The Lee's Summit City Council convened for a pivotal public hearing regarding the Tristar component of a master development project, marking a significant step in a two-year journey toward revitalizing the area. The proposed development includes 112 townhomes and 114 courtyard villas, targeting young professionals and the 55-plus demographic, respectively. The total estimated budget for this component is over $60 million, with $51 million allocated for construction alone.

The developer, Tristar, aims to enhance the city’s housing options while addressing the pressing need for public infrastructure improvements, which are estimated at $3.6 million. This infrastructure will benefit not only the new development but also surrounding areas, including the Shamrock Hills Golf Course, which is not part of the current project but is expected to benefit from the improvements.

Key to the project’s advancement is the request for Chapter 100 incentives, which would fix property taxes for ten years and provide a sales tax exemption on construction costs. This approach is designed to offer financial predictability, crucial for securing financing for the project. The proposed tax structure would start at $2,776 per unit, increasing by 3% every two years, and is characterized as having virtually no abatement, a rarity for residential projects.

Council members expressed a range of opinions during the hearing. Supporters highlighted the financial benefits to the city, including increased tax revenues and the potential for unlocking further development in the area. They emphasized the importance of the infrastructure improvements and the relatively low incentive request of about 2% of the total project cost.

Conversely, some council members voiced concerns about the focus on rental properties, arguing for a greater emphasis on owner-occupied housing. They expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the project without the anticipated commercial components, such as the proposed Mammoth Golf facility, which remains in negotiation but has not yet been finalized.

As the council deliberates, the outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for future developments in Lee's Summit, balancing the need for housing and infrastructure against community desires for ownership and sustainable growth. The council is expected to vote on the incentives in the coming weeks, determining the project's fate and its potential impact on the city's development landscape.