SNA Holiday Party December 14

Join your neighbors in celebrating the season with light appetizers, drinks and holiday cheer! 

Please take a few minutes at the party to join or renew your SNA membership. The yearly membership for your household includes entry to our dumpster days, invitations to events, email updates, and a contribution to our security patrol program. 

Membership is for the calendar year, January to December. 
$25 Residents - $10 Students - $10 Senior (65 and over) - $55 Businesses 

The event will take place Monday evening, December 14th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at the historic Simpson House, 4509 Walnut. 

Races impact weekend traffic in Kansas City

Scheduled race events are expected to impact traffic in Kansas City this weekend. Road closures for the races are as follows:

Nov. 26, 2015
 
Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day 5k | 9 a.m. 
The race will impact traffic along Ward Pkwy., Washington St., and 83^rd St. Additional race information, including a map of the race, can be found online at http://kcraceday.org/races/ward-parkway-thanksgiving-day-5k-2/ or by contacting Raul Flores at 913-206-4334.
 
Pilgrim Run | 9 a.m. 
The race will impact traffic along 38^th St., Gillham Rd., 43^rd St., 39^th St., Harrison Pkwy., Harrison St., 36^th St., and Janseen Pl. Additional race information, including a map of the race, can be found online athttp://kcraceday.org/races/pilgrim-run-2/
or by contacting Andrew Johnson at 816-718-9916.

Notice to residents regarding City services, street closures, parking for Tuesday, Nov. 3

The City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Royals invite all fans to a Royal Celebration for our World Champion team. The 2.3 mile-long parade starts at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Please be advised that the celebration will close some City-services and roads, and will impact parking in downtown Kansas City. City closures, and additional information, are listed below:

Municipal Court
Kansas City Municipal Court hearings for Tuesday, Nov. 3 have been cancelled. These cases will be continued to later dates, and the parties in these cases will receive notices in the mail with the new court dates. Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 4 residents may also find court dates online at kcmo.gov/court.

The courthouse will remain open for business and will hold morning hearings for those being held in-custody.

For further information, please contact Municipal Court Public Information Officer Benita Jones at (816) 513-6711 or Benita.Jones@kcmo.org.

Public Meetings
Meetings for the City Planning Commission and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Board of Directors have been cancelled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Street Closures

• Grand Boulevard between 8th and 27th streets (plus side streets to Grand from Walnut or McGee) Crown Center parking via Grand Blvd. will remain accessible.
• Oak Street between 8th and 16th Streets (plus side streets to Oak from Locust Street)
• Truman Road between Locust Street and Walnut Street
• Pershing Road between McGee and Broadway Street/Archives Way
• Main Street between 20th and 27th streets
• Kessler Road from Pershing to the west side entrance of The National WWI Museum and Memorial

Parking & Transportation
Residents are urged to make use of free public transportation, and to arrive early for the Royal Celebration. Parking and transportation information can be found online at visitkc.com/royalcelebration.

Public invited to parade and victory celebration in downtown KCMO

#RoyalCelebration

The City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Royals invite all fans to a Royal Celebration for our World Champion team. 

The 2.3 mile-long parade starts at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 3. The parade steps off on Grand Boulevard between the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Power & Light District and heads north to Ninth Street. It turns east to Oak, then goes south to Truman, then west back to Grand. After circling through the downtown business district, the parade continues south on Grand to Pershing Road. The parade turns west on Pershing Road to Union Station. The Victory Rally stage will be located in front of Union Station, with viewing opportunities on the north lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Victory Rally will start at approximately 2 p.m., shortly after the end of the parade arrives. 

Watch Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders issue the invitation to the parade and celebration.

See the map of the parade route. For complete information, including parking areas, please go towww.VisitKC.com/RoyalCelebration.

Spectator information:

• Watch the parade anywhere along the route. Excellent viewing spots include Ilus Davis Park and Washington Square Park. Barricades will line the entire route along the curb. Pedestrian crossings will be marked by balloons, but closed while the parade is in progress.
• Watch the celebration in front of Union Station from the south parking lot, Pershing Road (which will be closed) or the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The staging will be similar to the annual “Celebration at the Station” event.
• Arrive early to allow time to find a spot. This is a family-friendly event, and fans are reminded that public consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Please remember that it’s best to travel light and to not bring bags or backpacks. 
• Officially Licensed World Series Championship Merchandise will be available at the following locations: in front of Union Station, in Ilus Davis Park north of City Hall near 10th & Oak, and near the Kansas City Power & Light District. 

