Hodges: Wizards headed to KCK?
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY
$400 MILLION STADIUM PROJECT WOULD ELEVATE WYCO TO NEW HEIGHTS, by Wayne Hodges
KANSAS CITY, KS – A few weeks ago, the Unified Government announced the migration of Sara Lee Corp. to Kansas City, Kan. The company, headquartered in Chicago, is expected to bring an estimated 250 new jobs to area residents. That, however, was only the beginning. With the Bannister Mall site in danger of losing out on the Kansas City Wizards soccer stadium proposal, Kansas Speedway has somehow emerged as the overwhelming favorite.
What does this mean for KCK? How about an 18,500-seat soccer stadium, a 600,000-square foot office campus, a dozen amateur soccer fields and, most importantly, an estimated 8,300 new jobs with average salaries of $54,000. The office complex would host Cerner Corp. employees. And the total investment of the project is believed to be around $400 million. Unbelievable! If Wyandotte County manages to pull this off, it would be without question one of the biggest steals in Kansas City Metropolitan history.
The coup, believe it or not, would make Jackson County the red-headed stepchild of KC Metro; taking that dubious distinction away from Wyandotte County. That’s right. KCK would transform into a superior city basically overnight. Think I’m full of it? Check this out. By securing the proposal, Village West would become home to Kansas City’s two most recent professional sports champions: the Wizards and Kansas City T-Bones. The Wizards won the 2000 MLS Cup and the 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The T-Bones won the Northern League title in 2008. Racing championships are also decided annually at the Kansas Speedway.
Taxpayers gave the Kansas City Chiefs $250 million
Although Jackson County has the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs; neither team has won a championship in decades. The Royals only title came in 1985. The Chiefs won Super Bowl IV in 1969. Fan support for both clubs has tailed off drastically as of late. Yet, ticket prices continue to rise despite all the losing. On the flip side, the Wizards and T-Bones offer fun-filled, family entertainment at lower, more affordable prices than their high-maintenance counterparts at the Truman Sports Complex.
The influx of new retail would also elevate Wyandotte County above Jackson County in tourism revenue. KCK, perhaps by default, appears to have a slight advantage in public schools. And KCMO, according to neighborhoodscout.com, sports a much higher crime rate with an index of 2. Now, who has the better city? “It’s really about leveraging an existing destination and using the retail that’s already there to bring in an added attraction,” said Jeff Lind, store director of Nebraska Furniture Mart. “For us, it adds a lot of potential visitors and helps with the current economic environment.” Project financing would include a combination of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR Bonds) and private funds.
The Wizards Stadium Project promises to deliver an economic boom
The loss of this attractive, multi-million dollar development no doubt serves as a ‘gut punch’ to the Jackson County economy. The Wizards soccer stadium was expected to anchor a $1 billion development plan which would include acres of fresh retail, a new hotel, an office complex and recreational soccer fields. If the shift were to take place across the state line, it would certainly be one tough pill to swallow for public officials. Especially when taking into account Jackson County damn near lost both the Royals and Chiefs to Wyandotte County a few years ago.
“We have put together a very aggressive package,” said Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser. “I would very much like to keep the development here, but not at any price.” Look, I understand STAR Bonds are a formidable foe in this matter. But, if you’re Funkhouser, you must get on the phone today and get something done. Conceding a major league franchise, in addition to new retail development, to a competitor such as Village West, could spell major economic trouble for Jackson County. And, believe me, Wyandotte County officials know all about “economic trouble.”
“We’re very excited about the prospect of thousands of new jobs,” said Dennis Hays, Wyandotte County Administrator. “The proposed office complex is an integral part of the overall plan for Village West, to bring daytime traffic.” Hmm…daytime traffic? Allow me to clarify what Hays just said. A few months ago, I wrote an article in the Kansas City Star entitled “County’s Golden Goose…” In the column, I campaigned for Wyandotte County officials to welcome the migration of corporate office parks and manufacturing plants to provide residents with ample opportunities to earn salaries in the $15 to $20 per hour range.
Why? I’ll explain. According to citydata.com, the median income of Kansas City, Kan. residents is $36,000; compared to $48,000 for the rest of Kansas. With the creation of better paying jobs, residents would obviously become better equipped to patronize the many stores and shops at the Legends; particularly from Monday through Thursday. This is what Hays meant when he mentioned “daytime traffic.” Remember, the majority of sales revenue at Village West is comprised of tourism dollars. As our nation looks to rebound from a nasty recession, the disposable income base of Wyandotte County residents becomes even more significant if you’re a merchant at the Legends.
My article addressed all of these concerns and then some. However, some in the business world didn’t appreciate it. The Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce took shots at my proposal through an aggressive rebuttal in the Kansas City Star. The article, written by Chamber President Cindy Cash, painted yours truly as an opponent to economic growth at Village West; which is certainly not true. The goal was simply to address resident income and develop new ideas on how to improve it. Does “Show Me the Money” ring a bell?
Hey, I don’t mean to brag. But, you know what? I was right back then. And I’m even more correct today. Economic success must start with resident income. If the proposal comes to fruition, Wyandotte County’s economy will take two huge steps forward. And Jackson County figures to take two steps back.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To see the Wizards in action against David Beckham, click the play arrow.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Wyandotte Co is on the rise. We takin over the KC Metro. Great commentary Hodges! Those “BIG WIGS” at City Hall should’ve listened to you months ago. Keep up the good work man.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I’m a long time KCK resident and I’m absolutely thrilled by this proposal. I do believe KCK is a better city than KCMO but I would like to see us bring in a casino. This is an outstanding article Wayne. And it just goes to show WYCO is back on the map.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Wouldnt that be funny if KCK were to pass KCMO?
September 10th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I live in Jackson County and I have never been a fan of Funkhouser. The guy screws everything up so i am not surprised to see this deal fall through. Right now our city hall is filled with bad politics and bad leaderrship. I guess Funkhouser is going to just sit back and watch WYCO snatch our sports and retail development right from up under our nose.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Good to see the “Dotte” on the rebound. They are really doing some great things out there. I live in Jackson County but i do most of my shopping at the Legends. KCK has come a long way.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
WYCO tryin to become BIGTIME??? What is this world comin to???
September 15th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Jackson County down. Now its time to pass Johnson County.
September 27th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Da Wizards??? Man give me an NBA team or somethin