neighborhood assessment report · church, 100 east red bridge road. the honorable mayor kay barnes...

FOXCROFT/GLEN ARBOR

FOCUS Kansas CityCity Planning and Development Department

City of Kansas City, Missouri

Heart of the Nation

City of Fountains

Neighborhood Assessment ReportNeighborhood Workshop Date: October 5, 2002

Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhoods

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N E I G H B O R H O O D T Y P E

The FOCUS Neighborhood Prototypes Plan recognizes that not all neighborhoods inKansas City are the same. The character and condition of where we live varies accord-ing to age, history, type of housing and other factors. Each community has differentstrengths and opportunities. Each has different assets and priorities that drive uniquestrategies for improvement. FOCUS developed four unique Neighborhood Types thatgenerally describe Kansas City neighborhoods. Each Neighborhood Type suggests whatactions are required for an area to become or stay healthy. These four Types (as-signed the colors Blue, Orange, Purple and Green in the Neighborhood Assessmentworkshop) are:

Developing Conservation Stabilization RedevelopingThe Assessment is a beginning point from which the community can move forward andachieve quality living environments through a commitment to continuous improvement.The descriptions for these four Neighborhood Types are contained in the FOCUSNeighborhood Prototypes Plan, Appendix A, “General Neighborhood Description /Types.”

In the workshop, participants defined the tools, actions and strategies for improvingtheir community. They will use this information to strategically apply public andprivate resources in a way that is based on existing conditions, trends, opportunities,strengths and needs. Once other neighborhoods identify their Type, then similarly“typed” Kansas City communities can connect and partner around common issues andprojects while assisting each other in developing their organizations.

Neighbors study a map of their area

4 Foxcroft/Glen Arbor

T H EF O X C R O F T / G L E N A R B O RP E R S P E C T I V E

The Foxcroft/Glen Arbor Hills area has a great historic link to the former Town ofNew Santa Fe, Missouri. In 1852 the town stood at the junction of Old Santa Fe Trailand State Line Road. The area was a popular stopping place for wagon trains headingwestward to New Mexico and California because of its grass, water and campinggrounds. The town had a post office, two general stores, a shoe shop, a drug store, theWatson Place Inn, a blacksmith shop and a saloon, and a population of 670 inhabitants.During the Civil War battles in 1861, both Confederate and Union Generals and troopscamped in the town at different times. In 1879, the railroads began to replace wagonsfor hauling freight and trade merchandise, and the Santa Fe Trail was used less fre-quently as a transit site. When the government closed the town’s post office in 1902, itsignaled the demise of the Town of New Santa Fe, Missouri. Today, portions ofFoxcroft/Glen Arbor, and other surrounding neighborhoods, occupy the site of theformer Town of New Santa Fe.

For purposes of this workshop, the Foxcroft/Glen Arbor area boundaries are RedBridge Road to 115th Street and Wornall Road to State Line Road. The neighborhoodwas developed in the 1940’s to 1970’s and is characterized by a mixture of large lots,single-family housing, and tree-lined streets. Most of the residential streets are nar-row, two-lane, unimproved roads. Some streets have been improved with shoulders,curbs, and sidewalks. There are several large three-story homes that date back to theearly 1900’s. One large site, now called Condor Place, located at Red Bridge Road andWyandotte Street, was subdivided, and now 5 new three-story homes sit on a cul-de-sac.

The area is home to renowned institutions and districts including Avila University at1190l Wornall Road, Saint Joseph Health Center at I-435 and State Line Road, theBarstow School on State Line Road, and the Red Bridge Shopping Center at Red BridgeRoad & Holmes Road. This skillful blend of housing, institutions and commercial areas isan important aspect of the attractiveness of living in Foxcroft/Glen Arbor.

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Foxcroft/Glen Arbor and Verona Hills neighbors gathered for their FOCUS Neighbor-hood Assessment workshop on Saturday, October 5, 2002 at St. Peter’s EpiscopalChurch, 100 East Red Bridge Road. The Honorable Mayor Kay Barnes also attended theworkshop and greeted the neighbors. The workshop was an opportunity for the partici-pants to speak about the neighborhood and community in which they live. This reportdocuments the issues and concerns of the Foxcroft/Glen Arbor area, and a separatereport documents those of the Verona Hills area.

