Developer gets second chance to present Parkville condo plan

A potential development once denied approval near The National Golf Club was given another shot during a four-hour meeting last week of the Parkville Board of Aldermen.

The Tuesday, Sept. 7 meeting was presided over by board president Marc Sportsman in mayor Nan Johnston’s absence.

Elaine Kellerman headed up public input before the development discussion by questioning the hire of attorney Mark Ferguson at a special Tuesday, Aug. 31 meeting of the board. She asked why the city needed the services of a criminal defense attorney.

“We have every right and responsibility to hire counsel in anticipation of any and all needs,” Sportsman said.

City attorney Chris Williams said due to attorney-client confidentiality the city could not give any more input on Ferguson’s hire.

She also asked how much the city spent on legal fees involving the lawsuit filed by Jason Maki, which was recently settled. City administrator Joe Parente said he did not have the exact number at hand, but he estimated city costs to be at about $220,000.

The bulk of the meeting, and the audience, was dedicated to a planned residential development proposal, which would be located off North Crooked Road in unincorporated Platte County. According to director of community development Stephen Lachky, the application proposed a 158 unit condominium building and 21 lots for duplexes near The National Golf Course. The 38-acre tract – which is currently undeveloped – would be annexed into the City of Parkville before any development would occur.

The proposal has faced opposition since its introduction in the spring from residents of The National Golf Club board and South National residents, as well as other adjacent property owners. Nearly 20 in attendance at a public forum spoke out in opposition to the development, particularly against the four-story condominium component, which they felt was out of place in the area.

Residents were also concerned about increased traffic in the area, crime, loss of character and property values and other concerns.

Parkville’s planning and zoning commission unanimously denied the rezoning application Aug. 10 after four previous public hearings. Additionally, The National’s homeowner’s association denied connection access to North National Drive.

Todd Kobayashi of Genesis Construction Management spoke at the Sept. 7 meeting, stating the condominium development is geared toward seniors.

“We’d like the opportunity to go back to planning and zoning,” Kobayashi said, stating he felt the project had not been given the opportunity to respond to concerns voiced by the planning and zoning commission.

Alderman Bob Lock asked Kobayashi if he planned to take the project to Platte County should Parkville pass on the opportunity, as the land is currently within unincorporated Platte County. Kobayashi said it was an option, though he believed the project fit better in Parkville.

Board members voiced concerns mirroring those of the residents who have spoken out in previous meetings, including ingress and egress concerns for emergency vehicles, traffic concerns and other areas of concern.

Aldermen and residents who spoke questioned the design of the large condominium building, noting it did not appear to be in line with much of the development and density in Parkville.

Sportsman said while board members were familiar with the project, this was the first time Kobayashi had presented the proposal to the board of aldermen.

Alderman Phil Wassmer said the plan had changed very little over hours of meetings before the planning and zoning commission and he felt giving the applicant more time would be a wasted effort.

Sportsman suggested giving Kobayashi eight weeks to present a changed plan to planning and zoning. Kobayashi asked for at least three months.

On a 5-3 split vote, the Parkville Board of Aldermen agreed to allow the development proposal to go back before the planning and zoning commisison before the end of the year. Aldermen Welch, Whitley and Wassmer voted no.

PARKVILLE EDC

Also at the meeting, aldermen Brian Whitley and Tina Welch questioned the fee charged to the Parkville Economic Development Council, which leases space in Parkville City hall. They said the approximately $435 annual fee was well below market rate and since the city maintains the EDC is not a quasi-governmental entity that fee should be reevaluated.

Alderman Greg Plumb said the county leases space at the Platte County Resource Center to several entities at a reduced rate, and he suggested they check into the Platte County Commission’s policies regarding such rentals.

Sportsman said that as ‘no good deed goes unpunished,’ the city has recently faced criticism for attempting to help the EDC get established to help local businesses.

The item, involving a three-year lease extension, was pulled from the consent agenda for further investigation and review.