Neighborhood Watch List: Parade Park – 18th And Vine / Wendell Phillips; Foxtown East and SPENA (Swope Park case); Downtown Neighborhood Association DNA; Line Creek Area Plan; South Plaza NA; and Countryside HOA
City Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 17th at 9:00 am
The City Plan Commission was attended this week by Chair Coby Crowl and Commissioners Todd Forbes, Sean Arkin, Tyler Enders. Minimum number to reach quorum.
Two major music-related developments advanced this week at city hall: 1) the downtown UMusic Hotel development at 9th and Grand, and a new music venue for the KC Symphony at 49th and Main.
CD-CPC-2026-00051: A request to approve an MPD Final Plan for Lot 1 of Phase 1 of the Parade Park MPD for two buildings with approximately 187 residential units, associated parking, and amenity areas on about 2.96 acres generally located at the northeast corner or
East 18th Street and Woodland Avenue.
Neighborhood/District: Wendell Phillips & Downtown East Neighborhood Association
Result: This was a consent item and staff is recommending approval with conditions. The specified conditions were not outlined in the meeting minutes review. No public testimony was present.
CD-CPC-2026-00056: Amending Section 88-445-09 (pertains to signage with pedestrian overlay; proposed to allow for monument signs, with council consent, within pedestrian overlay zoning district) and Section 88-445-11 (proposed to allow for unified architectural statement, flexibility in signage, and typically used for large or unique development by adding zones B1 & B2 to the prerequisite zoning for signage plans. Only 18 areas within the city become eligible for this change with 6 of the 18 meeting the having common ownership exceeding the 10 acre requirement.) expanding eligibility regarding Council Approved Signage Plans.
Neighborhood/District: Various; Brookside was the most discussed district.
Result: Andrew Clarke (City Planning & Development) presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval without conditions. For public testimony, Craig Morea (opposed on grounds these potential monumental signs would detract from the character of the districts) appeared in opposition and Jerry Riffle (represented the owner of the brookside shopping center. Appeared in support of the change stating the signage would encourage more public art and allow for better urban planning) appeared in support. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with without conditions.
CD-SUP-2026-00030: A request to approve a special use permit for a building expansion in district R-2.5 on about 235.82 acres generally located at 6800 Zoo Drive. The KC Zoo Education building is the proposed structure for the expansion. The proposed expansion would 15,463 sq ft addition and new golf cart parking area. New tree planting maps were provided as well.
Neighborhood/District: KC Zoo
Result: Larisa Chambi (City Planning & Development) presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicant (Andy Short) appeared and spoke about his requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-SUP-2026-00027: A request to approve a special use permit in District DC-15 (Downtown Core) for the reuse of an officially designated historic landmark as a hotel on about 0.3 acres generally located at the northwest corner of Grand Boulevard and East 9th Street. This property is proposed to be used as the UMusic Hotel, a 169-unit Hotel with amenity space on the top floor. The project includes the historic Scarritt building, constructed in 1907 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Neighborhood/District: Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA)
Result: Justin Smith (City Planning & Development) presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicants (Brian Crawford, Katie Rainer, and Travis Torres) appeared and spoke about their requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-CPC-2026-00066: A request to approve a development plan to allow multiple principal uses, including retail and light equipment sales/rental, on one lot in district B3-2 on about 4.5 acres generally located at 2201 NW Barry Rd in the Line Creek Area Plan.
Neighborhood/District: N/A; Line Creek Area Plan
Result: Alec Gustafson presented the case on behalf of Genevieve Kohn-Smith and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicants (Patricia Jensen and Jake Butler) appeared and spoke about their requests. For public testimony, Wayne Saint Vincent appeared in support and John Boyle appeared with concerns about store operating hours. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions, adding conditions 1-5 requested by John Boyle in letter written to Commissioners and Staff.
CD-CPC-2026-00046: A request to approve an amendment to the Midtown/Plaza Area Plan from Mixed Use Neighborhood to Mixed Use Community on about 2.25 acres generally located south of E 49th Street between Main Street and Walnut Street in South Plaza. The proposed development is an 80,000 sq ft entertainment venue, to be used primarily as a symphony hall for an additional, larger, venue for Kansas City Symphony to allow for a wide array of artistic performances.
