Wizards Fans: As you know, the Wizards’ ownership (OnGoal, LLC) is in a continuing search for a permanent stadium to call home. To that end, OnGoal’s developer, Lane4 Property Group have proposed a complex to be built in the Three Trails District (otherwise known as the area that held Bannister Mall and its surroundings). It is not the only option, but it is certainly the farthest along, and we need your support. A few highlights of the project: 1. 18,500 seat soccer stadium 2. At least 12 tournament-quality soccer fields 3. 590 hotel rooms, including a new 250 room hotel attached to the stadium 4. Over 1 million square feet of mixed retail 5. 1.7 million square feet of office space There are two major meetings in this upcoming week that affect the proposed development, and we would like those who can to show their support by attending these public meetings. TIF Commission Wednesday, November 7, 2007 9:30 AM 4th Floor Hearing Room 1100 Walnut, KCMO Lane4 has submitted a request for public assistance in the form of Tax Increment Financing. Briefly speaking, Tax Increment Financing uses new taxes generated at a designated site to pay off bonds issued to help pay for the cost of the development. The total cost of the project is projected to be $943.5 million, with $675.5 million - 72% of the project - to be private investment in Kansas City. The balance of $268 million, only 28% is requested to come from TIF. In addition, Lane4 is not asking the city to back the construction bonds and OnGoal, LLC has committed to paying for any cost overruns on the stadium. Fans who would like to make public comments at this hearing and would like some assistance with key points should contact Sam Pierron at spierron@kcwizards.com. City Plan Commission Tuesday, November 6, 2007 11:00 AM City Hall, 26th Floor 414 E. 12th St, KCMO At this meeting, the City Plan Commission will consider rezoning of the properties in question and approval of a redevelopment plan for the area. Fans who would like to show their support are encouraged to do so. Wearing a Wizards scarf over business attire is one typical way to demonstrate support if you’re taking a quick break from work to attend—jerseys or polos are certainly encouraged as well.
Thanks for the updates, Sam. How cool is it that our team just knocked off the #1 seed in the west, they will be playing in the conference championship game for a shot at going to MLS Cup, AND a major decision could be made on our stadium all in the same week. It's a great week to be a Wizards fan!!!
Can't make any promises at this point, but we will do our best to lend our support. If you need anything specific done, call us. Not sure that "the man" has seen this. Thanks, Sam!
I will definitely be there for the Tuesday meeting (but have to get back for the call-in for "ATL in 90 minutes") and I should be there for the Wednesday meeting as well (assuming nothing pops up with work between now and then).
Board Meeting Package Tax Increment Financing Commission City of Kansas City, Missouri DATE: November 7, 2007 TIME: 9:30 a.m. PLACE: Economic Development Corporation 1100 Walnut, NOTE: THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE 4TH FLOOR MARQUISE ROOM Kansas City, Missouri 1. Roll Call. PUBLIC HEARING – 9:30 A.M. 2. Three Trails District Amended and Restated TIF Plan : Consideration of approval of the Amended and Restated Three Trails District TIF Plan, and other matters related thereto. (Steve Rinne) Action recommended: APPROVE THE AMENDED AND RESTATED THREE TRAILS DISTRICT TIF PLAN AND FORWARD IT TO CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL. 3. Other 4. Adjournment Looks good
Here's an early update: at 1145 they decided that the Three Trails stuff would be done at 12:30. I had to get back to work, Robert too. But there'll be an update.
Hey, Thanks for the info; I have no transportation so couldn't make the meeting. Awaiting further updates . . .
http://www.edckc.com/tif/00089652.PDF TIF meeting announcement. Absolutely no new info except names of people involved.
Hoping to see a few more familiar faces at the TIF meeting.....decked out in their Wizards jerseys and scarves!!
ya drunk Cuban, this meeting was today: City Plan Commission Tuesday, November 6, 2007 11:00 AM City Hall, 26th Floor 414 E. 12th St, KCMO
I believe they are referring to the City Planning Commission meeting that was scheduled for this morning at 11:00. I have a call in, but am still waiting on word of the outcome.
Good luck in your efforts. I'm not from KC but I hope it works out for you guys. You have a good team that deserves a proper home. Can anyone link me to the March 2007 renderings for the proposed stadium? I've only seen it on the world stadiums site and that pic is too small to get a proper idea. Thanks in advance. Again, best of luck.
Check out commentary re the Bannister TIF on the Star's PrimeBuzzBlog: http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/8069 It would be nice to see Wizards fans make some posts on the issue. I imagine there will be a post on PrimeBuzz about tomorrow's TIF hearing, so there may be a chance to comment on Wednesday. See ya at 11th and Walnut at 9ish.
8 to 5 that's the same nutjob that has all the crackhouses...er...fixer uppers, around town. The one that told the council to "mow the grass"?
the himself guy is pretty funny. The link he posted that says what SSS can offer is a lot like what the Wizards are offering. As the guy after him mentioned. Honestly even if there was no stadium involved I'd think this was a good idea for a TIF. This area NEEDS redevelopment, badly. The fact the Wizards stadium could go there is just the big amount of icing on the cake.