(Atlantic) KSOM/KS95 News continues our series of stories with the Vision Atlantic initiative. This $75 million transformative project includes 144 new housing units, an expansion of the YMCA, and a new childcare development center.
This series offers listeners and readers exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into this groundbreaking effort. Each week, a key leader or leaders speak about a different component of the project. Today, Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman and Atlantic Executive Chamber Director Bailey Smith provide information on how this Vision Atlantic Project impacts jobs.
Smith says the most frequently asked question since the project’s launch has been how it will impact jobs. Smith says this is the typical “chicken and the egg” problem. She says these employers, or corporations looking to locate in a particular community, look at the housing stock and childcare situation.
Smith says one of the top three amenities prospective employers consider is the availability of recreational opportunities in a community.
She emphasizes there is no lack of interest in Atlantic, but the major obstacles are a shortage of housing and a critical lack of childcare. Smith notes that the Ann Wickman Child Development Center regularly has 50 to 60 children on its waiting list, and many home childcare providers are closing due to retirement. She believes that if housing is developed, businesses will follow.
Bateman adds that Atlantic has one of the oldest housing stocks in the region. She says some current employers report that only a small portion of their workforce lives in Atlantic, mainly because of the limited number and condition of available homes.
Bateman says the project includes 1,200-square-foot main level homes with a finished basement, 1,800-square-foot homes, condominiums, and some three-story townhomes.
Bateman uses Cass Health as an example; it is the largest employer in the County, employing about 410 people. She says 60 percent of Cass Health Employees do not live in Atlantic, and 40 percent of the workers do not live in Cass County.
So, what kind of jobs could this new housing project bring to Atlantic? According to Smith, the most common question she hears is what types of businesses might come in that could compete with Walmart. She says only massive corporations can truly rival Walmart, but she does not believe attracting those big-box retailers is the right direction for the community.
Instead, Smith envisions small retailers offering unique products—items that can’t be found at a chain store—being drawn to Atlantic. She believes the new housing will attract entrepreneurs and inspire the growth of small, locally owned businesses.
Bateman echoes that sentiment, noting that community sustainability is stronger when built around smaller businesses employing 25 to 30 people. If one of those businesses leaves, it doesn’t have the same damaging impact as the closure of a major employer.
Smith also views the current housing shortage as a positive indicator—it shows that people want to live in Atlantic. She says building new homes is a necessary step to support that demand and continue the city’s growth.
Our series continues next week with a look at how Atlantic is marketing itself to prospective residents and businesses.
