Parking lots in Kansas City’s most popular districts are coming under increased scrutiny in a city ordinance that Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced last week.
Why it matters: It’s an attempt to crack down on crime, remove blight and set clearer standards in places like the Crossroads, Westport and the Plaza, according to the ordinance.
Zoom in: The ordinance says each parking lot in an entertainment district must have a permit and follow specific design and safety requirements, such as lighting, cameras, cleaning, insurance and permanent fencing.
- Permit applications must include a plan to maintain standards, and each lot will be subject to an annual inspection.
- The rules won’t apply to free public lots for adjacent businesses or those monitored by 24/7 security.
The big picture: The ordinance argues that neglected surface lots lead to vehicle thefts, vandalism, assaults and shootings.
- Police tell Axios that vacant properties, code violations and poor lighting are included in their crime risk factors.
Case in point: Midtown KC Now executive director Kevin Klinkenberg tells Axios parking lots sometimes become “after-hours party areas.”…