The next big thing(s)
If Shoal Creek Valley is the biggest thing on the horizon, it is clearly not the only new development that excites the county. Tom Brandom sees the possibilities in the extended runway at the regional airport, a prospect that has the potential to energize the county. Kim Wales added that the airport has the real potential to enhance development between Liberty and Excelsior Springs, the area on which she is most focused.
For Sandy Butler, the development of the county’s trail system—and the linking of these trails to those in Platte County—is a high priority. As John Dillingham noted,
it took all six commissioners from both counties voting in unison to make this happen, which was something that he “had never seen before.” Craig Porter called this development a “great asset to the county.”
For Porter, the county’s most promising asset is Smithville Lake, which he calls an “unmatched facility in this part of the country.” Nor was he alone in singing its praises. Several others cited the lake as one of the county’s two or three great assets, and Mark Tanksley cited the road improvements around the lake as a source of further potential.
John Dillingham foresaw a time when Smithville Lake and nearby Kansas City International Airport might provide the nexus for a “three county consortium” of Clay, Platte and Buchanan county.
In the more immediate future, Councilman Paul Danaher cited the I-435 Corridor as an area of “limitless potential” once its infrastructure is developed. “A huge opportunity” is how Mike VanBuskirk described the corridor. “Boy, this is amazing,” he enthused, “an interstate going through all this property.”
Patricia Gentrup saw great opportunity in the redevelopment of the Liberty Triangle. Jeff Samborski saw equal potential in the newly minted North Kansas City Triangle. Scott Wigerson looked forward to the redevelopment of the North Oak corridor and Gladstone. Lynn McClure was keen on the redevelopment of the Chouteau Corridor.
“What I find exciting are the diverse amount of things that are happening,” said Mayor Jim Nelson in the way of summary. “None of us can realize the magnitude of the potential of all these things when put together.”
“I feel like a kid in a candy store,” affirmed Jim Hampton. Everywhere I look is a great opportunity. We have never been in a better position for growth than what I see today.”
(Top Left) Liberty Mayor Steve Hawkins discusses the strategic efforts being implemented to balance development & redevelopment in his and neighboring communities. Ron Dempsey of William Jewell and Jason Archer from the state of Missouri looks on.
NKC Economic Development Director Jeff Samborski discusses several significant projects taking shape throughout the county including the Liberty Triangle redevelopment project. Patricia Gentrup of Liberty and Tammy Henderson from Hunt Midwest observe.
(Bottom Left) Clay County ED Director Jim Hampton said“I feel like a kid in the candy store”, referring to the many healthy economic and community development opportunities throughout the county. Jerry Brandt and Pete Hall tend to agree.
FACTS ABOUT CLAY COUNTY
- The Clay County general bud-get is funded solely by sales tax.
- With the internationally known Jesse James Farm and Museum, the Oceans of Fun/Worlds of Fun theme parks and two of the region’s largest casinos, Clay County has developed one of the strongest tourism destinations in the region.
- At 7,000 acres, Smithville Lake is more than double the size of Jackson County’s Jacomo, Longview and Blue Springs lakes—combined!
- Clay County manufacturers can qualify for sales and use tax exemptions on “materials” purchased and used in the manufacturing process. Distributors and warehousers can take advantage of the “Free Port” or property tax exemptions on inventories.
- From 1990 to 1998, the population of the county’s unincorporated area saw a growth rate that was more than double the percentage of growth inside Clay County towns and cities.All of the area’s public and private schools exceed state and national averages in all relevant tests.
