Category: Wyandotte County

UG pushes back start of hotel at Hollywood Casino at Speedway

The Unified Government Commission tonight pushed back the start of construction of a hotel at the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

The extra time was added to the expected start date in order to allow a UG feasibility study on a convention center to be completed, according to UG officials.

Under the proposal approved tonight, whenever the UG notifies Kansas Entertainment about its “final disposition” on the feasibility study, if a joint project between Kansas Entertainment and the UG is not feasible, the casino parent company then would have 100 extra days afterward to break ground on the hotel. However, the groundbreaking would not have to take place during winter conditions.

If a joint convention center-hotel project between the UG and casino owners is feasible, then the UG plans to negotiate with Kansas Entertainment on a mutually acceptable groundbreaking date and terms for the project, according to tonight’s resolution.

In May the casino had announced it would start construction in October for the new hotel. The UG, however, since then has approved a feasibility study on a convention center to be located somewhere in western Wyandotte County.

UG Administrator Doug Bach said the casino still would maintain a commitment to build its hotel. A feasibility study may determine that a convention center would best be located next to the casino, or in another location in western Wyandotte County, or the study may determine it is not feasible.

If the feasibility study says the convention center would best be located near the casino, then plans for the hotel might have to be discussed and possibly modified to include the convention center, he said.

Commissioner Mike Kane pointed out that it is the UG, not the casino, that is pushing back the start date to explore the idea of a convention center.

Mayor Mark Holland said the casino has been enormously cooperative with the UG taking the initiative to look into a convention center.

The casino had received an extension from the UG of 90 days earlier this year on its decision to build a hotel. The casino’s parent company then agreed May 1 to build a new hotel.

In January, officials said a hotel with a minimum of 250 rooms would be expected to cost from $55 million to $75 million.

Years ago, a development agreement with the UG called for a penalty of 1 percent of the annual gaming revenues, estimated at more than $1 million, if construction on a hotel was not started by February of this year. That date was two years after the casino opened. Tonight’s vote extended the start date.

In other action, the commission approved a resolution to issue $15 million in industrial revenue bonds for a redevelopment project at the levee at Kaw Point.

Buildings will be demolished and a new industrial building of more than 300,000 square feet will be built, according to Brent Miles of NorthPoint Development.

“This is a building that currently does not exist in Wyandotte County,” Miles said. “You lack Class A modern industrial buildings. They don’t exist in your community.”

The $21.5 million project also includes upgrades for one existing building, changes to access, signs and lighting for Kaw Point Park. Eventually the development could employ more than 340 people, he estimated.

He said the building would be ready for tenants in 2015. It will be a good core distribution building, ideal for suppliers, he said. He said the developers have exceeded their goals of hiring women, minority and local persons.

Six of the 22 current tenants would stay on site, while others would need to relocate. While some tenant issues have been resolved, one person attended the meeting to make a comment.

One businessman attended the meeting to say that he signed a three-year lease only eight or nine months ago, and now he is being told to move. He said he was assured of three years when he signed his lease. He said that he had put tens of thousands of dollars into infrastructure, and was offered a compensation of only about a fourth of what he already had invested.

Commissioner Brian McKiernan asked developers and UG staff to reach out to the businessman to discuss his relocation efforts.

Community calendar

The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to [email protected] and include your name and phone number.

Sign up for library’s reading program
The Kansas City, Kan., Public Library’s summer reading program has started signing up readers. The program runs from June 1 to July 31. Participate at any of the five library branches. After signing up, participants may start logging books on June 1. For more information, visit the website at www.kckpl.org.

Addictions support group to meet
“All Addictions Group,” a free support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction, at any stage of recovery, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Call 913-906-8990 or register online at www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

UG Commission to meet June 26
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. June 26 at City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th, Kansas City, Kan. An agenda may be posted at www.wycokck.org. A special session of the UG Commission at 5 p.m. at City Hall will precede the regular meeting.

