Kansas City Port Authority Weighs $50M Truck Manufacturer Expansion, Holds on Mystery Data Center Project
The Port Authority of Kansas City's Development Committee held two major incentive requests for further review on May 11, while recommending approval for a 161-unit apartment complex in the Northland and green space improvements along the riverfront.
Custom Truck One Source Inc. is seeking up to $50 million in bonds to purchase and renovate a 174,000-square-foot building at 4343 Clary Blvd. The 1964 structure will serve as a new manufacturing location for the company, which already operates a facility in the Blue River corridor in east Kansas City.
The project includes installing and upgrading rail infrastructure to connect the two sites. Port KC estimates the expansion will create up to 300 jobs with an average salary of approximately $81,000 per year.
Custom Truck One Source is also requesting exemptions from taxes on real estate, personal property, and construction materials. The committee held the item so Kansas City Public Schools can provide input on the proposed incentives.
Data Center Project Details Withheld
Port KC CEO Jon Stephens described a second project as an "AI factory and research facility" but declined to provide specifics. He said the project is "much different" than a traditional data center.
Staff requested the committee hold the agenda item pending "more comprehensive information on some of the benefits." Stephens provided no details on location or the dollar amount of bonds Port KC is considering issuing.
Brighton Crossing Apartments Gets Committee Approval
The committee voted to recommend approval for Sunflower Development Group's Brighton Crossing Apartments, a four-story, 161-unit complex proposed for Northeast 80th Terrace and North Denver Avenue in the Northland near the Interstate 435 and Missouri Highway 152 intersection in Clay County.
Sunflower is requesting up to $39 million in bonds and exemptions from taxes on real estate, personal property, and construction materials. The developer will contribute $500,000 to Kansas City's housing trust fund.
Riverfront Projects Moving Forward
The committee recommended approval for Port KC to accept land under the Town of Kansas Bridge for community improvements and enhanced riverfront connections. Development Director Chase Johnson said Port KC has worked with the River Market Community Association on the plan for about 18 months.
The area is currently overgrown with honeysuckle and has experienced homeless encampments and illegal dumping. Port KC plans to clean up the space and develop it into green space with improved access and potential restoration of the original Town of Kansas historic site.
Port KC is also pursuing a $90 million federal grant to build a flyover bridge at Lydia Avenue between Guinotte Avenue and Berkley Parkway. The project addresses a dangerous rail crossing that has appeared on planning documents for 30 to 40 years.
The flyover will separate train traffic from pedestrians and vehicles, improve connectivity between Berkley Riverfront and neighborhoods to the south and east, and provide safe entrance and exit during special events and emergencies.
Port KC must submit a grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration by June 8. The project requires a 20 percent local match. The committee recommended the full board adopt a resolution supporting the application and authorizing execution of necessary agreements.
Port KC is holding an open house on May 27 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Garrison Community Center, 1124 E. Fifth St., to discuss the Lydia Avenue flyover project.
Riverfront Updates
Port KC reported progress on several riverfront initiatives. A streetcar pavilion is substantially complete, and ongoing work includes replacement of more than 10,000 square feet of sidewalk and construction of the Berkley Memorial reflective area.
The Missouri River Mural Festival will run May 22 through May 24 at Berkley Riverfront, featuring 60,000 square feet of murals created by 100 artists working along approximately one mile of levee wall.
Port KC is commissioning a local artist to paint a "Welcome to Berkley Park" mural on a 40-foot shipping container alongside the recently completed Grand Boulevard bike and pedestrian bridge.
Starting May 29, Port KC is bringing back vegetation-clearing goats for one month. Port KC also plans to post signs in multiple languages prohibiting camping at Berkley Riverfront during the World Cup.
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