KC’s Crown Center deemed ‘blighted’ ahead of stadium funding vote

A study presented to a Kansas City Council Committee has designated properties around Crown Center as blighted and a conservation area ahead of a stadium funding vote. The qualification analysis found nine properties where a proposed Kansas City Royals stadium would be constructed to be blighted. The study cited extensive dilapidation, asbestos in a larger building, and deteriorating infrastructure across the examined 71-acre redevelopment area.

The blight designation enables the creation of a Tax-Increment Financing (TIF) district to help pay off $600 million in municipal bonds recommended for the ballpark project. City officials indicated the redevelopment would not proceed without TIF adoption, while the Kansas City Council is scheduled to vote on the financing plan and stadium bonds.