Westside neighbors ask KC to stop construction of soccer star’s proposed six-plex

Westside residents are challenging a proposed 6-unit housing project backed by soccer star Graham Zusi in court, alleging a city board’s decision to allow the development was illegal.

In February, the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special use permit for the six-plex project, called a “multi-unit house,” at 1639-41 Summit Street. A multi-unit house is like a small apartment building, but appears like a large house with one entrance from the street.

A special use permit is required for a “multi-unit house” on the property, according to city zoning code. To approve a special use permit, the board must find that the proposal meets city zoning and development standards, fits the character of the surrounding area and would not negatively impact the neighborhood.

The board found that the project does comply, with some approved variances from the usual rules.

City staff supported the project, saying mixed housing types are beneficial, especially in a central neighborhood like the Westside, while city planning documents call for filling vacant lots, diverse housing types and dense, walkable neighborhoods in the city core.

In particular, for the Westside multi-unit house project, the board approved a variance to allow for six units on the small property, which is more than would normally be allowed on the square footage. Without the exception, the proposed six-plex would not be possible on the small and narrow property, despite multi-unit houses otherwise being allowed with a special permit.

The board also granted an exception to allow a trash enclosure in the front area of the building.

Now, the two pairs of neighbors on either side of the proposed six-plex allege those exceptions were illegal.

They say in a legal appeal that the zoning board’s decisions ignored and misapplied city code, were unreasonable and were not supported by the record.

The neighbors also say the decisions ignored the impact the project will have on the neighborhood and the feasible alternatives to the proposed six-plex. They question the findings that allowed the variances.

“This is about fairness and process,” Virginia Salazar Bellis, one of the neighbors, said in a statement. “No one is against housing. But development must follow the rules and respect the people who already live here. We are pursuing legal action because we believe the process failed the people it’s meant to serve.”

Opponents say the case could have broader implications for zoning and development across the city. It mirrors other proposals in Kansas City where some residents take issue with zoning variances or changes to make way for development.

A city spokesperson said the city cannot not comment on legal matters.

When the project was before the city’s planning commission and zoning board earlier this year, neighborhood residents were split.

Supporters said the project will complement the neighborhood and offer a housing option more affordable than a single-family house in the popular neighborhood with a tight housing market.

Opponents said they’re not opposed to building housing, but the proposal would be out of scale and not be a fit for the neighborhood and worried that it could strain the area’s infrastructure.

Graham Zusi, the longtime player for the Sporting KC soccer team through the 2023 season, owns and is developing the property. A Westside resident, he is not named in the appeal. City staff have continued reviewing plans for the property into this month, records show.

The case remains pending in Jackson County Circuit Court. The neighbors are asking the court to reverse the zoning board’s decision.

A case management conference is scheduled for July 28.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 4:15 PM.