KC Tenants Kill Riverfront Development?!?

Tonight we notice a weird flex and sign that this town's most prolific protest group still holds enough power to push back rigged Kansas City corporate welfare.

Moreover . . .

Consider that KC Tenants is highly organized and part of a coalition that represents urban activists, politicos, union interests and some small degree of constituent concern . . . In many ways, their protests are performative but also serve as an indication of back channel disputes . . . These disagreements were once handled with fancy dinners and backroom meetings . . . Now, I guess we can call it progress that power players are willing to share the spotlight with useful protesters.

Here's a bit of testimony that deserves consideration . . .

The vote to approve the Lux Living apartment complex stood at two comissioners in favor of the project and one against when it was Vice Chair Henok Tekeste's turn to vote.

He expressed doubt about the project after hearing objections to the plan from members of KC Tenants and other opponents. He withdrew his motion to advance the development. That refusal stopped the vote and for now, stopped the project.

Lux Living, the developer, wanted to build a $55 million complex on roughly two acres of land along the riverfront.

The plan called for 250 units and 250 parking spaces, according to information from Port KC.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Approval of riverfront apartment development fails at Monday's Port KC meeting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A change of heart by one Port KC commissioner during a vote Monday may have killed a proposed riverfront apartment development. The vote to approve the Lux Living apartment complex stood at two comissioners in favor of the project and one against when it was Vice Chair Henok Tekeste's turn to vote.

Riverfront apartment project in doubt after commissioners hear criticisms of St. Louis developer

Port Authority of Kansas City commissioners did not move forward with plans to award Lux Living tax incentives on a $55 million deal to develop apartments on the Berkley Riverfront after news stories detailed the developer's past in St. Louis.

Developing . . .