The Partnership Team consisting of the city of Kansas City, Mo.; the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA); Mid-America Regional Council (MARC); and Jackson County, Mo. is holding a public open house to discuss downtown alignment alternatives for a possible starter line for an expanded regional public transportation system. The open house will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in Helzberg Auditorium at the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library (14 W. 10th Street) in Kansas City, Mo. Short, identical presentations will be given at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. In preparation for this open house please take a look at the fact sheet and FAQ information the team has released. To view the information click on the link below. 
Add Comment Help Reduce the Number of Vehicle Break-ins 06/09/2011
There have been and continue to be a high number of vehicle related crimes in the Central Patrol division and we need your help to put an end to these criminal acts. The police department spends countless hours dealing with vehicle related crimes when their time could be better spent focusing on other public safety concerns. In an effort to spread the word about the importance of securing items of value in vehicles, members of the DNA will be distributing the KCPD "If I Were a Thief" flier throughout the River Market and Downtown Loop. Let us know if you have any thoughts on other creative ways to spread the word about the prevention of these crimes. You can download a copy of the flier by clicking the link below.
Follow Streetcar News Online 06/08/2011
A website is now available to follow developments with the "Downtown Corridor Alternatives Analysis" (potential streetcar between River Market and Union Station): http://www.kcsmartmoves.org The website includes a fact sheet, FAQ, news releases, contact information, and other materials to keep you up to date on the latest news. Project staff have indicated that a public meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2011 (time TBD) to solicit input on potential routes, transportation modes, and other considerations. As soon as a final time and location have been scheduled, DNA will let you know! Downtown Streetcar Press 05/11/2011
Crown Center LEGOLAND Discovery Center 05/11/2011
Global leisure giant Merlin Entertainments, the world's second biggest visitor attraction operator, announced plans to bring a second of its global visitor attraction brands to Crown Center , a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Mo. The $15 million LEGOLAND Discovery Center (LDC), with a shop and café, will be the fourth to open in the USA. Located adjacent to Merlin's planned SEA LIFE aquarium, announced in February, it will in fact open just ahead of it, in May 2012, underlining Crown Center's position as one of the city's premier leisure destinations. KANSAS CITY’S GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD 05/11/2011
Do you know anyone, a family member, friend or neighbor who helps to improve your neighborhood? Maybe they have performed a good deed or provide a service that you believe deserves recognition. You can honor them with a nomination for the Good Neighbor Award. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes the ongoing efforts of Kansas City, Missouri residents who are making exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The award is designed to honor those who make a difference in our community without seeking or receiving recognition for their service. All nominees will be honored at the National Night Out in the summer each year. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and must be received by June 30, 2011 for this year. The Good Neighbor Award is the City's way of recognizing the residents who are committed to preserving, maintaining and improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods and our community. Mayor Mark Funkhauser presented the Good Neighbor Award last year to twenty-two (22) Kansas City residents at the National Night Out in Parade Park. Please describe in 400 words or less why you think the nominee deserves the Kansas City Good Neighbor Award, addressing the following questions: Community Involvement What specific actions has this person performed during the current calendar year for which they merit this award? How have this person’s actions gone beyond the normal scope of citizen responsibilities? Did the nominee go to great effort or invest an exceptional amount of time in performing their actions? Benefit to Community How have this person’s actions benefited their neighborhood or the City of Kansas City as a whole? What are the geographic areas (e.g., block, neighborhood, City of Kansas City) and demographics (e.g. youth, elderly, all residents) of the population that benefits? Are the benefits tangible, intangible, or both? Have the person’s actions fostered self-help, quality of life, or community involvement in others? Have they contributed to environmental conservation or sustainability? Submit your nominations to ncs@kcmo.org or to actioncenter@kcmo.org with a subject line of “Good Neighbor Award” or call 3-1-1 or 816 513-1313. Downtown Streetcar 04/29/2011
Check out the article from the KC Star about a downtown streetcar proposal. The reporter attended our monthly meeting at the library. The DNA will be following this closely as it develops and working to keep residents informed. Downtown Streetcar article 2011 Money Smart Day 03/28/2011
Saturday, April 2nd is “Money Smart Day” this is an event that the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has put on for 3 years. The event will be held at the American Century Investments 4500 Main, Kansas City, Mo. There will be a series of 50 min presentations beginning each hour. It is free to everyone to attend and park. For questions or more information, contact Erika Ramirez, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City at 816-881-2480 or erika.ramirez@kc.frb.org.
