Posted on Wed, Nov. 18, 2009

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Commissioners vote down recommendation to negotiate with potential Kansas Coliseum developer

BY DEB GRUVER

The Wichita Eagle

WICHITA — Sedgwick County commissioners voted 3-2 today not to enter into negotiations with North American Management-Kansas to develop the Kansas Coliseum.

A committee that reviewed all three proposals had recommended the county proceed with North American, which proposed a $25 million plan that included the addition of three hotels and 250,000 square feet of mixed-use retail.

Commissioners Tim Norton, Karl Peterjohn and Dave Unruh all have said they have too many questions to feel comfortable moving forward.

Commissioner Kelly Parks, who voted with Gwen Welshimer in favor of negotiating with North American, showed his frustration.

"Be prepared to take your dog show downtown," Parks told those in the crowd who use the pavilions for dog and equestrian events.

"I'm going to tell you north end people, I tried," he said.

Parks said his district supports the North American proposal because it preserves Britt Brown Arena.

A committee had considered three proposals: North American's, one from Heritage Development Group and one from Hartman Arena. Heritage wanted to build the "Saddle Rock Rodeo Resort" at the Coliseum. Hartman later withdrew its plans.

North American proposes using $5 million in private money. It would ask the county to approve a tax increment finance district and STAR — sales tax and revenue — bonds to help finance its plans. A tax increment finance district would channel any increase in property taxes into a fund that pays for improvements such as landscaping, property acquisition and street and utility upgrades. STAR bonds help develop major commercial projects by channeling state sales tax revenue from businesses in the district toward public improvements.

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