By Steve Bell
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-988063.mp3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City city council is has voted to speed up the tax-incentive process for new plans for the stalled West Edge project near the Plaza.
The council economic development committee is recommending a quick approval of the tax incentive plan developers want to use to convert the bankrupt mixed-use development to house the Polsinelli-Shughart law firm.
Trace Simmons of the firm had discouraging news for those who don't want to see the demise of the office building under construction, which is designed by Moshe Safdie, architect for the new performing arts center. Simmons told the council committee that crews were already mobilizing to begin the demolition process.
The law firm hopes to assume occupancy of the replacement building in November 2013.
The reason given for speeding up the TIF recommendation is to grandfather in the approval in case the Missouri Legislature repeals the Tax Credit for Contribution program. The project qualifies partly because after-business-hours space in the parking garage will be available for rent by area apartment dwellers.
The city would actually own the buildings at the onset and probably for forty years after.