Former rabbit, poultry building recommended for city rezoning

Another piece of the former Jackson County Fairgrounds could be sold and developed for retail use in the near future, the Holton Planning Commission noted at its regular monthly meeting on Monday.

City planners recommended for approval a zoning change on property owned by the Jackson County Fair Association in the 400 block of Dakota Avenue from R-3 (multiple-family dwelling district) zoning to C-S (highway service district) zoning. Acting City Manager Kerwin McKee said the matter is expected to be finalized by the Holton City Commission at its Monday, July 18 meeting.

Fair Association President Aaron Allen told planners that the zoning change, which affects the former rabbit and poultry building at the former fairgrounds, was being sought as a “potential buyer” for the property had requested the change “for a retail-type store,” McKee said.

Allen declined to identify that “potential buyer” during Monday’s meeting, McKee added.

If the property is sold, McKee noted, the sale would leave the Fair Association with only two parcels of the former fairgrounds — two lots located immediately north of the new Casey’s General Store on U.S. Highway 75 — left to sell.

Land where the former fairgrounds arena and livestock barns were located is now the site of the new Casey’s, and Holton USD 336 purchased the former Fair Building and parking lot across the street for construction of the new Holton Elementary School, it was reported. The fair will note its second full year at its new home, the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, south of Holton, next month.