Council approves redevelopment agreement and Chapter 353 tax abatement for 115 West Excelsior Street

The Excelsior Springs City Council on Oct. 21 approved Ordinance No. 24-10-09, authorizing a redevelopment agreement and Chapter 353 tax abatement for the property at 115 West Excelsior Street. The council recorded unanimous affirmative roll call votes from Councilman Saint John, Councilman McGovern, Mayor Pro Tem Speer and Mayor Mark Spahn to adopt the ordinance.

Neighborhood specialist Laura Mize told the council the applicant, Green Strawberry LLC, plans roof replacement, exterior paint, a new front door and an interior remodel to accommodate an artist/maker space and an upholstery shop. "His expenditures are projected to be $56,000," Mize said, and the project qualifies under the commercial guidelines for a 100% tax abatement for 10 years or for the cost of the improvements.

The staff report noted there is no historic survey for the building and that the applicant is considering adding an exterior mural; Mize said the applicant would consult the Historic Preservation Commission about that idea. The property sits across from the Broadway Theater in the downtown redevelopment area, and the ordinance implements an amendment to the amended development plan submitted by the Excelsior Springs Redevelopment Corporation.

Council moved the ordinance to second reading and then approved it on final consideration. The council did not receive public comment during the related public hearing; the mayor opened and closed the hearing after no members of the public spoke.

With the ordinance approved, project permits may be processed and the owner may proceed with the indicated improvements subject to any required building permits and historic-review processes. No specific construction start date was provided at the meeting.