08.12.2024

Today’s Forecast

82º | 59% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. | Sunset 8:16 p.m.

🚗 Beep, beep, coming through

Riverfront considers proposal for 1,500-space parking garage

03_16_2024_CPKC_Stadium_Opening_vs_Portland_(3)_(53592158764).jpg

Before you park your butt in the seat, you have to find a way to get there. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Public transit or paid parking at Berkley Riverfront? The question is up for consideration by Kansas City officials + Port KC, as detailed by a proposal for a ~1,500-space parking garage near CPKC’s south end.

Transportation has been a hot button issue in the area since the Current debuted their new home — and its limited parking capacity — in March. In place of space for cars, fans were encouraged to walk, bike, rideshare, or take advantage of free public transit, like the impending KC Streetcar extension.

With more development on the horizon, the city must now decide if it plans to keep Berkley Riverfront transit-friendly or continue its car-centric culture.

KCtoday_Berkley Riverfront — Will the riverfront’s 10-year-plan soon include a parking garage. | Rendering via Port KC

The proposal, crafted by The Parking Co. of America (PCA), outlines a five-story, 1,491-spot parking garage on what is now temporary gravel parking south of the stadium.

PCA is asking for three subsidies to offset the $92 million project costs:

A property tax break, granted by Port KC
A yearly $1.8 million contribution from the city’s Bally’s Casino fund
If revenue from the parking garage does not exceed its debts, the city would cover the shortfall (potentially $8 million total).

Currently, Berkley Riverfront has ~1,900 public parking spaces, which PCA has asked Port KC to limit building elsewhere in order to steer traffic to the new garage.

Besides issues of walkability, the plan’s detractors argue that the lot could contribute more revenue if developed into housing or offices — while its supporters wish the city to consider the property tax revenue it would reap once the tax breaks expire.

Now, we want to hear what you think. Drop us a line and let us know why you would or wouldn’t want to see more parking near CPKC.

Asked

Would you support a tax-subsidized parking garage on the riverfront?

A. Yes, I’d prefer having more parking.
B. I’m undecided, it has both pros and cons.
C. No, I like it but don’t want to subsidize it.
D. No, transit-friendly is the way to go.

Press the gas

Events

Monday, Aug. 12

Childish Gambino | Monday, Aug. 12 | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $49.50-$199.50 | The multi-hyphenated artist stops in the Heartland with special guest Willow.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

Pop-up Farmers Market | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Sunset Community Garden | Free | Picked that morning, stroll the offerings of the quarter-acre garden + orchard for the freshest produce around.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

State of Poetry: The Poets Laureate of Missouri and Kansas | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library — Central Branch | Free | Moderated by Kansas City’s first poet laureate, Melissa Ferrer-Civil, listen in on a discussion of the importance of poetry and KS’ + MO’s poet laureate programs.
The Smashing Pumpkins | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $40-$150 | Shake your zipper blues and show up for the alt rock icons’ “The World is a Vampire Tour 2024.”

Thursday, Aug. 15

Pickleball Learn to Play Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6 p.m. | 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse — Zona Rosa | $15 | Upgrade your skills on the pickleball court and top off the instruction with a happy hour inside the restaurant.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Listen

The Buzz becomes The Fan. Long-time alt rock station 96.5 is transitioning to be Kansas City’s only all-sports FM station on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6 a.m. Listen to the final sign off Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. and catch classic shows like “The Church of Lazlo” on 98.9 The Rock going forward. (FOX4)

Announced

We’ve got some pretty sweet news: Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes is opening a brick-and-mortar. The OP Farmers Market fave, known for personal-pan sweets, is moving into Leawood’s Town Center Plaza (11828 Roe Ave.). Opening is expected for early September. (Kansas City Star)

Olympics

That’s a wrap. Metro area athletes like Quincy Hall, former KU player Joel Embiid, and men’s basketball assistant coach Tyronn Lue brought home gold medals for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. See the list of local Olympians + medal winners. (FOX4)

Development

Olathe’s Rosebud Plaza is getting a $26.4 million renovation. A portion of the district, the former Goodwill + Hobby Lobby space, will be taken over by Crunch Fitness — while other spaces are in talks to lease to a hardware store + new pickleball franchise. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Open

Need “errand” ideas? Scope out two newly opened spots in the metro, OP’s PGA Tour Superstore and KCMO’s Mineral Lounge. Shop for new apparel and accessories at the golf retailer before treating yourself to bay scallop ceviche + a glass of Mediterranean wine in the Crossroads.

Eat

Healthy fast food brand Salad and Go may be coming to the metro in 2025. The chain, which submitted two building applications to the City of Overland Park, serves wraps, soups, breakfast burritos and other seasonal offerings. (Kansas City Star)

Closing

Twinkie-maker Hostess is shutting down operations at its corporate headquarters in Lenexa, laying off its 79 employees. The move follows last year’s major acquisition by fellow food brand J. M. Smucker Company. (Johnson County Post)

Pets

We heard it’s a CITYDOGs summer. From doggy daycare to grooming services, this one-stop shop keeps your pup looking and feeling their best. Did we mention their top-notch indoor and outdoor park? Pro tip: Enjoy local beer + food trucks while your furry friends explore the space.*

Wellness

Pop quiz. What’s the body’s most abundant protein? The answer: collagen. Get it from a grass-fed, pasture-raised source (with 18 grams of protein per serving).*

Active

Swope Park’s $4.25 million makeover

Swope Park is getting a $4.25 million makeover

Swope’s enjoyed by over two million visitors annually. | Photo by KCMO Parks and Recreation

It’s party time, park people. The crown jewel of the KC Parks system is finally seeing its day in the sun, thanks to new federal funding.

Swope Park, the city’s largest at 1,805 acres, was awarded $4.25 million through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. The money will be put towards improvements like:

Building a new 10,000-sqft playground
Upgrading the bandstands
Renovating five shelters
Adding bike + pedestrian lanes to nearby roads
Building a neighborhood trail

Swope Park was one of 10 parks across the nation selected to receive the grant. See the full list.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Madison

From the editor

In the digital era, it’s easy to forget that a library card offers you access to magazines + newspapers like the Kansas City Business Journal and the Kansas City Star: Historical and Current Collection. Perfect for readers who want to dive deeper into our News Notes.

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