The Parkville Board of Aldermen has given preliminary approval to financial incentives for a development near Park University.
Late last month, the board gave approval to a rezoning order and site plan paving the way for Six At Park, located on about 2 ½ acres at the intersection of Highway 9 and East Sixth Street in downtown Parkville. The 54,000 square foot office building is expected to generate about 224 jobs. The developer, Foutch Brothers, asked the city for industrial and redevelopment assistance to build a parking lot adjacent to the development. The lot would be open to the public after office hours during the week and on weekends and for special events. Foutch Brothers has asked for property tax abatement for 15 years, with full abatement for the first three years and a sliding scale for the remainder.
At the Tuesday, May 1 meeting, director of community development Stephen Lachky presented the request to the board, along with a city-requested analysis of the development from Springstead. That analysis stated the redevelopment would not be feasible without financial incentives. A public hearing was held at the meeting, with no comments made. Alderman Greg Plumb, who works for Park University, recused himself from the discussions and votes.
Final approval is expected Tuesday, May 15.
The board also gave preliminary approval to the amended petition for vacation of a street that proved contentious for neighbors on the area.
Applicants David and Daniell Gile purchased several lots near downtown Parkville to build a new home, but due to a nearby creek and other conditions of the terrain sought vacation of the undeveloped portion of Walnut Street to allow construction of the home.
The matter was introduced to the board at its Tuesday, March 20 meeting and a decision was postponed due to protests from nearby residents. Since, a meeting of neighbors was held and an additional hearing held on April 3. The proposal was amended to compromise with the wishes of property owners. It was further changed to allow future installation of utility lines and to allow neighbors and the public to use any drive installed on the property.
While the board approved this amended proposal, final approval will not be made until the Tuesday, May 15 regular board meeting. Alderman Brian Whitley voted no.
Also at the meeting, the board proclaimed May 13-19 as Police Week and Monday, May 14 as Patriot Outreach Day. Police Week will culminate with Northland Law Enforcement Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19 in English Landing Park.
Patriot Outreach, a non-profit serving veterans, will host a benefit golf tournament at The Deuce at The National on May 14.