By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
Local developers are trying to kill a key part of KC's green solutions for its $2.3 billion sewer repair problem. Here's the backdrop to this story:
KC officials on Friday told the state and feds how the city would include more green solutions in the sewer plan. However, one of the biggest initiatives pledged by the city, at this point, is a sham.
The city has promised to adopt a stream buffer ordinance as part of a planned development code.
Yes, a strict new law is needed to prevent development from occurring too close to streams. By preserving additional natural areas, the city would prevent more water from entering local waterways.
This initiative is supposed to be one of the key reasons the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency would allow the city six more months to develop its sewer repair plan.
The city's proposal was outlined Friday in a letter by John Franklin, acting director for the Water Services Department.
Here's the big problem with it.
A group of developers has steadfastly opposed the positive stream buffer plan promoted by the city staff, the taxpayer-funded consultant for the city and by the citizens group overseeing KC's entire wet weather program.
In fact, the development group is leaning on City Council members to pass a far less positive stream buffer plan.
The developers essentially want to keep more land available for housing and offices.
The DNR and the EPA should not grant the six-month extension unless City Council members pledge in writing to approve an effective stream buffer program.
On Monday, City Council members are scheduled to take up the stream buffer plan and other ideas included in the extension letter signed by Franklin.
We'll see then whether the council members will be cowed by the developers -- or will forge ahead with a truly green initiative.
and adequate floodplains help prevent the all-too frequent and expensive flooding we've witnessed in the Midwest of late.