Developer asks council to ease auto-use restriction in Belton Gateway TIF to allow tire retailer

David Christie of Christie and Associates asked council to consider amending the Belton Gateway TIF's restricted-use appendix to remove automotive-use restrictions so a national tire retailer (Dobbs Tire) can occupy a pad site. Christie described the tenant as a credible national operator that typically generates strong sales per square foot and said such a tenant would promote activity and accelerate revenues captured under the TIF arrangement.

Council members asked for the TIF’s list of restricted uses and expressed concerns about adding additional automotive-focused businesses in the ward, citing clustering of similar uses in recent years. Staff agreed to provide the TIF appendix and supporting material to council members for review; no vote was taken at the meeting. Christie said he has been working in the area for decades and indicated he was willing to expand his land holdings or donate property for public uses (he mentioned offering land next to his retail center for a library if Cass County wished to pursue it).

Next steps: staff will circulate the TIF restrictions appendix and financial information; any formal amendment would return to council for public hearing and a vote.