New Research Urgent Care Downtown 03/22/2011
Research Medical Center introduces fast, convenient urgent care center in downtown Kansas City; offers board-certified physician and immediate, walk-in care for routine medical issues.Kansas City, Mo. – Over the past few years, residents of Kansas City’s downtown neighborhoods have gained grocery stores, movie theaters, rooftop pools and more. However, one thing lacking was access to urgent medical care. Research Medical Center is now adding that important feature to downtown living (and working) – an urgent care center offering convenient hours and walk-in access to a board-certified physician. The new facility serves as an alternative to the emergency department or when a patient’s regular doctor is unavailable. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, Research Urgent Care offers area residents, daytime workers, hotel guests and visitors the convenience of prompt, professional care. It is open during normal business hours, doesn’t require an appointment and accepts all major insurance plans. Mike Burke Mayoral Responses to DNA 03/20/2011
[Q1] As Mayor, how will you market Kansas City to improve perceptions and "get the word out" about all of the great things Kansas City has to offer and the City that we might become? [R1] As mayor, I would pursue every opportunity for new businesses and jobs. One of the first things I would do is create a mayor's round table of business advisers on job creation. And a key goal of mine is to make this a young person's city. I want to tout our dynamic choices in arts, entertainment and affordable housing. Since many young people tend to be urban in nature, Downtown would be one of the great beneficiaries of this effort. Overall, I've been at the front lines of corporate development in Kansas City for 35 years. I know how to work with people and I know what business leaders want to hear about a city. I've served on volunteer committees on economic development, business retention, neighborhood preservation and riverfront festivals. And, of course, I spent two years on the city council. There's hardly a mover or shaker I don't know in Kansas City. I can speak their language. I can command their confidence, if I don't have it already. But we can't wait around for business to come to us. We have to be out there looking every day. [Q2] As mayor, how would you work to improve the actual and perceived performance of Kansas City schools in a manner that would encourage new families to move downtown and be confident with their children's education? [R2] A great city needs great schools. There are signs of hope for the Kansas City School District. For the first time in many years we have a board and superintendent who agree on what needs to be done. I have met with Superintendent Covington and when I ask him what is the No. 1 thing that would help our students he mentions after-school programs. It's true. The classroom isn't the only place to foster better education in Kansas City. After-school and summer programs can be enriching. I would work through our youth office and parks department to set up educational and recreational programs that keep kids engaged. We should seek help from volunteers who care as much as we do about education in our city. [Q3] What is your vision for transit in Kansas City, and for downtown specifically? [R3] For our region to prosper we will need significant improvements to our mass transit system, especially when we look toward $4 or $5 per gallon gasoline. I envision a system that incorporates many modes of transit from bicycle to high-speed rail. I support moving forward with the alternatives analysis of the commuter rail system. For commuter rail to succeed we will need much improved transit within the city. I am not committed to a particular technology for rapid transit. Bus rapid transit, light rail and modern streetcars all have their advantages and disadvantages. I have supported both light rail proposals that have previously been on the ballot. Before we make another ballot attempt we need to develop a community consensus on the modes, the routes and the funding of our modern transit system. I would plan to make that a priority in the next four years but recognize that we need to be patient. We cannot afford another failed effort. [Q4] As Mayor, what sort of policies or actions would you support to address the homeless issue in a responsible, just, and sustainable way? [R4] I have had the opportunity to work on homeless issues as a board member of Synergy Services and would continue to do so as mayor. I am very impressed with the new Downtown Community Services Center, formed by the Downtown Council to help serve the needs of the homeless. I applaud the efforts of many people who helped to make it happen. The homeless are citizens, too, and it's in our interest as well as theirs to give them food and shelter. [Q5] As Mayor, what else will you do to support existing efforts to keep downtown safe, reduce crime, and improve perceptions of public safety? [R5] Downtown deserves some of the special attention it gets, such as the CID patrols. But crime downtown must be addressed as it is elsewhere in the city. While I support counseling and other programs to keep people from being repeat offenders, there is somebody else we need to get through to even more: witnesses. There is a “don't snitch” culture that keeps police and prosecutors from bringing criminals to justice. People don't want to tell what they know. This must change. We have to enlist our community leaders, our young role models, even some reformed criminals to join us in a citywide campaign stressing that the only people who benefit from no snitching are the crooks. Beyond this effort, we must do a better job of educating our children on non-violent means of resolving disputes. And we must honor positive role models within all parts of our city. Finally, I would work with our municipal court judges to better identify potentially violent criminals and find better ways to monitor their behavior. | DNA Kansas CityWe are here to advocate in downtown KC for your needs. Let your voice be heard! ArchivesFebruary 2012 CategoriesAll | ||||||
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