By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays City Commission approved two measures Thursday that will enhance growth and redevelopment north of Interstate 70.
The two items involve expansion by Lewis Auto Group in the 4000 block of North Vine.
JTL Leasing (Lewis Auto Group) has purchased two tracts near the intersection of East 41st Street and Sherman Avenue.
Lewis plans to use the existing building at 655 E. 41st St., formerly Vernie’s Toys 4 Trux, as a mechanic/service shop and build a structure in the vacant lot across the street to the west.
The properties are just outside the current city limits.
City commissioners unanimously approved requests to rezone the two tracts from general commercial to light industrial and to annex them into the city.
Both items were previously approved by the Hays Area Planning Commission.
"I think it's a really good opportunity for an existing business to expand close to their other business," Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said. All of these changes are really going to enhance that corridor."
A project change page was added to the draft 2025 budget regarding I-70 Exit 161.
Grow Hays recently received a $4.5 million grant from the state for retail economic development.
"There's been discussions, and 2 million of that will go to the city for the Braun property [infrastructure] construction," said Collin Bielser, Hays deputy city manager.
In 2019, the city purchased 90 acres immediately northeast of the I-70 Exit 161 interchange.
The project will extend utilities and other public infrastructure to the Exit 162 interchange, including internal infrastructure improvements to the city's property.
"This will promote the city's continued growth, readying land for development opportunities," Toby Dougherty, city manager, said Friday.
The design of the infrastructure improvements is expected to begin late this year, with construction starting in 2025.
The project does not impact the city's operational budget. The funding will come from the bond and interest mill levy.
Commissioners also approved Patricia Makings's mayoral appointment to a four–year term on the Hays Housing Authority.
Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.