Participants used the time at their workshop to discuss their strengths and concerns, andto identify some creative ways to work as an interconnected community. The groupclearly appreciates the historic significance of the area (mentioned above) and otheramenities such as Migliazzo Park, shopping centers, churches and educational institutions,and solid infrastructure. The group wants to take further actions to preserve theseamenities. In particular, they would like to see needed stormwater and water maininfrastructure improvements on Glen Arbor Road. In addition, the neighborhood wantsto expand its relationship with Verona Hills to include participating in group events/activities, and to be able to work on their overall common concerns for the area.


As with most other neighborhoods, the group has its concerns. They have concerns aboutthe skilled nursing group home in the neighborhood. They believe their neighborhood iszoned for single-family housing and that a group home does not comply with the zoningrequirement. Another concern is for traffic control on State Line Road and WornallRoad. The residents remarked that vehicles often speed on these streets, and the inter-section of Red Bridge Road and Wornall Road is the site of numerous accidents. Theywould like to see strict speed enforcement on these major streets and better trafficcontrol on State Line Road. Neighbors would like to see an intergovernmental agreementwith KCMO and Johnson County, Kansas that would establish uniform traffic enforce-ment, street signage and streetscape design for State Line Road. They point that thebanners along State Line Road are a model for the two governmental entities to worktogether.

Another concern for these residents is the perception that living in Johnson County,Kansas is better than living in these South Kansas City, Missouri neighborhoods. Theresidents noted though the housing values are very good ($184,322) and neighborhoodsare very stable, realtors often refer homeowners to the Johnson County, Kansas side ofState Line Road as opposed to the Missouri side, where there are comparable neighbor-hoods and communities. They suggested designing a brochure to market their communityand working with the real estate industry, other professional organizations, and the localmedia to better promote the area.

The workshop participants seemed eager to build on their successes. They will have thisfinal report to document their concerns and challenges as they, the City and communitypartners look toward a better neighborhood and community.

The Foxcroft and Glen Arbor neighborhood markers

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P R I O R I T I E S

At the conclusion of the Foxcroft/Glen Arbor Neighborhood Assessment, partici-pants voted for the issues they most wanted to see addressed from the lists theycreated. Their top priorities are listed below.

Preserve the Historic, Unique Quality of theNeighborhoodThe group characterized their neighborhood as having well-maintained and beautifullylandscaped homes, natural resources, proximity to major shopping districts, educationalinstitutions, interstate highway access, and more. They are especially proud of the area’shistoric connection to the historic Town of New Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Trail. Tomaintain the quality of the neighborhood, the group wants to:

n Create a neighborhood committee to “link” both Kansas City, Missouri and JohnsonCounty, Kansas that will address traffic, signage, commercial development, andaesthetic concerns along State Line Road

n Design a neighborhood brochure or publication that promotes the neighborhoodand community in a positive manner

n Work with area real estate agents to promote the area and attract homeownersto the Missouri side of the state line

n Expand relationship with Foxcroft/Glen Arbor neighborhoods and the surroundingcommunity to work together and cohesively on common concerns such as trafficsafety and infrastructure improvements

n Host neighborhood events/activities that would promote strong neighborhoodrelations

n Curtail group homes in the neighborhood; residents stated that the skilled nurs-ing facility located in the area has increased vehicile traffic and on-streetparking in the neighborhood, on streets that are mostly narrow, two-lane, andunimproved


Identify Appropriate Traffic Enforcement andTraffic Calming StrategiesThe neighborhood is often plagued by vehicular traffic that speeds through residentialstreets and on major arterial streets such Wornall Road and State Line Road. Theysuggested the following:

n Enforce the speed limit on Wornall Road and State Line Road to reduce thevolume of traffic that travels on these major arterial streets

n Create a neighborhood committee to study concerns for State Line Road such ascommercial development, uniform signage and streetscape design

n Install sidewalks/recreational paths on State Line Road to create a multi-modaluse of the street for pedestrian, biking and vehicle use of the street

