Broadway CID taking shape

broadway jazz clubMidtown development and creation of a Broadway CID (community improvement district) were big topics Tuesday at the Broadway Westport Council annual meeting.

Kevin Collison, development reporter for the Kansas City Star, moderated the discussion and began by summing up area activities.

Big initiatives continue with MAC Property Management historic building redevelopments that have spread from Armour Boulevard to the Ambassador apartments on Broadway, he said.

Work is starting on the Ambassador and more businesses have also opened in the area catering to young adults, he said.

People are also working toward creation this year of the Broadway Area Community Improvement District.

Realtor Greg Patterson said the CID would raise about $300,000 a year from a one-cent sales tax within the district. The money would go for things like security and marketing, he said.

Collison and two city experts said they support the concept of such CIDs, which are now in place for more than 30 areas in the city.

Jeff Williams, principal assistant to the department head at city planning and development, said, “Having a CID and allowing the business community to go forth with business and activities is stronger than the city trying to do the same thing.”

Collison also questioned what if anything is going on with Kansas City Life Insurance Co., the Broadway powerhouse that quietly controls much property in the area.

“I haven’t heard much of any concrete proposals from them,” he said.

And he warned that lawmakers in Jefferson City are once again discussing limiting the historic tax credits and affordable housing tax credits that have fueled massive redevelopment in Midtown and elsewhere.

Pete Fullerton, CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, said “My gut says we’re going to see a lot of talk in Jefferson City but I don’t know we will see significant action.”

At this point, he said, the governor and legislature cannot agree on enough to even negotiate a yearly budget.

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