A plan to put more swing in the Kansas City jazz district is on the table, to the tune of $18 million.
Council members Jermaine Reed and Quinton Lucas are sponsoring the resolution.
City manager Troy Schulte now has 60 days to come up with financing options for the project.
It was originally estimated to cost $7 million, but a closer look led to an estimate from $15 to $18 million total.
Councilman Reed led the presentation Thursday along with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II.
"This is one of the most critical projects that the city will consider because of the history of 18th and Vine," said Cleaver.
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"If you look at other entertainment areas in this entire city, we're asking for probably a smaller amount than we really should be asking for," Reed said.
Councilman Scott Taylor agreed by adding, "Well this is a package that's reasonable and I think it's actually a good idea to do now with all of the other things going on from an economic development standpoint around this. This makes a lot of sense."
There were about 50 people in attendance for the presentation.
Many were concerned about preserving the historic sites within the jazz district.
"They asked tough questions and questions that should have been asked," said Cleaver.
Nine out of 13 council members heard the proposal and unanimously voted in favor of moving forward with exploring options to pay for it.
"The timing is perfect. We also have a lot going on in the east Crossroads area. A lot of expansion that's coming east and I think this will all fit together nicely," Taylor said. "I think that's always been the issue. Looking back a couple decades ago, it was an isolated, wonderful attraction. If we can integrate it like we're doing with other attractions and make it part of one Kansas City I think that would be important."
Councilman Reed tells 41 Action News he is very passionate about this project.
"This is a city asset and frankly we've got to do what we can to preserve the history, rich history, that we have at 18th and Vine."
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Dia Wall can be reached at dia.wall@kshb.com.
