The Lenexa City Council voted 6-2 to approve the establishment of the Westchester Shopping Center Community Improvement District, paving the way for a $26 million renovation project. The project will be funded in part by a 1% sales tax on businesses in the designated area, with approximately $4.5 million reimbursed to the developers, Block Real Estate Services LLC and Score Development.

Renovation Plans

The Westchester Shopping Center, anchored by a Hy-Vee, Dollar Tree, FedEx, and Star Beauty, among other shops, will undergo significant improvements, including updates to building façades, the parking lot, sidewalks, and landscaping. The center, built in 1986, contains 163,000 square feet of retail space and currently has an 83% occupancy rate.

According to Aaron Mesmer, Block’s chief investment officer, the developers noticed several issues with the property after purchasing it in December, including a lack of visibility from the street, dated landscaping, broken sidewalks and curbs, and inconsistent building appearances. Mesmer stated that the goal is to create a more consistent appearance throughout the center.

Community Reaction

Some residents expressed concerns about the additional 1% sales tax, which will be levied for 22 years. Councilmembers Chelsea Williamson and Courtney Eitherich also voiced their dissatisfaction with the tax, citing the potential burden on low-income families and seniors who rely on the shopping center for essential goods.

However, other council members, such as Bill Nicks, supported the CID, arguing that it will improve the appearance of Lenexa and help the shopping center remain competitive with other local retailers. Mayor Julie Sayers noted that the cost of not implementing the CID could be significant, potentially leading to the loss of the Hy-Vee tenant and resulting in extraordinary costs for the city.

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.