Truman slept here but he's history

Landlady Loses Two Tenants

2012-01-30T05:32:00.001-08:00

Our infamous absentee landlady, who got the attention of the
entire Missouri State Legislature and every media outlet when she place a
registered sex offender (Randy Lande) adjacent to the First Baptist Church Day
Care Center, recently lost two tenants from her buildings near the corner of
Spring & Farmer Streets. The first
loss was a nice gentleman who actually lived there only a few months but was
compelled to move out a few weeks ago. In his own words, he had witnessed too much crime and drugs and was
worried about his own safety. The circumstances
of the second tenant leaving must have been a premonition of the first
tenant. You see, the second tenant left
a week later allegedly in a body bag. Just like the duplex on Pleasant Street, I’m sure the Landlady, with
these new vacancies, can give you a “Move in Special.” If anyone tells you that the biggest obstacles
to the preservation of Truman Neighborhood is poor sidewalks, inadequate
signage, and inconsistent preservation standards, then we have even more evidence
of locals under-the-influence. I can't
image anyone living near the corner of Farmer & Spring believing that the
state of the neighborhood and the city is good. Oh well, life goes on in the Truman National Historic Landmark
District. But in some cases, it doesn’t.

Judgment Day on Pleasant Street

2012-01-12T05:48:00.001-08:00

Boy, have we got a deal for you. The duplex at 527-529 North Pleasant mentioned in the last blog entry and on March 19, 2011, appears to be ready for you to rent and, according to the sign in the yard, has a "Move In Special." Yes, this is the site of our local "Armageddon" where we had people behaving badly, chaos, the earth trembling, explosions, fires, and the heaven storming down on and into the building. The adjacent high-rise apartment building with the best view of the property even had the address "666" a few years ago (until local religious leaders changed it). All signs point to this being the place to be to witness all the action during the "End Times" in 2012. Just remember, you don't have to go to the Independence Events Center to witness the epic and dramatic clashes of Good vs. Evil. And if you don't prefer this property, this landlord has over a hundred other properties in Independence where, I'm sure, he can cut you a deal without selling your soul.

“For Us it’s Love of God and Love of Neighbor”

2012-01-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

The above is a quote of Pastor Scott Myers of the
176-year-old congregation of the Westport Presbyterian Church after surveying
what was left of the devastating fire (12-28-11) that gutted their circa 1904
stone church structure located in the heart of historic Westport, a small
pioneer trails community actually founded 3 years before the establishment of
the Town of Kansas (Kansas City). West Port was established by John Calvin McCoy
in 1835 and was an elder at this church. John Calvin was an acquaintance and likely business associate of William
& John McCoy of Independence but was not a directly related to them. The church and the adjacent environs have a
well-documented and rich history. But it’s
been more recent history that is most interesting and where there are valuable
lessons on neighborhood preservation and the vigilant struggle against urban
blight. During “white flight” and the
suburbanization of Kansas City beginning in the 1960’s, many Kansas City
churches locked their doors, boarded up their stained glass windows, and
literally abandoned neighborhoods at a time when the spiritual needs of the
community were great. Instead of
following the popular trend of that time period and taking the easy path to the
suburbs, Westport Presbyterian Church made the decision to stay in its historic setting even though their
congregation was dwindling also. That’s right;
they decided to be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the
problem. Westport Presbyterian became an
active participant in the preservation and revitalization of the Westport
neighborhood and business district. They
didn’t do it buying up property, expanding their parking, and creating a
barrier between neighborhood and church. They did it by reaching out their hand to assist their neighbors and being
an integral part of practically every aspect of the neighborhood including
youth and elderly programs, the arts, environmental concerns, city planning, fighting
crime, and yes of course, spreading the Word of God. Many community-based nonprofit organizations
consider Westport Presbyterian Church their headquarters and many of those were
actually established by the church and church members. They were not just a landlord of agencies and
programs but an overseer and stake holder actively participating in the success
of those activities. This is how it is
supposed to work! Here in Independence,
we had even more opportunities for these types of partnerships, but
unfortunately most of those related to the Truman National Historic Landmark
District not only failed to occur but resulted in adversarial
relationships. In fact, one prominent religious
leader actually made the public statement that their purchase of additional
residential properties surrounding church properties was for
“self defense.” Please pray for and
support the good Christian folks at Westport Presbyterian and be supportive of
churches that build bridges instead barriers to their neighborhoods and
communities.

Top Eleven for 2011

2012-01-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

11. The duplex at 527-529 N. Pleasant, the site of alleged drug activities, an explosion, arson, etc., continues to sit with “Dangerous Building” tags for several years now. Its location at the Pleasant Street entrance into the new and expanded National Historic Landmark District is dropping property values, is a local public nuisance and a national disgrace. See blog from March 19th.
10. Further up the street at 419 N. Pleasant is a home actually owned by the City who has promised to restore it using funds from the National Stabilization Program (NSP). The City was actually recognized by HUD in their investments in other parts of town while ignoring a project in the one of the most important neighborhoods in the country. This property has been a contributing element of the National Historic Landmark District since 1971. See blog entry from March 17, 2010.
9. On that same note, the Independence School District continues to leave an empty historic school building, ironically also on Pleasant Street, while also taking their successes further west. Because of the mold contamination left by ISD, potential developers have no choice but to spend money cleaning up the mess, thus limiting what they can do for investing in the property.
8. The empty parking lot owned by Bank of America continues to have a purpose for only Santa-Cali-Gon and to serve as blight for one of the east entrances into the National Historic Landmark District. Unfortunately, Connect Ministries who pocketed easy cash selling parking spaces didn’t bother to clean up the mess left by the previous Santa-Cali-Gon and the one before that. The cycle continues! At least it is not on Pleasant Street.
7. And directly across the street from Bank of America’s infamous parking lot, the Truman Heartland Community Foundations moves out of Truman’s true heartland, his beloved neighborhood.
6. The neighborhood’s problem with absentee landlords who actually prefer those with a criminal record and who are registered sex offenders finally get the attention of government officials but it wasn’t until after the brutal rape of an 8-year-old girl on Pleasant Street. No, the attention wasn’t from local officials but from the entire Missouri State Legislature who acted quickly to close loop holes that put neighborhood children in danger.
5. Planning continues for sidewalk improvements along Delaware Street and undergrounding utilities with ground breaking hopefully this year. Still waiting to see, in our quest for authenticity, if the absentee landlord at 315 N. Delaware will correct his driveway expansion which should determine if the city enforces preservation standards equally for everybody. And speaking of those standards, will the stamped and stained concrete actually look like the historic pavers? Let’s hope so, but history will judge.
4. City Hall loses its full-time Preservation Manager, Wendy Shay, resulting in almost a 40 percent drop in the Historic Preservation Department’s budget. Yes, the Historic Preservation Department is doing its part to pay for shortfalls in the Bass Pro Development in the Little Blue Valley. But reducing the budget so drastically the same year the Truman National Historic District is expanded to almost 3 times its original size is not an appropriate demonstration of support.
3. After publishing the blog “Taking it to the Next Level” on April 3rd, the City has agreed to make a substantial investment in the National Frontier Trails Center. Great move!!! Yes, Old Town Independence is not just about Harry Truman.
2. The McClain’s continues to have success in opening several more businesses on the historic Square. Now that the Independence Square in an important piece of the new expanded National Historic Landmark District, the McClain’s should be receiving “National” awards for these tremendous contribution.
1. And in the biggest news for the area, on July 27th, 2011, Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, officially announced the expansion of the Truman National Historic Landmark District making it one of the largest Landmark Districts in the country. Thank you to the National Park Service officials and staff for compiling the 250-plus-page nomination paperwork and the neighbors and city staff who organized the celebration event in November. The next step should be to actually make the national district a part of the city’s local planning and zoning efforts with the expansion of the city’s Truman Heritage District.

Yes, some positive things are happening but we obviously have a lot of work to do. The ultimate privilege and honor of hosting an important National Historic Landmark District means that local governments, institutions, schools, and churches should put the stewardship of their properties located within the district at their highest priority. Is this the case in Independence? Well, 2012 is a new year with new opportunities. Happy New Year! And, in the spirit of the blog from July 17th, “Happy Founder’s Day!!!”

Under the Influence of Government Programs

2011-12-12T05:08:00.000-08:00

Recent announcements in the neighborhood that this blog need to catch up on include work on the MyArts location at the old car dealership building on North Main funded by the county government’s COMBAT program and a proposed re-rehabilitation of the Palmer School Building for low-income seniors. We’ve already reported about several other programs in the National Historic Landmark District for those convicted of drug crimes. We also have multiple programs for the poor, hungry, disadvantaged, and the criminally challenged. If we still had our Statue of Liberty situated in it historic location on Pleasant Street, she would cry out “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning for controlled substances. “ The MyArts and the Palmer “do-over” have the potential to contribute positively to our historic community. And we need to embrace the diversity of the Truman Neighborhood, one of its biggest assets. Our diversity is not just in our people but include our housing types, architecture, and historical context. We should not forget that the diverse nature of the neighborhood has to include market-rate, non-subsidized investments targeted at young families with the resources to invest in owner-occupied properties. This is critical to achieve an appropriate and sustainable balance. The primary goal established by the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Planand unanimously adopted by the City Council was to increase the number of owner-occupied properties in the neighborhood. From that perspective, some current proposals and trends are taking us a few steps backwards. And it needs to be noted that in the current economic downturn, the marketplace has already created affordable housing without the dependency on government subsidies. Our addiction to government-subsidies appears to be reinforcing the current stereotypes of our city most recently presented in a cover story in The Pitch (local magazine) entitled “Independence’s Rap as Meth City USA Needs Tweaking” which also references the New York Times article of last year, “In Truman Homes, Reflections of a City”, depicting Independence as an economically & pharmaceutically challenged community that is aging and in search of the next fix. If governments are going to invest in programs in the heart of one of our nation’s most important neighborhoods, then they have an obligation to make sure those investments align with local planning goals, are coordinated with other nearby programs, are sustainable even when all levels of governments will soon be forced to make drastic cuts, and are well-supervised and audited periodically for their effectiveness. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. This blog has reported several times that government investment does not assure success and, in some cases, make situations worst. It took decades to realize that the “Urban Renewal” programs from the 1960’s and 1970’s drove away private investments, encouraged segregation, and failed to protect valuable historic resources. History is supposed to provide lessons so we don’t make similar mistakes over and over again. And it seems when Independence comes up short in city planning and community stewardship, it ends up in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and in hardback version published by the University of Missouri Press.

