Some public right of ways on Pennsylvania Avenue and Westport Road may soon be governed by the Westport Community Improvement District (CID).
As it stands now the city is responsible for the streets but a vacation plan in the works for months could change that.
If city council approves the plan, CID would have the power to restrict access to certain areas more often.
Business leaders say the move is to provide greater security measures that are currently unavailable due to city regulations, including implementing metal detectors.
"With the gun laws right now and everyone is able to carry, we just made a decision we need to have a little stronger security presence in the core of Westport," said Westport business developer Bill Nigro. "We're making some changes that keeps us ahead of the crime."
Following a public meeting Tuesday night, some people raised concerns on Twitter over the plan's purpose and potential constitutional violations.
@EricWBunch @tcita @JoshBoehm Proposal is to turn public streets into private property (losing constitutional rights), then negotiate public access back on business terms
— Thomas Morefield (@ThomasinKC) May 23, 2017
@tcita And remember this isn't just about wanding, it's privatization of our public spaces. Right to assemble no longer guaranteed at ANY TIME.
— Eric Bunch (@EricWBunch) May 23, 2017
I need someone to explain why this proposed vacation of Westport Road and Pennsylvania is not a terrible idea. #KCMO https://t.co/x0fKVaxMIE pic.twitter.com/0Kw4uNQXwg
— James Rice (@JamesRiceKC) April 12, 2017
The proposal will have to pass through city council committees and be approved by the full council before its implementation.