Neighborhood/District: South Plaza Neighborhood Association
Testimony and Discussion: Matthew Barnes presented the case on behalf of Genevieve Kohn-Smith and stated that the staff is recommending approval without conditions. The applicants (Charles Renner, Danny Beckley, Brian Mirakian, and Jeff McKerrow) appeared and spoke about their requests. For public testimony appeared Marshal Miller, Crosby Kemper, Cliff Holly, and Kate Marshall who all had concerns. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it without conditions. Concerns of the CPC included the loading dock, exterior illumination and impact on adjacent properties, and traffic impact related to events and area parking garages.
Marshall Miller’s testimony, adjacent property owner, not in opposition nor in favor. Several concerns raised around changes in facts related to the site ingress/egress, impact on residential properties south of the site. Concerned about the transformation of the area into an entertainment district as a result of this development, he argued that this is not consistent with the existing Area Plan. Also raised concerns about the financing.
Crosby Kemper, resident of the area, former director of the Public Library, and former board member for the Symphony. The Kauffman Center (Performing Art Center) will be damaged by this proposed development. Concerned about the Symphony’s use of this approach – which he believes is a high risk financial approach.
Cliff Holly, President of the South Plaza N.A. Concern about 4,600 people impact on the neighborhood. Traffic plan, infrastructure improvements (walking and pedestrian infrastructure), Midtown Plaza Area Plan – designated as a mixed use neighborhood. Street level pedestrian street wall – need for an open shop space fronting on Main Street.
Kate Marshall (online testimony) – Plaza District Council (placemaking in the broader Plaza District). Symphony’s venue has potential for the South Plaza corridor. From Library to Visitation. Already anchored by the library. Venues of this scale will have a significant impact. PDC wants to ensure that the event management and parking plan involves the neighborhood.
Staff for the applicant responded to the concerns of the neighbors and testimony. Event management plan is required by the city. Impacts from the south (51st Street) at Wornall and Brookside. Shared use of parking: agreements in place with the colonnade building, parking garage to the west (Van Trust). There are more available spaces in existing garages than the parking spots that are secured by the Symphony for their events.
CPC asked about the public input process. The key issue seems to be the event management plan. CPC members expressed concern about the degree to which the event management plan is binding. Lack of understanding on the CPC about the event management plan. The neighborhood context is different from downtown (Sprint Center) or other entertainment districts. This site is very residential in character.
Testimony Closed/Motion: CPC members discussed the impact of 4,000 people with limited access (north and east), parking, sidewalk and pedestrian infrastructure, and event management. Project approved. Motion to approve by Tyler Enders – scon by Crowl, all three items. CPC emphasized the need for the applicant to work with the parties who raised concern.
CD-CPC-2026-00045: A request to approve a rezoning from district R-1.5 to district B4-5 on about 2.25 acres generally located south of 4901 Main Street ( E 49th Street between Main Street and Walnut Street). This is the same site outlined in CD-CPC-2026-00046, the proposed South Plaza Entertainment Hall with the Kansas City Symphony as a lead tenant. Project announced March 2026.
Neighborhood/District: South Plaza Neighborhood Association
Result: Matthew Barnes presented the case on behalf of Genevieve Kohn-Smith and stated that the staff is recommending approval without conditions. The applicants (Charles Renner, Danny Beckley, Brian Mirakian, and Jeff McKerrow) appeared and
spoke about their requests. For public testimony appeared Marshal Miller, Crosby Kemper, Cliff Holly, and Kate Marshall whom all had concerns. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it without conditions.
CD-CPC-2026-00044: A request to approve a development plan for an entertainment venue in district B4-5 on about 2.2 acres generally located south of E 49th Street between Main Street and Walnut Street. This is the same sight outlined in CD-CPC-2026-00046 and CD-CPC-2026-00045, the proposed South Plaza Entertainment Hall.
Neighborhood/District: South Plaza Neighborhood Association
Result: Matthew Barnes presented the case on behalf of Genevieve Kohn-Smith and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicants (Charles Renner, Danny Beckley, Brian Mirakian, and Jeff McKerrow) appeared and spoke about their requests. For public testimony appeared Marshal Miller, Crosby Kemper, Cliff Holly, and Kate Marshall whom all had concerns. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions, adding a request that applicant continue to work with staff on egress both in and outside of space where pedestrian traffic is anticipated to be the highest heading towards the streetcar.