A Salute to Veterans & the Truman National Historic Landmark District

2011-11-11T09:39:00.001-08:00

Eleven / Eleven / Eleven is lucky for the mild autumn day we have to be reminded of the great sacrifices of generations of veterans and their families. The community they built for us is embodied in the Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District which is also celebrating a big day today: the 40^th anniversary of its establishment in 1971. The district, with its recent expansion, also includes the gravesite of Truman, WWI veteran and Commander and Chief of forces during victories of WWII. The district also includes his home and the homes of his family, friends, and associates. Don’t forget the Memorial Building dedicated to the WWI veterans. And don’t forget the churches where we are truly blessed to exercise the freedom to worship God in the manner of our choosing and the school buildings where generations of young people learned what being a citizen of the United States is all about. In fact, the Truman National Historic Landmark District is one of the epicenters of our nation’s great history. Its celebration, preservation, and protection has to be at the top of the list along our civic goals. A celebration is occurring tomorrow for the Truman District that will include lectures, a movie, and some open houses. Please stop by and see how important this neighborhood is to us and the nation. Make this pilgrimage for the sack of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and our quality of life. God Bless the United States of American!

Jobs, Jobs, & Jobs

2011-09-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is all the talk coming from Washington, D.C. and in Jefferson City. It is also in the political debates and the basis of judging all legislation from both sides of the political spectrum. Other goals in the quest to improve the economy have been rebuilding our communities, economic development, adopting green & sustainable principles, promoting education, and stabilizing neighborhoods and neighborhood schools. Guess what? Missouri communities who promote historic preservation can accomplish all these things. Nationally know economist, Donavon Rypkema, studied this in our state and came up with the following conclusions. That public money invested through the historic preservation tax credit program creates more jobs than spending on new construction, highways, and even manufacturing. And investments in our real estate are capital expenses that create jobs during renovations with positions that cannot be outsourced. The best part is that most of the investment is private money not government money. Renovated properties become assets that are put into the service of creating more jobs in tourism, small businesses and in creating housing for families while stabilizing neighborhoods and communities. So why are state legislators considering putting caps on this program? And why aren’t the Independence Chamber and the Council for Economic Development promoting this tax credit program, especially now that the National Historic Landmark District has been expanded? And why aren’t the US Congress and the White House including revitalization and preservation programs in their job-creation plans? It seems to me the reasons these programs are left out is that there is a lack of understanding about the benefits of historic preservation and that citizens are not demanding it. If you feel strongly about this as much as I do, please let your voices be heard at City Hall, Jefferson City, and Washington, D.C. Ask candidates where they stand on historic preservation as tool for economic development and creating jobs. Become a lobbyist for job creation. Support historic preservation!

Sidewalk Shrapnel from the “War on Drugs”

2011-09-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here at the front lines in the neighborhood battle grounds, the enemy is not readily visible for those nonresidents. Some may say it’s like finding a needle in a hay stack. But for those who live here in the neighborhood, the needles are actually easy to find. In fact, you have to watch where you step. The needle and syringe shown above in the photo was on our sidewalk last weekend. And neighbors around the corner stumbled on a kid’s Libby Lu bag full of drug paraphernalia on their property and another neighbor next to them had found about a half-dozen syringes on their property. If absentee landlords do not hesitate to rent to known sex offenders with records of violence against children, then they’re not likely bothered by drug use on their property. We should not be totally surprised that folks who have committed drug crimes are in our neighborhood. The fact is that drug offenders are given an official invitation to come to the Truman National Historic Landmark District every week. Most of the mandatory drug counseling meetings in Independence are conducted in the lower level of the First Baptist Church while the county government offers a special “Drug Court” right on Main Street directly across from the old Court House and below the watchful eye of sculptured bronze statue of President Truman holding his walking cane, perched prominently and respectfully on an engraved pedestal. We should be proud to host programs that are intended to help people here in the neighborhood. But are these programs successful?According the US Office of National Drug Control Policy, one out of every ten 8^thgrade students reported using an illicit drug in the last 30 days. Are we providing adequate resources and a stable revenue source to fund our Police Department’s efforts to fight drug activities in our neighborhoods? Drug problems in the community contribute to neighborhood crime, problems in our schools, homelessness, and public health issues while putting a strain on the tight budgets of local governments. Are we winning the War on Drugs? From the perspective of our area of the National Historic Landmark District, it appears not. We are, however, blessed here in Jackson County to have a special funding source with a program called COMBAT to address these drug problems in our communities. And there are success stories to tell, which we all heard during the last election. But with the legendary stories of the great accomplishments of our 19^th-century pioneers on the trails, the Civil War battles, and the rise of world leader Harry S Truman, one of the nation’s most important neighborhoods also deserves to have success stories in our struggles with keeping our youth free of the dependencies of drugs, social welfare, and cultures of crime. Actually, we could really use someone like Harry Truman back here in his neighborhood and not just in bronze. And history tells us that Harry knew how to end a war!

Parking Lot “Postscripts”

2011-08-26T20:15:00.002-07:00

As a postscript to the Bank of America park lot story at the corner of White Oak & Osage, it finally got an upgrade. No, it wasn’t cleaning up the weeds, trash, debris, or removing the rusty barbed wire fencing. The guard posts, that support the chains that are there to keep people from parking there, got a freshening up with a new coat of yellow paint. That’s right. The guard posts and chains are intended to prohibit any of their neighbors from parking there, unless, of course, it’s Santa-Cali-Gon. Who are their neighbors? That would include Independence Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Bank (their competitor), the Truman Heartland Community Foundation (who moved out a few weeks ago), and immediately to west located in the National Historic Landmark District, Hillcrest Ministries (family homeless shelter). Actually, families who need the services provided by Hillcrest because of, for example, “bank” foreclosures, don’t even have a place to park except for the street. If you haven’t figured it out, Independence if full of ironies, but this one takes the funnel cake. But, wow, those are some good-looking posts. Great job BofA! You might swing by there during Santa-Cali-Gon and admire all four of these wonderful bright yellow posts. And while you’re there, ask the good folks selling parking spots for $5.00 to clean up the mess when they are done so the parking lot will be ready when the chains go back up for the next 361 days. Yes, I would hope the clean up would include the mess that was there before they started. I know that is above and beyond the call of duty, but good folks always seem to forget that this area is a “Presidential Neighborhood.”

As postscript to this postscript and in breaking national news, just a few days ago, Warren Buffett has agree to invest $5 billion in BofA whose stock shares have been dropping over financial worries in the economy. A few recommendations to Mr. Buffett; you might suggest changes in the management structure at BofA. When all decisions are made in Charlotte, NC concerning the management of their assets world-wide, sometimes they miss the target when it comes to important local interests and concerns. I guess we should extend a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” to Warren Buffet & Co. who will actually end up owning a piece of this parking lot. Yes, that’s right, now Warren Buffet will be involved in Santa-Cali-Gon.

Foundation Loses its Footing in Truman’s Neighborhood

2011-08-19T20:11:00.001-07:00

After two decades in the Commerce Bank Building at Truman Road and Osage, the “Truman Heartland” Community Foundation is moving to the Little Blue Parkway. This move comes right after the US Department of the Interior announced the expansion of the Truman National Historic Landmark District that placed the new and improved district on three sides of the Commerce Bank block. The district expansion announcement is intended to invoke community pride and a desire for institutions and families to want to reinforce their presence in an area that was truly near and dear to the heart of President Truman. Now the Foundation joins the list of other institutions that have left Old Town to improve their lots and to better serve the community. Local families have to make these decisions all the time; whether to stay in their home and neighborhood or to move to another part of town or another community where it perceived to be more stable and prosperous. A reoccurring theme from the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been just two words: “Place Matters.” These special historic spaces and districts are not intended to be admired and studied from afar. Successful historic districts nation-wide are ones that are relevant to today’s modern living. They are places where people live, children attend school, employees work, shoppers spend money, souls worship, and tourists walk. The new and improved-expanded Truman National Historic Landmark District will only be successful when all aspects of our community appreciate and respect these spaces. Are we there yet? Good luck to the good folks at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation in their new space on the southern edge of town, but please, don’t forget about Truman’s true heartland, his beloved neighborhood.

A Towering Example of Citizenship

2011-08-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

We need to extend a big “Thank You” to Noland Towers at 130 E. College here in Old Town Independence. Why? Is it because they maintain their buildings & grounds beautifully and provide good, clean, affordable housing for our senior citizens? Heritage House does these things also, so should we thank them? What makes Noland Towers special is the fact that they are paying their taxes and have been for decades. Now this may not sound like such a big deal, but here in Old Town it is. In fact, with the exodus of the hospital, I believe that leaves the Noland Towers property as the largest contributor of property tax revenue for local governments here in Old Town. They are a towering example that for-profit business entities, especially those in the real estate business, do not have to be charities to maintain a successful presence here. Just their occupation of that property generates revenue for schools, libraries, local governments, emergency medical responses, public transportation, and police protection (all elements of quality of life especially important to senior citizens). We hear of the conservative, religious, tea party movement where taxes are considered, in some cases, a sin. I believe just the opposite. It is actually our civic and, yes, our Christian duty to support our community, to support the less fortunate and disadvantaged, to support our most valuable resource (the education of our youth), and to provide planning & programs to make Independence “The Place to Be.” Yes, it is true, here in Independence the disadvantaged also includes retail developers and empty seats at the Events Center but, for the most part, tax revenue goes toward important things. Thanks again to the good folks at Noland Towers, “A Beautiful Place to Live! Have a Nice Day!”

