Mayor Lucas and City Council today approved an ordinance establishing a five-year moratorium on permits, licenses, zoning and other approvals for non-municipal detention facilities in Kansas City. The measure, introduced by Mayor Lucas, comes as press reports indicate Kansas City is under consideration as a potential site for a mass detention facility holding up to 10,000 persons.
The ordinance applies to any application to establish or expand detention, corrections or carceral facilities not owned or operated by the city through January 15, 2031. The moratorium applies to any pending and future applications.
The city will use all available legal tools to enforce the moratorium.
“We consistently hear from residents that Kansas City’s focus should be on economic development and housing, not mass detention facilities holding thousands,” Mayor Lucas said. “Our priority is building businesses, homes, and schools that strengthen and grow our community.”
A former Amazon facility located in south Kansas City at 4001 E 149 St. (150 Hwy and Botts Road) was listed as one of several potential sites for a detention center, according to the Washington Post . This morning ICE officials were given a tour of the facility, according to Manny Abarca, Jackson County Legislative Chairman.
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