City Council shows support for $60M hotel development plan
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph's elected officials signaled their support for an incentive package to help finance two new hotels and a new conference center on Frederick Avenue.
City council members have approved a resolution of official intent to issue $60 million in industrial development revenue bonds. Bonds issued by the city would be repaid by future revenue generated from the project.
The measure was approved by a vote of 7-0-1, with Councilman Madison Davis abstaining.
As part of the agreement, in which the city will hold the title to the property, there is no liability to the city if there is a default by developer STJ Hotel Group.
St. Joseph Planning and Community Development Director Clint Thompson said that while the total project is $60 million, the actual redirection of future taxes associated with the project is about $12 million, largely for the construction of the conference center.
"As a partner, we want to make sure there's that fine line to ensure the success of the project but also that there's not a windfall at the expense of the taxpayers," Thompson said.
The facilities would be located on a 7.7-acre site at the southeast corner of Woodbine Road and Frederick Avenue, which previously was occupied by the former Ramada Inn, Americas Value Inn and Applebee’s.
Steven Craig with STJ Hotel Group said the event space can accommodate a variety of functions from weddings to company and corporate events, something the city currently struggles to attract due to a lack of conference space.
"Now they can host an event here of that type and stay in town. Keep the people who are coming from all over the country staying in the hotel, which is driving revenue for the community and just improving your tax base all the way around," Craig said.
The goal is to have the facilities constructed in time to accommodate visitors for the 2026 World Cup next June.
Council signs off on new police body armor/carriers
Monday’s city council agenda also included a resolution approving the purchase of 20 to 30 new body armor and external vest carriers for $29,554.
911 Customs will be responsible for supplying the equipment for the St. Joseph Police Department.
Parking axed on portion of Pacific Street
The council also approved a change to the city’s code of ordinances to prohibit parking on the north side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to the Belt Highway.
The change was recommended by the St. Joseph Traffic Commission following a request by a local resident. Parking is already prohibited on the south side of the narrow street, which often sees speeding.
Other measures approved by City Council
-- An ordinance to approve the final plat of a major subdivision entitled “Country Lane Estates” located at the intersection of Buckingham Street and Country Lane consisting of 14 lots as requested by Arium Development, LLC.
-- A resolution to purchase one 2018 Weiler Asphalt paver for $54,900 from Foley Equipment Company for the Street Maintenance Division.
-- A change order with Herzog Contracting Corporation for $369,900 for the 2025 annual asphalt street resurfacing program.
-- A change order with Mid-Continental Restoration Company, Inc. for $77,850 for the City Hall masonry project.
