The Garnett City Commission is mulling the idea of forming a land bank to take control of the Old Pennsylvania Hotel which housed Denise’s Cafe. The property in downtown Garnett did not sell in the latest county tax sale. City Manager Chris Weiner mentioned the possibility of pulling the property into a land bank at the last city commission meeting. Mayor Greg Gwin rationalized the decision by having a discussion with City Attorney Terry Solander.
Commissioner Bridgette Brecheisen Huss objects to the idea of a land bank. She says it smells of socialism, when government dictates business and economic development. The commissioners agreed to have an expert on land banks come in and discuss the issue with them, including the pros and cons of pulling properties in. Weiner says he would like to have a decision before the joint meeting between the city, county, and school district in February.