Complete Needed Infrastructure ImprovementsFoxcroft/Glen Arbor neighbors commented about the low water pressure and inad-equate stormwater and water mains in their area. They also would like to have newfire hydrants installed to protect their homes and property in case of a fire. Theyrecommended the following:

n Complete installation of new stormwater and water main infrastructure improve-ments on Glen Arbor Street

n Install fire hydrants in Glen Arbor as appropriate; residents remarked thatthere are no fire hydrants within their area

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The Foxcroft/Glen Arbor Neighborhood Assessment covered the following area: RedBridge Road (north) to 114th Terrace (south) and Wornall Road (east) to State LineRoad (west). See map on page 12 for details.

C H A R T N O T E S

Neighborhood SlogansThe attendees brainstormed several slogans to describe their neighborhood. The slo-gans helped the participants to identify how they viewed their community. The se-lected slogans was:

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Other suggested slogans:

n Epitome of Tranquilityn Share and Caren Friendly Villagen Space: The Final Frontiern A Place to Grow

Residents mingle with each otherduring their break at the FOCUS

Neighborhood Assessment meeting


STEP 1: My Neighborhood IsWorkshop participants identified how they experience their neighborhood, and con-sidered those things they want to protect, preserve or enhance. They thought aboutthe landmarks, paths, activity centers, districts, edges or barriers, and features. Thesewere noted on a large map.

Landmarks — significant physical objects, like buildings or signs

Paths — routes people use to get places

Activity Centers — gathering places to do some activity

Districts — areas of recognizable character

Edges or Barriers — a limit or boundary that prevents people fromenjoying the neighborhood or something in it

Features — things people like and would like to preserve or enhance

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The group engages in one of the exercises presented at their workshop (left); whileearlier they gathered for some refreshments and a chance to meet new neighbors (right).

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Landmarksn Santa Fe Trailn Minor Parkn State Line Roadn Santa Fe Cemetaryn Barstow Schooln House with the duck pond at the

SW corner of Red Bridge Road andWornall Road

n John Knox Presbyterian Church

Pathsn Wornall Roadn Red Bridge Roadn State Line Roadn Santa Fe Trailn 114th Terrace

Activity Centersn Migliazzo Parkn Red Bridge Shopping Centern Nazarene Churchn DeVry Instituten Avila Universityn Red Bridge YMCAn Bartstow School

Districtn Red Bridge Shopping Centern Center School Districtn 119th Street shopping center

Barriersn Harriet Truman Hospitaln Red Bridge Road

Featuresn Avila Universityn St. Thomas More Parishn The banners on State Line Roadn Minor Parkn Red Bridge Shopping Centern Red Bridge Mid-Continent Li-

braryn Milgliazzo Park

The Honorable Mayor Kay Barnes ad-dressed the group during the FOCUSNeighborhood Assessment workshop.

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St. Peter’s Episcopal Churchhosted the Foxcroft/GlenArbor FOCUS NeighborhoodAssessment

FOXCROFT/GLEN ARBOR IMAGES

Landmark: The “duck pond” on thesouthwest corner of Red Bridge andWornall Road


Activity Center,District and

Feature:The Red Bridge

Shopping Center is theneighborhood’s

commerical/retail center

Activity Center and Feature: Avila College (now Avila University) is anactivity center and feature in the neighborhood and community

Landmark andActivityCenter:

The BarstowSchool at 11511

State Line Road

FOXCROFT/GLEN ARBOR IMAGES

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STEP 2: If I Could Fix One ThingIn every neighborhood there are some things that need to be changed. These issues caninhibit residents from enjoying their neighborhood and from doing the things they liketo do. Below is the list of “fixes” that workshop participants said they would like tosee in the Foxcroft/Glen Arbor area.