Thank You National Park Service!

2011-07-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

With all the turmoil in Washington DC with the budget talks, federal folks at the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service did get something right. Wednesday, the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, officially announced the boundary expansion of the Truman National Historic Landmark District. This should be a time of celebration and pride, but more importantly; this should be a call for us as a community to roll up our sleeves and get to work. This means all the newly designated properties are now eligible for several tax credit programs for rehabilitation and preservation. This means our beloved Courthouse which has been struggling for funding is now eligible for more grants. Logic and common sense leads most folks to conclude that what is important to the nation should also be important to local citizens. So let’s move forward to expand the local Truman Heritage District boundaries to align with the national boundaries. And last but not least, this means our Tourism Department, economic development community, Chamber of Commerce, Community Development Department, and our business community of bankers, realtors, restaurants, etc. have more ammunition to promote our historic community. Congratulations to the citizens of the United States for this effort led by past Superintendent Jim Sanders and the entire team from the NPS. Thanks also to local citizens to traveled to Washington DC to provide testimony in the public hearings. You will probably here on City 7 at Monday’s City Council meeting city officials take credit for this action. The fact is that direct decisions by the City Council to approve several demolitions on Truman Road actually caused the NPS to go back to the drawing board with the application and reduce the boundaries of the district (you won’t hear that on City 7). City Hall will deserve praise and credit only after the local Truman Heritage District boundaries are expanded to match the federal district. Preservation happens primarily at the local level. It sounds like the Historic Preservation Manager position at City Hall is not just important but will be critical to the future success of the new and improved Truman National Historic Landmark District. By the way, that position is currently vacant.

Happy Founder’s Day!

2011-07-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone will be taking part in the celebrations. It is a day we remember those who came before us, who took a chance and settled here at the edge of the frontier, and who outfitted the wagon trails that settled the western half of the country. It will be a day that we want our yards to be spruced up and have the stars and stripes proudly displayed. Visitors will be walking on the sidewalks so be sure to wave and welcome them. We have a lot to be proud of living here in Independence. Even our name projects a spirit of patriotism and pride. It was Pulitzer Prize winning author and noted historian, David McCullough, who said in reference to this area, “I can’t think of another piece of landscape of similar size where so many things happened that have been of significance in to the story of America.” That means our Founder’s Day is not just important to those of us who live here, but it is even more important to all citizens of this great nation. So when is Founder’s Day? This day is actually easy to remember and you won’t even need to mark it on your calendar. You see, practically every day is Founder’s Day here in Old Town Independence. It is celebrated 361 days a year. In fact, everything we do to make our properties shine is a celebration of our tremendous history. From the Truman Home National Historic Site on Delaware Street, 20,000 visitors from all over the world walk our sidewalks and view our streetscapes. Very few communities have the opportunities to shine and celebrate what we have here in Old Town Independence. So let’s observe Founder’s Day!!! But why only 361 days a year and not 365? Well, there’s this event called Santa-Cali-Gon on Labor Day weekend where we actually make it difficult for visitors to get to many of our historic sites and where we actually reward those who have paved over our history with lucrative parking sales. Yes, that’s right, we actually have more incentives to bulldoze than we do to preserve here in Old Town. So, please, as you greet folks today and tomorrow and the next day and the next and ……………… , wish them a “Happy Founder’s Day.” If someone asks you about Founder’s Day, then tell them “except for 4 days in September, every day is Founder’s Day here in Independence!”

Is it Time to Clean the “Chamber” Pot?

2011-07-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

We were pleased that the independence Chamber of Commerce (ICC) decided to locate here in Old Town, especially on the north side the Square where acres of blighted asphalt remained in the fallout of Urban Renewal. Their new building was attractive and we figured the local business community and civic leaders would not tolerate the new ICC headquarters being adjacent to undeveloped and blighted empty spaces. But we were wrong. As it turned out, the open space was actually critical for ICC’s Labor Day festival, Santa-Cali-Gon, its primary source of revenue. We appreciate The Examiner’s recent reporting about concerns in the local business community and, yes, past reporting about situations down in the Little Blue Valley. It’s interesting to read in The Examiner that the ICC Board spokesperson defending the executive leadership of ICC was the same spokesperson for the City Manager and the City Council in a meeting in early March defending their stealth approach to millions of dollars in debt payments after short falls in the Bass Pro development. Now I’m no accountant and do not think organizations should be judged solely on their bookkeeping. If it were me, I would first judge the current ICC leadership (board members & executives) on performance by asking the following questions:

· Are ICC leaders offering appropriate leadership in the community and at City Hall when it comes to present economic conditions, especially at the Bass Pro development?

· Is ICC promoting not just business development in Independence but also promoting members to actually live within the city limits of Independence?

· Is ICC promoting attractive economical development tools offered by state and federal governments, i.e., Historic Preservation Tax Credits for historic properties and tourism-related business opportunities?

· Is ICC taking advantage of its location in the heart of local tourist sites and The Square to promote Heritage Tourism?

While traveling recently through a small community 500 miles from here (pop. less than 1,500) we picked up a wonderful 48-page full-color magazine promoting local businesses and tourist sites published by the local chamber of commerce. It was obvious that the local chamber was not just supporting its own organization but was promoting the local community and surrounding towns while focusing on its strengths: heritage tourism. There was a sense of community, cooperation, and pride with all the businesses and sites. We ended up staying 3 nights and spending a few bucks. And it was about 50 miles to the nearest Interstate Highway. Here in Independence, we have so much more to offer travelers. But I’ll ask one more question. Are we as a community prepared to take advantage of these opportunities?

Forecast Calls for Windy Departure

2011-06-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

This is last week for Wendy Shay, the City of Independence Historic Preservation Manager, who recently resigned. We wish her luck on her new career moves. It is our understanding that she has agreed to work, as needed and part-time, for the city to maintain the current program of oversight of the Heritage Commission and their management of our small historic district until, we hope, a replacement is found. We appreciate her dedication to the cause even in her departure. Wendy was the fourth Historic Preservation Manager for the City of Independence since the 1970’s when the city started what was then one the earliest and most significant preservation programs in the state. As with all the city preservation staff in the last 4 decades, you’re either criticized for doing too much and/or for not doing enough. And while you search for the appropriate balance that you would expect to see in a normal community, you realize that a balance really doesn’t exist in Independence. City Hall needs to know that this position and its important oversight of the Heritage Commission is important, especially here in Independence where there are absolutely no local preservation groups to be found. The absence of this position is an issue with our accreditation with the State Office (Certified Local Government Program), our eligibility for grants, our ability to administer grants, and our capacity to review and provide input into public improvement projects that impact historical and cultural resources. And with the city being under the weather with their budget, there is not a lot of incentive to fill the position anytime soon. With Windy’s departure, what is the long range forecast for our historic community here in Independence, one of the most historic communities in the Midwest?

The Big Heist in the Little Blue Valley

2011-06-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

No, it was not a gang of ambitious retail developers of recent times, although that saga has yet to run its course. The date was October 8^th, 1879. The most notorious criminal was about to come out of hiding in Tennessee after three years to again hit the region and the institutions that fought him in the War of Northern Aggression. Yes, we are talking about the infamous Jesse James and he was coming with a new group of outlaws totaling six. Finding old Confederates and guerrilla bushwhackers to join his new gang proved difficult this time around since it had been 14 years since the end of the Civil War. His new band proved to have issues with loyalty and reliability but their first robbery ended up a success. It started at the Chicago & Alton Railroad Depot located in a small rural community called Glendale near what is today the intersection of 39^th Street and Little Blue Parkway. You can see the same railroad tracks just north of that intersection. The big heist started with holding hostages at the depot and smashing the telegraph equipment. Then they rolled stones on the tracks to make sure the train would stop and it finally did at 8:00 pm. No one was shot or killed, a few were hit with the back of their guns, and no passengers were robbed. But the Jesse James Gang road away with $5,000 to $60,000 in cash taken from the safe in the train’s express car. The new Jesse James Gang would strike again on this same stretch of railroad track several years later on September 7, 1881 which was reported to be their last train robbery before Jesse was murdered with a shot in the back in St. Joseph by one of his own men (the subject of a recent Brad Pitt movie). The rich history and dramatic stories of our community are not limited to those areas on and around the Square. And our past experience of treating our history as an obstacle instead of an opportunity does not need to be followed in our precious valley. The fact is that this important history in the valley can add value and attract cash to our retail centers and hungry visitors to our restaurants. And those interested in Jesse James may also be interested in the jail cell that held his brother, Frank, or the city park where Frank was buried. This is how “Heritage Tourism” works. We do not have to fabricate stuff that is not real to add value to our community. The diverse and rich history of Independence extends from sinners to Saints and from pioneers to presidents. We should learn and promote this history so we can give all areas of our city, including the Little Blue Valley, every opportunity to have value and to be successful.

