KC City Council approves $750,000 for 31st and Prospect improvements

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Council approved at least $750,000 to go to the Linwood Shopping Center CID to help improve safety and infrastructure around the shopping district and Sun Fresh Market.

City officials say the money could be deployed within the next 10 days to help cover the cost of additional security and upgrades like additional lighting. Mayor Quinton Lucas stressed that the money won't cover normal operating or business costs for Sun Fresh or any other store.

"This is a growing city, it's a dynamic one, we're not abandoning Prospect, we're not abandoning Downtown, we'll never abandon any part," said Lucas.

"I hope this investment helps us continue that important investment and making sure that people can shop for their groceries in their neighborhood."

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Wednesday nights have already become " Wellness Wednesdays ," where extra KCPD patrols try to discourage crime and make residents feel safe.

"The interaction with the public thanking us for being up here and making them feel safe that's probably the best thanks you can get as a police officer," said KCPD Major Chris Young.

Councilmember Melissa Patterson Hazley says while this payment is a one-time deal, the city's past involvement at the same site set the stage for the existing grocery store to open after the space had been vacant.

"Well, the city is responsible for the grocery store opening in the first place," said Councilmember Patterson Hazley.

"We funded $17 million worth of renovations over there, so I think the precedent is set that we are a part of this."

That's why she helped approve the $750,000 in city funds from the General Fund, Health Levy Fund and Shared Success Fund.

"The city does own the property and so we wanted to protect our investment but also make sure we maintain a grocery store right there in Midtown while we're simultaneously dealing with the public safety issues in the corridor," said Patterson Hazley.

"To me, this isn't just a story of the Sun Fresh at 31st and Prospect," said Mayor Lucas.

"You see more investment 27th and Prospect, new multifamily. You've seen investment at 39th and Prospect and up and down the corridor."

The city plans to apply for matching federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development but Mayor Lucas says that application could depend on the priorities of the incoming Trump Administration.