Among the improve-ments occuring in theneighborhood is theinstallation of newwater mains along GlenArbor Road.

n Maintain Migliazzo Park by in-stalling new playground equipmentand park equipment; remove the al-gae from the water pond, keeptrash/debris out of the park

n Identify a role for neighborhoodsto play to help the Kansas CitySchool District

n Encourage the neighborhood asso-ciation to inform surroundingneighborhoods about events andactivities

n Enforce the speed limit on WornallRoad, Red Bridge Road, State LineRoad and 117 th Street; vehiclestravel too fast on these residen-tial streets, and these streets arethe site of numerous auto acci-dents

n Eliminate group home proposalsfor this single-family residentialarea

n Keep the neighborhood informedabout any proposals for the firestation at Red Bridge Road andHolmes Road

n Prune the overgrown trees andshrubs at the intersection of 114th

Terrace and Glen Arbor Roadn Spend tax dollars more wisely for

new curbs, sidewalks and gutters,on Minor Drive and other residen-tial streets

n Replace the small water lines withnew water lines in the Glen Arborarea; the small water lines causelow water pressure


n Make repairs to stormwater/drainage system to eliminate thestanding surface water that col-lects in the street on the south-east corner of Wornall Road andRed Bridge Road

n Patrol the Barstow School park-ing lot to keep people out duringthe night

n Prohibit semi-truck vehicles onState Line Road, Wornall Road,and Red Bridge Road

n Install a fire hydrant on Glen Ar-bor Road; there are 28 houses onthe street without adequate fireprotection

n Prohibit large vehicles from park-ing on narrow residential streetssuch as Santa Fe Trail and Penn-sylvania; these parked vehiclesobstruct traffic flow

n Educate neighbors regarding theexcessive barking dogs ordinance

n Use curbside recycling program asa way to manage trash collection

“Stateline Link” banners adorn State Line Road.Residents commented that State Line Road is acommon boundary for their neighborhoods andthat the Missouri and Johnson County, Kansasneighborhoods are very similar to each other.

They would like to establish an intergovernmen-tal neighborhood committee to propose uniform

signage, traffic enforcement and commericaldevelopment along State Line Road.

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STEP 3: My Neighborhood’s AssetsWorkshop participants identified assets in their neighborhood. These qualities in-clude places, groups, organizations, equipment, skills, abilities and any other featurethat adds value to the neighborhood.

n Strong neighborhood associationsand leaders

n The peoplen Churches and schoolsn The Santa Fe Trail, and the Santa

Fe Trail Historical Societyn 119th Street shopping centern Wal-Mart at the 119th Street

shopping centern Ward Parkway Center and the new

Target storen Proximity to employment, shopping

and entertainment venuesn Varied quality and architecture-

style of homes

n Large ¼ acre lots of some homesn Mature treesn Wildlife and other natural re-

sourcesn Proximity to major highways,

Bruce R. Watkins Drive, I-435,I-470

n Avila Universityn Historic home built in 1850 in the

arean Well-maintained homesn Sense of communityn Good public safety services (fire,

police, and MAST)

The new Target store opened in Fall,2002 in Ward Parkway Center


STEP 4: Facts About My NeighborhoodThe data presented at the Foxcroft/Glen Arbor Neighborhood Assessment was from the2000 U.S. Census, the 2001 information from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Depart-ment, and the 2000 estimates from the Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Develop-ment Department. (See the neighborhood assessment workbook for more detail.)

Percentage of Single Family Homes-2000

Median Value of Single-Family Homes-2000

Foxcroft/Glen Arbor residentsare pleased with the median

value of their homes($184,322), and point out thatthe neighborhood’s home valuesare comparable to those across

the state line in JohnsonCounty, Kansas. They want towork with realtors, the media,

and others to attract prospec-tive homeowners to live on the

Missouri side of the state line.

The workshop participants com-mented on the percentage ofsingle-family homes in Foxcroft/Glen Arbor (94.4% ), with re-spect to the skilled nursing grouphome in the neighborhood. Theybelieve that a group home changestheir neighborhood from single-family use to one that includes a24 hour business.