Double Standards

2011-06-06T05:02:00.001-07:00

The photo above shows the tall weeds and grass on the empty lots owned and maintained by the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (MTRC) Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation. The photo speaks for itself. MTRC is the group that decides if local property owners meet minimum property maintenance codes while investing their property in order to get tax abatement. This corner was originally intended to mark the entrance into the Truman National Historic Landmark District. Unfortunately, the National Park Service moved the entrance back to its original location at the corner of Union & Truman. It appears MTRC not only has problems with preservation standards but also has difficulty with basic property maintenance standards. If the MTRC Board managed the program into the red, then I would expect board members to show up and mow the grass and cut the weeds. That’s what “responsibility” is all about. That’s right, I used the “R” word. MTRC needs to be setting the example for property owners, especially on such a visible corner, especially adjacent to a “Presidential” neighborhood, and especially during these peak months of tourism.

Joplin, Missouri – "A Community with Character"

2011-05-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

As the Memorial Day Weekend approached, I knew I could get the phone call at any time and it came at 4:00 pm late Friday afternoon. By 8:00 am Saturday morning, I was in Joplin, Missouri at ground zero of the recent F-5 tornado assisting the City of Joplin and the State Emergency Management Agency with public safety issues related to damaged buildings and homes. Now you’ve seen the reports and stories all over each of the news networks and CNN. But the real story is the sense of community and the wonderful spirit that we experienced as we went house-to-house and block-to-block. The property owners, families, friends, and the multitudes of volunteers were working hard and were bound and determined to not only clean up what was left of their lives but to make the city even better. Everyone was grateful and appreciative of our support. It was clear to me that the city leadership, local public safety leaders and employees, and the local building engineers and inspectors were not only dedicated to their jobs and their community but also lived within the city limits of the community they served. Their leadership was not outsourced to non-residents and you could tell it from the touch of their handshakes and the quiver in their voices. I was proud to stand with them in their important work. But this experience got me thinking. How would Independence handle a similar situation? If entire blocks of homes in my neighborhood were wiped off the face of the earth, would those displaced families and souls choose to rebuild their lives here? How would our leadership handle such a catastrophe? Would the high concentration of absentee landlords help or hinder a successful recovery? Is having only one hospital better than two? Is Independence a community with character? Local folks need to ask these questions now about the preparedness of our community instead of pointing fingers in the aftermath of such an event. The photo above was taken six days after the tornado and you can see the overwhelming task the good folks in Joplin have ahead of them. Please support the recovery efforts in Joplin, “A Community with Character.” They need supplies, financial support, and your prayers.

No “Landmark” Left Behind

2011-05-25T05:13:00.001-07:00

It has been over three years since March 2008 when the old Palmer School building was evacuated and judged to be uninhabitable due to issues with mold. Before the Independence School District (ISD) had invested all that tax money into the facility, it had successfully served as a school building for 8 decades. And, yes, it is an important contributing element in the Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District. With that said, I believe this situation needs to be put in perspective. To my knowledge, the Palmer School building is one of only a very few public school buildings in the entire country that are designated as either National Historic Landmarks or part of Landmark Districts. The only ones I can think of in this region are the two school buildings in Topeka associated with the Brown vs. Board of Education and Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas (Landmarks associated with the story of our nation’s civil rights movement in the 1950’s). All buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks and those contributing to Landmark Districts are not just important but are critical to the education of US citizens on the history of this great and exceptional country. From our struggles in civil rights to one of the great American stories of a young man with just a high school diploma from ISD and no college degree becoming one of the greatest US Presidents and world leaders in the 20^th century. Actually Palmer Junior High has its own history as it relates to civil rights. During its early years, Independence was a segregated community and African-American students were not allowed to attend there. ISD deserves high marks for its success in Western Independence and for its leadership in completing the new Ennovation Center and administrative offices at the old hospital site. But here in Independence, time and time again, the things that we do poorly overshadow the things we do right. We should all be proud to live in Independence and be a part of a public school district that has been a part of educational excellence since 1866. But that pride can be stronger and radiate beyond our boundaries if we would just remove the large “For Sale” banner on the Palmer building, clean it up, fix the problem, and make it again a contributing component to the educational and civic life of the Truman National Historic Landmark District. I’m reminded of one of the basic principles of stewardship I learned as a young Boy Scout. You “always” leave an area cleaner and in better condition than it was before you occupied it.

City Planning by “Trial & Error”

2011-04-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here it comes again! The Plaza in Kansas City, our neighbor to the west, is ready for round 4. The local preservation community and even the National Trust for Historic Preservation had already claimed victory last month when the law firm, Polsinelli Shughart, withdrew its proposal to locate its new office building in The Plaza. But the plan is being revived again in the Kansas City Council chambers. Because the property is not a designated historic district, there are no helpful design guidelines, standards, or tax incentives for the property leaving its redevelopment in the hands of its North Carolina owner. The project has been designed, redesigned, redesigned again, and then repackaged to get the local city government on board. Unfortunately, the process has become painful and time-consuming, while making all parties look bad and creating a lose-lose situation, whatever the outcome. Situations were, in a way, similar in Independence in 2003 when Jim Harpool agreed to redevelop residential property on Truman Road but demanded that he be allowed to demolish two properties. He had to bypass the Heritage Commission and go directly to the City Council in order to get his way. But in the end, Harpool never bothered to finish his project leaving empty lots where historic structures once stood and leaving the National Park Service with the task of redrawing the proposed boundaries of the Truman National Historic Landmark District. And all this occurred under the guidance of the publically-funded M/TRC revitalization folks. “Historic Districts” designated and supported by local communities can provide appropriate and reasonable design standards, attractive tax credits, and a level playing field for anyone wanting to invest and contribute in a positive way to historic communities. It protects the valuable assets of our communities and our nation. Opportunities are created for tourism, economic development, and education. Yes, it creates win-win-win-win-win-win situations. Independence leaders need to realize that we do not have to have a successful minor league sports franchise to be considered a winner. And we hope that redevelopment efforts in Kansas City at The Plaza will not cast shadows on the beautiful facades and fountains of this truly architectural treasure. And if Polsinlli Shughart really wants to make a positive contribution in the community where they choose to locate their headquarters, there is a place called The Falls at Crackerneck Creek in the valley of the Little Blue River that is desperate for some tenants.

A “Spring” Story of Lessons Learned – “The Rest of the Story”

2011-04-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Reading of shortfalls at The Falls at Crackerneck Creek, I am reminded of another story several decades ago which also involved lots of public money and water. It was a program called “Urban Renewal” and its target was the Historic Independence Square. Streets were rerouted, entire blocks of historic buildings were clear cut leaving only bare asphalt with no landscaping, and concrete barrier walls were added to fortify the courthouse grounds. It was projected by the experts that wiping the slate clean and creating something new and not-so-authentic was necessary to attract businesses and new generations of shoppers. And as they did at Crackerneck Creek, extra water was pumped into the area to supply a new fountain smack dab in the middle of Main Street and to a new area on the southeast corner of the rerouted Noland Road to simulate what used to be an active spring. A log cabin was uncovered during the road relocation process. It was dismantled and reconstructed to appear as a historic setting of the city’s public spring and today we call it “Pioneer Spring” at the Sermon Center. The actual site of the historic public spring was to the west, located in the path of progress. City water had to be piped in to the faux spring to make it appear as an active spring to visiting tourists. Unfortunately, the syndicated commentator, Paul Harvey, exposed the scam decades ago in his nationally broadcasted radio program called “The Rest of the Story.” The water was eventually turned off. Practically everything that was built in the name of Urban Renewal has since been removed (requiring even further public investments). Was Urban Renewal in Independence considered a success? Have we been successful in maintaining “Pioneer Spring”? Are we learning from past history? Just image, if we as a community would have spent only half the money we invested in plans to create a false sense of place and invest that money in restoring those valuable assets that we already have.

“Taking It to the Next Level”

2011-04-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Most of the blog entries have been related to our neighborhood within the context of our nation’s important presidential history. But there is so much more to Independence. The Independence Square is the epicenter of our nation’s rich pioneer trails history. Most folks know that there are 3 major trails, Santa Fe - California - Oregon, with their beginnings here. Other trails of importance include the Mormon Trail, Lewis & Clark Trail, and the little-known “Trail of Death” of the Potawatomi Indian Tribe in 1838 (yet to be designated). The National Park Service (NPS) has a very active program with professional staff located in 15 states to interpret our nation’s 30 designated National Historic Trails traversing through practically every corner of the country, including Hawaii & Alaska. Independence is the only city in the country to have a connection to more than 3 or 4 of these national trails and we are actually important to 6. And with our central location, one would think that the federal government would include Independence as a prominent location for their staff and resources for national trails. But they do not. In fact, Independence would be the logical choice for the headquarters of the NPS National Trails System. We already have the presence of the NPS here in town, but their primary mission and focus is all about Truman. And most folks don’t know this but our National Frontier Trails Center hosts the national headquarters for the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA), a not-for-profit group that is very active in promoting and interpreting the history of those two national trails. The City of Independence has done a respectable job with the operation of the “National” Frontier Trails Center with their dedicated staff and volunteers. But with shrinking budgets from City Hall, no federal assistance, and city priorities elsewhere, we cannot take it to the next level. And the expression “Taking It to the Next Level” was meant to be literal. There is an entire second floor in the old mill building that could potentially open up much more space for exhibition, archives, education, and offices. More recent history reminds us that our community did not roll out the red carpet for the NPS decades ago during confrontations between national preservation interests and churches. During that time, good Christian folks sent letters to their congressmen complaining about the NPS’s presence in their community. It becomes evident how our past struggles in preserving and protecting our presidential history spills over into many other aspects of our community. We should not be shy about telling our important stories to the world. And we should not be shy in inviting others outside our community to participate in this exciting venture.

