The Wichita City Council has tabled a plan that would provide proceeds from sales tax bonds for a proposed bowling and entertainment complex in the city.
Developers of the facility said the complex would house the Gordon Vadakin School of Bowling, but Vadakin asked the city to remove his name from the project after the proposal became public.
Vadakin was coach of the bowling team at Wichita State University when it won 14 national collegiate championships.
The council will conduct a workshop next month to review the proposal for sales tax and revenue bonds before deciding whether to give its initial approval.
Developer Jay Maxwell is asking the city to support his plan to build the facility with proceeds from STAR bonds, which are supported by state and local sales taxes generated from a designated development.
Local governments issue the STAR bonds, but the projects must be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for approval.
State law requires a STAR bond project to be a major attraction for out-of-state tourists, cost at least $50 million to build, and generate at least $50 million in annual sales upon completion. Bond proceeds can be used for infrastructure and other site costs, but cannot provide more than 50% of the financing for a project.
The proposed Bowllagio development also includes a large family-entertainment center, restaurants, retail stores, and two hotels.
