February 2017
Council Approves Basic Infrastructure Proposal for April Ballot
The City Council has passed an ordinance placing an $800 million infrastructure repair plan on the April 4, 2017 ballot, which seeks resident approval for a comprehensive capital improvements program. The program would use revenue created by issuing approximately $40 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds each year for 20 years.

The GO Bond proposal will be divided into three ballot questions, and each question must receive a “YES” vote of at least 57.1 percent to be approved.    The three questions are:
  • Question 1)  $600 M for Streets, Bridges & Sidewalks.

Question 1 would fund much-needed repairs to make our streets and bridges safer and would create a new sidewalk repair program.  This new program would use bond proceeds to fund the cost of sidewalk repair and eliminate homeowner assessments for sidewalks.  It would also pay half of the cost of new sidewalks where no sidewalks presently exist if adjacent property owners wanted sidewalks installed.

  • Question 2) $150 M for Flood Control.

Question 2 would allow the city to leverage over $500 M in federal funds for flood control projects to prevent flooding of businesses, homes and neighborhoods.  

  • Question 3) $50 M for Public Buildings (ADA Compliance & Animal Shelter).
Question 3 would enable the city to make our public buildings more accessible for those with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and would pay for a new animal shelter that would be partially funded with private donations.
The Council also passed a companion resolution that outlines specifics of the process for prioritizing projects through the existing Citywide Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan, as well as the reporting requirements for the program, which includes an annual report card for residents showing how funds were spent. A list of potential street and bridge projects included with the resolution can be found at  kcmo.gov/infrastructure .
 
Projects would be prioritized based on several factors, including those that are prioritized by residents in citizen satisfaction surveys, are shovel-ready, already in the current Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan, leverage grants or private resources, improve public safety and/or address state or federal mandates. 
 
The GO bonds would be paid for with a modest property tax increase.  A brief summary of average annual taxpayer impact based on property value and more information about the GO Bond proposal can be found at kcmo.gov/infrastructure .
Substantial Upgrades Coming to the Waldo Neighborhood

The Waldo neighborhood will see a major upgrade to the intersection of 75th Street and Wornall Road.  After a federal grant was awarded in January, plans to improve this well-traveled intersection are moving full steam ahead. 

The project includes the connection of the Trolley Trail from 74th to 75th street, which presently has a gap that runs through a busy parking lot and KCATA transfer station.   It also includes several other upgrades and safety improvements for cars, bus riders, pedestrians and bicyclists. 

A $2 million federal grant will fund the project, along with $815,000 in City capital improvement dollars. Sixth District City City Councilmen Kcvin McManus and Scott Taylor assisted with securing necessary funding for this important project, and the Waldo CID and the Waldo Area Business Association committed $10,000 in local matching funds. The KCATA has been supportive of the project, along with adjacent businesses and neighborhoods.

Key elements of improvements to 75th and Wornall include:
  • New sidewalks along Wornall from 75th to 79th Street
  • Traffic calming changes along 75th Street from Washington Street to Wyandotte Street
  • Traffic signal and pedestrian crossing improvements
  • Trolley Trail connection from 74th to 75th Street
  • Improved access to park and ride facility on Wornall
  • Improved parking access and parking lot improvements on east side of Wornall
  • Addition of trees and shrubbery in green spaces along 75th and Wornall
The project will enter into a design phase next and has an estimated timeline for the start of construction in summer 2018.

 New Hardware Store Opens in Red Bridge Shopping Center

On Monday, January 23rd, a new business opened its doors in the Red Bridge Shopping Center, Euston Hardware Store.  Councilmen McManus and Taylor both attended the store's opening, which is a welcome addition to the area.

In 2016, the City Council passed a responsible redevelopment package and Community Improvement District (CID) to allow the new Red Bridge Shopping Center owner to renovate and transform the Red Bridge Shopping Center to what you see today when you drive by.  It has been an incredible transformation.  

More exciting news is certain to come to the Red Bridge Shopping Center.  Please stay tuned for updates on its progress.
Euston Hardware Grand Opening
Red Bridge Shopping Center Groundbreaking
May 2016
6th District Businesses Nominated for EDCKC Cornerstone Awards

The Kansas City Economic Development Corporation (EDCKC) annually recognizes companies and projects that strengthen the city's economy. The following 6th District projects and companies are finalists for 2017 Cornerstone Awards: 

  • 63rd Street Corridor
  • Burns & McDonnell Headquarters Expansion
  • Fishtech Labs
  • MMC Contractors
  • Red Bridge Shopping Center
  • TREKK Design Group

Winners will be announced on May 9th at Union Station. For more information and a complete list of finalists, visit edckc.com/2017-cornerstone-award-finalists-announced.
New Red Bridge Recycling Center Open

Upcoming Events

  • February 10, 7:30 - 9:00am: 2nd Fridays with Councilmen McManus & Taylor| Presentations from The Whole Person & Bike Walk KC | Trailside Center 9901 Holmes Rd.
  • February 13, 6:00 - 8:00pm: South Kansas City Alliance meeting | Discussion of GO bond with Mayor James and 5th & 6th District councilmembers | KCPD South Patrol | 9701 Marion Park Drive (Back/eastern annex building NOT the regular community room in the front. There is parking between buildings)
  • February 23, 7:30am - 12:00pm: South Kansas City Alliance 2017 Education Summit | MCC - Longview | 500 SW Longview Rd., Lee's Summit, MO 64081 | Details & RSVP: SouthKCAlliance.org
  •  February 28, 7:00pm: Center Planning & Development Council | GO bond discussion with City Manager | Trailside Center | 9901 Holmes Rd.