It's Lee's Summit's turn I guess. Legoland, aquarium etc...

[cpt4599]

Anybody know when that shopping center behind the Technology Campus is supposed to open?  Last time I drove by they were finally pushing dirt.

[PumpkinStalker]

Public welcome at city council meeting tonight, 6:15 at City Hall, Lee's Summit. 

http://www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=6463541

Can't go personally, have an R.A. Long Historical Society dinner at Longview Elementary.

[mean]

I had a friend there who indicated things did not look at all good for the TIF going through.

[HockeyPunkKC]

i saw a small spot about it on this mornings news and they said the support and opposition were almost split down the middle.

[aknowledgeableperson]

Know a business owner in Lees' Summit.  A city official in some capacity visited her shop and it was brought up that St. Lukes was against this project.

[PumpkinStalker]

Know a business owner in Lees' Summit.  A city official in some capacity visited her shop and it was brought up that St. Lukes was against this project.

Hmm, never even thought about that.  I wonder how close the park would back to St. Lukes.

Found this quote:  Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, who has voiced support for the park, dismissed the Saint Luke's allegation.

"Lee's Summit has a proven track record of not only the experience but the resources and the sophistication to make appropriate decisions," Messerli said.

Article:  http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/s ... from_rss=1

[DaveKCMO]

last week's biz journal reports that RED/merlin are "nearing the end of their patience" on public financing. as a result, two additional locations in lee's summit are being considered and the $600m budget is being "overhauled".

[dangerboy]

The General Assembly failed to act on the request for state TIF money, so it will be another full year before that portion of the public funding can be re-considered.  The ratio of public to private funding proposed for this project is unbelievable, and it sounds like maybe the developers are starting to realize that they are asking for too much.

[cdschofield]

Hmmm....

Columbia, Ill., snubs Legoland

COLUMBIA, Ill. — Columbia is saying no to big development — again.

The City Council has rejected a proposal for a massive theme park on the Columbia Crossing tract. On Monday night, the council voted down an incentive package aimed at luring the theme park, an alderman told the Post-Dispatch.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument

Looks like Legoland is getting impatient. Personally, this seems like this would make the most sense near Village West.

[DaveKCMO]

makes you wonder if it's right for anyone? a huge public subsidy for jumbo billboard/playground?

[ComandanteCero]

KC is pretty well positioned to be a mid-continent theme park destination (although the weather isn't quite as ideal as SoCal or Florida).  It's within driving distance of a large number of folks, and it still has a fair amount of land available. 

I think if KC wanted to make itself into that kind of destination though, it would help to plan all of these destinations relatively close to each other (in the same way all of Orlando's theme parks are clustered along International Drive).  It makes for easier logistics for tourists and hotel operators, and creates a critical mass of tourist traps.

I could see it being good for the KC economy, but i'd want it as far away from me as possible.

[DaveKCMO]

if i wanted orlando, i'd move there. yuk.

[KCMax]

Lee's Summit cancels Legoland hearing

"We asked to be removed because we need more time," RED spokesman Dave Claflin said.

RED is looking at other locations in Lee's Summit that would allay residents' worries about traffic on Chipman Road and U.S. Highway 50, Claflin said. Financing also is being examined to reduce the city's subsidy and tap state money.

[mykem]

Can anybody confirm that the TIFs needed to make this project happen were rejected? Due to the location that was chosen for the planned project.

[AllThingsKC]

Can anybody confirm that the TIFs needed to make this project happen were rejected? Due to the location that was chosen for the planned project.

I remember seeing it on the news that it was rejected, but it was a while ago, so I can't find the link...

[ShowME]

Please State of Missouri tell Red Development to go F themselves.

[trailerkid]

Please State of Missouri tell Red Development to go F themselves.

RED dropped any mention of this project off the web site.

[missingkc]

Please State of Missouri tell Red Development to go F themselves.

Why do you feel that way, ShowMe?  I don't understand.

[PumpkinStalker]

My best friend's parents live behind the Auto Auction where City Walk was once slated.  His dad was telling me last night that Lego Land is back up and running with options.  Apparently the Auto Auction dump is currently building a new place in Belton, and will vacate their current spot in December 08.  Lego Land is trying to garner investor support and do their project on this site (and I think he said something about the Pfizer plant) without any help from the city.  He noted that he thought the city might throw in some road work and beefed up highway exits if they get enough investors.  Interesting stuff....we'll see what happens.

[AllThingsKC]

It ain't over, till it's over.