Dear resident: Welcome to another edition of Insight, my monthly e-newsletter with updates and information about the City and its services. Judge approves funding for Beacon Hill Minor Home Repair Program
The City continues to make progress in our cooperation with the receiver and regional Housing and Urban Development office. Federal Judge Fenner recently approved an order granting the City's motion authorizing the receiver to provide funding for a targeted minor home repair program in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. In the current housing economy, this program allows the City to reinvest in existing homes rather than building additional homes in a stagnant market. Next phase of East Village begins
The City's Capital Improvements Management Office has issued a notice to proceed on the next phase of the East Village downtown revitalization project. The $1.6 million acquisition, remediation and demolition of the ReStart Inc., building at 601 E. 11th St. is expected to start later this month and be completed in late spring or early summer.
The East Village revitalization project is a $340 million redevelopment plan that will transform 12 blocks of scattered buildings and underutilized surface parking lots into a mixed-use neighborhood combining retail, housing and office space anchored by J.E. Dunn Construction Co.'s new headquarters. Construction of new Metro Patrol police station under way
Construction has started on the new Metro Patrol police station near 77th Street and Prospect Avenue. The project is expected to be completed in 2010. The new 27,500-square-foot facility, which will replace the existing Metro Patrol station at 1880 E. 63rd St., has been designed to be an environmentally sustainable project and will achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating. Community Leadership Program
Through the new Community Leadership Program, the Neighborhood and Community Services Department and the Mid-America Regional Council have partnered to provide free comprehensive leadership training for Kansas City, Mo. residents.
The five-week program will include classes on personal strengths, facilitation skills, problem solving, relationship building and community building. Classes begin March 24 and will be offered north of the river, in the midtown area and in the south part of the city. Animal shelter under private operator will save City dollars
The operation of the City's animal shelter, located at 4400 Raytown Road, is now managed by Veterinary Management Corp. This change is expected to save the City $175,000 annually and free up City employees to provide additional pickup service of stray, sick and injured animals, enforce animal and fowl ordinances, and conduct investigations and inspections.
Vehicle Impound Facility wins Capstone award
The City's new Vehicle Impound Facility, located at 7750 E. Front St., has won a 2009 Capstone Award from the "Kansas City Business Journal" in the category of Green Design. The Capstone awards recognize real estate development projects and transactions that enhance the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Vehicle Impound Facility features several energy efficient buildings on site that use less than half the amount of energy required of comparable buildings. The facility, which opened in January, is currently on track to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating, making it the City's highest rated LEED-certified building.
City names Water Services Department director
I have appointed Bernardo Garcia as the new director of the Water Services Department. In his new role, Garcia will be responsible for planning, developing and managing the City's programs for water supply and wastewater and stormwater systems. He also will oversee all Water Services Department staff, manage day-to-day operations and guide the Wet Weather Solutions project and infrastructure-related capital improvements. As always, I appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to e-mail questions and comments to my office at Insight@kcmo.org. Sincerely,
Wayne A. Cauthen
City manager
City of Kansas City, Mo. |
