By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The agenda for Thursday’s Hays City Commission work session was short and each of the three discussion points involved new developments in the city.

“This is one of the most exciting programs we’ve had in a long time,” Commissioner Alaina Cunningham said. “So many growth plans.”

A partnership between DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services and RMDX Development, Omaha, Nebraska, proposes to construct a $9.8 million multifamily housing project featuring 136 apartments. It would be located on the southeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd St., just east of the Bright Minds Academy daycare.

The proposed “Victory Village” would include 48 market-rate units and 88 low-income units.

Brian Reilly, president of DP Management, said the company will apply for $650,000 in moderate-income housing grants from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and is asking the city for a resolution of support.

The developer is also partnering with Ellis County to submit an application for the low-income housing tax credit.

DP Management is already present in Hays.

Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, is managed by DP Management as a third-party project on behalf of the owner.

“We want to do this (housing) project independently. That’s what brought us here today. We think there’s a strong need for this housing and think we can execute it very well.” , Reilly said.

DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services has completed similar housing projects in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Norfolk and North Platte, Nebraska.

Reilly said construction could begin in October 2025 if the project is successful.

Hays Management Analyst Jarrod Kuckelman updated the CERVS project to build a new Phillips 66 convenience store and gas station at its 3701 Vine Street facility.

CERVS wants to establish a 1.5% Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax on the site. The developer estimates the tax will generate about $895,000 over the maximum 22-year term of the CID.

City staff recommends that the ordinance establishing the CID, adopting the sales tax and approving the development agreement be approved.

A design-build agreement for the transformation of the Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort, into the new Hays Police and Municipal Court facilities was presented by Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.

The city has shared space since 1976 with the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center at 105 W. 12th.

“This process has involved many phases and is almost ready for the start of the preliminary design of the renovation,” Bielser said.

City staff recommends that the governing body pursue the proposal submitted by PWC, Inc., Hays.

PWC submitted a lump sum amount of $182,000 to complete Phase 1 services. This will provide 30% design plans for the renovation and establish a guaranteed maximum price for the project. The project will be funded by temporary general obligation notes issued in October.

The commission proposed adding the three items to the agenda for a vote at its Nov. 14 meeting.

Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.