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Kearney staff and consultant outline K‑353 redevelopment plan; public hearing set for Oct. 21
Summary
Staff presented a Chapter 353 redevelopment plan covering roughly 215 acres and 317 parcels downtown; consultant Development Initiatives recommended a blight finding under RSMo §99.805(1) and staff proposed tiered tax‑abatement incentives (10–15 years) with PILOT payments to protect taxing jurisdictions. A public hearing is scheduled Oct. 21.
Economic Development Director Carolyn Yatsuk introduced the proposed K‑353 Redevelopment Plan, which targets downtown and surrounding neighborhoods for reinvestment. The plan boundary mirrors the city’s historic core and includes 317 parcels; staff emphasized the program focuses tax abatement on new improvements while using payments‑in‑lieu (PILOT) to ensure other taxing jurisdictions maintain current revenues during the abatement period.
Consultant Jim Potter of Development Initiatives summarized the blight analysis and statutory test under the Revised Statutes of Missouri, noting deteriorated building facades, street and sidewalk conditions, and environmental hazards such as asbestos and lead‑based paint. Potter concluded: “it is our opinion that under the state statute, the definition of a blighted area outlined in section 99.805 subsection 1… the area taken as a whole does meet the state statutes,” and recommended the board declare the area blighted so incentives may be used. Staff described tiered abatement levels (A/B/C) tied to investment thresholds and provided sample tax‑impact worksheets; staff noted a public hearing on Oct. 21 and said the ordinance adopting the plan will return to the board after notice and hearings.
