Group challenging Helzberg TIF needs 360 more signatures

A group challenging tax incentives for philanthropist Shirley Helzberg to renovate a Crossroads building for BNIM architects needs more signatures.

Election authorities said Monday that the group, which turned in petitions last week, had gathered 3,057 valid signatures. They need 3,417 for a referendum effort and have 10 more days to try to fulfill that requirement.

The group is seeking to overturn City Council-approved incentives to renovate a warehouse at 1640 Baltimore Ave. They want the council to repeal the incentives or put them on an election ballot next year.

If they succeed in getting enough signatures, Mayor Sly James has said it could kill the BNIM project. The Kansas City firm said it needs to be in its renovated headquarters within a year and can’t wait for the outcome of an election.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Group challenging Helzberg TIF needs 360 more signatures."