LIBERTY, Mo. — Construction of a new police headquarters in downtown Liberty is raising concerns among local business owners after 50 parking spots were removed to make way for the project.
Missouri Street is already closed as crews begin work on the facility, which was approved by voters last year through a Public Safety Sales Tax. The closure will be permanent in the area south of Kansas Street. City officials estimate construction will last about 18 months.
Alyssa Yuhouse, who opened The Comfort Kitchen with her parents just seven weeks ago, said the timing is challenging for new businesses trying to build a customer base.
"Any obstacle could potentially be a pretty big setback for us,” Yuhouse said.
The loss of parking is especially concerning in a downtown area where spaces were already limited.
"I don’t think there’s much room for customer parking, really anywhere,” Yuhouse said.
The upcoming farmers market season may also face adjustments. Erin Erdman, farmers market manager with Historic Downtown Liberty, acknowledged the changes but remained optimistic.
"Construction always comes with adjustments,” Erdman said. "I think it'll be confusing at first, but then, just like other challenges, we learn new routines and new ways of going around, and maybe stumbling across a business that you didn't know existed on our side streets down here."
City Public Works Director Sherri McIntyre said officials recognize the temporary strain on parking.
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"There will be parking challenges for the area because we’re already short on parking in many cases here,” McIntyre said.
She added that plans are underway to build a parking garage nearby to help address long-term needs.
Despite the disruption, some business owners are looking for opportunities. Yuhouse hopes construction workers and future nearby developments will help offset any potential customer loss. Developers are also preparing to break ground on a separate long-vacant lot at the corner of Kansas and Water streets.
"Hopefully that can help offset any customer loss we have because of the construction,” Yuhouse said. "We are happy if they are going to be here every day."
Originally reported by Fernanda Silva in KSHB.
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