Unpleasantness Continues on Pleasant Street

2011-03-19T07:32:00.001-07:00

We are encouraged by the latest proposal to expand the Truman National Historic Landmark District along Pleasant Street. And we appreciated attempts to revitalize Pleasant Street with the award-winning Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. These important blocks link the Truman Neighborhood and Square area with McCoy Park and the front steps of the Truman Library. Unfortunately, this blog has reported about arson, abandon & boarded up homes, an abandon school building contaminated with mold, storm water problems, and more recently the rape of an 8-year-old child, all within a few blocks on this street ironically labeled as “Pleasant.” An additional incident to report actually occurred last year at 527/529 N. Pleasant. The duplex mysteriously exploded in the middle of the night. The building has sat vacant, boarded up, and tagged “dangerous” since. Then, just a few weeks ago, the danger actually became evident in the form of a fire. Imagine trying to sell a home or getting an appraisal for a refinance of your home near this duplex. Would you consider investing in this block and moving your family here? As Independence goes through the motions of neighborhood revitalization, we need to realize that current situations on Pleasant Street are considered blight to any neighborhood. When these situations affect one of the nation’s most important residential neighborhoods, it should be considered a national disgrace. As with 1306 W. Maple, these properties seem insignificant by themselves, but within the context of a neighborhood, they can drag down an entire block and beyond. Investments in neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation pay back dividends in the city budgets of tourism, fire, police, and health departments while preserving the tax base and public revenues. And as City Hall attempts to quietly funnel millions of dollars to developers in the Little Blue Valley, our historic neighborhoods scream loud for assistance.

The War We Fought Against Us

2011-03-11T19:50:00.001-08:00

One of the most important chapters in American history is that of the Civil War. Many know of strategic battles and military conquests, but one of the most notable military directives ever implemented by the US government was “Order No. 11.” In fact, noted author and historian Albert Castel described Order No. 11 as “the most drastic and repressive military measures directed against civilians by the Union Army during the Civil War.” And he goes on to describe it as “the harshest treatment ever imposed on United States citizens under the plea of military necessity in our Nation’s History." This atrocity was centered here in the 4 border counties of Missouri (Jackson, Cass, Bates, and Vernon) making the town of Independence one of few safe havens for Union loyalist. Artist, George Caleb Bingham, painted the image shown above to make sure citizens did not forget about the atrocities committed by General Ewing’s Order and to make sure his political career after the war was unsuccessful. The stories along the Missouri-Kansas border get left out of many history books. During every college sports season we miss opportunities to tell our youth what the real “Border Showdown” was all about. Important Civil War history is all around us here in Independence. It is in the 1859 Jail & Marshall’s Home, on The Square, in the valley of the Little Blue River, and from March 10 through September 8, it will be featured at the Truman Library in an exhibition of “Bingham’s Missouri.” With the assistance of the State Historical Society of Missouri, the painting, “Order No. 11” by Bingham, made a journey from Columbia, Missouri to Independence for this historic history exhibition. During the sesquicentennial of this “War against Ourselves” we have tremendous opportunities as citizens of the state of Missouri and the city of Independence to make sure these important stories are told to the nation. The story of the Civil War is incomplete without talking about the Missouri-Kansas Border Wars. Visit this wonderful exhibit at the Truman Library and support local and state-wide institutions and historical societies that are presenting this important history to new generations.

Get Real Independence!

2011-03-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here in Independence, there is something REAL that other communities can’t buy with all the money in the world. It is something that many consider the foundation of a successful community. It can be the basis of economical development and thriving tourism programs. They are building blocks of one-of-a-kind neighborhoods and commercial districts with character and marketable value. They are considered “Green” and sustainable, pedestrian-friendly, and even educational. Yes, I’m talking about our historic built environment. Our historic buildings and landscapes have many stories to tell; stories of pioneer trails, religious missions, Civil War, outlaws, and one of our nation’s greatest presidents. But are we as a community providing adequate protection for these assets? Are we providing public investments in these assets? Huge public investments we’ve see are in the Little Blue Valley and, in particular, at The Falls at Crackerneck Creek, include a fake water fall, a rustic lodge made from fake logs, and stacked limestone blocks holding back the true natural terrain. Were these public investments necessary to move our entire community forward? Independence needs to “Get Real” and choose to invest in the components of our community that make us special. Investing in our historic core can bring back the civic pride and the reputation we once had.

More Pain in the Crackerneck

2011-03-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Great points, Tongue-n-Groove. Another consideration is there's another payment due in Sept. and so the question becomes how much and how much further will the city's reserves be tapped?

Finally, did you love the city council meeting where the "emergency" ordinance was read and nary a word was spoken about it by ANY council member? Why? Too chicken, of course, and hoping no one would notice. Pathetic. It would take a spine to do that.

Tax Payers get Pain in the “Crackerneck”

2011-02-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Breaking news, tax payers of the City of Independence have to make up a $3.5 million difference in debt payments for shortfalls in “The Falls at Crackerneck Creek” and Bass Pro Shops development in the Little Blue Valley. Development partner, Byron Constance, stated that they could not make the March debt service payment. Ironically, just last month the Independence Chamber of Commerce honored Byron with their “Lifetime Member” award reserved for only an elite group of ICC members who have demonstrated distinguished service and leadership in the local business community. And even a little more closer to home, Bryon has served as a board member for the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation, which ironically is also incomplete, out of money, and in the taxpayer’s pockets for approximately $40,000 per year. Citizens need to be aware that the success of the Independence Event Center is also tied to the success of the surrounding retail areas, including The Falls at Crackerneck Creek, since city officials raised the sales tax rate for this area to finance the Event Center. Just because attendance at sporting events appears to be successful, does not mean we are paying down its current $82,155,000 debt. With all our development eggs in the same basket (valley), we have created a situation that “Too Big to Fail” so here comes the government bailouts. Since this blog is also about history, I thought it would be interesting to present the origin of the name “Crackerneck.” Cracknerneck comes from the rough timbered area 6 miles southeast of Independence known as Cracker Neck because the first settlers of that area were poor white people from Georgia, where they were known as Crackers. And the term “Cracker” was a derogatory term for the poor, white trash, settlers in the southern American colonies in the mid-16^th century. Who da thunk that the Crackerneck name would be associated with an up-scale development in Independence.

Market Trends & Spins

2011-02-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

After reading The Examiner’s article entitled “2010 was a Positive Year for Independence Tourism”, I’m reminded of the slogan the Kansas City Royal baseball adopted “It All Happens Here.” After reading this article, I thought it was important to actually look at the numbers from the City’s own website. From the skills I learned from Junior High, the numbers are presented above on the bar chart and these numbers speak for themselves. The numbers are expressed in 1000 site visits and should be considered a gauge to measure success and a means of identifying trends. I’ll pass judgment and let those viewing this information make up their own mind on whether 2010 ended on a “Positive” note.

Snow Bank

2011-02-10T20:02:00.001-08:00

Yes, it is correct. Bank of America’s small parking lot is still filled with debris. After almost 6 months after our beloved Santa-Cali-Gon Festival, we still get to look at the collateral damage to our community on a daily basis. Someone needs to go to the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s office across the street and repair their window blinds. They are obviously stuck in the closed position. As depicted in the photo above, even the recent massive snow fall and snow drifts were not high enough to cover the mess. Someone tell me why the one of the largest banks in the entire world would own this property and do absolutely nothing with it while jeopardizing their reputation for poor stewardship in a Presidential Neighborhood? This is actually the trillion dollar question!

Sidewalk Upgrade Gets “Stamp” of Approval

2011-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

After less-than pedestrian efforts from the taxpayer-supported Midtown/Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation to make improvements and/or to enforce their own tax-abatement standards on Delaware Street, Jennifer Clark, director of the Community Development Department at City Hall, comes through with a successful $500,000 grant. Credit also goes to neighbors who assisted with the application and petition in a true grass-roots effort. Congratulations to all the local folks and to all US citizens whose assets will be protected and enhanced. The project includes upgrades for infrastructure and utilities but the most visible impact will likely be the sidewalk improvements. Construction will likely not start until 2012, but that leaves time for appropriate planning and design to assure that we get this right. The sidewalks are proposed to be a special stamped and stained concrete designed to match the large concrete hexagonal multi-colored pavers. Here are some suggestions to consider during the planning and design phase of the project:

· Have contractor construct a sample panel that is portable so that proposed work can be compared to areas where the existing sidewalks have been maintained. Compare colors, textures, joints, finish, and general quality of work and approve sample prior to beginning any work.

· Make sure all utility lines below the sidewalks have been replaced or are in good shape and that the compaction of backfill is appropriately covered.

· Make sure the connections to driveways are strong enough to handle the occasional wheel loads from truck or car while resisting settlement (and tripping hazards).

· For driveways that were widened without Heritage Commission approval (315 N. Delaware – next door to the Mayor), have owner (absentee landlord) reconfigure the driveway to original configuration prior to commencing any work. There should be time in the schedule to implement this now so it will be ready to go next year. If we are going to all this trouble for the sake of authenticity, then adjacent and connecting landscape features should be brought up to code also. And absentee landlords should not be given a free pass to following rules, especially in a National Historic Landmark District and, in particular, within the view shed of the Truman Home National Historic Site. This is a no-brainer.

· Make sure there are provisions for periodic sealing and standards for acceptable deicing chemicals.

· Make sure slab joints follow the hexagonal pattern of the stamped finish.

· Maintain a special fund at City Hall to handle future maintenance of the sidewalks. Maintenance has to include guidelines and specifications for future replacement of sections where utility hook-ups are repaired or where Public Works feels the need to dig a hole. Don’t make the homeowners, DYI amateurs, and/or low-bid utility sub-contractors be responsible for this.

