Merriam, Kan. -- Fear and anxiety are growing for a group of long-time business owners in downtown Merriam, Kansas — many of whom may soon be forced out, not by weather, but by a proposed city plan.

The area, located on a floodplain, is now at the center of a controversial debate over managing future flooding risks. However, the area hasn’t seen a flood in nearly 30 years.

Now, the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working on a plan to prevent another disaster.

But one proposed fix, introduced at the most recent Merriam City Council meeting, has business owners alarmed.

The plan would level all the businesses inside the marked red square in downtown — in an effort to address potential flooding.

Among those affected is Dan Leap, who owns Guitar Lamp.

"I don't want to lose

See Full Page