KC’s 3rd District Hopes to Go Green

Councilwoman Melissa Robinson’s $522M equitable development plan for KC’s Third District includes a total of $65M that falls under the umbrella of green development. 

Of that total, $40 million will go towards utilizing the city’s smart sewer plan that was implemented after a federal judge ruled that the city needed to reduce the amount of water going into local creeks, streams, and rivers. By strategically placing green infrastructure like natural tall grasses, trees, and green space, the city addresses its water runoff and drainage issues. 

The bulk of the $40M would go towards a greenspace project that basically creates a park that spans from 35th to 39th streets and Jackson to Mersington Ave. Robinson says that the area will have walking trails with benches and greenery for visitors to enjoy.  

“It’s going to be a beautiful asset,” says Robinson. 

The plan also includes $10M for energy assistance in the form of retrofitting older buildings for better efficiency, weatherization of buildings and houses and for looking into alternative energy sources to lower residents’ bills. 

An additional $15M will be used to expand green space and maintain park property. The third district has less green space than any other district in the city. The lack of green space can exacerbate air pollution and make certain areas warmer, contributing to higher utility bills for residents. 

• KC’s Plan to Preserve Parade Park Homes
  The City Council of Kansas City has approved a plan to acquire Parade Park Homes from HUD and redevelop it into a mixed-income, historically-significant property, with provisions to protect current residents and preserve the property’s historical significance.
• Robinson’s $522 Million Plan
  Councilwoman Melissa Robinson has unveiled a $522 million Equitable Development Plan to revitalize Kansas City’s historically disinvested Heart of the City, seeking collaboration between Kansas City, Jackson County, state and federal entities, the private sector, and philanthropic sources.
• DC-Based Urban Institute to Provide Expertise to 3rd District Redevelopment
  The Urban Institute has selected Kansas City’s 3rd District to be a part of their “mobility action learning network” to provide pro bono technical assistance to help advance the Equitable Development Plan proposed by Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson.