@BlogKCUpdate: The City Council decided not to act today. The loan has been delayed, and if it does come to pass it now looks like it will come from the airport, not capital improvements.
In recent years City Hall has taken a lot of heat for doling out TIFs and other tax breaks to affluent areas like the Country Club Plaza and the Northland, instead of truly needy areas like the East Side. Now the East Side has a proposed project in the Citadel Plaza shopping center. Sadly, it’s a deal with the devil, and neighborhoods all over the city could end up paying for it.
CDC-KC, the primary developer, has a history of trouble, breaking the law, and general incompetence. Their new partner, Block & Co. is much better – but they have a reputation for building awful suburban-style strip malls in urban neighborhoods. For example, the Midtown Costco/Home Depot, the Westport Sunfresh, or the cinder block strip mall on West 39th Street.
The latest news is that the developer wants a $20 million loan to make the project work. The City Council is poised to raid the capital improvements cookie jar to pay for it. That means taking money for streets, sidewalks, trails, flood control, community centers, etc. in all parts of the city. And with the project already in a precarious position, chances could be slim for that loan getting repaid.
The history of tax break abuse has put the Mayor and City Council in a very awkward position. They have to choose between making a financially irresponsible decision and yet again denying the East Side the tax breaks it deserves.
Tony’s Kansas City: Proposed funding for Citadel Plaza subverts PIAC process
Pitch: The cash-sucking Citadel Plaza won’t go away
Pitch: Your tax dollars not at work
KC Star: Council could vote today on rescue for Citadel project