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0%

100.0%

Percentage SingleFamily - 2000

94.4% 69.6% 67.7%

Foxcroft / Glen Arbor

Council District 6

Citywide

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

Median Value(owner-occupiedsingle family homes) -2000

$184,322 $84,271 $84,503

Foxcroft / Glen Arbor

Council District 6

Citywide

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STEP 5: Describing My NeighborhoodThose who attended the workshop were asked to vote on the Neighborhood Type thatbest described the area. The majority chose Conservation (Orange).

Conservation

One of the three-story homeslocated in the Condor Place, aprivate housing development.

These areas are located throughout the city, potentially in any area built before1980. They are areas that contain any age and type of development that is goodquality with a strong market. For the city, these areas contribute good quality de-velopment of any type, for all markets. They also contribute significantly to theCity’s tax base. The actions needed are to keep these areas stable, and to predictany negative trends beginning so problems do not develop.


STEP 6: Making My Neighborhood BetterFoxcroft/Glen Arbor neighbors talked about specific actions their community cantake to address the issues and challenges identified earlier in the Assessment. Theybrainstormed ideas, concentrating on those actions that can be performed by the com-munity to improve the neighborhood. They voted on the ideas they most want imple-mented to make their neighborhood better. Below is a list of all the ideas mentionedby workshop participants, in order of most votes.

Things we can do Ourselves:

n Attend the Center Planning and Development Commission meetings pertaining tothe development proposals and plans in the area, such as the Red Bridge Roadexpansion; the meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the Summit ViewChurch of the Nazarene, 801 West 97th Street

n Expand relationship with the surrounding neighborhods and surrounding commu-nity, in order to share resources and ideas on improving the neighborhood, or inorganizing neighborhood events

n Work with realtors, who list homes for sale in the area, in marketing the neigh-borhood by sharing data information from the FOCUS Neighborhood Assess-ment workshop

n Set up a meeting with the Parks and Recreation Department to identify ideas onimproving Migliazzo Park; the park needs new playground equipment and otherfacilities

n Meet with the Street & Traffic Division about methods to curtail speeding onState Line Road, Wornall Road, Red Bridge Road, and on other residential streets

n Develop a neighborhood policy pertaining to residential property maintenance;share the policy with prospective renters, homeowners and realtors, so everyoneis aware of the neighborhood expectations

n Convene community meetings with City Council persons and City Departmentdirectors

n Contact Patty Noll, City Planning and Development Department, and request thatthe neighborhood receive notification of development proposals and activities inthe area

n Advocate for recreational trail in the area, to include planning for biking, jog-ging, and walking

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Things we can do with a Partner:

n Contact the Homes Association for the Country Club District (HACCD) for in-formation pertaining to neighborhood activities and information; log on to thewebsite at www.haccd.org; John Sheets is the director

n Contact Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance (KCNA) for assistance with neigh-borhood organizing; apply at KCNA for the $100.00 neighborhood grant for anevent

n File an application for a zoning overlay protection to preserve the single-familycharacteristics of the neighborhood; currently a skilled nursing business is op-erating on Glen Arbor Road, serving 8 residents, and there are numerous nursinghome staff vehicles parked on the street that obstruct the flow of traffic onthe narrow street

n Inform neighbors about the Animal Control ordinance pertaining to nuisancebarking dogs; residents have talked to owners of barking dogs, but have re-ceived angry response in trying to resolve the matter

n Create a partnership with realtors who list property for sale in the area, anddevelop a brochure to market the neighborhood that promotes the amenities andfeatures of the area so people are encouraged to move to Missouri as opposed toKansas

n Design a plan for improving Migliazzo Park with the Parks and Recreation De-partment to include new playground equipment, park furnishings, trash/recyclecontainers, etc.

n Work with Avila University to identify comprehensive planning concerns for theneighborhood(s); such a partnership could help promote and attract growth forboth the neighborhood and the university

n Work with other homes and neighborhood associations in the area that are orga-nized; share neighborhood resources; host neighborhood events (block parties,etc.) and include unorganized blocks or neighborhoods in these events

n Work with businesses and shopping centers in the area in developing relation-ships with the neighborhood and businesses; invite businesses to join homes/neighborhood associations

n Contact churches in the area to inquire of the possibility of including neighbor-hood meetings and events in weekly church publications

n Work with major newspapers and neighborhood news publications to promote apositive image of the neighborhoods


