By Michael Glenn
One of the first inside jokes of The Hutchinson Tribune was “Gina yells at something.”
Every Friday or Saturday, I’d set up the Sunday newsletter where Gina Long would write an opinion piece about a given topic. When she couldn’t decide what to write, I always suggested she “yell at something.”
So, naturally, I filled the newsletter placeholder with “Opinion: Gina yells at something,” and I was usually right.
Whether it was an energy corporation once again raising rates on its consumers or subpar sidewalks around town, Gina knew how to yell at some clouds.
So, as a callback to the 2023 editorial writer champion, I decided to revisit her style of writing for one of my last columns full-time with the Tribune.
I’ve had a dream opportunity for over two years reporting on this community. I have been able to see, learn and write about Hutchinson like I never thought possible. There are truly great people who live in this community and want it to thrive for generations to come.
However, if we want to encourage people to move and live in Hutchinson, we have to cater to people closer to my age rather than the social security age.
I’ve never believed the fact that “there’s nothing to do in Hutch,” but it’s not completely untruthful. We have great places in Hutch for friends and family to hang out, but nightlife and entertainment remain limited.
Furthermore, Hutch and many other places face an affordable housing crisis. With seemingly ever-increasing rent costs, young people need affordable and marketable housing to consider making a life here.
With those goals in mind, I do believe that we are in the right direction. We have the tools in our toolbox:
- The City of Hutchinson has approved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout most of the city. These allow lots to increase in population density while incentivizing homeowners to add to their property. They can be a great side-income for homeowners and an affordable housing option for young people.
- In 2023, we removed the 30% food rule for alcohol-serving establishments that forced them to focus on meeting statistics and not their business. Now, microbreweries, taprooms and other alcohol establishments can serve without worrying about getting shut down because they didn’t sell enough food.
- The Hutchinson Land Bank has pre-approved housing plans and lots for developers or anyone who wants to build a home. Single-family, duplex and quadplex options are all available.
- Tiny homes are being built in Hutchinson, with New Beginnings leading the way in providing affordable housing to the most vulnerable.
With these tools, all we need is the mindset. I’ve believed in the theme of Nike, “Just Do It.” Gina and I started the Tribune with a “Just Do It” mindset.
Unfortunately, some of us are not on the same page. There are those who shun any form of new, creative or unique development in Hutch because it’s exactly that; new. In the housing situation, they’re called “NIMBYs” or “Not in my Backyard.”
For any of our readers who are cautious, uninterested or opposed to making Hutch a denser, attractive place for young people, I ask you to take a look at the population of our town since around 1970.
It’s not great. We’ve flatlined and are starting to bleed a little bit.
We ought to give something new a try.
Infilled, dense development is better for residents and the city. The city doesn’t have to pay for new roads, sewer and water lines. Residents live closer to commerce and entertainment.
Even with the same size of the city, we can avoid sprawl that ultimately costs the city more than it can afford and grow our population.
The future of Hutchinson is at a crossroads. Do we choose a new option that will bring new people in town, or continue the status quo?
Our city cannot be scared to adapt to what the young people and families want in a city. They drive local commerce, keep the city’s coffers afloat and make Hutch what it is.
It’s time to “Just Do It” and take a leap into a new Hutch.