Bonner Springs to hold arts festival June 28
A Festival of the Arts will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, in downtown Bonner Springs. Admission is free. After the event, fireworks will follow by Bonner Blast. There will be fine arts displays, performances, live music, custom crafts vendors, cultural cuisines, circus acts, a kids’ creative corner, magician, dancers, martial arts and food truck. In case of inclement weather, the alternate location is Bonner Springs High School. The event is presented by the Bonner Springs Arts Alliance. For more information, see www.bonnerspringsartsalliance.org/.

CHWC fundraiser planned June 28
CHWC will hold a fundraiser for community redevelopment at 5 p.m. June 28 at Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kan. At the event, the “Continue the Legacy” award will be presented to Craig and Karen Gaffney in honor of their dedication to Community Housing of Wyandotte County, and the Gaffneys’ philanthropic work in the community. The fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. June 28 with cocktails. Dinner, dancing, an auction and field activities will follow. Last year, the event raised nearly $100,000 for the organization. Individual tickets are $75, and table sponsorships start at $1,000. To register for the event, visit www.chwckck.org and click on the event button.

Summer concert to be June 28 at Legends
Dave and Buster’s Summer Concert Series will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 218, on the rooftop patio at The Legends Outlets. Allied Saints will perform from 9 p.m. to close June 28. Different bands will play on Saturdays through September, excluding July 5.

Libertarian Party to meet June 29
The Libertarian Party will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in City Park in the City Park North Shelter, 32nd and Park Drive, (north side), Kansas City, Kan.

Free summer movies offered
The Legends 14 Theatres will present “Rugrats in Paris,” rated G, and “Despicable Me2,” rated PG, at 10 a.m. July 1, 2 and 3. Admission is free. All ages and groups are welcome. Doors open at 9 a.m. Seating is limited to availability. The current feature films are not included in the free admission, and the schedule is subject to change.

Free fireworks display planned
A free community fireworks display is planned July 3, after dark, at Pierson Park, South 55th and Douglas, Kansas City, Kan. It is sponsored by the Turner Recreation Commission.

Blood drive scheduled
A Red Cross blood drive has been scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. July 8 at Curves, 1224 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online to www.redcrossblood.org/.

Mental Health First Aid Day planned
Kansas City’s first Mental Health First Aid Day is planned for Thursday, July 10. Six sites throughout metropolitan Kansas City, including one in Kansas City, Kan., are participating in the event. It is sponsored by the Metropolitan Council of Community Mental Health Centers. The goal of the event is to teach mental health first aid and youth mental health first aid courses at no cost to more than 250 people. It would be the largest number of people to train at one time in the metropolitan area. In Kansas City, Kan., a class will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 10 at the Kansas City, Kan., Public School Central Office, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kan. Participants will learn what to do if an adult or child is experiencing a mental health crisis. The course teaches about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, gives confidence to reach out to people in need, and skills to respond to a mental health crisis. Participants will receive a manual and certificate upon successful completion of the course, and information about accessing local services. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Those who are interested in attending the course may contact Beth Yoder Stein at [email protected] or Mark Wiebe at [email protected].

UG Ethics Commission to meet July 10
The Unified Government Ethics Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 10, on the second floor, Wyandotte County Courthouse, Division 18, old county commissioners’ chambers, 710 N. 7th, Kansas City, Kan.

Color Vibe 5K to raise funds for United Way
The Color Vibe 5K will raise funds July 12 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark for the United Way of Wyandotte County. In the Color Vibe 5K, participants run through color stations and get covered in vibrant 100 percent safe colored cornstarch powder. Runners, young and old, beginner and advanced, are invited to walk, jog, skip, or even dance through the entire course. At the finish line Color Vibe throws a giant dance party complete with large color throws that douse participants in another layer of color. Registration fees cover the participant’s packet, which includes an official white Color Vibe T-shirt, racing bib, sunglasses, and a pack of color. More information and registration can be found at http://www.thecolorvibe.com/kansascity.php. CommunityAmerica Ballpark is at 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. The event begins at 9 a.m. July 12.

