Each year at the first DNA general meeting we discuss and outline several areas of focus for the coming year. This year five topics have been identified and they are...

Establishing and maintianing a pedestrian friendly downtown with a strong public transit system is crucial to ensuring the population downtown continues to grow. The DNA is committed to fighting for a walkable downtown with a variety of transit options. There are a number of initiatives in the works at City Hall that we will keep tabs on and make sure the voice of downtown residents is heard, How walkable is Kansas City? Check out www.walkscore.com and see. 

Green space, whether it is a small pocket park or expanse of open lawn, is a welcomed break from the paved expanses that cover much of downtown. The DNA has and will continue working to promote the existing green space in downtown and look for opportunities to identify new green space. There is green space downtown that is currently underutilized and could benefit from programming to draw users. Last year DNA members gave their input and helped identify the need for a dog park in Case Park. The idea of a community garden surfaced late last year and is something that DNA would like to explore further.

Keeping our streets safe is a major component to building a strong vibrant community. The DNA is dedicated to maintaining our strong relationships with the Police and CID to get the word out about what you can do to help keep our neighborhood safe. This year we would like to explore the posibility of establishing a neighborhood watch.

If you are interested in receiving a daily crime report along with other important safety information from the Central Patrol Division contact Officer Schriever james.schriever@kcpd.org to join the mailing list.

Preserving the historical fabric in the neighborhood has always been important to DNA. Last year we learned that the historic Cosby Hotel building was in jeopardy of being demolished. The DNA worked with other organizations to spread the word and rally support to save the building from demolition. This year the DNA would like to take a proactive approach to ensuring our historic buildings remain for the next generation to appreciate.

This year a major focus for the DNA is to get the word out about our organization and grow our membership. The more people that are informed about happenings in the neighborhood the bigger impact we can make as a group. Help us get the word out. Tell a friend about the Downtown Neighborhood Association.