EPC Real Estate Group is proposing a $14 million development for the southwest corner of 17th Street and Madison. At a meeting Monday night at Los Almos Market & Cocina, developers answered questions from residents and Westside business owners.
More than 60 people attended the meeting. Residents express concerns about:
- Traffic flow
- The size of the project
- Whether or not the project is in keeping with the intimate eclectic feel that captures the historic look and feel of Kansas City's Westside
Developers have made design changes based on feedback during previous neighborhood meetings. They modified the architecture to look more like other buildings in the area. They also added underground parking to address parking concerns.
The plan would add 60 apartment units of varying sizes and provide much-needed retail space. There would also be commercial space for a restaurant or grocery store.
Mike McKeen, EPC president, explained that his company is also asking for tax incentives from Kansas City.
"We are asking for a standard property tax abatement at 100 percent for 10 years and 50 percent for the next 15 years. That would reduce the tax on improvements," explained McKeen.
The project must be approved by the City Council. McKeen said they are in the initial process and probably a year away from a vote for final approval.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at cynthia.newsome@kshb.com.