Things the City should do:

n Enforce the speed limit on Wornall Road, Red Bridge Road, State Line Road and114th Terrace; these streets have been the site of numerous traffic accidentsand fatalities, particularly the intersection of Red Bridge Road and WornallRoad

n Replace old water mains and lines on Glen Arbor Road and install a fire hydrantfor the residents from 112th Terrace (north) to 114th Terrace (south) and GlenArbor Road (east) to Madison Street (west)

n Better maintain Migliozza Park; this City park needs new playground equipmentand facilities for children to play, better trash/recycling containers and over-all maintenance

n Post larger signage in the area when notifying residents of important planningand development proposals; the current signs are too small and not adequateenough notification

n Continue the FOCUS Kansas City Neighborhood Assessment process for follow-up issues; the one-time FOCUS Neighborhood Assessment meetings are not enough

n Synchronize timing and number of traffic signals on State Line Road from 95th

Street to 135th Street; there are 7 on State Line Road between 115th Street(north) and Minor Drive (south), and the numerous traffic signals near BarstowSchool impede traffic flow

n Enforce property maintenance codes for residential propertiesn Develop an intergovernmental committee between the Cities of Kansas City, MO

and Leawood to improve State Line Road with better enforcement of the speedlimit, enforcement of no semi-truck traffic, uniform signage and other ameni-ties; neighbors believe some residents who live on the Kansas side and close toState Line Road prefer to live there as opposed to the Missouri side because ofthe perceived differences in City services and maintenance of State Line Road

n Curtail the cars from running red lights on State Line Road by installing elec-tronic traffic monitors, and ticketing violators

n Enforce the Animal Control ordinance with respect to barking dogs; neighborshave complained about barking dogs and have received angry response from dogowners

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Follow-up InformationThis information was provided to those who attended the workshop and/or calledrequesting information.

Infrastructure:n Curbs/sidewalks/storm drain installation: Citizens may seek improvements to

streets via PIAC (Public Improvements Advisory Committee) requests. You maycall the Public Works Department at 513-2617 for a project request form, orcall your 6th District PIAC Representatives: Mike Graf, Kansas City, MO 64134,(816) 331-3800(Business); Luther Chandler, Kansas City, MO 64138 (816) 345-2800 (Business).

n Grading/resurfacing streets: Each year, the Street Preservation Section of thePublic Works Department does a visual inspection of streets to determine theircondition. If you would like to know your street’s rating or request that yourstreet be rated, or if you have any questions about this process, please call JeffMartin, Street Preservation Engineer, at 513-9450.

Storm Water/Erosion/Flooding:n Erosion ordinance/developers: To view the full text of the ordinance regulating

erosion control by developers, go to www.kcmo.org, and then click on “Ordi-nances” in the left column, then “Online Charter and Code.” This will take you toanother site (municode.com). At this site, choose one of four links (based onwhether or not you want to see frames, and your computer’s capacity). Under“Code of Ordinances” scroll down to Chapter 63 (Storm water, Erosion andSediment Control), and then Article II. Erosion/siltation as a result of devel-opment: The Public Works Construction Services division of the Public WorksDepartment works with developers on new projects. For issues that are a resultof existing structures, contact Jack Redfearn in the Urban Drainage Designsection of Public Works at 513-8814 or the Center Planning & DevelopmentCouncil ( see below)

n General issues about clogged storm drains, standing water: Call the City’s Ac-tion Center (513-1313), with as much specific information as possible, and theywill open a case on each concern, and stay in communication with you until theissue is resolved.


Neighborhood Quality:n Clean Sweep: Clean Sweep is a collaborative effort between several City De-

partments, and coordinated by the Environmental Management Department, tohelp neighborhoods clean up and maintain their community. The neighborhoodselects from a menu of options (tree trimming, pothole repair, etc.). To getinvolved, call Carolyn George at 513-3474.

n Tree trimming: You may call the Street Tree Service number directly (513-9550) and request that street trees be trimmed.

n Adopt-A-Street: This free City program, through the Street and Traffic Divi-sion of the Public Works Department, helps neighbors keep their communitiesclean, and provides some clean-up supplies. Contact Nanci Regan at 513-2659for more information.

n Walkability: The City Planning and Development Department is working on awalkability study. Contact John Sims at 513-2825 for more information. Ad-ditionally, the Mid-America Regional Council created a study for local govern-ments called “Creating Walkable Communities.” Go to www.marc.org/ then clickon Publications and look for that title.

n Indian Creek/Trail Greenway Project: Phase III is underway and will includepaths, security lighting, cleaning out the creek and other improvements; contactParks and Recreation Department, the Director’s Office at (816) 513-7500 forquestions or concerns about this project.

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Miscellaneous:n Speeding: Call the KCMO Police Department’s Traffic Division at (816) 842-

8180 to request attention at a specific spot. You may also speak to the officersabout borrowing the Department’s radar/speed display board. To request atraffic study (to determine if the speed limit should be changed, and/or if othertraffic calming measures such as signs or speed humps are warranted), call RomeroGeroche, the Street and Traffic Engineer responsible for this section of theCity, at (816) 513-2663.

n Center Planning and Development Council: This organization was formed to serveneighborhoods south of the Bannister Road, and monitors a broad range of de-velopment activity. The group meets the last Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM, atthe Summit View Church of the Nazarene, 801 W. 97th Street. For more infor-mation, contact Ms. Joyce Maas at (816) 942-6890, or email [email protected].

n Animal Control: For information about the ordinances pertaining to dangerous/vicious domestic animals, contact (816) 513-9800, or the Law Department’s Or-dinance Coordinator at (816) 513-3134.

n Youth Programs: YouthFriends is a great volunteer opportunity to work withyouth in your neighborhood and schools. Call (816) 842-7082 or visitwww.youthfriends.org for information. Additionally, the Police Athletic League(PAL) program is doing a great job with organized youth activities and events.Call P.O. Jason White, (816) 777-0092 or email: [email protected] forinformation about how you can help.

n Block Parties: These are a fun way to meet and get to know your neighbors.KCNA (Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance) offers $100 as a way to sponsoryour event. Call KCNA at (816) 753-8600 or visit the website at www.kc-na.org/blockparty.


Twelve Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now!

The KC Safe City Initiative encourages neighborhoods to adopt the following ideas forincreased safety and involvement, which are based upon the KC Safe City Initiative Prin-ciples.

1. Report crime promptly. Neighbors sometimes don’t report criminal activity becausethey don’t want to bother the police; they assume police are too short-staffed to respond, orthey believe that there isn’t much an officer can (or will) do about a given problem anyway.Whether the issue is graffiti, petty vandalism, or something much more serious, police cannotact without first hearing about the problem from citizens.2. Report nuisances and other non-criminal problems promptly.3. Take away the opportunity for crime. Lock your car and never leave valuables, evenfor a few minutes, in the car where would-be thieves might see them. Trim bushes or trees onyour property that offer too-convenient hiding places. Make your front porch visible andmake sure your home looks like someone lives there.4. Meet the youth who live on your block and greet them by name. This ensuresthat each adult is better able to help in an emergency and is better prepared to discussproblems immediately as they arise.5. Make a list of the names and phone numbers of every neighbor on your block.Unless you know neighbors’ names and numbers, you can’t call them about a concern or letthem know about a neighborhood problem.6. Make a list of landlords in your area. As owners of property in the community,landlords are responsible to the neighborhood and most are rightly concerned about thehealth of the community in which their properties stand.7. Turn your porch light on. Crime tends to decline in neighborhoods that are well lit.Turning on porch lights is a simple way to start this process.8. Walk around the block. It sounds simple enough, but neighbors benefit over timewhen more responsible citizens walk about more (particularly those who are comfortabledoing it) at night, every night, around their block.9. Drive slowly on neighborhood streets. You can take the lead in slowing down trafficin your neighborhood and those around you.10. Pick up the litter near your home, even if you didn’t put it there. You canhelp stop the growth of trash in your neighborhood by taking away the existing litter thatattracts it.11. Stay where you are. Stable neighborhoods are built on the commitment of longterm residents who would rather live in a healthy community than move to a bigger house.12. Help your neighborhood association or similar groups. If leadership isn’t yourdesire, at least make sure someone in your household attends local neighborhood associationmeetings. You’ll be kept better informed of the issues facing the neighborhood and how youcan help and, perhaps more importantly, you’ll have the chance to shape, guide, and partici-pate in the future of your neighborhood.Reprinted with permission from Campbell DeLong, Resources, Inc., www.cdri.comCopyright 1999–2000 ©Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc.

