Woodhaven proposal draws large turnout at meeting

Michael Gilmore, Great Bend Tribune, Kan.
·2 min read
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Mar. 14—ELLINWOOD — In continuation of a proposal brought last month to the Ellinwood City Council, the governing body agreed Tuesday that it would not support a plan to locate a shelter for immigrants seeking permanent U.S. residency in the community.

Ellinwood City Administrator Chris Komarek cited difficulties in zoning such a structure in the community was a major factor in the decision.

"After reviewing the definition and then applying it as an allowed use in an R-3 district, it doesn't meet required criteria, nor does it fit the use under any zoning district within the city," he said.

Additionally, in order to request a zoning change, those making the request must own the property, he said.

Tuesday's decision closed discussion on a proposal from Royal Flagg, representing a company intending to buy the former Woodhaven property to house approximately 20-100 immigrants seeking to complete the U.S. naturalization process. Flagg introduced himself as director of operations for the company Helping Other People Evolve, representing Alex and Bryce Carbajal as administrators.

Mayor Irlan Fullbright brought discussion to a close, noting that because the property had not yet been purchased from owners Azria Health, any zoning request would be "a moot point."

In expectation of a large attendance from the community, the meeting was moved from the Ellinwood City Office to the Ellinwood Public library. Approximately 100 Ellinwood residents were present at the meeting to hear the discussion, occurring at the top of Tuesday's agenda.

Komarek noted that since the February meeting, staff had met in person with Flagg once and had several other communications, saying that the definition of "shelter" would be the intended use for the proposal.

Questions from the audience included why the city didn't just buy the property and then tear it down.

Komarek said that with the projects currently underway the city budget would not cover a low bid of $250,000 for the property, which is currently being listed at $425,000. "That would make for some pretty expensive lots," Komarek noted.

"With all that we are doing, we just wouldn't be able to squeeze out that much money," noted Councilman Ken Lebbin.