Kansas City Councilman Quinton Lucas Considers Midtown Plaza Area Plan

A well thought out opinion on Plaza development from the rookie 3rd District At-large Council dude who might not yet understand that "Save The Plaza" people are richer than most developers, rightfully unimpressed with just about every construction drawing and proudly flex their muscle and control over what they believe is the most valuable piece of property from here to Chicago going East and Denver going West with absolutely no respect for Leawood, Ks . . . But I digress . . . 

Check this missive that hopes to offer reason to rich people who have enough money not to care . . .

3rd District At-Large Councilman Quinton Lucas: "Flexibility is key to land use policy. Our rigidity yesterday is not, particularly where if applied consistently in our city, we should not approve another area plan amendment anywhere again.

"Finally, let me speak to the fact the developer sought no incentives and that the project attempted to attract more people and apartment dwellers of all ages to the Plaza. I have written lots on incentives and was heartened by the fact that the developers sought to build the project in the city with all the attendant expenses and did not contend they needed public support. The Kansas City School District, the City, and others were set to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars from the project, which we will not see. On the latter point, I regret that our choice yesterday made the Plaza seem less welcoming than we would like it to be. Areas progress with time. Apartments with the ability to attract medical employees at the across-the-street St. Luke's seemed like a no-brainer, so too did a use for an assisted living facility that offered walkability, convenience to the Plaza, accessibility to public transit, and density that could support nearby shops on the Plaza. The projects also supported new jobs for people in other parts of the city, including my area, who may be able to find employment either in construction or at the long-term care facility . . ."

Read the whole thing here . . .

You decide . . .