In a groundbreaking turn of events, Jason Withington, the undisputed commissioner of Clay County, has once again taken it upon himself to save the day. With a cape made of hashtags (#ClayCountyRiverfrontRevival, anyone?), Withington is on a mission to revolutionize the county's riverfront scene. But hold on to your life jackets, folks, because this isn't just any old riverfront makeover. Withington has a blueprint for the fresh development that is underway for the historic Harlem district in Kansas City, situated on the Clay County side of the Missouri River. It was once a vibrant community in the 1800's but now is nothing but a series of vacant lots abutting the Levees next tot the downtown airport.
Among the key features of the redevelopment plan are a carefully designed parking garage, an event center, and a sprawling one-acre park. Additionally, the project will include infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with the popular Levee biking and hiking trail, providing residents and visitors with enhanced connectivity and recreational opportunities.
While the vision for the Harlem district's revival is ambitious, it comes with a price tag. According to projections, the redevelopment plan is expected to cost taxpayers approximately $4.5 million dollars. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits, including economic growth and community enhancement, justify the investment.
County officials are optimistic about the potential impact of the project, believing that it will not only rejuvenate the Harlem district but also serve as a catalyst for broader revitalization efforts in the surrounding area. As plans move forward, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the transformation of this historic neighborhood into a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
A blueprint for the fresh development is underway for the historic Harlem district in Kansas City, situated on the Clay County side of the Missouri River. Envisioned as a mixed-use venture, this project will predominantly focus on residential aspects, featuring a meticulously planned parking garage, an event center, a one-acre park, and integration with the Levee biking and hiking trail. The estimated cost for taxpayers is projected at $4.5 million.
No doubt with all the planned development on the Jackson county side of Missouri river front, Withington does not want Clay county left out. We can be sure of one thing, 30-year tax abatements will be par for the course robing the Clay County tax coffers. Oh, tax incentive financing, the magical solution to all our financial woes! Because, you know, nothing screams "sound fiscal policy" like the idea of giving away tax breaks like candy to big corporations. It's like saying, "Hey, let's burden the average taxpayer even more by letting those wealthy businesses off the hook!" Because who needs fair taxation when you can just shift the burden onto the little guy, am I right? So, go ahead, let's keep funneling money away from essential services and infrastructure while those big corporations laugh all the way to the bank. Brilliant strategy, really.
Kind of makes me go hmmm... this lil rock can remember many times that area was underwater due to the Missouri overflowing it's Banks... There is a reason the city is on top of the hill now when it used to be at the bottom by the River, because of the flooding... Every 50 years or so Kansas City has a great flood which occurred in 1903, 1953, and the last one 1993. We are due for one in the 2030s. There is a reason that historically, the West Bottoms and the riverfront areas only had industrial development. The real estate companies developing the West Bottoms and the riverfront areas in Clay and Jackson counties are in for a rude awakening.
With the anticipated expansion of the Riverfront Heritage Trail towards the east on the southern riverfront, coupled with potential development initiatives, Withington is poised to facilitate a comprehensive loop encircling the river, catering to recreational pursuits, transportation needs, and enhancing access to verdant spaces.
And hold onto your hats, folks, because this levee trail study is apparently the next big thing since sliced bread, following hot on the heels of North Kansas City's riveting 2020 bike master plan. Led by the ever-so-exciting Community Planning program of BikeWalkKC, this planning extravaganza is expected to deliver a thrilling final report to the city council in June 2024. Brace yourselves for the big reveal of whether it's actually feasible to build yet another trail.
According to sources close to the situation (aka, the Facebook comments section), Withington has been pulling out all the stops lately. Last week, he graced Senator Eric Schmitt's KC office with his presence, presumably leaving a trail of #ClayCounty dreams in his wake. And now, brace yourselves, he's rubbing elbows with none other than Congressman Cleaver himself. Move over, Avengers, Clay County's got a new superhero.
But amidst the glittering promises of riverfront glory, Do we dare to ask the tough questions. Is there a voice of reason in a sea of development madness.
"Can the fire station at the airport respond to Harlem?" one commentor boldly questioned, puncturing the balloon of progress with a much-needed reality check, not content with simply basking in Withington's greatness, dared to inquire about the pesky little detail of emergency services.
And what a reality check it was. Turns out, the fire station at the downtown airport is about as manned as a ghost town on a Tuesday night. In other words, when your house is on fire, don't hold your breath for a speedy rescue from the airport firefighters. In the end, while Clay County may still be waiting for its riverfront revival.
But fear not, dear citizens, for Congressman Cleaver might be on the case. With all the grace of a seasoned politician, he gracefully acknowledges concerns while expertly dodging any actual responsibility.
By Josiah Bechthold
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