Bannister Mall could be developed into Wizards Stadium

[Randy J.]

Plan could bring soccer stadium to Bannister Mall area

Posted By: Paige Heyward

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – There is a plan in the works that could solve two huge problems in the metro. The Bannister Mall area needs redevelopment, and the Kansas City Wizards Soccer Team needs a new home.

The Economic Development Corporation has published a notice for a public hearing at the April TIF Commission meeting. It concerns a possible redevelopment project in the Bannister Mall area for a 22,000 seat multi-purpose arena.

For months the Wizards Soccer Team has been looking for a place to build a new arena that would be about that size. Leaders in the Bannister Mall area have been trying to come up with a redevelopment plan.

The public notice does not say it’s specific to the Wizards. The hearing could be postponed if the deal’s not ready to unveil by next month.

A well-informed source tells NBC Action News says that posting the notice signals that enough progress has been made to call for a public hearing. The source also says the stadium project would be surrounded by significant retail shops.

[The Professor]

i have mixed feelings about it... even though it makes me less than 10 minutes away...

[wanting-wings]

ghetto!

[Becca]

How does it compare to the area Arrowhead is in? Just wondering

[wanting-wings]

personally speaking, I would walk down the street alone and not be afraid in front of Arrowhead...not so much for the ol' Bannister Road.......

[Cyrus Ramsey]

Well it won't really matter anyways. This is a TIF project, and if Funkhouser is elected mayor it will never happen. Funkhouser hates TIFs and thinks they should not be used for any reason what so ever, or at least not without heavy heavy scrutiny. In other words, very very rarely. The last time a mayor said that, downtown KC turned into a ghost town.

[Jennie]

SOMETHING should be done with the Bannister Mall area. I don't know if this is the right thing or not, but its certainly an idea.

[Nick Steady]

I agree that something needs to be done with that area, but another arena? Why can't the Wizards use the one that's being build downtown? Or Kemper, or Arrowhead? This is getting a little rediculous.

[Nick Steady]

Well it won't really matter anyways. This is a TIF project, and if Funkhouser is elected mayor it will never happen. Funkhouser hates TIFs and thinks they should not be used for any reason what so ever, or at least not without heavy heavy scrutiny. In other words, very very rarely. The last time a mayor said that, downtown KC turned into a ghost town.

That's why I support Brooks. I don't want Funkhouser, that Lurch motherfucker, screwing up all the progress that's been made so far in turning this city back into just that, a city.

[Jennie]

This is getting a little rediculous.

^^^Is it getting renickulous??! ;)

[Nick Steady]

^^^Hahaha, no, I'm not drinking right now.

[The Professor]

I agree that something needs to be done with that area, but another arena? Why can't the Wizards use the one that's being build downtown? Or Kemper, or Arrowhead? This is getting a little rediculous.


ok... perhaps you should check up on what is actually being discussed... this isn't an "arena"... it is an open-air world class soccer facility... nothing like it in the area... the Wizards play soccer outdoors... MLS is a major sports league that has all teams play outdoor, in the elements, if need be...

don't get suckered into ignorance... learn the facts... ridiculousness is not knowing...

[wanting-wings]

gosh, did you have to yell at him, andrew? :(

[Randy J.]

I agree that something needs to be done with that area, but another arena? Why can't the Wizards use the one that's being build downtown? Or Kemper, or Arrowhead? This is getting a little rediculous.


The article is mistaken, it isnt an arena it is a stadium. Real soccer cannot be played indoors, the playing surface would not fit.

[Randy J.]

In Nick's defense, the article does say arena. The writer is the ignorant one here.

[Nick Steady]

ok... perhaps you should check up on what is actually being discussed... this isn't an "arena"... it is an open-air world class soccer facility... nothing like it in the area... the Wizards play soccer outdoors... MLS is a major sports league that has all teams play outdoor, in the elements, if need be...

don't get suckered into ignorance... learn the facts... ridiculousness is not knowing...

Alright there, buddy, calm down take a breath. I skimmed over the story not being much of a sports fan. Immagine that on a music site. So, it's outdoors which brings me right back to my point anyway: Why can't they use Arrowhead? We're already building yet another sports venue and I don't think that we need to use more money on another one.