CD-CPC-2026-00065: A request to approve a rezoning from District R-1.5 (Residential) to District B2-2 (Commercial) on about 0.3 acres generally located at 8699 N Bellefontaine Ave to rezone the tract to be consistent in zoning with the lot to the south.
Neighborhood/District: N/A; Gashland/Nashua Area Plan
Result: Matthew Barnes presented the case and stated that staff is recommending approval without conditions. The applicant (Matt Ravel) appeared and spoke about his requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it without conditions.
CD-CPC-2026-00064: A request to approve a non-residential development plan in district M1-2 on about 10.75 acres located at 11530 NW Prairie View Road.
Neighborhood/District: N/A; Near KCI airport
Result: Larisa Chambi presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicant (Neel Patel) appeared and spoke about his requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-SUP-2026-00025: A request to approve an extension to a previously approved special use permit for a parking lot expansion (CD-SUP- 2024-00015) for St. Teresa’s Academy on about 17.01 acres generally located at the NW corner of Main Street and West 57th Street.
Neighborhood/District: Countryside HOA (South Plaza)
Result: Larisa Chambi presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicant appeared and spoke about their requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-SUP-2026-00022: A request to approve a special use permit to permit outdoor used vehicle sales in an B3-2 zoning district on about 1.35 acres generally located at 7730 N Oak trafficway.
Neighborhood/District: N/A (2nd Council District)
Result: Stephanie Saldari presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicant (Chris Maddox) appeared and spoke about his requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-ROW-2026-00004: A request to approve a vacation of right-of-way for approximately 60,500 square feet of Michigan Avenue, 17th Street, Euclid Avenue within the Parade Park MPD generally located north of E 18th Street between Woodland Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue.
Neighborhood/District: Wendell Phillips & Downtown East Neighborhood Association
Result: Larisa Chambi presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval with conditions. The applicants (Lamin Nyang and Lauren Baker) appeared and spoke about their requests. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it with conditions.
CD-CPC-2026-00071: Amending Chapter 88, the Zoning and Development Code by amending Section 88-585-02, Emergency Repairs to add a new Section 88-585-02-C for the purpose of amending the review process for orders to repair pursuant to Chapters 48 or 56 to encourage the stabilization of historic structures.
Neighborhood/District: N/A; text amendment
Result: Bradley Wolf presented the case and stated that the staff is recommending approval without conditions. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners discussed the merits of the case and approved it without conditions.
CD-SUP-2025-00039: A request to approve a special use permit to allow for Used Vehicular Sales in district B3-2 on about 0.6 acres generally located at southeast corner of East Bannister Road and Holmes Road.
Result: Sara Copeland introduced the case and stated that the staff is recommending continuance with fee to August 5, 2026. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners approved to continue the case to August 5, 2026 with fee.
CD-SUP-2026-00020: A request to approve a Special Use Permit for a Gasoline and Fuel Sales establishment in an M1-5 zoning district on about 0.314 acres generally located at 840 N Montgall Avenue.
Result: Sara Copeland introduced the case and stated staff is recommending continuance without fee to July 15, 2026. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners approved to continue the case to July 15, 2026 without fee.
CD-CPC-2026-00057: A request to approve a major amendment to a previously approved development plan in District B4-5 (Heavy Business/Commercial) to allow for the expansion of a self-storage facility on about 6.7 acres generally located at northwest corner of Northwest Prairie View Road and Northwest Donovan Drive.
Result: Sara Copeland introduced the case and stated staff is recommending continuance without fee to July 15, 2026. No one appeared for public testimony. Commissioners approved to continue the case to July 15, 2026 without fee.
End of City Planning Commission Agenda
Dan Baldwin is the author of This Week at City Hall, a current Urban Planning & Design student at UMKC, a veteran, former Kansas Realtor, a political activist & organizer, and local musician. Dan is passionate about building a better future through policy design and how it interacts with our built environment and lived experiences and is confident that his time as the Center for Neighborhood’s intern will help him grow in those passions and be an opportunity for communal growth as well.
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