Developers, Residents at Odds over Development

Planners and residents are at odds over proposed condominiums in Kansas City's west side. Residents and City Council member Jim Rowland want to protect the neighborhood, but city planners have other ideas.

Cerner Makes Proposal to City Council

Health-care information technology company Cerner Corp. wants to create 400 new jobs North of the river. But, there is a catch. Cerner wants Kansas City to buy the old Farmland industries building on N. Oak Trafficway, then lease it to the Cerner for ten years.

City Repairs Streets

A recent press release from the city announced that more than 167 miles of streets were repaired in 2004.

Mayor Meets With New Legislators

Mayor Kay Barnes and area civic groups are scheduled to attend a number of events this coming weekend designed to allow the Mayor and members of the community to meet new members of the Missouri General Assembly.

Auditor Conducts Survey

The City Auditor's Office has chosen ETC institute, a local professional market research firm, to survey 3600 households in the Kansas City area to gauge public opinion about the city government's performance.

Contractor Refusing to Cooperate

City Manager Wayne Cauthen told Mayor Kay Barnes this week that the Housing and Economic Development Financial Corp. is still refusing to explain to the city why it cost $600,000 to restore to inner-city homes. This was done while refusing to pay more than $75,000 in owed property taxes.

Bank of America Rewards Activism

The Bank of America is giving our awards for neighborhood activism. One of the winners is Kansas City mayor pro tem Alvin Brooks.

Business Development Downtown

A number of plans are currently in the works for redeveloping downtown in the area of the south side of the loop. Kevin Collison of The Kansas City Star runs through the developments.

Mayor Lights Christmas Tree

Vocalist Marilyn Maye appeared with Mayor Kay Barnes this week at the annual lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree. The lighting was the start of fund raising activities for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, a charity that buys gifts and meals for tens of thousands of Kansas City area residents.

City, Airline Sign Lease

Kansas City and American Airlines are close to signing a new lease for use of the overhaul base. But what of the airlines financial difficulties.

More on the Smoking Ban

More on the new Kansas City smoking ban from Lynn Horsley of the Kansas City Star.

Another Downtown Business Ousted for New Construction

In September I brought you several links to stories regarding the abuse of eminent domain by municipalities. This was prompted by local case of a business that occupied the area soon to be used for the new H&R Block headquarters. This week, The Pitch printed a story about a thriving business that is being moved to make way for the Sprint arena. Is the offering price fair this time?

Senator, Congressman Pledge Cooperation

A pledge of cooperation between Senator Kit Bond and Congressman-elect Emanuel Cleaver may have benefits for Kansas City Missouri.