|
|
|
The presence of Bass Pro Shops in Independence is a matter of ongoing confusion and frustration for many residents, one City Council member said Tuesday night.
Two separate issues are at hand: One involves a construction license surcharge fee legal case between Bass Pro Outdoor World and the city.
The other matter involves a private developer and the lack of tenants at the Bass Pro-anchored The Falls at Crackerneck Creek development that isn’t generating enough tax revenue to make the bond payments due twice a year.
“The entire Crackerneck/Bass Pro (tax increment financing) is very complex,” At-Large Council Member Lucy Young said. “A lot of people get very upset because it is so complex. ... I know that staff has worked very hard at this for several years, and I know that they’ve approached a lot of people trying to bring in businesses, but I think that now, we need to reach out.”
At Young’s suggestion – and by the consensus of five council members – City Manager Robert Heacock will ask Tom Lesnak, president of Independence Economic Development, if he could lend his professional expertise in trying to attract additional tenants to The Falls.
The development was originally planned as a 450,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial and retail development. To date, four years after Bass Pro’s opening, three other businesses make up The Falls: Hobby Lobby, Mardel and Cheddar’s Casual Café.
A year ago, the private developer Crackerneck Creek LLC, led by Independence attorney Byron Constance, said Menards home improvement store was a likely tenant. Plans also fizzled for a Firestone in the development after council members amended the original TIF plan to allow the sale of automobile services and car repair projects.
“A lot of times when a business is wanting to come in this area, they don’t want any rumors whatsoever that they’re coming,” Young said. “How do we prevent that from any deterrence while encouraging business to come?”
Public discussions on potential businesses within the development are difficult because of potential litigation and the notification of area competitors who also may be trying to secure a new retailer, Heacock said.
“Not to mention that the state of Missouri is partner in this project as well, and we need to be mindful of their participation moving forward,” Heacock said. “While we can look at other options for businesses coming in, if a dramatic change in the use of the land is anticipated, we would most certainly need to approach the state for consensus on that or risk losing the state funding.”
Heacock and Young both said value exists in reaching out for extra help in business professionals like Lesnak.
“I’d appreciate that, and I think the citizens would, as well,” Young said. “I think everyone is frustrated – it’s a national frustration, at this point, with the economy. I think that things are really starting to turn around, just a little bit. I’d love to keep on that leading edge and get those properties going.”
The presence of Bass Pro Shops in Independence is a matter of ongoing confusion and frustration for many residents, one City Council member said Tuesday night.
Two separate issues are at hand: One involves a construction license surcharge fee legal case between Bass Pro Outdoor World and the city.
The other matter involves a private developer and the lack of tenants at the Bass Pro-anchored The Falls at Crackerneck Creek development that isn’t generating enough tax revenue to make the bond payments due twice a year.
“The entire Crackerneck/Bass Pro (tax increment financing) is very complex,” At-Large Council Member Lucy Young said. “A lot of people get very upset because it is so complex. ... I know that staff has worked very hard at this for several years, and I know that they’ve approached a lot of people trying to bring in businesses, but I think that now, we need to reach out.”
At Young’s suggestion – and by the consensus of five council members – City Manager Robert Heacock will ask Tom Lesnak, president of Independence Economic Development, if he could lend his professional expertise in trying to attract additional tenants to The Falls.
The development was originally planned as a 450,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial and retail development. To date, four years after Bass Pro’s opening, three other businesses make up The Falls: Hobby Lobby, Mardel and Cheddar’s Casual Café.
A year ago, the private developer Crackerneck Creek LLC, led by Independence attorney Byron Constance, said Menards home improvement store was a likely tenant. Plans also fizzled for a Firestone in the development after council members amended the original TIF plan to allow the sale of automobile services and car repair projects.
“A lot of times when a business is wanting to come in this area, they don’t want any rumors whatsoever that they’re coming,” Young said. “How do we prevent that from any deterrence while encouraging business to come?”
Public discussions on potential businesses within the development are difficult because of potential litigation and the notification of area competitors who also may be trying to secure a new retailer, Heacock said.
“Not to mention that the state of Missouri is partner in this project as well, and we need to be mindful of their participation moving forward,” Heacock said. “While we can look at other options for businesses coming in, if a dramatic change in the use of the land is anticipated, we would most certainly need to approach the state for consensus on that or risk losing the state funding.”
Heacock and Young both said value exists in reaching out for extra help in business professionals like Lesnak.
“I’d appreciate that, and I think the citizens would, as well,” Young said. “I think everyone is frustrated – it’s a national frustration, at this point, with the economy. I think that things are really starting to turn around, just a little bit. I’d love to keep on that leading edge and get those properties going.”
