Presiding Judge Charles Atwell has issued an order that clears the way to proceed with a formation election for a Transportation Development District (TDD) to potentially fund a modern streetcar in downtown. Residents of the proposed district will be able to request ballots beginning Monday, April 30, 2012. The full order can be found online here >>>
Judge Atwell declared that the petition was lawful in its form and the proposed TDD did not impose an undue burden on residents or businesses within the district. The judges approval clears the way for a three step process this summer. Beginning Monday, residents of the proposed district can request ballots from the Court. The Court will issue ballots to registered voters in the district that have apply for a ballot by the deadline (TDD map is available here >>>). Those voters may vote to formally establish a TDD. Once formed by an affirmative vote, a second election will be held in late summer early fall to impose the tax to construct the modern streetcar.
“Kansas City is closer than it has been in decades to bring fixed-rail transit back to our urban center. The downtown modern streetcar will help knit our incredible public and private assets together and encourage sustainable development along the Main Street corridor. The downtown streetcar project is now in the hands of Kansas Citians who call downtown home — as it should be,” said Mayor Sly James.
Timeline:
April 30, 2012 to May 22, 2012
Residents may request ballots from the Court Administrator for “mail-in” TDD formation election. Request forms will be available on Monday online here >>> (website and applications are not available until Monday), or at at the Jackson County Courthouse, 415 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, Third Floor, Room 303, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
Applications must be received by the Circuit Court Administrator’s office before 5:00p.m. on May 22, 2012.
June 19, 2012
Court Administrator will mail ballots to residents of the proposed TDD.
July 31, 2012
Resident’s ballots are due to the Court.
If approved by a majority of residents of the district voting on the question, the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar Transportation Development District shall be formed immediately.
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