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Board hears split public reaction to Agora KC pickleball CUPs; developer says sound study completed
Summary
The Grandview Board of Aldermen held public hearings on indoor and outdoor conditional use permits for Agora KC’s proposed pickleball facility. Supporters pointed to inclusion and economic benefits; nearby theater representatives urged a professional sound study and binding mitigation; the developer says a sound study was completed and mitigation is planned.
The Grandview Board of Aldermen held joined public hearings on July 14 for conditional use permits for Agora KC’s proposed indoor and outdoor pickleball facilities at 12416–12418 Grandview Road. Staff told the board the planning commission unanimously recommended approval and staff also recommended approval; the board scheduled the ordinance votes for July 28.
Developer Ahmed Shalabi told the board he plans to renovate the former church at 12418 for six indoor courts and add six more courts in a new structure behind 12416, along with a gym, daycare and wellness services. “We are building a community,” Shalabi said, saying the facility could host regional tournaments and bring visitors who would patronize local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
Public comment was sharply divided. Some residents and advocates urged approval. Michael Fleishman, a nearby property owner, said he and his tenant support the addition and can offer off-site parking for the facility. Several speakers representing Martin City Melodrama, families, clinicians and patrons described concerns about outdoor noise and the potential effects on neurodiverse and sensory‑sensitive audience members. Jeanne Mitchell, speaking for the Melodrama, asked the board to require a professional sound study and sound‑abatement conditions before outdoor courts proceed.
The developer and his architect said they have already completed a sound analysis and are pursuing mitigations. Architect Chris Penland said acoustic fencing and panels in the lowered court area could reduce measured noise at the neighboring theater to roughly 51 decibels — “quiet office levels,” he said — and that design measures could further reduce impacts.
Board members pressed for documentation. Aldermen asked staff to receive and review the sound study in advance of the July 28 ordinance consideration so the board and staff can evaluate mitigation measures and confirm whether the proposed outdoor courts would comply with the city’s noise code. Staff told the board that, even if the use had historically existed on the site, the current code requires conditional use permits because the prior recreational use ceased.
No final action was taken July 14. The board’s next formal steps are to receive the developer’s sound study and consider the CUP ordinances at the board meeting on July 28.