[aaron]

The article is mistaken, it isnt an arena it is a stadium. Real soccer cannot be played indoors, the playing surface would not fit.

i found the humor.

[Randy J.]

Alright there, buddy, calm down take a breath. I skimmed over the story not being much of a sports fan. Immagine that on a music site. So, it's outdoors which brings me right back to my point anyway: Why can't they use Arrowhead? We're already building yet another sports venue and I don't think that we need to use more money on another one.


The MLS is requring all teams build a soccer specific stadium. No team will be successful until they are playing in a soccer specific stadium. The only teams that have made any profit are playing in their own SSS.

Arrowhead is for the Chiefs and designed for football. The Wizards need their own stadium. A chunk of the cost will be paid by the new ownership and corporate sponsorship. An SSS will bring in lots of revenue for the city that built that and if you need proof I can likely find the study that Overland Park did last year showing the feasibility of building a stadium.

Also, this stadium will be a great venue for outdoor concerts which everyone on here should like.

If we dont build an SSS, the MLS will force the team to move.

Sports is a billion dollar business, we can never have enough sports venues.

[Nick Steady]

Oh, well I guess that makes sense. Still, the timing is kind of rotten. Where as I do support the use of TIF to get things done around here, there does come a certain point when enough is enough. I'm afraid that with all the things that are already being built, this may be too much. Of course you soccer fans out there are all about it, but does anyone else care? If this facillity can only be used for soccer, I'm affraid it will have a hard time getting support from others. At least with the Sprint Arena, it is multi-use. Therefore, more than one demographic can benefit from it.

[Monkey]

There is a lot of TIF money used that we as citizens don't even know about. Although we are supposed to know. City Hall..*grumble*

Oh, well I guess that makes sense. Still, the timing is kind of rotten. Where as I do support the use of TIF to get things done around here, there does come a certain point when enough is enough. I'm afraid that with all the things that are already being built, this may be too much. Of course you soccer fans out there are all about it, but does anyone else care? If this facillity can only be used for soccer, I'm affraid it will have a hard time getting support from others. At least with the Sprint Arena, it is multi-use. Therefore, more than one demographic can benefit from it.

[Randy J.]

As I mentioned, it can be used for outdoor concerts. With 22,000 capacity it would be a great concert venue. It would also give us an alternative to Verizon, which I personally hate. The stadium recently built in Dallas actually has a stage built into it.

I am sure other events could go there as well.

It would attract soccer fans all over the midwest for games and host international games including World Cup Qualifiers. It could also host exhibition between the Wizards and international clubs like Manchester United which would attract tourism as well.

The plan is also to ad lots of retail development surrounding it making it a nice desitination and give that area a much needed improvement and boost.

Also, the Wizards have been apart of this community for nearly 12 years now and have been "borrowing" a venue. They have won and brought this city a championship in the last decade which cant be said for any of our other teams. It is also the only sports team that is owned by Kansas Citians. Why should the Chiefs and Royals who are owned by out-of-towners and havent had a decent season in years get their own venues and the Wizards not? Hell, we even just voted to renovate their venues.

[nukki]

i'd rather them use a something already in existance then tear up more undeveloped land for something like this.....granted i know they'll have to rebuild either way but i'd still rather see them do something with bannister instead of just letting all that real estate go to waste.....whatever happend to bannister...it used to be a pretty bumpin place back in the say..

[Randy J.]

The other option being discussed is Olathe at the Great Plains mall. That place isnt doing so hot so Olathe is currently trying to get some STAR bonds to get the stadium out there. Odd that both places for the stadium involve tearing down a shopping mall.

[timmyruckus]

They have won and brought this city a championship in the last decade which cant be said for any of our other teams. It is also the only sports team that is owned by Kansas Citians.


touche!

[Cyrus Ramsey]

As I mentioned, it can be used for outdoor concerts. With 22,000 capacity it would be a great concert venue. It would also give us an alternative to Verizon, which I personally hate. The stadium recently built in Dallas actually has a stage built into it.

I am sure other events could go there as well.

