When I observed the location of one of the new “Independence
– Real People – Real Progress” billboards on 24-Highway, it seem fitting and actually
says a lot about our actual progress here in the historic area of town. It’s adjacent to an unkept lot with overgrown
vegetation and code violations, adjacent to the oversized and prominent
high-voltage lines that traverse in front of the Truman Library and dissect a
National Historic Landmark District, adjacent to a used vehicle lot where
vehicles are displayed on grass and gravel, across from the scrap metal dealer
where stolen copper lines and bronze artwork end up, a corridor where about 40
businesses have abandon property, and a once prominent corridor that moved
wagon trains towards the west that now handles migrant vagrants traveling east from
KC. It’s a street that KC has
prominently named “Independence Avenue” but locals here call it by its State
Highway 2-digit number. And to top it
off, the PR campaign that brought us this billboard was financed with public
funds from our Heritage Tourism budget.
Yes, that’s right, this billboard at this location does send a message.
Luke 21:25 – “And there shall be signs ……” and here they are! St. Mary’s Catholic has begun marketing their
property with these large 2-sided commercial signs. Three of these signs are prominently posted
on three of their four corners of the city block that makes up their church and
school buildings embedded in our historic neighborhood. Not sure if only some or all of their
property and buildings are for sale.
Last year, they announced they were closing only their school. Most churches like to maintain ownership of
the property around them for the potential of future expansion or, in at least one
case here in the neighborhood, for “self-defense.” Good luck St. Mary’s. It was a great 160-year run. And maybe posting this blog and photo will
assist in marketing the project.
Razor Wire! Yes, that
is right. The introduction of this architectural
element is a first for the Truman National Historic Landmark District, thus
making history. I missed the unveiling
ceremony at the First Baptist Church. It’s my understanding that
razor wire and even barbed wire (which they have also) are not legal in
residential areas. The adjacent
neighbors have quite a view from the backs of their lots and not to mention
that this is what church members see as they enter their building through their
main entrance.
