Development
at I-435 to boost Parkville
Future
growth seen at I-435/Hwy. 45 intersection
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by Kim
Fickett
Landmark reporter
A promise of potential revenue for the City of Parkville
is in the initial stages of discussion.
City officials have begun to take an early initiative
to discuss the future development of the I-435 and 45
Hwy. interchange west of Parkville. It's a development
that would include a mix of commercial, industrial and
high density residential.
The interchange, which involves approximately 250 acres,
encompasses the northwest, southwest and southeast corners
of the I-435 and Hwy. 45 interchange. The area, owned
by Vertical Ventures II Development, has prompted the
Parkville Board of Aldermen to contract work with the
city’s engineering firm, Shafer, Kline & Warren,
after the development team had indicated plans for a project
along the I-435 corridor.
At the city’s Jan. 17 board meeting, city officials
took action to have the firm establish new zoning codes
for that area of land following Vertical Ventures request
to change certain zoning codes.
According to Sean Ackerson, director of community development
for Parkville, Vertical Ventures is interested in the
development of a business park that does not meet the
criteria set forth by the city’s current commercial
or industrial codes.
Under Parkville’s commercial zoning, the code would
not allow the light industrial part of the development
and the current industrial zoning regulations have no
quality control.
With the hiring of the engineering team and the annexation
of 3.5 square miles of land along I-435 in 2001, officials
have taken their biggest step yet towards turning the
now barren parcel of land into a future thriving development
for the Northland.
“Currently there’s discussion of the formation
of a neighborhood improvement district (NID) which would
fund the sewer main expansion,” said Ackerson. “Right
now there has been ongoing discussion about what sides
the sewer lines would go in on and what roads would be
needed to serve the development if it does go in out there.
“Ultimately, the city has given a resolution of
intent to pass bonds through a NID which would be used
to fund the construction of a sewer main to the 435 and
45 interchange,” Ackerson added.
If the sewer line is approved, Ackerson said development
in that area may be seen as early as 2007-2008.
“If the sewer line is approved, we would expect
development in a one to two year period. If it’s
not approved, we would see limited development and see
it more in five to ten years,” stated Ackerson.
“My guesstimate is that the entire I-435 corridor
would be fully developed in the next couple of decades.”
City Administrator Joe Turner said the development along
the I-435 corridor would mean great things for the City
of Parkville.
“Any intersection on I-435 and Hwy. 45—because
they are both major highways—is something all cities
should consider for future development of that area and
the financial impact that would be felt by the city in
regards to revenue generated and expenditures spent on
supplying city services to that area,” said Turner.
As Parkville anticipates the development of the I-435
corridor, Turner said it’s imperative to make sure
the site coincides with the city’s plan.
“We want to make sure it develops in the proper
way for the City of Parkville. We want it to complement
the City of Parkville and our tradition of ambiance,”
he said.
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