NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton explained online this week what they plan to do with the 320 North Main old Dillons property that was originally purchased for a police station.
The City did originally purchase the property at 320 N. Main with the intention to build a new police station and municipal court facility.
During the design process, however, the Newton City Commission determined the cost was too high to build the facility. They instead opted to partner with Harvey County to remodel the existing Law Enforcement Center to make better use of the space. That project was completed in 2020.
Soil at the Main Street site was found to be contaminated with diesel fuel from BNSF Railway. The plan now is for the old Dillons building to be demolished, the soil contamination to be cleaned up, and the property marketed for redevelopment.
The City likely will issue a Request for Proposals from developers to purchase and develop the property to its highest and best use, commercial retail/dining/entertainment. Asbestos has been removed from the building, and it is ready for demolition. A waste management plan has been developed for testing and removal of any soil that comes out when the footings of the building are removed.
Earlier this spring, BNSF staff verbally agreed to pay for the soil removal costs should they be contaminated. The City is waiting on an agreement for review to solidify their willingness to pay before demolition begins.
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