Transportation and parking:

Transit providers will offer FREE Parade Express service directly to the Royal Celebration from Kemper Arena, Country Club Plaza, Metro North, 47th & State, Red Bridge, Swope Park and Strang Line park & ride.

• FREE bus service is being offered on all local, express and shuttle service that connects to downtown. This includes KCATA, IndeBus, Unified Government Transit and Johnson County Transit (710 K-10 connector excluded).
• This service will run from 9 a.m. until two hours after the celebration ends.
• Parking is available in a few pay lots and garages close to the parade and celebration.
• Spectators are advised to carpool or use public transportation. On-street parking is extremely limited near the parade and celebration.
• B-Cycle will be free for the first 30 minutes of each bike share ride for bicycle transportation. B-cycle has 12 downtown locations.

Street closures:

• Grand Boulevard between 8th and 27th streets (plus side streets to Grand from Walnut or McGee) Crown Center parking via Grand Blvd. will remain accessible.
• Oak Street between 8th and 16th Streets (plus side streets to Oak from Locust Street)
• Truman Road between Locust Street and Walnut Street
• Pershing Road between McGee and Broadway Street/Archives Way
• Main Street between 20th and 27th streets
• Kessler Road from Pershing to the west side entrance of The National WWI Museum and Memorial

Many thanks to the Royal Celebration and Victory Parade sponsors: The City of Kansas City, Missouri, The Kansas City Royals, Jackson County, Kansas City Area Chevy Dealers, Commerce Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Kansas City Steak Company, Pepsi, Sprint Center, Union Station, The National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City Power & Light District, JE Dunn Construction, James B. Nutter,  Ivy Funds, Budweiser, Hy-Vee, KPMG LLP and the University of Kansas Hospital.

FOX 4 and FOX Sports Kansas City are the Official Broadcast Partners of the Royal Celebration.FOX Sports Kansas City will televise live the Royal Celebration parade and victory rally.

The Royal Celebration planning team was led by the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and O’Neill Marketing & Event Management with assistance from the Kansas City Royals and many City of Kansas City departments, including Kansas City Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, Public Works, and the City Manager’s Office, as well as Visit KC & the Downtown Council.

KCPS approves sale of Westport High

Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has approved the sale of Westport High to Kansas City Sustainable Development Partners, LLC (KCSDP) for the historic redevelopment of the building as a mixed-use project. The redevelopment of Westport High, combined with Westport Middle, which was purchased by KCSDP in January 2014, will be known as Westport Commons: Center for Creativity and Innovation. For more information about the project, CLICK HERE.
 
In advance of any rezoning or special use permit hearing, KCSDP will host two public meetings in coordination with the Southmoreland, Old Hyde Park and Hyde Park neighborhood associations. This will give the neighborhoods an opportunity to weigh in as the project progresses. For detailed questions about the site redevelopment, please contact Chip Walsh with KCSDP at 816.808.2956 or efwalsh@att.net.
 
If you have comments/questions, please contact the Repurposing Initiative Office at repurposing@kcpublicschools.org or 816-418-7725.

KCFD reminds residents to leave fireworks to a pro

In a typical year on Independence Day, there are more fires reported in the U.S. than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for two-fifths of those fires.

Since all fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Kansas City, Missouri, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Kansas City offers a variety of opportunities throughout the area to enjoy fireworks displays in a fun and safe atmosphere, such as the KC Riverfest in Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park. So please, leave the fireworks up to the professionals.

The following statistics are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Agency.

Nationwide in 2011, fireworks caused:

• More than 17,800 fires
• 9,600 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms
• An estimated $32 million dollars in direct property damage

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children younger than 10.

The men and women of the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department want you to have a safe and happy Independence Day.

News from KCMO: Mark the Calendar: Trash Amnesty Week, City Offices Closed

City of Kansas City, Mo., offices , which include the 311 Call Center, will be closed on July 3, 2015 in observance of the Independence Day holiday on July 4, 2015. Trash and recycling services will not be delayed during the City-observed holiday.

