By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City businessman Todd Godfrey wants to purchase a vacant city-owned lot in the 900 block of North Washington Street for $1 in order to develop a Gastro Park concept. He is working with Bobby Santacroce, St. Marys, who is involved in a food truck network.
Godfrey told the city commission Tuesday night he has traveled to California two times to investigate this type of park. “where basically is a network of food trucks. ” It would consist partially of shipping containers that would include kitchens plus temporary pads allowing food trucks and trailers to hook up to water, sewer and electricity.
There would be eight to ten locations and an outdoor eating area with food from multiple nationalities that would be served. “We have some authentic Mexican food that wants to come in. Also we would be looking at serving craft beer and wine at that location as well.”
Godfrey said on a daily basis in that area primarily 18 to 45-year-olds go back and forth all day long. He wants the development to cater to that specific age group. He also noted that his proposal would include a five-year property tax abatement where the taxes would continue to be paid at their current rte and then be adjusted at the end of that period for the increase in the value of the property.
The site would be fenced in, include nearby parking, and a stage on-site for musical performances. An overhead canopy to provide sun protection, misters in the summer to keep the area cool or some radiant heat and a gas fire pit for the winter were other possibilities mentioned. Members of the public could possibly order food from food trucks on-site and have it delivered to their home.
Godfrey indicated that he has been informed that the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is all in on the idea as a way to attract outside visitors, and the Military Affairs Council has expressed interest in the concept as a way of possibly drawing visitors from Fort Riley. He stated that he would also form a committee comprised of local residents called Godfrey’s Gives “with the intent that organizations or citizens from this community could request funds from that account that would be disbursed in an amount not to exceed $500 per month for 60 months, which would be $30,000 over 60 months.”
Commissioners Phyllis Fitzgerald, Pat Landes, Jeff Underhill and Nick Allbritton all expressed support for the idea. There was no opposition from the governing body. City Manager Allen Dinkel wants to research building codes and is concerned about possible noise impact on residential neighbors in that area.
Landes told Godfrey the city will do research and see if the project can be done. He noted the concept is great but there are a lot of things to check on. More discussion could occur in the future.
No action was taken by the governing body Tuesday night.