Who thought giving taxpayer subsidies to Pizza Hut and Wendy’s in KCK was a good idea?
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City Kansas is inching closer to a decision on a long-debated economic development project in its Argentine neighborhood.
The proposal calls for building Pizza Hut and Wendy’s restaurants near 21st Street and Metropolitan Avenue. Almost all of the $2 million cost would come from public sources, including an initial $400,000 grant from the taxpayers of Wyandotte County.
The Unified Government should not approve the plan in its present form and instead should seek to minimize public subsidies for the project.
We’re not necessarily against fast-food restaurants, in Argentine or anywhere else. If developers want to build them on their own, at their own risk, the development likely would deserve support.
We’re also not against economic progress in Argentine, one of the more challenged parts of Wyandotte County. In some cases, public subsidies may be necessary to bring jobs and opportunity to such an area (although it’s worth noting that the unemployment rate in Wyandotte County is at its lowest point in roughly two decades.)
But it’s hard to justify public support for fast-food establishments when health outcomes in Wyandotte County are often among the poorest in Kansas. Taxpayers should not be asked to subsidize potentially unhealthy eating options for residents.
Christina Esteban of NourishKC, a nutrition advocacy group, says the anticipation of jobs and development in Argentine is understandable. “The mentality of ... something is better than nothing is there,” she said.
But fast-food chain restaurants probably aren’t a permanent answer, she said. “I hope this starts a conversation about long-terms, and how things can move forward, and how we can leverage some of those dollars to support (healthier options).“
While health and nutrition are concerns, the financing of the development is also flawed. It includes a grant approved long ago by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and various tax breaks. The $400,000 grant from local taxpayers could eventually be repaid through other public incentive programs.
Supporters say the incentives are essential for the project to proceed, but the Unified Government’s staff has recommended rejection of the plan.
Like many communities, Kansas City Kansas, and Wyandotte County are paying closer attention to wellness and healthy nutrition options. Eating better will mean a healthier Wyandotte County, which in turn will mean less spending on health care and health insurance.
Public dollars should encourage those healthy alternatives. The Unified Government should ask the developers to return to the drawing board by rejecting public subsidies for pizza and french fries.