All residents are eligible for trash amnesty the week of July 6-10. City-wide trash amnesty allows residents to place up to 15 bags of trash for collection. This trash will be collected during regularly scheduled trash days. No household hazardous waste, bulky items or leaf and brush will be collected as part of trash amnesty.

Bulky Item pickups have been suspended for the month of July so that crews can focus on City-wide storm debris removal. Residents that have a previously scheduled July pickup date must call the 311 Call Center to reschedule. Due to large call volumes, residents are encouraged to reschedule bulky pick-ups online, calls to reschedule should be made near the end of July.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.gov/publicworks/trash or call the 3-1-1 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Sean Demory, public information officer for the Public Works Department, at 816-513-0059.

City provides resources for residents impacted by storm damage

kansascity.com

The City of Kansas City, Missouri has assembled resources to aid residents who have been impacted by debris, and electrical outages as a result of last night's storm. A complete list of resources is available online at www.kcmo.gov/storm.

Power Outages & Emergency Aid
Residents experiencing a power outage should report the outage location to KCP&L by calling 1-888-LIGHT-KC (1-888-544-4852). Residents are advised to stay away from downed power lines.
The City of Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has established an emergency shelter location to aid residents afflicted by power outages. Residents may seek shelter at the Gregg Klice Community Center, located at 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way.

Traffic Signals
City crews are working to restore traffic signals as quickly as possible. Residents should treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as 4-way stops.

Fallen Trees
Kansas City's 311 Action Center is available to accept reports trees and large debris which may have fallen in the public right-of-way. The 311 Action Center will offer extended hours to accept reports of fallen trees. Due to large call volumes, residents are encouraged to contact the 311 Action Center online, where they can also see if a report has already filed for a given location. Residents may also contact the 311 Action Center by phone at 816-513-1313 or by Twitter @KCMO311.

Leaf & Brush Collection
Kansas City's leaf and brush drop-off sites will be open throughout the weekend, and the fees for drop-off have been waived. Hours and locations for the drop off sites are as follows:

1815 N. Chouteau Trafficway; open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 26, 2015
- Saturday, June 27, 2015
- Sunday, June 28, 2015
11660 N. Main Street; open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 26, 2015
- Saturday, June 27, 2015
- Sunday, June 28, 2015
10301 Raytown Road; open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 27, 2015
- Sunday, June 28, 2015

Additional information regarding the City's storm response can be found online at www.kcmo.gov/storm.

News from KCMO: City’s Home Repair & Paint Programs help residents make home improvements

Spring is a time for renewal—and the perfect time to make home improvements. On May 1, 2015, The City of Kansas City, Mo., opened home repair applications for three Neighborhood and Housing Services programs to serve residents. The Paint Program provides free paint and supplies to qualifying homeowners who live in Kansas City, Missouri. The City Home Repair Program & Federal Home Loan Bank Home Repair Program assists Kansas City, Missouri homeowners who cannot afford to make urgent home repairs. The Targeted Minor Home Repair, Special Northeast and Marlborough Targeted Programs assist homeowners who live in targeted areas within neighborhood strategy areas identified in the 2012-2016 Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan.

"Home improvements, both big and small, can be expensive for homeowners," said Roger Stewart, Program Supervisor. "Kansas City is offering resources to home owners in need to make improvements to their properties, which in turn improves neighborhoods and communities."

This year, Kansas City is offering another resource for homeowners—the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Home Repair Program. The program is funded by two $500,000 grants that the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines presented to the City and Central Bank of Kansas City to support minor home repair assistance - such as roof replacement, siding, painting and electrical repairs -  to about 150 single family homeowners who live in targeted neighborhoods. Homeowners must also meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Very Low Income (50 percent) guidelines.

This is the third time the City has received housing improvement grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Through its "Strong Communities" program, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines annually returns 10 percent of its net income to support housing projects in communities throughout its district.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is a wholesale cooperative bank that provides low-cost short and long-term funding and community lending to nearly 1,200 members, including commercial banks, saving institutions, credit unions and insurance companies. The bank is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. The Des Moines Bank serves Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and is one of 12 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

Applications for all programs are available online at kcmo.gov/neighborhoods. To request an application be mailed to you, please call the City's Housing Section at 816-513-3025.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Roger Stewart, program supervisor, at 816-513-3253.

