KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cerner’s new plans to revitalize the old Bannister Mall property are developing. A city councilman told FOX 4 news the healthcare giant may take over a series of so-called “blighted” properties on the city’s south side.
When Cerner opens the new three trails center, the healthcare giant says it will employ as many as 15,000 people. The company already controls a large plot of land where the mall used to sit and now the company may annex a series of nearby businesses, which are considered to be dying.
Kansas City council member John Sharp represents the city’s sixth district. He grew up in this area, attending schools in the Hickman-Mills District. He says the city approached Cerner about acquiring these properties off 87th Street, including the Capital Inn Motel.
Sharp says the motel has become a place frequented by criminals, and police officers are often called there on emergency runs.
“There have been a large number of calls for service to the south patrol. That address is always among the highest in calls,” he said. “I, sir, wouldn’t want to have a multibillion dollar development right there. It’s in their best interest, but it’s also in the city’s best interest.”
Sharp says Cerner has also committed $8 million toward community and school projects in hopes of strengthening the neighborhood around the Three Trails Center.
As for the Capital Inn Motel, FOX 4’s Sean McDowell placed a call to the property manager on Tuesday afternoon, but his request for an interview was rejected.
