Public Input to Shape Kansas City Riverfront Development

By Pat Sterrett, AICP

In an effort to embrace the Missouri River as a true landmark, the Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri, is revitalizing 55 acres of property into the city’s first riverfront development. Led by Forest City Enterprises Inc., the mixed-use area will feature residential, retail and office space.

The front door to Kansas City’s downtown, Richard L. Berkley Park, comprises 17 acres of riverfront property and is included in the development’s planning process. The riverfront vision includes transforming the park into a regional destination with attractions such as outdoor concerts, weekend festivals, restaurants and retail.

In an effort to elevate the visibility of the Missouri River and highlight the importance of the development in the riverfront’s future, Port Authority commissioners are committed to open and accountable public discussion.
From neighborhoods and community interest groups to reporters and civic leaders, all interested parties have been invited to participate in shaping the vision of the development. The goal: Solicit substantial input to help shape the riverfront plan and ensure compatibility with adjoining neighborhoods and developments.

The Port Authority views the riverfront development as a landmark development with long-term implications for the entire metropolitan area. To encourage participation from residents throughout the area, the Port Authority chose to conduct three progressive meetings in central locations. These meetings have been designed to offer a forum to solicit ideas and advice that will be used in developing the final site plan. Critical steps in the public participation process follow.

Step 1: Educate and Gather Input
The first meeting, held in January 2006, included an informational presentation and an overview of the development site, market analysis and park usage. Meeting facilitators then led small breakout groups where participants discussed topics ranging from amenities to retail offerings, infrastructure, park attractions, parking and housing types. Even the community’s character was open for discussion. Finally, participants were encouraged to attend the next meeting, held in early February, to review the results.

Step 2: Present Feasibilities
Once the developer and park planner reviewed the input, participants reconvened in similar breakout groups to learn which of their ideas were adopted or rejected and why. Various alternatives were discussed, as well as the benefits or challenges of each potential master plan.

Step 3: Unveil a Comprehensive Plan
The third session will unveil the adopted, yet flexible, site plan, and illustrate specific examples of how participants’ input shaped the development design.
In addition to the trio of public meetings, the Port Authority communicates regularly with business and neighborhood organizations directly affected by the riverfront development. Ongoing public education, quarterly newsletters, desk-side briefings and open monthly board meetings reinforce the Port Authority’s commitment to long-term public involvement.

Ongoing Discussion Online
To further enhance the public participation process, the Port Authority updated its informational Web site (www.kcportauthority.com). Here, visitors can get information about upcoming meetings, development plans, project status and other pertinent information. The site also provides a forum for interested individuals and groups to comment on the process and the proposed plans.

Taking a proactive stance to public input is paying off for the Port Authority. Meetings are generating great ideas, wise counsel and, most importantly, citizen ownership.

When citizens know they have an opportunity to genuinely impact local decisionmaking, they are more likely to participate in the planning process. And, while participants realize the amount of public monies raised will determine the final plan, we are confident that the outcome will be a sustainable development that will impact the entire city for generations. BFN

Pat Sterrett, AICP, is executive director of the Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri.