There is much to be excited about within the corridors of Brookside, Waldo and Southtown as we wrap the end of 2011 and prepare for 2012. While the economy continues to be sluggish, victories both large and small can be found in many parts of our community.
We’ll start with construction/improvements: Wornall Road, from 79th to 85th streets underwent a complete reconstruction, which inconvenienced drivers and businesses for a very long time, but the smooth ride, new curbs and NO LEAKS in the street have been a welcome improvement. To the east, the Troost Max (bus rapid transit) line opened, with a beautiful station at 75th and Troost, transforming a former vacant corner into a beautifully decorated bus stop/facility. Other projects underway include the nearly completed new Troost Bridge at Volker Blvd., and the new parking garages at both Rockhurst University and UMKC. New sidewalks, curbs and driveways along 63rd Street between Rockhill Road and Oak Street, thanks to the city’s Public Improvement Sales Tax fund, enhanced the beauty and accessibility of that area as well.
Habitat for Humanity Kansas City completed “Pritchard Place” off of 66th Terrace and The Paseo with construction of seven new homes and rehabilitation of several surrounding homes (with more rehab projects yet to come – and volunteers are needed!). Speaking of Habitat – the Habitat ReStore has been a great addition to Waldo, including their partnership with the Waldo Wednesday Farmer’s Market.
Great things happen when people come together for a common cause: a collaborative effort between Border Star Elementary students and local artists gave us “Inspired Child,” a sculpture at 63rd Street and Brookside Blvd; and Tower Homes Association initiated a campaign to restore the historic water tower which bears its name in Tower Park (keep those donations coming!).
Area restaurateurs in Brookside are helping to “go green” by adding glass recycling at their businesses. And while we’re on the topic of “green,” the Middle Blue River Basin Green Solutions Pilot Program is underway. The project, along a 100-acre tract, includes the construction of rain gardens, bioswales, porous pavement sidewalks and other “green” efforts, providing an alternative to the construction of massive concrete storage tanks.
The Waldo CID and Brookside CID continue to provide general maintenance, beautification, promotion and marketing efforts for the communities, and a new Troost Avenue CID start-up effort has begun! New businesses that have opened or moved to our area include Modern Fire Safety, City Gym, Comfort Dental, Quinton’s Bar & Deli, Blessed Homes Residential Care Facility, Revolve Community Bike Shop, Element Wellness Spa and Studio, Vitamin Shoppe, Basement Repair Supply and Cornerstone Foundation, Pemberton Park, and the list goes on.
The year was also filled with successful events, including monthly luncheons and networking events, business seminars on topics such as social networking and surviving in this economy, the city-wide After Hours Business Exchange, Brookside’s St. Pat’s parade and annual Art Fair, Waldo’s annual fall festival and pub crawls, Southtown’s Beautification Dinner and American Citizen Awards Luncheon, and of course, lots of committee meetings – all made possible only through the many volunteers who give their time and talents for the benefit of all. Thank you all for a job, and a year, WELL DONE!