Civic Affairs
Mayoral Candidate Jolie Justus Discusses Her Downtown Vision
(Editor’s note. Both mayoral candidates were invited by CityScene KC to write about their vision for greater downtown. Election Day is Tuesday, June 18) By Kansas City Councilwoman Jolie Justus, candidate for Mayor of Kansas City I am campaigning on a Neighborhoods First Agenda, and I see our downtown as a neighborhood. Downtown Kansas City…
State Historic Tax Credit Program Threatened, Major Downtown Redevelopment Tool
GUEST COMMENTARY By Elizabeth Rosin In 1998, Missouri enacted a state historic tax credit (HTC) to help property owners rehabilitate historic buildings. The impact of that legislation is evident when you look around downtown Kansas City. Today’s vibrant city owes much to the HTC. Since 2001, historic tax credits secured over $2 billion of private…
New Westport Master Plan Calls for Shorter Buildings, Wider Sidewalks
By Kevin Collison A new master plan intended to guide the future development of Westport over the next 20 years proposes height restrictions along its primary streets, wider sidewalks and potential historic designations for nearby neighborhoods. The Westport District Master Plan is in response to concerns two years ago over two large apartment proposals and…
Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum Salute Memorial Day
Downtown Kansas City is the place to commemorate Memorial Day activities this weekend with the World War I Museum offering half price admission and the KC Symphony performing its annual outdoor concert at Union Station Sunday. “During Memorial Day weekend, it’s important for people to spend time recognizing and honoring those who made the ultimate…
Group Hopes to Raise $500K to Defeat KC Incentive Cap Initiative
By Kevin Collison A development industry coalition backed by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is fighting a ballot initiative they say would cripple the city’s primary incentive program, property tax abatements. The “Committee for Kansas City Jobs” wants to raise $500,000 to defeat a petition initiative on the city ballot next month supported…