Dear resident:

Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-message to residents. Learn how the City is working to improve our community.

Nuisance violations opportunity for easy makeover
Clean streets, well-maintained homes and freshly mowed lawns are things most people want to see when they come home. Unfortunately, this isn't always the scenario for some people as they drive through the city's neighborhoods. But such nuisance violations can be remedied with help from the City. Weeds and grass higher than 10 inches are examples of nuisance violations. Help ensure your neighborhood is beautiful. You can report such incidents to the 3-1-1 Action Center online or by calling 311 or (816) 513-1313.

Downtown construction continues on Sprint
Construction on the Sprint Center continues to progress. The floor of the ice rink has been poured; LED boards and seats are currently being installed; and paint and terrazzo tile work is being done on the upper concourse. Work also has started in preparation for the September installation of New York-based artist Chris Doyle’s multimedia piece, “The Moons,” which features Kansas Citians "flying." More on the Sprint Center.

Also downtown, construction began on the $1.7 million Truman Road corridor streetscape improvement project. The project, which is set to be completed by the end of September, affects East and West Truman Road and the Interstate 670 overpass bridges from Baltimore Avenue to McGee Street. More about construction downtown.

Use caution in the City's "cone zones"
The City is hard at work this summer on construction and improvement projects. As you drive through the city and encounter orange barrels that accompany road construction, please use these tips to ensure your safety:
• Expect the unexpected; speed limits are typically reduced and lane changes are common
• Pay attention to posted warning signs and any workers on the scene
• Merge lanes as soon as safely possible, instead of speeding to the front of the line. Obey the posted instructions for a smooth, traffic flow
• Leave a few extra seconds of braking distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. When vehicles move in close proximity, it never hurts to err on the side of safety
• Stay calm if you encounter delays caused by construction activity. Construction in the work zone impacts all of us equally and will benefit our roads in the long term.

Finally, plan as much as you can, especially during orange barrel season. Find out about projects in the Public Works Department.

Help reduce ozone levels in summer heat
With temperatures rising, residents can help protect the environment on ozone alert days to reduce ozone levels. These efforts are important for health, especially for children, the elderly and anyone with respiratory problems such as asthma. Use these tips:
• Refuel your vehicle in the evening
• Don't "top off" when refueling your vehicle
• Mow your lawn in the evening
• Ride the bus or carpool to work
• Avoid unnecessary trips in your vehicle
• Keep your vehicles in good maintenance and your tires properly inflated.

More tips on how you can help the environment.

Airport serves one million travelers two consecutive months
Kansas City International Airport had more than one million travelers arriving and departing in both May and June, which are 7.2 percent and 9.7 increases from the same periods in 2006, respectively. Several airlines began new routes in May, with increased capacity and new nonstop routes. Join the Aviation Department on Thursday, July 19 for a second open house to discuss a new airport master plan, noise compatibility study and more. The open house will be from 4-7 p.m. at North Heartland Community Church, 4800 NW 88th St.

NAACP selects Kansas City for 2010 annual convention
The City has been selected as the host site for the 2010 NAACP annual convention, pending a site tour of the city. Kansas City was awarded the convention over Las Vegas and Philadelphia. The convention, which will be held the third week of July in 2010, will utilize the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Facilities and downtown hotels to house the 10,000 expected attendees. The economic impact of the attendees visiting the City is expected to be approximately $9 million.

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.