COVID-19 update: 7 more deaths reported in Kansas; Johnson County projects delayed
Some major development projects across Johnson County have been delayed or halted despite being considered “essential services” under the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
What was supposed to be another strong year of growth instead has been put on hold because some developers have determined that operating during this time is too risky to the health of employees.
Other developers are moving ahead keeping crews on the job and working to meed deadlines.
The $225 million Mission Gateway development is one casualty as the conronavirus pandemic has brought construction to a halt.
“While the state of Kansas and Johnson County stay-at-home orders did not exclude construction, keeping in mind the health and safety of those that work at Mission Gateway, we took the step to suspend work on the site until the order is lifted,” said Andy Ashwal, of GFI Development.
Meanwhile, construction on the new $193 million Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Olathe has not slowed and should meet its opening deadline by January.
The new seven-story courthouse is being built west of Olathe City Hall, at Kansas Avenue and Santa Fe Street.
Construction has been slowed on the 16.5 million project to expand Interstate 35 at 75th Street in Overland Park and Merriam.
“Due to the pandemic, there has been a little bit of delay on materials procurement, and a subcontractor had a whole crew in quarantine,” said Kelly Kultala, spokeswoman with the Kansas Department of Transportation. “Work has slowed down a little bit, but we should be seeing more action (this) week.
The Webster House in the Crossroads won’t reopen
The Kansas City area lost another restaurant due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order — The Webster House in Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District.
The upscale restaurant and retail business in the historic building at 1644 Wyandotte Street, announced that it will not be reopening.
“After strategic planning and the unknown about when our valued customers would want to come back, we made the decision to not reopen,” said founder Shirley Bush Helzberg in a statement. “It has been a place to celebrate, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and many civic events as well. There are fond memories of our personal passion and love for Webster House.”
Johnson County reports five more COVID-19 deaths
Local health officials reported five more COVID-19 deaths and six new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday.
As of Tuesday morning, at least 382 people have been infected by the coronavirus and 35 people have died.
Of those diagnosed in Johnson County, 123 have required hospitalization, according to county data. Seventy were hospitalized as of Monday morning. That number was reduced to 54 Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Wyandotte County reported one new case, bringing its total 428 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The total number of people dying from the disease remained the same at 44.
State health officials reported 39 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 2,025. Another seven people have died of the disease in the last 24 hours, raising the total to 107 deaths according to the latest statistics, updated by the Kansas Department of Health and the Environment.
At least 419 people have been admitted to the hospital.
Small group protests stay-at-home orders
A small gathering of protesters gathered Monday on the Country Club Plaza to have leaders end the shutdown orders in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I just want my city to open. I feel like our city is in a situation where we aren’t needing the necessary requirements that have been taken and to the extent that have been taken,” said Lilly Stafford, 17, of Kansas City.
“We’re not a city like New York. I understand there is the potential for cities to get like that but there are different precautions that we can take.”
Protests have occurred across the country this past week proclaiming shutdowns are unnecessary and that the orders have stifled the economy and hurt small businesses. Similar protests are planned to take place this week in Topeka and Jefferson City.
