After reviewing the initial master plan and feasibility study for a new community center, the Shawnee council committee has agreed to move forward with next steps. Councilmember Lindsey Constance, echoed by other councilmembers, said she thinks the city should look into how much the Mill Levy should be increased to accommodate a 6- or 8-lane lap pool. Neil Holman, director of parks and recreation, said the mill levy involves heavy discussion with the De Soto School District.
Councilmember Eric Jenkins voiced several concerns about plans for the new community center. As a representative of Ward 2, which has a median income of $53,400 (about half of Ward 3, which is $107,700), Jenkins said his residents have less disposable income to spend on a community center.
“My folks are kind of in a jam on this thing,” he said, adding that local private fitness centers were also concerned the community center would cause them to lose business.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)