Civic Affairs
Katz Owner Seeks Demo Permit After Redevelopment Plan Denied
(Updated July 1: The City Council voted 9-2 to reconsider the Katz redevelopment project and send it back to committee at the request of the proposal’s sponsor City Councilwoman Katheryn Shields. Shields said Councilman Eric Bunch, who sponsored the amendment to reduce the proposal’s property tax abatement and add a requirement for affordable housing and…
UMKC Proposing Student Housing, Retail by Planned Streetcar Terminus
By Kevin Collison A new UMKC master plan that calls for developing housing for 500 students along with retail space at the terminus of the planned streetcar route has been approved by the University of Missouri Board of Curators. The proposed development is part of a larger UMKC Master Plan 2021 for the Volker and…
Grand Avenue Temple Closes, Downtown Sanctuary Since 1912
GUEST COMMENTARY By Bryan Cisler After more than 100 years, today (June 27) was the final service for Grand Avenue Temple – a Methodist church in downtown Kansas City at Ninth and Grand Avenue. I wasn’t a member there but I decided to attend the last service. I hung around afterwards and talked to some…
City Hall Routes Streetcar Tax Assessment Down Wrong Track
By Kevin Collison The streetcar financial board plan to inform property owners about the upcoming special tax assessment for the Main Street expansion was derailed recently when thousands of additional letters were mailed in error due to a City Hall screwup. The board wanted to inform property owners who’ll pay the special assessment within the…
‘War Remains,’ Virtual Visit to Trench Combat ‘Hell,’ Sellout WWI Museum Attraction
By Kevin Collison You could call “War Remains,” the new virtual reality experience at the National World War I Museum, a blockbuster attraction, except for its solitary nature, one person can visit every 15 minutes. The exhibition has been a sellout since opening shortly before Memorial Day weekend and is completely booked at this point…