New development at The National draws concern

A commercial development at The National in Parkville may shortly get under way despite concerns of nearby residents.  After swearing in new Mayor Nan Johnston and aldermen David Jones and David Ritterman as well as returning aldermen Marc Sportsman and Kari Lamer Tuesday night, the Parkville Board of Aldermen turned to consideration of a rezoning order and approval of a preliminary development plan for The Village at the National. The roughly 10 acre development at the west intersection of Highway 45 and National Drive would eventually include office buildings, a bank and a restaurant, but would begin with construction of an office building – an office building containing a lot of glass to maximize the golf course view - at the west end of the property this year. Assistant City Administrator Sean Ackerson introduced the rezoning request and plan, which was heard by the Parkville Planning and Zoning Commission last week. That board approved the rezoning, but on a split vote, citing concerns about construction dust, increased traffic and questions of the quality of the development. National residents Bob and Linda Brandom attended the meeting to voice their concerns. “I know the project is important for The National and for Parkville, but I just ask that they keep to the stated quality of the development,” Bob Brandom said. “I’m not really opposed – I think it’s a nice looking building and I know it’s important.” He did have concerns about a portion of the plan that called for the possible relocation of a golf cart path near the seventh hole. Linda Brandom pointed out that though the glass construction of the building maximized the view of the golf course for the office tenants, it could ruin the view for residents. “It’s going to be like looking into a fish bowl,” she said, pointing out that trees intended to screen the development would take years to grow.