UNL official offers insight to project, answers questions
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Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting was greeted by a full house.
Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting was greeted by a full house, both via Zoom and in-person at the courthouse.
The topic of discussion that brought so many? The potential designation of parts of Hamilton County as a National Heritage Area as part of the proposed Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership (KNHAP).
Commissioner John Thomas presented a proclamation to the board for its consideration, but later noted he is neither for, nor against, the potential designation.
County Clerk Jill DeMers read the proclamation into record. Summarized, Thomas’ offered proclamation noted that consideration had been given to the establishment of the KNHAP and it was found by the board to be unclear at this time in areas such as intent and objective.
Other offered perspectives in the proclamation included noting that an official feasibility study had not yet been completed and input from local citizens, organizations, government entities and other stakeholders had not been requested or considered.
“And whereas concerns have been expressed by Hamilton County citizens and others over possible infringement on the rights of private landowners, potential interference with local zoning board decisions, possible removal of land from the tax rolls and a lack of transparency concerning efforts to obtain this designation,” DeMers concluded. “Now therefore be it proclaimed the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, while acknowledging the need for the benefit of economic development, does not currently support the efforts of KNHAP in seeking designation of any part of Hamilton County as a National Heritage Area.”
To read more, please see this week's print or e-edition.
