Blue Springs developer chosen for Planning Commission

Michael Parker has lost a good friend, and he has also gained his good friend’s influential seat.

Michael Parker, 34, of Blue Springs, was unanimously appointed to fill the Planning Commission seat that was left vacant late last month after Ted Anderson was killed in a plane crash.

The appointment, recommended Wednesday night by Mayor Carson Ross, fills the seat until the term expires in 2012.

Parker’s appointment comes on the heels of his intensive work on the city’s Multi-family Task Force, which is chaired by Council member Sheila Solon.

Parker, who co-owns Parker Construction, spoke with Solon in late August before the City Council, recommending several ways  in which the city could improve its existing Unified Development Code, or zoning regulations and design standards.

Some of the recommendations made by the task force include allowing builders to construct a maximum height of three stories; and requiring builders to include 40 percent open space – among several other recommendations.

Parker said during the City Council meeting that developers in and outside the city have responded well to the proposed changes and that he’s hoping to work with the public and City Council in the weeks ahead.

Those reasons are why Parker felt he was chosen for the position.

“The work on the task force put me up front, I’m sure,” he said.

Parker has a degree in construction management and engineering from Central Missouri State University, as well as an M.B.A from Baker University. In addition to operating the construction company, he serves on the Development Advisory Committee, a group that reviews zoning projects and laws.

Michael is also the son of Warren Parker, a well-known developer and builder in the city known for several projects, including the Mall at Fall Creek.

In the end, Parker replaces Anderson, who, before his untimely death, served as CEO of Fogel-Anderson Construction Co.

“The city needs some construction knowledge up on the Planning Commission,” Parker said. “Ted had it and his knowledge was very valuable to the city.”

Ross said his appointment will benefit the city well.

“Michael has demonstrated that he is a very capable young man willing to contribute to making this community better as evident with his work on multi-family task force,” Ross said. 

“Ted Anderson, whom he replaces, would be very pleased with my appointment.”