Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ $1.4B project: Why is it facing opposition?

Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Current.(Image via Getty Images)

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ popular quarterback and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, have a large fan base as their love for one another has inspired millions across the country. While both of them remain focused on the new season, it seems one of their investments have run into some trouble.

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes' Kansas City Current faces a setback when it comes to their expansion plans

Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, co-own the popular NWSL team, the Kansas City Current, and have remained dedicated to it as the team plans a expansion project related to the CPKC Stadium.

For the unversed, the Kansas City Current plans to expand CPKC Stadium from 11,500 to 18,000 seats as part of a larger $1.4 billion riverfront development. The Kansas City Council approved up to $185 million in public financing/backing for the project.The Kansas City Council is also looking into developing apartments, retail, outdoor amenities, a streetcar expansion, a pedestrian bridge and more around the landfill area to help in development. But not everyone is happy with it.Under the agreement, the city could back up to $185 million in debt issued as bonds via incremental tax revenues from a riverfront tax increment financing district. The team and its developers have voluntarily agreed to issue the bonds, take on the debt, and cover any potential cash-flow shortfalls or debt costs if tax revenues fall short, protecting the city's budget.

But three council members have voted against this plan. Johnathan Duncan of the 6th District said, "I have a lot of questions and continue to have questions. I think it's incumbent upon this body to really consider that these bonds, even if it's being backed by another entity, this isn't free money…”

Johnathan Duncan of the 6th District added, “We are redirecting revenue that would be going to our general fund back into projects.

We are doing it again and again and again and again."However, no order has been passed to stop the expansion project yet.

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Mayor Quinton Lucas supports the Kansas City Current expansion project

Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement, “A landfill a generation ago, Kansas City's riverfront is one of the greatest urban redevelopment stories of 21st century America and the area's future is bright, bringing more residents and jobs to the riverfront area and more major events to the core of our city,"Mayor Quinton Lucas added, "Kansas City walks and chews gum each day, expanding housing, taking care of our workers and more, while ensuring we remain competitive and attractive over the decades ahead."For now, the Kansas City Current is fighting it out to reach the playoffs as the expansion project continues according to plans.