English RM News —
The Kansas City Royals have issued a statement regarding their ongoing search for a new stadium location, following a significant development from Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins. Mayor Elkins, along with the Leawood City Council, recently declared their inability to support a stadium proposal at the Aspiria campus in Overland Park. This decision comes after considerable deliberation and public discourse surrounding potential sites for the baseball team’s future home.
The Aspiria campus, situated at the northwest corner of 119th Street and Nall Avenue, is geographically located within Overland Park’s city limits. However, the intersection itself spans across municipal boundaries, with the southwest and southeast corners also falling within Overland Park. Crucially, the northeast corner of this same intersection lies within Leawood’s jurisdiction. This cross-border location has introduced complexities into the stadium planning process, particularly concerning potential financial incentives and community impact.
In response to the evolving situation, a spokesperson for the Royals shared a statement emphasizing the team’s deep commitment to the Greater Kansas City region. “The Royals have a long history of working to make Greater Kansas City a better place,” the spokesperson stated early Tuesday evening. “As such, we are deeply committed to building a stadium environment that prioritizes the health, safety, and traffic concerns of our neighbors. Wherever we build our next generational home, the project will be guided by strong community collaboration. We pledge to create an unsurpassed fan and community experience, one that elevates our region and serves as a place of great regional pride for us all.” This statement underscores the team’s intention to engage in collaborative efforts and address the concerns of the communities involved.
The financial structure of stadium development in Kansas often involves the utilization of Sales Tax and Revenue, or STAR Bonds. For a district encompassing the Aspiria campus intersection to qualify for these incentives, a crucial step involves Leawood’s City Council. If a portion of the development district is drawn into Leawood, the city council would need to vote on whether to allocate their increment sales tax revenue to help finance a project located in the neighboring city of Overland Park. This potential financial arrangement highlights the interconnectedness of the two municipalities in the stadium’s proposed location.
Community Concerns and Collaboration
The decision from Leawood’s mayor and council signals a potential hurdle for the Royals’ plans at the Aspiria campus. Business owners in Leawood have previously voiced concerns regarding the impact of a new stadium on their operations and the local community. These concerns often revolve around issues such as increased traffic congestion, potential disruption to existing businesses, and the overall aesthetic and functional impact on the area.
The Royals’ statement appears to directly address these community-focused anxieties. By pledging to prioritize health, safety, and traffic concerns, the team is signaling a willingness to engage with stakeholders and mitigate potential negative impacts. The emphasis on “strong community collaboration” suggests a commitment to open dialogue and a willingness to adapt plans based on feedback from residents and business owners in both Leawood and Overland Park.
Navigating Municipal Boundaries and Financial Incentives
The geographical complexities of the proposed site are a significant factor. The Aspiria campus sits at a nexus of two distinct municipal governments, each with its own interests and responsibilities. For the Royals to leverage Kansas’ STAR Bond program, the willingness of both cities, or at least the city where the revenue is generated and the city that would benefit from the development, is paramount.
The STAR Bond program is designed to incentivize economic development by allowing local governments to capture a portion of the sales tax generated by new businesses and developments. In this scenario, if Leawood were to approve the allocation of its increment sales tax revenue, it would essentially be contributing to the financing of a development primarily located in Overland Park. This necessitates a high degree of inter-city cooperation and a shared vision for the project’s benefits.
The Path Forward
With Leawood’s stance now clear, the Royals will likely need to reassess their options and potentially explore alternative locations or re-engage in discussions with Leawood officials to address their specific concerns. The team’s commitment to a collaborative approach suggests they are prepared to navigate these challenges. The future of the Royals’ new stadium remains a significant topic of discussion for the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, and the interplay between municipal governance, community interests, and economic development strategies will continue to shape the outcome. The ultimate goal, as stated by the Royals, is to create a “generational home” that fosters regional pride and provides an exceptional experience for fans and the community alike.