By Kathy Feist
The housing project planned for 128th and Holmes Road has been voted down by the city council.
“I hate to celebrate the killing of a project,” said Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus. “But it’s not the right project for that spot.”
McManus made the announcement Friday morning, December 9th, at the Sixth District Community meeting held at the Trailside Center.
Limeview Development had proposed a residential development at 12800 Holmes Rd. (near Blue Ridge Blvd) consisting of 19 single family homes on 5.6 acres of undeveloped wooded property.
The adjacent Woodbridge residents were vocal at a June 28th presentation about traffic, density, lack of space for parking as well as greenspace. After a petition presented by the neighborhood was presented to the city council, Limeview’s request for rezoning and approval of the preliminary plat was voted down at the December 8th City Council meeting.
McManus said that while new housing is needed in the city, “we want the development to be the right kind of housing,” he said.
Short Term Rentals
McManus also discussed a recent audit report on short-term rentals, also known as vacation rentals.
The report found that local regulations involving permits were not being enforced, amounting to a $1 million loss to the city. It was recommended that the city follow enforcement regulations similar to other local jurisdictions. The measure would require voter approval.
An online survey has been established for residents to voice their concerns regarding short-term rentals. The survey closes December 15.
Sidewalks
A community survey regarding sidewalks will close at the end of the month. The survey is part of the Sidewalks Prioritization Plan.
Parks
Richard Allen, Landscape Architect with KCMO Parks and Recreation, announced that the Blue River Trail would receive improvements south of Minor Park, thanks to a grant that also includes trails in Swope Park.
The $80 million general obligation bond approved by voters in November that would improve community centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, shelters, and tennis courts will be divided into $10 million disbursements per council district, with the final $30 million being dispersed toward the end of the plan. Allen said he was excited to see improvements being made to the community centers, which were built prior to the 1990s.
Lisa Treese, Parks and Recreation Landscape Architect, discussed the new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which is updated every 20 years.
She said the plan was currently in Phase I: community engagement. So far, only 100 people have participated, despite three open houses in different parts of the city and four pop-up events. She said more participation is necessary. The community can provide input via an online survey.
Indian Creek Trail
McManus fielded questions from an audience member over concerns about trash and safety along Indian Creek Trail.
He said that since the murder of Coach’s restaurant owner Mike Darby along the trail in 2017, lights, cameras and patrols have been installed. A former park ranger system and restricted park hours were reintroduced. However, more funding is needed for the park ranger system. There are only two to three rangers for the 221 parks in Kansas City. McManus pointed out that Jackson County has 20 park rangers.
Finally, McManus said it was against state law to habitate under bridges in answer to a homeless question along the trails.