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Development
corporation could help east of I-29
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by Kim
Fickett
Landmark reporter
A meeting involving several Platte City bankers, Platte
City Mayor Dave Brooks, City Administrator Keith Moody
and Kearney City Administrator Jim Eldridge, was classified
as “an opportunity to start dialogue" on the
possible formation of a development corporation to assist
with potential development east of Interstate 29.
According to Moody, that “dialogue” would center
around the potential development to land east of I-29.
“I met with Jim Eldridge and he indicated he had
been a part of a development corporation being established
and expressed how it had helped them being able to open
up development west of I-35,” said Moody.
“It seemed like if it was working for them it could
possibly work for the City of Platte City.”
Representatives from five banks, Roger Parson of Farley
State Bank, Stan Palmer of Bank of Weston, Joe Carroll
of Liberty Savings Bank, Rob Barman of Wells Bank, and
Kelly Parkhurst of Platte Valley Bank, attended the meeting
to hear what Moody and Eldridge had to say.
“In speaking with Jim (Eldridge), he said their
bankers played a major role in establishing their development
corporation. Bankers also have background in property
assessment and evaluations,” stated Moody.
“Generally they are well connected as far as having
ideas of what the property is selling for, if people are
interested in selling their ground or if businesses have
inquired about opening a new business.”
At last week’s meeting, Moody said the reason each
banker was sitting at the table was because it takes money
for this type of project and “you all have the money.”
“They have the money and can secure financing to
pay for the purchase of ground and complete public improvements,”
he said.
While Moody admits it would be nice to see an industrial/business
park established in that area, it may be used for different
businesses.
“It would be nice to see an industrial or business
park established there but it may be a retail development
if that’s what the market would support first,”
he said.
Eventually the city realizes the area may be opened up
to residential, commercial, industrial and office.
“The ground could be a location for any and all
types of uses because it would be good visibility and
good access to Interstates 29 and 435 and highway systems,
such as 92,” stated Moody. “It holds the potential
to be a good strong industrial and commercial base.”
Moody confirmed that Willis Sherry, founder of Timber
Creek Sewer Company, has indicated interest in extending
a sewer line to the other side of the interstate.
However, according to Moody, Timber Creek Sewer Company
needs a commitment from a development before it will spend
the funds to extend the line, so they will be able to
recover their funds of the project.
“They’re in the same position as the City of
Platte City,” said Moody. “And to date we haven’t
see that type of development proposed.”
It is estimated that it will cost $350,000 for a sewer
extension to the east side of I-29. Moody said the cost
of the water extension to the east side of the interstate
is unknown becomes it depends on the ability to cross
the line at the same location as the sewer extension.
For the past six years, the City of Platte City has saved
nearly $300,000 in water and sewer connection fees for
future improvements.
“When a new business opens they pay an impact fee
to avoid everybody paying a higher water and sewer fee
for expanding our water and sewer systems,” stated
Moody.
According to Moody, the development of the vacant land
east of I-29 is vital to Platte City.
“We only have so much area on this side of the interstate
that has the benefit associated with the visibility of
I-29 and the accessibility the interstate and Highway
92 affords,” he stated.
“The area west of I-29 is zoned commercially and
is systematically being developed and eventually it will
all be developed. Once it’s gone, the only thing
we’re left with is the area east of I-29.”
Moody continued, “We’re at the point now that’s
foreseeable within the next couple of years, there won’t
be a commercial lot available in Platte City. We’re
at the point now that there’s not a residential lot
for sale in Platte City. Everything that’s been platted
has been sold and built on.”
By pursuing the sewer extension to the area of land to
the east of the interstate, it opens a door of opportunities
to the community.
“Every time you add an additional business you add
additional job opportunities,” said Moody.
“Everyone who has chosen to live in Platte City
will have more opportunities to work in Platte City. By
creating that balance between home and occupational opportunities,
I think you add to the quality of life.”
Moody also said the expansion of that area will help
residents and current businesses in Platte City.
“Those additional businesses provide additional
choices to our residents and they also compliment existing
businesses in town. It helps to create a more balanced
use in the community.”
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