As a final note, consider just replacing the sidewalks with normal concrete. It’s cheaper, easier to maintain, and it’s a historic material also. It is important for us to not only make sure the sidewalks look good immediately after construction, but to make sure they look good for the generations to come. That will be the true test of a successful project. My observations of recent projects in the community are that we tend to pass out honors early, sometimes before projects are even complete, and in other cases, projects that eventually fail. Delaware Street deserves this grant but let’s make sure its implementation is successful.

Niche Market for Local Rental Units

2011-02-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Local news over the weekend has dropped to a new low. And “local” happens to be way to close for comfort. In fact, breaking news can literally unfold from your front porch. Local resident, Randy Landie, was arrested for the rape of an 8-year-girl here in our neighborhood. He was released from a Cass County jail cell earlier for only serving only 120 days for another sexual assault on a child. This crime leaves a lot of neighbors feeling helpless, vulnerable, and frankly shocked, sickened, and very angry. The other transgression is the fact that neighbors knew there were problems and warned city officials months ago that our local sex offenders should not reside in areas where there is a high concentration of children, school bus stops, and on the same block as the First Baptist Church Day Care Center. An examination of on-line county property records indicate that the place Randy Landie called home is owned by a landlord of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The two other rental properties in Independence that She owns are 420 N. Spring and 123 S. Crysler. If you drive by the small house on Crysler you might notice 7 mailboxes tucked away on the south side. And if you examine on-line sex offender registry records you will find that all 3 of her Independence rental properties have sex offenders residing in them. All 3 are in the M/TRC Revitalization area and 2 are in the expanded Truman National Historic Landmark District. I believe they are also a part of the “12 blocks West” program. I’m sure the placement of sex offenders in housing units is problematic and it would not surprise me to learn that registered sex offenders pay a premium in rent anywhere. She has apparently found a niche market for her real estate business where she holds true to the principles of location-location-location. I would invite those wanting to do more research into the matter to review police reports and code complaints coming from the addresses of her properties. Better yet, knock on the doors of the families who reside on the same block of her rental properties and ask them if they feel safe.

Top 10 for ’10 in Old Town Independence

2011-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

10. Bank of American, our country’s largest bank holding company with $150 billion in revenue in 2009 and 248,000 employees, continues to struggle to maintain a small parking lot on the corner of White Oak & Osage.

9. Old City Hall at 200 South Main turns 100 years old. Yes, that’s right, behind those trees there is a historic building.

8. A local Main Street program gets a national award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. No, it’s not Independence. It’s the historic community of Lee’s Summit.

7. Our million-dollar tourism program gets a new leader, Cori Day.

6. Delaware Street sidewalks continue to be an obstacle course for tourists and neighbors.

5. National Preservation Month, May 2010, ends in typical Independence style. Yes, with the demolition of 1306 West Maple.

4. The National Park Service and the US Department of the Interior holds hearings in town and in Washington DC for the expansion of the Harry Truman National Historic Landmark District.

3. The National Park Service removes 26 properties on Truman Road and Maple Avenue from the proposed Landmark District Expansion after the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation fails to follow its own standards.

2. As we search for community endorsements for the Landmark Historic District expansion, we learn of a public endorsement from the Independence Public Schools. No, it’s not for the historic district. It’s for a casino in Sugar Creek.

1. The New York Times does a less-than-flattering story on homes that Truman lived in here in Old Town, the “Hardscrabble Suburb.”

Happy New Year!!! Yes, we hope 2011 is better than 2010. Some positive things are in the works and we hope to report about those in 2011.

A New “Day” for Local Tourism

2010-11-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Cori Day, our new Tourism Director whose first day on the job is this week. I believe this is one of the most important positions in City Hall. Independence is on the map not for minor-league sports but for our major-league history. And while many other industries are experiencing a downturn, heritage tourism continues to be strong. Reports indicate that visitors to Missouri spent $8 billion while traveling through our state last year. Independence, one of the most historic communities in Missouri, has a lot to offer travelers and tourists, and happens to be on one of the most traveled corridors, I-70. Here is a list of ideas and advice for Cori as she begins this important job:

1) Do a complete audit of the bed-tax (tourism) revenue and the way we handle tourism statistics. Review where past budgets have gone and how sites handle head-counts. It would not surprise me to see staff, volunteers, and even the janitor counted as tourists at some sites.

2) Revive the 12-year-old endeavor to establish a Tourism Visitor’s Center in the old Courthouse. County officials say it will take $8 million for a complete restoration of the interior. Just in the last 10 years, city officials have actually collected $8.5 million in bed-tax revenue that has been designated only to be used for tourism. The resources appear to be available with appropriate planning and priorities.

3) Establish an “Interim” Tourism Visitor’s Center somewhere on the Square until the Courthouse restoration project is complete. Maybe ICC would be interested in partnering in an interim (or permanent) facility using proceeds from Santa-Cali-Gon.

4) Use the Tourism Advisory Board to actually provide advice and input. They are not just there to coordinate schedules and statistics.

5) Push Missouri officials to replace the current under-performing Tourism Welcome Center at the Truman Sports Complex. Again, and as reported on the blog of 10-15-09, “Last Place in the Standings”, it has the lowest head counts of all the state’s Welcome Centers. Yes, even the center in Eagleville, Missouri (population 321) exceeded Kansas City’s head counts by a whopping 50 percent. “Really?” Partner with the State to implement a new state-of-the-art facility at Little Blue Parkway & I-70 with a satellite location at the Independence Square Courthouse.

6) Push Missouri officials to place KC area or, yes, even Independence citizens to serve on both the Missouri Tourism Commission and the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Currently, nobody from the Kansas City region serves on either of these important boards. There are reasons Western Missouri routinely gets left out from the resources coming from Jeff City.

7) Consider reserving tourism budget for sidewalk improvements along historical interpretive paths, maintenance and updates to interpretive signs, and improvements to the National Trails Center such as an elevator to open up additional space on the second floor.

8) Don’t allow other activities in City Hall not related to heritage tourism to use those designated tourism funds. The Events Center was sold to citizens as an investment that pays its own way and that it does not take resources from other parts of town, and in particular, Old Town.

9) Don’t forget the sesquicentennial anniversaries of the local battles and conflicts of the Civil War and Border War in Independence coming up in just a few short years. Coordinate with outside groups and plan events at the battlefield sites.

Under the current direction of the city, none of the above has happened nor is it likely to happen anytime soon until we, as a community, get over our historical self-esteem problems, our short sightedness in vision, and our hearing problems (listening to folks again who say there is no problem we cannot solve without another sales tax). Independence, once called the “Royal Suburbs” and “The Queen City of the Trails”, is now referred to recently in the New York Times as the “Hardscrabble Suburb.” You won’t see that word used in promotional brochures from the local economic development folks.

Neighborhood Revitalization – Gridlock on the Gridiron

2010-11-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

The cover story in the KC Star Magazine from the Sunday paper is an article about Ralph Ochsner of Ochsner Hare & Hare, the creator and consultant of the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (M/TRC) Neighborhood Revitalization project. It’s actually a good article and Ralph is brilliant and very creative but when discussing M/TRC, it requires a reality check. First of all, I believe it is important when doing the math and counting investments, the balance sheet should account for the losses. $85 million is a great total but we lost an $80 million hospital in the process. And if you read earlier blog entries, you may come up with several more items and setbacks to place in the loss column. Determining the overall success without accounting for the losses would be like playing a football game but only counting the scores from your team. In the article, a project was touted where “The front façade of that home was lying in the yard. Both stories were open to the elements, and a homeless guy was living in the basement.” The successful preservation of that circa 1853 building actually had very little to do with Ralph and M/TRC. It was a small group of neighbors who banded together, took the risks, and implemented that project while going all the way to Jefferson City to get the financial backing. In fact, some M/TRC Board members were, at the time, critical of the project while requests to M/TRC for financial support were refused. But with the assistance of neighborhood volunteers, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, a group of architectural drafting students from William Chrisman, and the determination of a wonderful lady who wanted to contribute to a presidential neighborhood, the project was a huge success. The project got national attention on Bob Vila’s program, “Restore America” during the first season of a brand new cable TV network called HGTV. I’m glad to read in the Star Magazine that Ralph was pleased with the restoration of that Antebellum home but to somehow mention the project to a journalist while touting your accomplishments is misleading. But back to the football game, the half-time show is over, the score is dead even, and it’s time to put a fresh team on the field. We have great game plan thanks to Coach Ochsner, but the players need to actually read the plan, the players and the coach need to follow the plan, and finish with a victory before handing out trophies or awards.

Democracy on Pleasant Street

2010-11-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

On this day, exactly 62 years ago, was one of the most dramatic elections in United States history. And, yes, that story began here in Independence, Missouri. I was actually reminded of this anniversary this morning on National Public Radio. November 2, 1948, Harry Truman, accompanied with Bess, Margaret, and several Secret Service personnel, walked one block east to the Memorial Building from his home on Delaware Street. Imagine being a student in Palmer Junior High sitting in a classroom on that day and having the teacher interrupt the lesson plan to direct students toward the windows or to the sidewalk to witness the President and his entourage marching across Pleasant Street towards the Memorial Building, scaling 16 stair steps to the front doors of the building to cast his vote for himself. This would be quite a lesson in civics. I’m sure that would be an image hard to forget every time you would cast a vote from that point on. A.G. Sulzberger, journalist with the New York Times, recently reminded us that our local history is actually very important to the nation. The physical evidence of that story is presented to the nation in our built environment; our sidewalks, the old courthouse, school buildings, neighborhood blocks, church steeples, and some of our Section 8 government-subsidized rental property. We should appreciate the national and international attention we get from the National Archives, the Truman Library, the National Park Service, and the New York Times. But let’s work together as a community to make sure that attention is positive. On that note and in the spirit of the 1948 election, support democracy, be sure to vote today.

Would Jesus Vote Yes on Amendment 3?

