Exciting News for Kansas City, Kansas: Buc-ee’s is Coming!
Hey there, Kansas City, Kansas! If you’re a fan of road trips or just need a quick stop for snacks and fuel, then you’re in for a *fantastic treat*. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County just gave the green light to bring a brand new Buc-ee’s location to our very own KCK! On Thursday, the UG commission voted with *unanimous enthusiasm* to back a whopping $94.8 million proposal for this beloved gas-station chain.
A Mega Stop for Travelers
Get ready for a *huge* 74,000 square-foot Buc-ee’s that will feature a staggering 120 gas pumps, 12 electric charging stations, and a whole bunch of other amenities to help make your road-trip experience as enjoyable as possible. All of this will be set on a spacious 20-acre plot conveniently located near 601 Village West Parkway. That’s right folks, this is not just a gas station—it’s practically a destination in itself!
UG Commissioner Chuck Stites couldn’t be more excited about the project. He explained how Buc-ee’s will generate about 150-200 full-time jobs and bring an impressive 4,000 cars per day through KCK. “If you’ve ever been to a Buc-ee’s, you understand that it’s really a destination-type filling station,” Stites said. He hinted that visitors would be able to walk in and buy everything from *snacks to toothbrushes* to even shoe shines!
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Now, let’s take a moment for some nostalgic vibes. Mike Jacobi, a retired veteran who has seen the evolution of Kansas City, reflected on how far things have come. He moved to the Village West area in 1985 and remembers a time when there were barely any gas stations or grocery stores around. “Before we unified, we were dying,” he stated, referring to a time full of *desolation* in the area. But look at the changes now!
The Economic Impact
But let’s dive deeper into why this Buc-ee’s is such a big deal for our economy. Ritz Dasgupta from the Kansas City, Kansas tourism office explained that Buc-ee’s is a way to get travelers off the highway and into our city. That means more dollars flowing into KCK! “When visitors come in and spend their dollars here, it means our locals won’t have to bear all the costs of supporting the economy,” he noted.
UG Commissioner Andrew Davis also showed his support for the project and specified that there are financial incentives in play that would ultimately benefit our community. “We’re going to see property tax revenue,” Davis mentioned, “and I think these incentives will pay off even earlier than expected.”
Addressing Local Concerns
Of course, as exciting as this news is, some residents in the urban core, especially in the Northeast neighborhood, are hoping for similar developments closer to home. Life in a growing city means everyone deserves a piece of the pie! As Jacobi expressed, people in underserved areas are craving more local amenities. “They need a place where they can grab a meal or do their shopping without crossing the street,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Yet, despite the ongoing discussions about equitable development, there’s a sense of exhilarating positivity in the air. Many see Buc-ee’s as a symbol of progress and revitalization for Kansas City, Kansas. As Jacobi put it, “It’s something that everybody in the nation wants, and again, we win!” With all these changes right around the corner, who’s ready to hit the road to Buc-ee’s?
