Businesses, homeowners near Legends Outlets discuss potential impact of stadiums in their community
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Mayor Tyrone Garner says Kansas City, Kansas, is ready to be a primary choice for the Chiefs and Royals to consider relocating their stadiums.
In particular, one location tabbed as a possible stadium location is by the Legends Outlets. But those who live and work nearby still have questions about a potential stadium deal.
Before any potential negotiations begin to relocate the Chiefs and Royals to Wyandotte County, homeowners near some popular ideas for a site want to know what impact these stadiums could have on their property taxes.
Toni Lopez is a big Chiefs fan, but the thought of a brand new stadium going up near her neighborhood has her scared of a potential raise to the cost of living.
“Right now, I’m paying over $6,000 a year in taxes,” Lopez said about her property tax rate. “So, I think a lot of people here are afraid if the Chiefs and Royals come here it’s going to raise the taxes even more.”
Even with the Star Bonds, only 75 percent of the stadium and surrounding area’s construction would be covered by sales taxes within the district. Covering the other 25 percent and other possible new infrastructure needed has some homeowners worried they won’t be able to afford to keep living here.
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“I’m definitely worried about being priced out,” Carol Waltsak told KCTV. “My son lives here; I have a daughter who lives in Wyandotte County. It would be tough moving which would break my heart.”
If any negotiations lead to Wyandotte County, residents we met urge leaders to ensure property taxes don’t go up because of the stadiums. Still, restaurants like Jose Peppers at Legends are hyped about what the teams will do for businesses.
“Business during football season is not as busy as we want it to be of course,” General Manager Giovanni Gomez expressed. “But if the Chiefs end up moving over here to this point in time it would help out businesses a lot. I feel like we would be busier.”
Having two more professional sports teams by the Outlets would fill the gap during parts of the year when foot traffic is low for shopping and dining.
“It’s just an ongoing business that helps us grow not only as a community but in sales for everybody in the area,” Gomez added.
Even if the Chiefs came to KCK’s backyard, homeowners we spoke with around Wyandotte County said it wouldn’t make a difference because financially they couldn’t afford to go to the games. Especially if property taxes were raised.
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