2010-10-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

As our political season approaches its final week, it is interesting to see the political signs, especially here in the Truman Neighborhood. Some signs of particular interest are the four signs supporting Missouri Constitution Amendment 3 on the property of Heritage House Apartments at 660 North Spring. Most folks don’t know this but Heritage House is actually a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization affiliated with the Community of Christ Church. And the proposed Amendment 3 would ban governments from establishing a sales tax on real estate transactions. This ballet measure was initiated by an association of “for-profit” real estate professions. So why would a tax-exempt religious institution want neighborhood voters and, in particular, their renters (most who don’t own real estate), to vote to ban real estate sales tax? This is actually the million dollar question. And this is not the real irony. The rest of the story is that Heritage House is actually the polling place for the most of the neighborhood. Yes, that’s right, the landlord that pays no taxes and actively campaigns against taxes is the host of our neighborhood polling place where the voting booths are just an elevator stop for their hundreds of renters, where votes are cast concerning, yes you guessed it, taxes. And this particular campaign is somewhat deceptive. The fact is that purchasing a home is one few things that average middle-class American families can do to actually lower their tax bill. Whoever said that politics and religion don’t mix apparently never lived in the Truman Neighborhood. “Read my lips, no new taxes, pass the tea, and Praise the Lord!” I’m Tongue&Groove and I approve this message.

Truman Homes & Independence get Exposure

2010-10-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Problems associated with Truman’s Neighborhood and Old Town finally got some attention in the press. No it was not The Examiner or the KC Star. It was the New York Times and the Herald Tribune. Yes, the NY Times has a paper circulation of 1 million and 18 million daily visits (national and international) on their website.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101016/ZNYT02/10163015/2055/NEWS

This is what happens when your community hosts an important presidential history and you don’t take it seriously. The article speaks for itself and does not depict our community as good place to invest or raise a family. Will our community leaders read this and respond appropriately?

Lady Liberty Liberated

2010-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

As a ship full of young soldiers was returning home from Europe in the aftermath of World War I, a war that generated 37 million causalities and 16 million deaths, a young Army Captain wrote to his future bride, “I’ve never seen anything that looked so good as the Liberty Lady in New York Harbor.” That soldier was Harry Truman writing a letter to his childhood sweetheart, Bess Wallace. This vision and setting of the statue where, “even the most hard-bitten veteran had trouble blinking back the tears,” was presented again in a speech by President Ronald Reagan at the Opening ceremonies of the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in New York on July 3, 1986 where the president actually quotes from this letter written by Truman. Only three years prior to this speech, President Reagan would sign the legislation to create the Harry S Truman Home National Historic Site. Flash back again, this time one hundred years to the summer of 1884, the corner stone for the foundation that supports Lady Liberty in New York Harbor was laid, the statue was officially handed over to the ownership of the United States, and a child was born in Lamar, Missouri who would eventually help preserve liberty and freedom in the world as Commander and Chief. In more recent history, midway through President Truman’s second term, the Boy Scouts of American would dedicate a replica of the Lady Liberty in front of the Palmer School building and across the street from the old Memorial Building, a building dedicated to those WWI veterans who did not make it back on those returning ships through New York Harbor. The Memorial Building, Palmer School, and the Statue of Lady Liberty would eventually become contributing elements of the Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District. President Truman would pass by that statue thousands of times during his walks through the neighborhood during his time in office and in his retirement. In 2003 the Independence School District celebrated the renovation and preservation of the Palmer School Building while receiving the W.Z. Hickman Award for Historic Preservation. Unfortunately the restoration of statue which had suffered from vandalism and a lack of maintenance was excluded from the School District’s plans. Last year, the City of Independence Beautification Commission was successful in resurrecting Lady Liberty and tasked with finding a more appropriate location for its home. In June of 2009, the restored Statue of Liberty was praised and celebrated at its new location at the new Midwest Genealogy Center located 4 miles away in a suburban site. The Beautification Commission should be congratulated for their successful restoration and relocation. And as the city’s Heritage Commission works diligently to review the smallest of detail for a tiny window on the second floor of a home on Delaware Street, we somehow need to recognize that a big and important piece of the Truman National Historical Landmark District not only was moved out of the neighborhood but its move was actually a celebrated event. It is my hope that we have a neighborhood where these historic and patriotic symbols of our liberty and freedom are always considered appropriate. We apparently still have a lot of work to do. And maybe we should add a third plaque to the base of Lady Liberty that states, “This statue used to reside in Harry Truman’s neighborhood on the property where he attended school, across the street from where he voted, and on the sidewalks where he walked.”

“Size Matters”

2010-09-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

There is some encouragement in Independence for the proposal to expand the existing Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark (NHL) District. Expanded boundaries were first drawn almost ten years ago (see map) by the National Park Service (NPS) and were intended to cover more properties connected to the story of President Truman. If you examine the current proposed boundaries and compare them to boundaries first presented to the community you will notice that it got smaller. Here in Independence, we actually have a history of one of the nation’s only shrinking historic districts. But why did the NPS shrink the proposed NHL district expansion? The most noticeable bite taken out the original plan happens to be in the SW corner adjacent to the Community of Christ Church properties, which ironically represents our community’s most significant and visible investments led by the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (M/TRC) Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation. Did M/TRC and City Hall support too many demolitions during this work? M/TRC standards for their activities including their tax abatement program include adherence to federal historic preservation standards. So if federal standards were really followed during redevelopment, then why did the NPS remove these blocks from their proposed federal district? Because of this omission, those property owners will not be eligible for current or future federal and state financial assistance programs for historic properties. Will this encourage further reinvestment? These blocks are only a half a block from the Truman Home National Historic Site and include properties connected to the Truman’s. It appears to me that significant public investments in programs do not guarantee their successes (sound familiar?). With the limited resources available for historic neighborhoods, it is most critical that tax dollars are spent wisely and effectively. In this case, were we smart with our public investments? From the perspective of our nation’s assets, it appears not, but I guess we will let history be the judge.

Santa-Cali-(is)-Gone

2010-09-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was Santa-Cali-Gon time again in Independence. And yes, attendance appeared to be up (along with the BMI of the average attendee). And of course, it’s the festival named after and intended to celebrate our pioneer trails heritage but does nothing to promote this important history. As successful as one may judge this 4-day festival to be, the fact is that it promotes undeveloped space and blighted asphalt parking lots for the remaining 361 days of the year. The blighted empty parking lot owned by Bank of America (8-29-09 blog entry) looked even worst this year than last. The pile of brush and weeds that was in the middle of the lot wasn’t even cleaned out. The good church-folks that got permission from the bank to sale parking places there just shoved the debris to the corner towards the street to optimize the number of parking spaces (while minimizing their clean-up efforts). The bank didn’t even bother to mow the grass. If the Independence Chamber of Commerce would just pull the blinds on their windows and, of course, open their eyes, they would see this. The rusty strands of barbed wire that protect(?) this lot actually extend within a few feet of playground equipment for Hillcrest Ministries youth. Yes, Hillcrest is located on the NE corner of Spring & White Oak Streets which happens to be within the proposed expanded Truman National Historic Landmark District boundaries. Ironically, Hillcrest Ministries has no off-street parking for their patrons. No, this is not just about historic preservation. It’s about being a good neighborhood, public safety, economic development, and raising the bar with respect to community stewardship. We need community values we can “bank” on.

A “Trip” for Tourists this “Fall”

2010-08-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

If we’re not going to fix the sidewalks, then we should at least warn citizens and tourists to watch their step. And if property owners along Delaware Street have been relieved of their responsibility to pay their property taxes, then MTRC needs to revoke their tax abatement until this gets fixed. It appears to me that our community just has lower standards on this side of town. Developers and Revitalization Corporations are expected to not finish their projects. And the presence of a “Presidential” neighborhood seems to have the opposite effect that it would have in a normal community. Most communities push themselves to be great and extraordinary. It would be great if Independence had an extraordinary push towards mediocrity.

Sidewalk Improvements Sidestepped

2010-08-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to the 10-08-09 Blog “Walk the Walk” the above photo was taken to show progress. Yes, you are correct. Absolutely nothing has happened. In fact, the sidewalks are in worst condition. How can this be? A large group of concerned Delaware Street property owners actually had three meetings with City Hall department heads, City Council members, and even the Mayor to “Talk the Talk” about this problem and come up with solutions. Ironically, the Mayor represents both sides of this problem. He represents City Hall and he is a property owner on Delaware Street that sees this mess several times each day. The award-winning Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (MTRC) Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation also has some responsibilities that they have neglected even though the taxpayers are investing almost $40,000 a year to keep that organization in business. As a condition of “tax abatement” that was granted by MTRC for many of those property owners along Delaware, those sidewalks are suppose to be practically flawless. The failure to fix this very basic and blatant problem represents the dysfunctional nature of our community while reinforcing the main point presented in this series of blogs that the Truman Neighborhood is considered not that important to community leaders and local institutions. Could it be that our community leaders have been hit in the head too many times with hockey pucks? Should we change the symbol of our community from a “walking president” to a “falling tourist?” Should our Tourism Department be allocating a portion of their million dollar annual budget to place warning labels on their walking tour brochures? When taking the photo above, I was actually approached by a Park Service Ranger who stated, “I’m embarrassed to have visitors walk the neighborhood.” We are pleased to see the brand new sidewalks surrounding the Community of Christ Temple but community leaders need to recognize that there are other parts of town that are important also.

Is Independence a Presidential Community?

