Key Takeaways
- The City of Belton is hosting a neighborhood meeting to gather input on a major development project
- The project includes 600 new apartment homes, an entertainment district, and retail and restaurants
- Residents have expressed both excitement and skepticism about the project
- The city is seeking feedback from the public before moving forward with approval
- The meeting will take place on Thursday evening at the City of Belton Annex building
Introduction to the Project
The City of Belton is embarking on a major development project that is expected to bring significant changes to the community. KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa has been covering the story since its announcement in November 2026. The project includes the construction of 600 new apartment homes, a 130,000 square foot entertainment district, and 80,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. The development will be located at the intersection of N. Cedar St, E. 163rd St, and Givan Ave. According to Matt Wright, Community Development Director, the project aims to address the community’s desire for more entertainment and restaurant options, as well as provide additional housing to support these amenities.
Community Reaction
The reaction to the project has been mixed, with some residents expressing excitement and others voicing skepticism. Resident Kay Valentik is looking forward to the new development, stating that it will be convenient to have shops and restaurants within walking distance. On the other hand, Andrew Merhar is cautious, emphasizing the importance of attracting the right businesses to the area. The city is aware of these concerns and is seeking feedback from the public to ensure that the project meets the community’s needs. As Wright noted, "We just hope people will come out and at least provide some feedback, positive or negative. We’re open to any feedback. Ultimately our goal is to make this the best project we can and something the citizens of Belton can be proud of."
Project Details
The project is privately funded and has not yet been approved by the Planning and Zoning board or the City Council. Once the city receives input from the public, it plans to move forward with seeking approval. The development is expected to be a major hub for food, retail, and entertainment, with a representative from the developer PETRA stating that Belton has great fundamentals for real estate development. However, the city is taking a cautious approach, recognizing that the project’s success depends on attracting the right businesses and amenities. As Burks noted, "Belton has great fundamentals for real estate development. It’s an emerging city."
Upcoming Neighborhood Meeting
The City of Belton is hosting a neighborhood meeting to gather input on the project. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the City of Belton Annex building, located at 520 Main St, Belton, MO 64012. Residents who are unable to attend the meeting can send their feedback to [email protected] or reach out to Ryan Gamboa at [email protected]. The city is encouraging everyone to provide their thoughts and opinions on the project, whether positive or negative. By engaging with the community, the city hopes to create a development that truly reflects the needs and desires of its residents.
Conclusion
The major development project in Belton has the potential to bring significant benefits to the community, including new housing, entertainment options, and retail spaces. However, it is crucial that the city listens to the concerns and feedback of its residents to ensure that the project is successful and meets the community’s needs. By hosting a neighborhood meeting and soliciting input from the public, the city is taking a proactive approach to engaging with its residents and creating a development that everyone can be proud of. As the project moves forward, it will be important to continue monitoring its progress and addressing any concerns that arise. With careful planning and community involvement, the City of Belton can create a vibrant and thriving development that enhances the quality of life for its residents.
