After more than a year of uncertainty, recommendations on the future of Kemper Arena are just weeks away.
Kansas City Council Economic Development Chair Scott Taylor said on Wednesday that a special committee is wrapping up its work and he expects to submit recommendations to the full council sometime in March.
Taylor said there will also be more public hearings before a final decision is made, including one to be held at Kemper Arena.
The selection committee has been evaluating proposals for the arena, from local developer Foutch Brothers and Stevens Brothers of Wichita.
Foutch Brothers proposes converting the arena into a two-level facility that would become home to youth and amateur sports and fitness activities.
The Wichita firm is an owner of minor-league hockey teams in Wichita, Tulsa and Allen, Texas as well as a chain of health clubs.They propose using Kemper for hockey as well as other sports and entertainment events.
Steve Bell is afternoon news anchor and business news reporter for KCUR. He may be reached at 816-235-5173 or steveb@kcur.org
