development currently on revitalizing the water and sewer to add some additions to some lots that haven’t been developed in that area,” Myers notes. One infrastructure investment carries particular historical significance. Rathert Field, where baseball legend Jackie Robinson played during his service at Fort Riley, received comprehensive renovations through a partnership between the county and Junction City. “It’s made of native Kansas limestone where the stadium seats are and just really cool,” Giordano observes. “They’ve added a beer garden area and on opening night they had almost 300 people there, so it’s pretty popular.” The facility now hosts college-level baseball during summer months, combining historical preservation with active recreational use. HOUSING SOLUTIONS AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Junction City’s transformation from struggling municipality to recognized development success illustrates how strategic planning can reverse decades of decline.Three years ago, the city joined the Kansas Main Street program. “They’ve recently added 13 new businesses and over 90 jobs, and secured over $1 million in grants,” Giordano reports. “Downtown, they’ve had $8.5 million in investments, including a new brewery that we’ve also been involved in to give them the neighborhood revitalization program for tax abatements.” Housing development received a major boost through an innovative land bank program addressing past planning mistakes. Approximately Twenty years ago, the Defense Department announced plans to bring the historic 1st Infantry Division home, back to Ft. Riley, KS. In the euphoric excitement of the return of the “Big Red One”, Junction City was built by adding multiple housing developments simultaneously. The housing demand that Junction City prepared for did not come to fruition and Junction City was stuck holding the bag. The city now offers these prepared lots for $5,000 each, with a $4,000 rebate for builders who complete 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 GEARY COUNTY, KS
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