Eminent Domain meets resistance in Blue Springs.

From The Examiner:

M-7 TIF skeptics unmoved

By Stephanie Howard
The Examiner

Despite a commitment to make changes to the Missouri 7 redevelopment plan, business owners in Blue Springs are still skeptical.

Jim Kennedy, owner of Ken nedy's Custom Jewelers, is one of the most outspoken opponents and says the city should let the redevelopment happen naturally.

"The innerworking of the Blue Springs city administration needs to become, once again, the city of cooperation," Kennedy said. "Let us streamline and not stonewall people who want to come into this city, and the problem will take care of itself."

Monday night, the City Council decided to revise plans to create a tax increment financed redevelopment district at Missouri 7 at U.S. 40 and Missouri 7 at Interstate 70, connected by the right of way between the intersections.

Councilmen, commissioners and business owners have ex pressed concerns that the plan allows use of eminent domain to acquire property if owners refuse to sell.

"I won't support it, and I won't say it's right," Kennedy said. "To have a city take it away and give it to another business is unconstitutional. The city is using this as a tool to selectively get what they want."

The suggestion that the city revise its TIF policy to use eminent domain as a last resort was little comfort to Kennedy. Likewise, the idea that the policy would also include language that handle relocation on a case-by-case basis, didn't calm Kennedy's concerns.

Kennedy believes the area will redevelop on its own.

"They just need to sit back and let it happen," Kennedy said.

TIF Commissioners, during Monday's meeting made suggestions to the city administration of changes they'd like to see. Commissioner Steve Westermann suggested breaking the area into two separate districts.

Commissioner Bob Markey wouldn't say how he'd like to see the plan amended before it's sent back to him, but he did express a desire to see changes.

"If they put on the same show, there may not be a change in the vote," Markey said.

On Sept. 2 the TIF Commission recommended denial in a 9 to 1 vote.

One change definitely being made is around the country club. The plans included part of the country club parking lot and swimming pool. The revised plans will eliminate those areas from the plan.

Eric Johnson, acting director of Economic Development, did not know when the plan would go back to the TIF Commission.

To reach Stephanie Howard, send e-mail to stephanie.howard @examiner.net or call her at (816) 229-9161, Ext. 25.