It would attract soccer fans all over the midwest for games and host international games including World Cup Qualifiers. It could also host exhibition between the Wizards and international clubs like Manchester United which would attract tourism as well.

The plan is also to ad lots of retail development surrounding it making it a nice desitination and give that area a much needed improvement and boost.

Also, the Wizards have been apart of this community for nearly 12 years now and have been "borrowing" a venue. They have won and brought this city a championship in the last decade which cant be said for any of our other teams. It is also the only sports team that is owned by Kansas Citians. Why should the Chiefs and Royals who are owned by out-of-towners and havent had a decent season in years get their own venues and the Wizards not? Hell, we even just voted to renovate their venues.

QFT

[Scottie Smalls]

Alright there, buddy, calm down take a breath. I skimmed over the story not being much of a sports fan. Immagine that on a music site. So, it's outdoors which brings me right back to my point anyway: Why can't they use Arrowhead? We're already building yet another sports venue and I don't think that we need to use more money on another one.

Have you ever been to a Wizards game at Arrowhead? If feels empty, because it is a 78,000 person stadium. They want a 20-25,0000 person facility. Arrowhead is actually perfect. If there was a World Cup match in KC, then it would definitely be held there. But, for MLS games, a smaller stadium is more suitable since attendance is lower. It will be more fun to hear the roar of the crowd when a goal is scored, etc.

Also, I am not familiar with the proposed location, but if it is a run down area as people are describing it, then it is the perfect location. Historically anytime you put a brand new sports facility in a run-down area it revitalizes it instantly, providing it is somewhat central everyone in the greater metropolitan area.

Also, What is TIF????

[Nick Steady]

If it can be a multi-use facillity, then it's a great idea. But there needs to be proof that they'll actually use it for things other than just soccer. Otherwise, fuck it. There are more pressing issues.

[Randy J.]

If it can be a multi-use facillity, then it's a great idea. But there needs to be proof that they'll actually use it for things other than just soccer. Otherwise, fuck it. There are more pressing issues.


There would be no way to proof the people would use it for other than soccer. People would have to approach the city about using it for other events. There is no way to prove that people would do that. They can only say that it will be available. I am sure they are not going to allow just any old event to be held at a World Class facility like that. Also, even if it was just for soccer it will revitalize an area that desperately needs it. It would likely increase property value and lower crimes rates which make it worth it.

If Bannister doesnt get it, Olathe will. Who would you rather have it earn revenue for?

[Cyrus Ramsey]

TIF = Tax Increment Financing.

proper explanation comin soon.

[Nick Steady]

There would be no way to proof the people would use it for other than soccer. People would have to approach the city about using it for other events. There is no way to prove that people would do that. They can only say that it will be available. I am sure they are not going to allow just any old event to be held at a World Class facility like that. Also, even if it was just for soccer it will revitalize an area that desperately needs it. It would likely increase property value and lower crimes rates which make it worth it.


There are ways to prove it can be used for things other than soccer. Entertainment entities can be brought into the fold and can make a commitment in use of the center. For example, when it's during the off-season, a group like Clear Channel can say "Hey, we will hold at least five or six concert events during this time period." Thus proving it will be used for other reasons. If nobody else shows interest in it, then it's really on;y in one demographics interest.

Just because you build something like this in an area does not necessarily mean the surrounding area will improve. All you do is draw people form other areas to go to the game or event. They attend said event, and leave as soon as it's over. Even if a number of shops are build in the immediate area, not much improvement will occur beyond that. If you build this complex, it's not going to fix neglected neigborhoods surrounding it. The crime rate will only lower during events, because once the white suburbanites leave after the game, who cares?

[Cyrus Ramsey]

Ok I got it now.

TIFs are supposed to be used as a incentive for businesses to move into an area. Normally they are used in blighted or unimproved areas.

The TIF for Bannister Mall is perfect as that area is in desperate need for redevelopment.

A TIF works like this:

An area, in our case we will say the Bannister Mall area, has become run down, and blighted. Property tax and sales tax income for the area have seriously declined due to lower property values and no business to generate sales tax. As the area continues to decline, even getting new small businesses into the area is difficult as nobody wants to run a business in the ghetto.

