NewsLocal News

Actions

BluHawk development gains approvals to continue moving forward with next phase

BluHawk development gains approvals to continue moving forward with next phase
Posted
and last updated

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The company behind a giant development in southern Overland Park, Kansas, received approvals from the city council Monday night allowing it to continue moving forward with plans for an arena and multi-sport center.

BluHawk plans to build the arena and complex near an existing shopping mall with restaurants and a grocery store along 159th Street at 69 Highway.

Monday, city council members agreed to a payment plan for taxes the developer will pay on the arena. BluHawk negotiated paying just over $8 million in property taxes for the arena over its first ten years of existence.

Council members also raised the amount of money BluHawk can raise with a 1% sales tax on items sold in a transportation development district. The developer can now collect $51,450,000 as opposed to $32,000,000.

And the city modified an application for a STAR Bond from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The amendment eliminates a satellite location of Hutchinson’s Cosmosphere museum as part of the BluHawk development.

STAR Bonds are reserved for tourism-generating projects. The Department of Commerce previously gave preliminary approval to the BluHawk plan. It is now conducting a feasibility study before deciding to grant final approval.