City crews prepared to respond to winter weather

City of Kansas City, Mo., crews assigned to arterial, primary and residential streets are prepared to respond to the winter weather that is forecast to move through the Kansas City area overnight. About 3-5 inches of snow is expected to fall in Kansas City, Mo.

Crews assigned to primary and arterial routes will mobilize beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 to clear City roads and bridges. The City has approximately 6,400 lane miles of pavement in its street system. In order to keep traffic moving throughout the City during a winter weather event, the City's snow plan prioritizes plowing into two types of snow routes: primary/arterial routes and residential routes.

On primary and arterial routes, the City's Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Water Services departments collaborate on removing snow and ice from approximately 2,400 lane-miles of pavement and apply salt as needed. On primary and arterial streets, crews plow curb-to-curb and work around the clock.

On residential snow routes, City crews using smaller trucks work 12-hour shifts during daytime hours to provide a passable lane by plowing and applying salt on intersections, hills and curves. As possible, crews will widen the passable lane, which may still have some snow pack due to low pavement temperatures.

Please note, the Missouri Department of Transportation plows highways. Many streets in Kansas City are actually part of the highway system and plowing for them is MoDOT's responsibility. These streets include: Bannister Road, Noland Road, Vivion Road, Antioch Road and part of Independence Avenue. The telephone number for MoDOT is 816-622-6500.

When snow depths exceed a couple of inches, residents are advised that parking cars off-street during snow plow operations greatly enhances the ability of snow plows to remove snow, especially in cul-de-sacs and dead end streets. Residents parking on signed Emergency Snow Routes should be prepared to find alternate parking locations to avoid vehicles being ticketed or towed.

Residents wanting to report slick spots or missed streets to the City's 311 Call Center are advised that while crews are running assigned snow routes, it is assumed that all streets are slick. Only after snow has stopped falling and all snow routes have been run does the City's 311 Call Center accept requests for slick spots and missed streets.

To receive text and email notifications from the City, please sign up for our Nixle notification system atwww.kcmo.gov/nixle. Residents may also sign up by texting their zip code to "888777."

Media inquiries about ice and snow removal should be directed to Sean Demory, public information officer for the Public Works Department, at 816-513-0059.

Westport High School Repurposing Presentations

Presentations for the sale and repurposing of Westport High were held Monday, February 23rd.  Residents who were unable to attend Monday's meeting are encouraged to review the presentations and provide feedback to the Kansas City Public School District by Monday, March 9th.   

To view the presentation for Kansas City Sustainable Development Partners, LLC, click here. 

To view the presentation for Foutch Brothers, LLC, click here. 

Fill out the form below, and submit it to the repurposing team at repurposing@kcpublicschools.org. 

Stakeholder Feedback Form - PDF 

January Meeting Agenda

Southmoreland Neighborhood Association Meeting

7 p.m. January 12, 2015, All Souls UU Church

1. Call to order, Greg Corwin, president

2. Approval of November minutes (no official December meeting)

3. Introduce guests

4. New business 

·         Nelson-Atkins request to renew special use permit and to obtain an additional permit*

·         Nominations for 2015 officers/board members (for February meeting elections)

6.  Committee reports – as needed, and may include:
  a.  Treasurer – Kat Carroll
  b.  Safety – Gina Tamasi

  c.  Planning and Development – Greg Corwin
  d.  Program/Events – Laura Burkhalter
  e.  Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook – Kelly Phelan
  f.   Neighborhood (Culture and Preservation – Scott Hefley
  g.  Membership – Susan Casserly is absent)

7. Adjourn

* The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will soon file paperwork with the City of Kansas City for special use permits to use two of its properties for office space. The Nelson-Atkins is asking the City to renew for five years a special use permit for the Bishop’s House, 400 E. 45^th St., which is now used as office space for the Design Department. The museum is also asking the City for a new, five-year special use permit for the currently vacant Feingold House, 500 E. 45^th St., for office space. According to the request, the museum would make virtually no changes to the exterior and very few interior changes. Employees would park in the museum’s underground parking garage. 

The City would like to see letters of support and/or opposition, especially from Southmoreland Neighborhood Association.  Also, All Souls UU Church has been asked by the museum to sign a letter of support – but before signing, has asked (through Marli Murphy) for SNA’s position on the matter, as well as any concerns. Marli will report to the church board after tonight’s meeting.