Civic Affairs
Prospects ‘Bleak’ for Converting Old Buck O’Neil Bridge to Park
By Kevin Collison The prospect of the old Buck O’Neil Bridge being converted to a linear park is “bleak” according to a feasibility study that determined the proposal would cost $100 million, double the original estimate. The report also found that even if funding can be identified, significant parts of the 65 year-old span over…
South Loop Link Backers Seek $60M ‘Mega-Grant’ From Feds
By Kevin Collison Backers of the plan to deck the South Loop freeway with a four-block park are making a big ask from Washington, seeking a “mega-grant” that would greatly assure construction of the project. “We have applied for a $60 million mega-grant from the feds that’s part of the federal infrastructure program, Rebuilding America,”…
Catholic Diocese Serves Controversy with Plan to Move Homeless Breakfast Program
By Kevin Collison A storm is brewing over the Catholic Diocese’s desire to relocate its breakfast ministry for the homeless to its Chancery building in the heart of the Library District, a downtown area with hundreds of apartments and many small businesses. A spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph said the move…
Port KC Sticks with Familiar Firm to Continue South Loop Link Planning
By Kevin Collison Port KC is sticking with a familiar firm to continue planning the proposed South Loop Link, choosing HNTB to conduct the environmental and preliminary engineering work for the $160 million endeavor. Kansas City-based HNTB has been actively engaged with the concept of decking the I-670 freeway with a four-block park for more…
Fundraising for Hospital Hill Project Gets $30M Boost from Sunderland Foundation
A planned new teaching facility for UMKC medical and dental students on Hospital Hill has taken a big stride forward with a $30 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation. The donation for the $120 million project was announced last week at an event attended by Gov. Mike Parson. Earlier this year, the state approved $40…