Controversial Annex Construction Work Resumes

Clay County, Missouri, has apparently resumed construction work after a permit debate caused a shutdown at the site of a controversial new $20 million county annex building at Missouri 152 Highway and North Brighton Avenue.

Last month, a Kansas City inspector issued a stop work order indicating the county's representatives did not obtain the necessary city permits to begin construction.

On Thursday, the county released yet another statement from an unnamed spokesperson stating work should proceed on the annex project based on the opinion of the county’s legal counsel.

Clay County's privately-hired legal counsel, Lowell Pearson, of Husch Blackwell, sent a Kansas City inspector a letter last month threatening legal action against the city if inspectors did not allow construction to continue.

KPGZ News – Jim Dickerson contributed to this story