4Star Politics: Mayor Quinton Lucas a likely ‘no’ on incentives for West Bottoms project
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is likely to oppose new tax breaks and incentives for a controversial development project in the West Bottoms.
In an exclusive interview for “4Star Politics,” the new digital program co-sponsored by The Star and FOX4 in Kansas City, Lucas said he’ll be a “no” vote unless he hears new information about the BlueScope proposal.
The statement came just hours after Mark Bedell, superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools, said the incentives reflect “systemic racism.”
BlueScope is an international firm with more than 300 jobs in the West Bottoms. The company has asked for parking subsidies and an extension of some tax abatements on their headquarters here.
During the program, Lucas also said he wants the new city manager to come from outside the city. The City Council is in the process of hiring a new city manager, and is expected to complete the work before the end of the year.
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 5:04 PM.
