Business View Civil & Municipal Apr-2023

151 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 On sustainability, McCausland highlights the city’s focus on infill development, like the Heritage project, as an environmentally responsible approach to growth. By utilizing existing infrastructure and concentrating development within the city’s center, Andover minimizes the need to expand its borders. The city is also working to promote multi-modal transportation, encouraging more people to walk or cycle instead of relying on cars. With the upcoming expansion of Highway 54, McCausland notes that the community will soon enjoy increased connectivity, allowing people to cross the highway on bikes or foot safely. This improvement will benefit residents and contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts. Mayor Price adds that the community’s desire for walkability and green spaces makes it easier for city leaders to prioritize such initiatives. The input from citizens on parks and recreation projects often includes requests for wider sidewalks, better accessibility, and more green spaces. In response, the city is working to create safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting key areas like City Hall and 13th Street Park. The mayor emphasizes the importance of community engagement in guiding Andover’s growth and development. With a citizen-driven push for walkability and environmentally-friendly initiatives, the city is well-positioned to create a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant community. On a different note, Jones highlights a significant opportunity for workforce development in Andover through a partnership with Butler Community College and the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts. “We’re meeting with the president and the head of the Culinary Institute next week to talk about opportunities for their students to work in the restaurants at the Heritage,” Jones shares. There are also plans to develop a hotel site that could potentially employ these students, providing a unique solution to the staffing challenges faced by the food and entertainment industry. ANDOVER , KS