Although some have touted the recent discovery that the University of Missouri is postponing the construction of the Mizzou Center in the Missouri Innovation Park as a setback, both the university and the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation are seeing the positives. </p><p>“We will actually have a presence in Blue Springs a couple of years earlier than planned,” said Christian Basi, university spokesperson. </p><p>Basi said the leasing of an office space in Blue Springs will allow the university to develop relationships with the community.</p><p>A few weeks ago a confidential letter was leaked to The Examiner revealing the university was delaying the construction of the Mizzou Center, a 32,000-square-foot building. </p><p>“It was confidential information,” Mayor Carson Ross told the Journal last week. “And someone leaked it.”</p><p>It is still unclear who leaked the information and what the entire letter contains, although it has been reported that the university has decided to lease a 9,000-square-foot space at the Heartland Financial Building in Blue Springs. </p><p>But Brien Starner, president of the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation said nothing has been finalized on the lease. </p><p>“That isn’t something that is definitive,” Starner said of the university leasing the space in the Heartland Financial Building. </p><p>Regardless of where in Blue Springs Missouri decides to lease, Starner said it’s a bonus. </p><p>“It gets them on the ground immediately to make partnerships in the community,” he said. “It accelerates the schedule.”</p><p>Starner said he is less concerned about the “delay” in construction on the Missouri Innovation Park.</p><p>“Its about getting Mizzou’s presence on the ground,” Starner said. “This shows their commitment to the project. </p><p>“This is a significant step forward.”</p><p><i>To reach Journal reporter Miranda Wycoff, call 816-282-7017 or e-mail mwycoff@lsjournal.com</i>