27Shady Acres

For information about the Homes Association of the Country Club District (HACCD) ,call John Sheets at (816) 523-2440. HACCD provides adminstrative and technologicalservices for neighborhoods. For information about neighborhood organization and ser-vices for neighborhoods, contact Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance at (816) 753-8600, the City’s Neighborhood and Community Services Department at (816) 513-3200, or the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocate Office at (816) 513-3500.

The Foxcroft/Glen Arbor area is in the 6th Council District. Your City Council Repre-sentatives are:n Councilman Alvin Brooks, Sixth District-at-Large: (816) 513-1602n Councilman Charles Eddy, Sixth District: (816) 513-1615

Foxcroft/Glen ArborNeighborhood Assessment Participants

n Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church: Father Russell Johnson and Margaret Heckendorn,staff

Sponsors and Contributors

Getting Involved

Cheryl AlexanderJim AlexanderCarol AliffJim AliffGeorge BeriganCarolynn Berigan

Janet BlauveltPamela BowenGeorge CobbNancy CobbWesley FieldsThomas F. Gordon

Mary HornerBill HornerWilliam J. LouisJohn D. Martin Jr.Elaine MillsGary PetersonPeg Wisner

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Neighborhood and Community Services

Kansas City, MO Police Department


Health Department


Codes Administration

Environmental Management

Public Works



Environmental Management



Public Works Department

Board of Parks and Recreation

Public Works - Street and Traffic

Share-a-Fare/ATA

Water DepartmentAfter Hours

Public Works

Water Department

Kansas City Power and Light

Housing and Community Development

Abandoned Cars on Private Property

Abandoned Cars on Public Property

Abandoned Homes

Air Quality

Animal Control

Building Permits

Bulky Item Pick Up

Curb Reconstruction

Dangerous Buildings/ Demolition

Housing Code Violations

Illegal Dumping Hotline

Neighborhood Assistance/ Services

Paint Program

PIAC (Public ImprovementsAdvisory Committee)

Parks and Community Centers

Potholes

Senior Citizens Transportation

Sewers – Problems

Sidewalks – Repair

Storm Drains

Street Light Repairs

Weatherization Program

City Services Action Center 513-1313

SERVICE AGENCY OR CITY DEPARTMENT PHONE

513-9000

234-5000

513-9000

513-6314

513-9800

513-1500

513-3490

513-2590

513-9000

513-9000

513-3485

513-3265

513-3266

513-2617

513-7500

513-2777

842-9070

513-2180513-2109

513-2602

513-2180

654-1400

513-3015

THE VISION OF

FOCUS KANSAS CITYWe, as Kansas Citians, envision our city as a people-centered commu-nity. From economic development to the readability of street signs,we consider people first. Kansas City shapes and guarantees its fu-ture by examining first and foremost the impact of every decision onfuture generations.

We, as Kansas Citians, are full of hope. We demonstrate this hopethrough our investment in our families, our homes, our neighborhoods,our schools, our businesses and our city.

For more information about FOCUS Kansas City:

! call the office at 513-2822,! visit www.kcmo.org/focus/, or! e-mail [email protected].

To reach the Neighborhood Assessment Team, call 513-2909.

FOCUS - Forging Our Comprehensive Urban Strategy

neighborhood assessment report · church, 100 east red bridge road. the honorable mayor kay barnes...

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