Night Charity Golf Tournament planned
A Night Charity Golf Tournament is planned on Friday, July 18, at Painted Hills Golf Course, 7101 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. The event is sponsored by Greater Kansas City Civitan International and Civitan Club Dotte. It will benefit local charities. The cost of the event is $125 per person, which includes supplies, green fees, cart, dinner, awards reception, trophies and prizes. After June 18, registration fee is $150. Sponsorships are available. It is a four-person singles paired or scramble. Registration is at 5 p.m., followed by a shotgun start at 6 p.m. The Night Golf has a shotgun start at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 913-208-3533 or email [email protected].

Museum plans lock-in
An all-night lock-in is planned from 7 p.m. July 18 to 8 a.m. July 19 at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum, 126th and State. The event on July 18 is for girls ages 8 to 12. A safe night at the museum, tour, hands-on projects, evening snacks and a movie are planned. Boys will have a similar event on July 25. The cost is $25 per child. One adult must attend. Reservations are required. For information, call 913-573-5002.

Program offered on cropping systems
K-State Research and Extension is offering a workshop on “Low-till/No-till Cropping Systems” on July 21 in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, visit http://www.growinggrowers.org.

Concert scheduled July 31 at outdoor theater
As part of the Warped Tour, Of Mice and Men is comng to Bonner Springs, Kan., July 31 to play Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, 126th and State Avenue. Some of the albums of the heavy rocker group are “The Flood” and “Restoring Force.”

African-American Art Festival planned Aug. 9
The MoKan African-American Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Quindaro Park, 35th and Sewell, Kansas City, Kan. Those attending the free event may bring a blanket, enjoy artwork, stilt walkers Gullah basket weathers, African drummers and dancers, food and vendors. For more information about having an art exhibit there or being a vendor, contact 913-788-7330.

Commerce Department helps add jobs

Views West
by Murrel Bland
The number of Kansans working today, about 1.4 million, is about the same number as those working before the “Great Recession” hit in 2007. That was the message that Dan Lara brought to the Congressional Forum at its monthly luncheon meeting at the Reardon Convention Center.
Lara, who handles public affairs for the Kansas Department of Commerce, was the featured speaker at the meeting. He was substituting for his boss, Pat George, who is Secretary of Commerce. George was attending to family business.
Lara is a former press secretary for Sam Brownback when he was U.S. senator. Brownback is now governor seeking his second term.
Lara told of various success stories of companies that the Department of Commerce has helped including two in Lenexa. They are Quest Diagnostics which will employ 500 persons and Grantham University that will employ 400.
The employment rate in Kansas in May was 4.8 percent compared to 6.1 percent this time last year, according to the Kansas Department of Labor. The unemployment rate in Wyandotte County for May was 7.8 percent.
The Commerce Department has launched the “KanVet” program that is an aggressive effort to employee military veterans. It asks private and public sector employers to take a pledge to help hire veterans; those who have taken the pledge include Country Club Bank, Kansas City Power and Light and Rental City. After businesses take the pledge, staff members from the Commerce Department work with businesses to link qualified veterans with job openings.
Lara also told of the Rural Opportunity Zone program offered in 73 Kansas counties. Such counties are authorized to provide a state income tax waiver for up to five years or to pay student loans up to $15,000 or both. To be eligible for the program, a person must establish residency in one of the 73 counties after July 1, 2011, live outside Kansas for five years previous and have earned less than $10,000 in each of the five years before coming to Kansas.
Lara said the program was successful in attracting engineering graduates, among other professionals.
Bob Kimball, a member of the Congressional Forum whose family was a longtime business owner in the Fairfax industrial area, questioned whether the program was fair to engineering students who were Kansas residents and graduates of the University of Kansas or Kansas State University; they would not be eligible.
I asked Lara if there was any possibility for an urban opportunity zone in Wyandotte County. I explained that Wyandotte County faces the same problem as many rural counties with the loss of population. Lara said such an urban program might be considered.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.