The good Catholics of Kansas City have lowered their
contributions during the recent unpleasantness of Bishop Bob Finn overlooking
the kiddie porn hobby of his friend Father Ratigan.
But the Bishop wants a legacy and is suddenly
interested in student housing near a secular and Jesuit university and crammed
into the tiny urban lot of a defunct catholic school.
Legacy? Investment? Competing with the local private
housing industry with a tax free 501(c) corporation to build an Opus Dei
Housing Project – a Moonie Cult Hotel in the neighborhood to recruit from the
local universities?
Whatever.
The
Kansas City Catholic diocese’s plans for student housing on Troost Avenue drew
a storm of neighborhood opposition Tuesday as a citizens panel reviewed the
project.
The
City Plan Commission postponed a rezoning decision until Nov. 6 on plans by the
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to build a 103-unit building geared toward
students attending Rockhurst University and the University of Missouri-Kansas
City.
Leaders
of the neighborhoods surrounding the proposed site, on the west side of Troost
Avenue near 53rd Street, complained the diocese has not communicated fully or
honestly with them. They also argued the proposed design is too big, will
exacerbate existing parking and traffic problems, and will negatively affect
Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
“This
project is shoe-horned in so tight it doesn’t fit the space,” said Ken Spare,
president of the Crestwood Homes Association. “We are vehemently opposed to
this.”
Jude
Huntz, chancellor of the diocese, said the diocese thought it had addressed the
concerns and he was sorry about any miscommunication. He said the next step
will be to meet again with the project’s critics to try to find a resolution.
The
five-story building would be on the site of the former St. Francis Xavier
School, across from Rockhurst and a few blocks from UMKC. The elementary
school, empty for a few years, would be torn down.
The
building would be owned by the diocese and built by Domus, which has built
Catholic residence halls in other cities.
http://www.treanorarchitects.com/treanor-student-life/domus-communities-faith-residence-hall/
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| Opus Dei American Headquarters - 234 Lexington Ave. NYC (139 E 34th Street - cross street address) |
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