COFFEYVILLE — Additional concerns about a proposed housing development in downtown Coffeyville were aired by commissioner Jim Taylor, Sr., at Tuesday’s city commission meeting.

And, one other city commissioner said he was fed up with Taylor’s continued criticisms of the proposed development and city staff.

Taylor has addressed the issue of the so-called Garrison Project, named for the Kansas City-based company that plans to build the 32-unit apartment complex on property at Eighth and Union streets, at previous meetings and took time to read a statement that outlined 12 questions about the Garrison Project. Taylor’s questions were critical of the role of several city employees, specifically city planner Dennis Jacobs and city manager Jeff Morris, in the handling of the proposed development. Taylor’s line of questioning claimed that Morris and Jacobs did not fully divulge information about the proposed project to city commissioners. Taylor’s questions also were critical of the role of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, a state housing agency that provides various tax incentives and financial loans for the creation of income-based housing.

The commissioner, who assumed office in April, also claimed that the Garrison Project would eliminate a city-owned parking lot that provides necessary parking for downtown businesses and the nearby Shrine Barn.

However, city commissioner Alec Hendryx said city staff and previous city commissions did not hide any information about the Garrison Project to the public.

“I don’t really understand why you are saying we did not know about it or that we were deceptive or that it was hidden,” said Hendryx. “I knew about it. I remember.”

Hendryx said Taylor’s line of questioning showed a basic disagreement between Taylor and the rest of the commission regarding the revitalization of downtown Coffeyville.  Hendryx said he would hope the commission “would work to try to find a solution and try to make it a viable project instead of shooting it down, like you want to do.”

“I don’t want to shoot it down,” said Taylor. “I think it’s unfair to everybody who is working to restore downtown Coffeyville to take parking that, for decades, has been dedicated for use of the adjoining properties.”

Mayor Richard Gonazales said he has yet to hear negative comments from downtown Coffeyville property owners about the proposed Garrison Project.

“They are looking forward to the added business and the added traffic in downtown,” said Gonzales.

While Hendryx and Gonzales addressed specific concerns regarding the Garrison Project, one other commissioner expressed frustration with Taylor’s continued criticisms at each commission meeting.

“Half of those questions you asked have already been answered, and if you really want the answers to them, maybe you should go back and listen to the meetings that we’ve already had,” said commissioner R.J. Warren.

“I’ve listened to every meeting,” Taylor retorted.

“Obviously you haven’t,” said Warren.

Warren then suggested that Taylor have an open mind when debating city issues.

“Honestly, it’s obvious you don’t understand what is going on and you have a closed mind,” said Warren, “and everytime we get up here at a meeting, you are going to say your little piece about it. I’m not going to be in the business of really entertaining this kind of crud anymore because that’s what it is. If you honestly would pay attention and understand what these people say, you would have the answers to those questions. And, you just refuse to listen to those questions and stay close minded.

“All you are doing is bringing back stuff from the pastt and beat up the old commission. Seriously, put down the stick, and let’s move on, okay?” said Warren.