Kansas City Residents Weigh in on Luxurious Condo Project
In the heart of Kansas City, a buzz was generated during two recent community meetings focused on a proposed luxury condominium development on Holmes Road. Local developer IronDoor presented its vision for a vibrant community that promises to bring “urban flair in a rural setting” to the neighborhood. However, some residents seem to be holding onto their own visions for the area, leaving people wondering if this upscale project will find its niche.
The Plan: Spacious Condos and Homey Vibes
The proposed project is ambitious, with plans for 50 buildings and 174 living units nestled between 115th and 117th streets. Covering an entire two-block area, the development does have to navigate around a couple of property owners who have chosen not to sell their land. In a neighborhood that currently boasts several boarded-up houses, many residents are aware that something has to be done with the property, but concerns continue to arise regarding the direction the project will take.
Resident Concerns: A Need for Community Input
During the presentations, residents shared their thoughts, with some voicing a preference for more traditional single-family homes. One concerned local suggested that simpler houses might, “sell faster.” The issue of accessibility came up too, with comments surrounding the project’s design and the potential difficulties that seniors might face trying to navigate multiple levels of condominiums.
While IronDoor envisions the condos appealing to young buyers, including a third floor with bedrooms, long-time resident Peggy Calhoun expressed her skepticism. “The problem with going after 30-year-olds is they have to come up with a $400,000 mortgage,” she said, questioning whether the target demographic was realistic.
Bright Spots in the Plan
Not all the news was met with apprehension. Several attendees appreciated the plan’s proposal for improving local traffic flow. This includes widening Holmes Road and adding a dedicated left-turn lane at 117th Street, which is expected to ease congestion for both existing and future residents. Community members were also provided clarity on various aspects of the development, such as landscaping, water runoff, and lighting.
Big Decisions Ahead: Impact on the Neighborhood
Gathering feedback from the community is critical since developers typically seek neighborhood approval to ease their path in front of the City Council, which makes the final decision. Although a member of the local planning organization expressed his support for the lack of tax abatements in the proposal, he noted that they hadn’t yet taken a formal position on the project.
As for the existing homes slated for demolition, questions were raised about the necessity of tearing down perfectly sound houses. Another topic was the fate of the old trees on the property; IronDoor’s project manager Patrick Joyce acknowledged that some trees would be removed because they are “in the way,” but assured residents that company would adhere to the city’s other tree ordinances.
Looking Forward: City Approval in Sight
In early November, the City Plan Commission gave its thumbs up to IronDoor’s request for a zoning change, updating the area from Residential Low Density to Residential Medium Density. This decision follows a detailed presentation and lively community discussion addressing traffic, curbs, stormwater management, and more. The project is now set to head before the City’s Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee for further consideration.
As the community themes of concern, hopes, and expectations unfold, only time will tell if this luxury development will be embraced or if it will leave a divide in this peaceful Kansas City neighborhood.
