Kansas City, MO — Just days before a shooting in Downtown Kansas City left two people dead and three others injured, Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced legislation aimed at increasing security at surface parking lots, including the location where the shooting occurred.
Ordinance Targets Surface Lot Safety
The proposed ordinance would require parking lot owners to obtain permits to operate their properties. These permits come with specific security requirements, including fences around the property, gates at entrances and exits, functional lighting, and surveillance cameras.
Mayor Lucas emphasized the preventable nature of such incidents, stating:
“These are preventable incidents. And in the same way that we look to crime prevention through environmental design, as simple as locking our doors, putting on exterior lighting, we need these types of places where there are consistent problems like this, consistent shooting activity, to make sure they’re doing their part.”
Lucas explained that similar features in other lots near 13th Street and Grand Boulevard have led to reduced criminal activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive environmental security design.
“I tell you what, if there was a gate on that parking lot and people had to pay to be in there, if there were some sort of security patrols saying get the heck out, you probably wouldn’t have a congregation of people that were hanging out. It’s not 100%, it’s not failsafe, but it’s a start,” Lucas said.
Community Concerns and Policy Response
Lucas noted public concern about violent crime in the city, particularly through social media channels, where citizens have questioned whether parking lots contribute to crime. He clarified:
“Some people are saying, well, KCPD knows about burnouts that happen in that lot. KCPD may know about shootings. It’s not their job to be private security for every parking lot owner in Kansas City.”
While some voices have called for a larger law enforcement presence, or even deployment of the National Guard, Lucas emphasized that the city’s focus is on measures within municipal control, including policies that utilize crime prevention through environmental design.
“The city runs its laws, and the city runs its policies. And if there are policies out there, such as crime prevention through environmental design, that gives us some steps to saving lives and our community, I owe it to the people of Kansas City to pursue it. Our number one role in government… is to keep people safe.”
Next Steps for City Council Consideration
The ordinance is scheduled for introduction to the Kansas City City Council on September 9, marking a formal step toward enhancing security at surface lots across the downtown area.
- Permit requirements aim to reduce criminal activity by ensuring private property owners contribute to public safety.
- Functional security measures—including cameras, gates, and lighting—are intended to deter congregation and illegal activities.
Mayor Lucas continues to consult with business owners, council members, and residents to ensure these measures address crime prevention effectively, highlighting the city’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors alike (Fox4KC).
What are your thoughts on these proposed safety measures? Share your views in the comments below.
