Title
Presentation: Conceptual Economic Development Incentive Request for the Ward & 150 Apartment Project at 3620 SW Ward Road; Milhaus Development, applicant
Body
Issue/Request:
The is a conceptual presentation for the incentive request by Milhaus Development (“Developer”) for the proposed development of a 272-unit apartment complex in eight buildings buildings at 3620 SW Ward Road.
Key Issues:
Evaluation of the incentive request according to the City’s Economic Development Incentive Policy for a Chapter 100 Development Plan to provide the following benefits:
1. Sales Tax Exemption on Construction Materials
2. Real Property Tax Abatement with fixed PILOTs for 10 years starting at $1600 per unit
Background:
Key dates associated with the overall Raintree Village project, which is generally located north of Highway 150 and west of Ward Road, and the incentives that have been previously approved by the City Council for the project area:
• July 12, 2022 - City Council heard a conceptual presentation from Christie Development for the Raintree Village project, including a community improvement district for the commercial portions of the project a Chapter 100 plan for the Scenic Development senior care facility. Incentives for apartments was not part of the presentation or request.
• July 19, 2022 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 9463 which approved the preliminary development plan for Scenic Development senior care facility as part of the Raintree Village project.
• December 13, 2022 - City Council held the public hearing for the Chapter 100 Plan for the Scenic Development senior care facility.
• February 14, 2023 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 9606 authorizing the City to issue taxable industrial development revenue bonds not to exceed $35 million for the Raintree Village Phase 1 Senior Residential Project.
• March 24, 2023 - Milhaus Development sent a letter to Christie Development explaining the need for incentives for the proposed apartment project (included in packet).
• June 20, 2023 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 9702 which approved a preliminary development plan for three lots consisting of a convenience store (Casey’s), a day care facility and an oil change business.
• September 19, 2023 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 9756 which approved the Raintree Village CID.
• December 5, 2023 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 8909 which approved the Cooperative Agreement among the City, the Raintree Village CID, Martin City Partners LLC, and 150 Highway Lee’s Summit to implement the CID.
• December 20, 2023 - City Council approved Ordinance No. 9572 to approve the Chapter 100 Plan for the Scenic Development senior care facility.
Impact/Analysis:
The presentation slides for the applicant and City staff which are in the meeting packet provide extensive information about the financial impact of the project on the applicant and affected taxing districts.
Other Information/Unique Characteristics:
FEMA information: this site is located within Zone X per FEMA Firm Maps 29095C0532G: Effective Date January 19, 2017. No Letters of Map Amendment Or Revision are being proposed.
Presenter
Curt Petersen, Polsinelli law firm, for applicant
David Bushek, Chief Council of Economic Development & Planning
Committee Recommendation
The Planning Commission considered the preliminary development plan application for the apartment project and on April 24, 2025 and voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the PDP to the City Council. The Planning Commission did not discuss the incentive request.