintained.

Owner of record: Anderson Family Trust Mailing address: 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66609 Site: SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66614 Subdivision: Arrowhead Plaza Sub Size: 4.04 acres, no improvements (land use 9010, farming / ranch land) Parcel ID: 1451504014037000 · QuickRef R59591 Instrument: 2023R09530 · Tax unit 001

Topeka Municipal Code 8.60.150, which replaces Section 302.4 of the property maintenance code, requires premises to be kept free of vegetation in excess of twelve inches. Vegetation includes weeds, woody vines, volunteer saplings, shrubs, brush, grass, and uncultivated plants. Noxious weeds are prohibited. This tract is undeveloped and exceeds two acres, so subsection (d) still requires the owner to remove or destroy vegetation, other than grass or ground cover, within fifteen feet of any sidewalk, street, or adjacent property line. The sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation along the frontage are exterior debris and are part of this complaint. The owner of record is responsible. Vacant land is not exempt.

I expect the City Clerk to enter this complaint in the record and forward it immediately to the Property Maintenance Unit, 620 SE Madison, Unit 13, propertymaintenance@topeka.org, (785) 368-3161. The Unit is directed by its own procedure to review a weed complaint within 48 hours. I am asking that it do the following, and that I be told when each step is done:

1. Inspect the tract from the public right-of-way within 48 hours. Photograph the street frontage and the fifteen-foot strip along SW Gage Boulevard and every adjoining property line.
2. If a violation is confirmed, serve notice the same week on Anderson Family Trust at 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard and require the weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation to be cut and removed.
3. If the owner does not comply within the time allowed, abate the violation and assess the cost against the owner under TMC 8.60.150(e). Do not let the notice expire without action.

A commercial-frontage tract left in this condition is unfair to every owner who keeps property up. The code is clear. Enforce it. Confirm receipt of this letter, give me the case number, and report the inspection result in writing.

Respectfully,

Henry McClure MCRE, LLC 3625 SW 29th Street, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66614 785-383-9994 mcre13@gmail.com

cc: Property Maintenance Unit, propertymaintenance@topeka.org

 

Fw: Lights

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 October 2026 22:19:53
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>; Braxton Copley <bcopley@topeka.org>
Subject: Lights

 

---

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2026 7:17 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; Sandra Lassiter <sandral2k9@gmail.com>
Subject: weeds

October 6, 2026

Brenda Younger, City Clerk City of Topeka 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166 Topeka, Kansas 66603

Re: Formal complaint and demand for inspection — vegetation and debris, SW Gage Boulevard, Arrowhead Plaza Sub, Parcel 1451504014037000 (QuickRef R59591)

Dear Ms. Younger:

This is a formal complaint. File it, and refer it today to the Property Maintenance Unit for inspection and enforcement. The vacant tract below is in violation. Weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and accumulated leaves stand along SW Gage Boulevard and the property edges. Neighbors have complained. The condition is visible from the public street. It is not being maintained.

Owner of record: Anderson Family Trust Mailing address: 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66609 Site: SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66614 Subdivision: Arrowhead Plaza Sub Size: 4.04 acres, no improvements (land use 9010, farming / ranch land) Parcel ID: 1451504014037000 · QuickRef R59591 Instrument: 2023R09530 · Tax unit 001

Topeka Municipal Code 8.60.150, which replaces Section 302.4 of the property maintenance code, requires premises to be kept free of vegetation in excess of twelve inches. Vegetation includes weeds, woody vines, volunteer saplings, shrubs, brush, grass, and uncultivated plants. Noxious weeds are prohibited. This tract is undeveloped and exceeds two acres, so subsection (d) still requires the owner to remove or destroy vegetation, other than grass or ground cover, within fifteen feet of any sidewalk, street, or adjacent property line. The sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation along the frontage are exterior debris and are part of this complaint. The owner of record is responsible. Vacant land is not exempt.

I expect the City Clerk to enter this complaint in the record and forward it immediately to the Property Maintenance Unit, 620 SE Madison, Unit 13, propertymaintenance@topeka.org, (785) 368-3161. The Unit is directed by its own procedure to review a weed complaint within 48 hours. I am asking that it do the following, and that I be told when each step is done:

1. Inspect the tract from the public right-of-way within 48 hours. Photograph the street frontage and the fifteen-foot strip along SW Gage Boulevard and every adjoining property line.
2. If a violation is confirmed, serve notice the same week on Anderson Family Trust at 5050 SW Topeka Boulevard and require the weeds, brush, sticks, limbs, and leaf accumulation to be cut and removed.
3. If the owner does not comply within the time allowed, abate the violation and assess the cost against the owner under TMC 8.60.150(e). Do not let the notice expire without action.

A commercial-frontage tract left in this condition is unfair to every owner who keeps property up. The code is clear. Enforce it. Confirm receipt of this letter, give me the case number, and report the inspection result in writing.

Respectfully,

Henry McClure MCRE, LLC 3625 SW 29th Street, Suite 100 Topeka, Kansas 66614 785-383-9994 mcre13@gmail.com

cc: Property Maintenance Unit, propertymaintenance@topeka.org