May 13, 2023

The Lee’s Summit City Council met May 9 to discuss these issues.

Citizen’s Leadership Academy
City Council recognized the recent graduates of the Citizen’s Leadership Academy. The academy is an eight-week interactive program that gives residents and business owners an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of city government.

Downtown Market Plaza Schematic Design
City Council received an update on the Downtown Market Plaza. GLMV Architecture presented the schematic design package of the pedestrian-focused project which includes a large sculpture at the Third Street entrance, playground area, art walk, covered performance lawn with a movable stage and Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is 17,000 square feet with 50 10×10 vendor spaces, a catering kitchen, a storage area and restrooms. There are five garage doors on either side of the market that can be opened up allowing other use opportunities.

The next steps for the development team are to conduct a traffic study to consider the possible impacts of the project on the downtown area and a preliminary utility submittal and review. The preliminary development plan is expected in the next couple of months.

The Montage
City Council heard a presentation from TriStar Properties on a conceptual economic development incentive request for The Montage, a mixed-residential project located on the east side of 291 Highway, south of Shamrock Golf Course. The developer is seeking sales tax exemption on construction materials and real property tax abatement for the building of 112 townhomes and 114 courtyard villas. The targeted area would require public infrastructure development of sewer, transportation and water.

City Council liked the project but asked for more analysis from the developer.

Proclamation National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Mayor Baird issued a proclamation declaring June 2 National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The purpose of the day is to encourage all citizens to support their local community’s efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.

Proclamation National Travel & Tourism Week
Mayor Baird issued a proclamation declaring the week of May 7-13 National Travel and Tourism Week. The purpose of the week is to recognize the travel industry’s critical role in the Lee’s Summit community. Travel supports communities and essential services with $84 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2022. Travel is an economic powerhouse for every state and destination across the country with an economic output of $2.6 trillion in 2022, supporting 14.5 million American jobs.

The next meeting is May 16.