The Unified Government Commission decided to wait until May 29 to vote on a downtown redevelopment project at 736 Minnesota Ave.
Former Mayor Joe Reardon presented the project on behalf of Loretto Properties, which is redeveloping that building and the old Katz building nearby. As part of the proposed agreement, the UG would be asked to move up the scheduled renovations to Minnesota Avenue. Lamar Hunt Jr. and James Arkell with Loretto Properties are developing the project.
Reardon said the project would be a model showcase for development in the downtown corridor.
At the May 15 UG meeting, Commissioners Angela Markley and Hal Walker wanted more information before voting for the proposal.
Markley said that she appreciates the project, but if the UG pays for the street renovations this year, that means something else will not get done, and it’s important to know what that project would be.
The UG Commission will look at the capital maintenance improvement projects on May 22. The special meeting will be at 5 p.m. May 22 in the fifth floor conference room, Suite 515, at City Hall, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan.
After that, the commission is expected to vote on the development project on May 29.
To see an earlier story, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/downtown-redevelopment-project-proposed-on-the-avenue/