To get new and bigger businesses into the area, incentive are given. In this case a TIF.

Company A, in our case The Wizards, take the proposel and the TIF to redevelop the area. The TIF can come from several areas being local, county and state sources.

In this case lets say the TIF is coming from KCMO.

So in order to get the TIF the Wizards need to provide their projected income once they are up and operational. This income will come from various areas including ticket sales, club memberships, food and drink sales, and any other possible means of income.

The city then looks at those projections, and fronts them a specific amount of money based on those projections.

Once the business is up and operational they are then required to pay the money back to the city in the form of higher property taxes.

For the business this is great, as they then don't need nearly as much start up money to get the project going.

Also when a TIF is issued, the business is not the only benefactor of the money. More money is usually issued to the surrounding community for structural improvements. This usually comes in the form of new paint, infrastructure improvements, sidewalks, etc.... Money is also issued to private homes so that they can improve their property to keep it in line with the new redevelopment. The individual property owners are not required to pay any of the money back, only the business that got the TIF and again they do so by paying higher property taxes. All this works together to raise the property values of the entire area, thus bringing the city even more money in property taxes.

As long as the business is successful, the city gets all of its money back and you get a whole new nice development earning income for the city.

[Cyrus Ramsey]

Just because you build something like this in an area does not necessarily mean the surrounding area will improve. All you do is draw people form other areas to go to the game or event. They attend said event, and leave as soon as it's over. Even if a number of shops are build in the immediate area, not much improvement will occur beyond that. If you build this complex, it's not going to fix neglected neigborhoods surrounding it. The crime rate will only lower during events, because once the white suburbanites leave after the game, who cares?

Read my reply above to what a TIF is Nick.

[Randy J.]

Great Info RJ, I was unaware of some of that. Sounds perfect for this project.

[Cyrus Ramsey]

Well actually thank Karine for that. I had a basic understanding of what a TIF was after listening to her for the last two years, but she broke it down for me in more detail so I could tell you all.

[Cyrus Ramsey]

In Nick's defense, the article does say arena. The writer is the ignorant one here.

Ok so I went back and took a look at some of the other post again in this topic.

I think the article was purposly wrong. KMBC has not been known for its support of TIF projects and thus by making a mistake and calling the new sports complex an arena they can get support against the whole project since it involves a TIF.

[The Professor]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/16942051.htm

read this recent article about TIFs.... hmm... which are we to believe?

[Cyrus Ramsey]

Well lets be real about this.

The Star loves Funkhouser. Funkhouser hates TIF's.

The Star hates TIF's.

So keeping with the Stars usual position, they constantly point out the many problems that have occured with some TIF projects, while failing to a high degree of pointing out the many bennifits that TIF projects create.

While yes its true that not all TIF's work out the best, most do. The article says that the bad TIFs are draining money from much needed infrastructure projects and such. But keep in mind that Funkhousers crew did the audit. Yes it is true that a failing TIF project has a hard time paying back the money it owes to pay off the TIF. But when you have 3 bad TIF's not paying and 8 good ones paying, the money coming back is still better then the money that went out. You have to remember that the city, state, and other goverment entitys that issue the TIF also earn a good amount of intrest on it.

Now if you were to look at it from Funkhouser and the Stars angle, if those TIF projects were doing better and able to continue paying, then the city would be earning even more money for infrastructure projects. But in truth, as it currently stands, the city isn't loosing anything.

Ohhh and in that picture in the article about the Briarcliff development, that is Funkhousers most hated TIF. He though that the TIF money would have been better given to another project out east. Meanwhile as the Briancliff TIF continues to develop, over 100 new jobs have been created combined with the high class dineing and shopping center and have already started to earn the city loads of extra tax money. You need to keep in mind that the Briarcliff development is only 25% completed. So what will it earn when its finished?

Ohhh and about the Star.

Yanno that big shiney new building of theirs that sits right on I-70 across from the new arena? It was a TIF project.

Those bastards.

[Randy J.]

I read that Funkhouser isnt even from here, he didnt even move here until his adult years. I would think that someone being our mayor would need to be from here or atleast move here as a kid.