2010-08-11T18:31:00.001-07:00

Last week, we traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia and toured the presidential homes of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. It was an interesting experience to spend time in a community that has embraced their presidential histories. The presidential homes were magnificent by themselves but the local community goes to great lengths to preserve and maintain the historic settings and landscapes surrounding these landmarks. And it is not the federal government or local government zoning doing this. It is private citizens through local not-for-profit groups and foundations taking on the responsibilities of protecting these landmarks and landscapes while making them accessible to the general public. And what a difference it makes when the community is supportive. Historians have ranked Jefferson to be the 7^th greatest presidents of our country. Monroe is ranked 14^th and Madison is ranked 20^th. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and Madison was the primary author of the US Constitution. Meanwhile, back in the hometown of the 5^th greatest US president, Harry Truman, how has the City of Independence responded to its national responsibility? It is great to have the federal government step in and assist with the preservation and protection of the Truman Home. And it is appropriate for the City of Independence to provide local zoning and historic district regulations for the protection of the historic setting of the Truman Home. But wouldn’t it be great if local citizens, churches, and institutions just wanted to do it anyway because it was the right thing to do?

“Blessed Be the Tie that Binds”

2010-07-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is actually a true story of a little country church a few counties away from the KC area. The congregation dates back to the 1840’s when they were meeting in a log structure. In 1883, they built a beautiful, but simple, wood-framed church building at a corner where there was a bend in the dirt road and continued to serve the souls in the nearby farms. Small towns and villages developed around this church but never very close by. In the late 1890’s, the church denomination decided to consolidate congregations to a larger church in the adjacent community and, for the most part, folks were agreeable to this. And so this one-room country church was to be abandon by the denomination and the congregation. This is actually a common tale in rural America but also in blighted urban areas and this is usually where the story ends. But, for this country church, this is where the real story begins. Families with strong ties to this property continued to meet there for what developed to be annual reunions consisting of scripture reading, prayer, and a feast while allowing time to perform repairs and maintenance to the church and property. They took collections to make sure the property would always be cared for. When a tornado ripped off part of the old metal roof and damaged the building, they made sure it was repaired immediately and a new metal roof was installed. What started out as a small group of local folks and families over 170 years ago is now a network of many families in multiple states who travel long distances to attend these reunions while bringing their children so a new generation will be there to pass the torch. Attendance at the last reunion counted over 70 people and they may soon actually outgrow the old sanctuary. I would imagine these folks do not consider themselves as “preservationists” and most are not likely involved in historical societies. They probably even scoff at the idea that governments have to be involved in historic preservation. But they have the assurance embedded in their hearts that this little country church is important. It is the fundamental element of the story of their families; where they inherited their strong Christian beliefs and family values; adjacent to the fields where they harvested the rewards for their hard work; where a sense of comfort and community radiated from the kerosene lamps hanging below the arched plaster ceiling. It is truly the story of America. Meanwhile, back in Independence, we too have stories to tell and to preserve for the next generation. So how well do you think that is going? Are our churches contributing to our sense of community in a way that will sustain our community (and sustain their own ministries)? The highlight of my year was being invited to step foot in that little country church and experience, with all my senses, the story of that strong faith in what was then a young and burgeoning nation. Independence is blessed with multitudes of highlights and stories to tell. We just need to recognize them before they crumble to the ground.

Flood Thy Neighbor

2010-07-05T18:44:00.001-07:00

“And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, ………And God saw that it was good,” unless you happen to live adjacent to a church parking lot. This spring, our community has been abundantly blessed with rain from the heavens. In June alone, we had 8.5 inches total with almost 3 inches coming in a single day. Three inches may not seem like a lot of water but when it falls on 3 acres of pavement, roofs, and adjacent saturated ground, it amounts to a quarter of a million gallons of water. This amount of water falling on poorly designed and maintained parking lots has put millions of gallons of water “gathered together into one place” resulting in tens of thousands of dollars of damage to neighborhood properties. Unfortunately, the restoration of that damage comes out of the pocket of neighbors, not from churches nor from City Hall who approved the permits for all that asphalt. Ironically, City Hall is asking us to vote to extend the Sales Tax for storm water control in our community. All this rain reminds us that storm water management is very important. But if this sales tax is extended, will investments be made in and around the Truman Neighborhood to correct past oversights? Or will City Hall concentrate on their investment in the flood plain? Please consider voting in favor of the sales tax to give City Hall the tools to correct the problems created by the last generation of community planners. But before you vote “Yes,” make sure city officials are aware of storm water problems on your block and tell them Old Town Independence is important, also.

Happy 100th Birthday to Old City Hall

2010-06-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks, PrudentPreservation, for seeing the forest for the trees. Did anyone realize that this year is the 100^th anniversary of the opening of this circa 1910 City Hall Building? Many communities would celebrate such an anniversary. This event will obviously pass without fanfare here in Independence. I ran across the above post card image back in the day when citizens were pretty proud of their public buildings. It certainly doesn’t look like that anymore, but it still has the potential to be a community asset. The condition of this property is more a community problem that a county government problem. If citizens do not care about historic buildings, then that apathy will be reflected in the government officials we elect and in the directions governments take. And these buildings become difficult to sell for private redevelopment since they are not eligible for State & Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits or many grant programs (since they are not in a historic district). Will this property become yet another poorly maintained parking lot that is only used during a 4-day festival? Is anyone picking up on the reoccurring themes of these blog posts?

Local Governments “Trading Spaces”

2010-06-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

On the corner of South Main Street and West Kansas Avenue is a pair of structures that represent historic landmarks of local governments. On Kansas Avenue is the 1827 Log Courthouse, the very first County building and could well be the oldest building in Jackson County. Next door facing Main Street is the oldest remaining City Hall structure for the City of Independence. Now here comes the irony. The City owns the old Log County Courthouse and the County owns the old City Hall, therefore we now have an episode of “Trading Spaces” in the works. So let’s all judge how well they have been doing on this visible street corner in Old Town Independence. The City has done a respectable job in maintaining the Log Courthouse as a tourist site, considering it is 183 years old, not to mention it is constructed of vulnerable materials, i.e., unpainted wood logs. The old City Hall is almost half that age constructed of a durable brick and stone and it is in deplorable condition. You can see why the county has allowed the vegetation to be overgrown (see above photo). Just standing on the front porch appears to be dangerous with pieces of the ceiling sagging from above or laying on the porch floor. Someone has put a roadway barrier on the porch to apparently inhibit human occupation. Four AC condensing units are missing in the back with service lines to those units dangling as if it were the handiwork of a thief. Some of the stone and brick are cracked. Now we all understand the financial constraints of local governments, and yes, we all appreciate Jackson County’s award-winning efforts in restoring the exterior façade and landscape of the Courthouse on The Square. But there are other line items on the budget report that also need attention. A complete restoration of the old City Hall would be wonderful but most citizens would settle for just a little preventative maintenance, a good cleaning, and some vegetation trimming/removal. This summer is political campaign season for county government positions. This would be a great opportunity to ask the candidates, especially the incumbents, to address these critical issues of deferred maintenance of county-owned properties, especially for highly visible historic properties in tourist areas, and yes, above all, in the hometown of the most notable county politician, former Presiding County Judge Harry Truman. A funny thing about democracies, the voters always get the government they deserve.

Christian & Family Values Restored

2010-06-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Historic church architecture and steeples that dominate the landscape in Old Town Independence are tremendous and represent the foundation of our community. Many of the earliest settlers came here not for fortune and fame but to make sure the new territory was founded on Christian values. This great Christian heritage is something we should all be proud of and it should be celebrated more often here in Independence. The visible evidence of this important heritage is in our historic church architecture and sanctuaries. These structures were built not just to provide shelter for gatherings but to give glory to God through its architecture, scale, and symbolism. Materials chosen such as brick and stone were intended to endure through the centuries. Community hearts and souls went into the construction of these sacred places that witnessed baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals for generations of community people, thus, making these places important not only for church history but for the multitudes of family histories. Two historic churches are contributing components of the Harry Truman National Historic Landmark District which give them even more value to the community and to the nation. One of those, the First Presbyterian Church, is where young Harry Truman and Bess Wallace attended Sunday School. The other, First Baptist Church, represents the most prominent historic church within the view shed of the Truman Home National Historic Site. Many other historic church structures are also important to the community and help communicate the complete story of our town. This architecture is “real” and represents classic and original styles as opposed to much of today’s architecture which focuses on simulated veneers and plagiarized facades. But more importantly, it represents our collective histories; the histories of our families, our neighborhood, our town, our nation, and our covenant with God. When these pieces of our history disappear, the value of our historic community is diminished and our spiritual heritage is sacrificed. And, since historic preservation is an educational tool, a dimension is lost for spreading the Christian message to future generations. Yes, we have a lot to learn from the strong Christian and family values of our forefathers, for Christ’s sake.

National Preservation Month – Encore Event!

2010-05-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

As the curtain is drawn on the series of events to mark the end of “National Preservation Month,” we get a curtain call to witness an important part of our local preservation history. No, it’s not theater or drama or special effects or reenactments. It’s reality programming. After years of neglect and its contribution to blight in this neighborhood, we are finally closing the chapter on 1306 W. Maple. On Wednesday, May 26, the walls came tumbling down. History is all about understanding our past and learning from our mistakes in order to move forward in a positive direction. This was the point of Dr. Jon Taylor’s book, “Competing Histories.” But have we really learned from our past mistakes? I’ve always wondered what it would be like growing up as a young child on a block like this where homes are treated in this manner. You would think one would grow up with a distorted perspective on community stewardship. I believe the best thing our community leaders can do is put themselves in the shoes of individuals and families who live adjacent to institutional properties. It’s obvious the land adjacent to this property is being cleared for a purpose. Hopefully, the eventual purpose of this neighborhood block will be greater than its most recent negative influences on the neighborhood. From local history, we have learned that this has not always been the case. And as for the 100-year old home at 1306 W. Maple, “It’s History.”

“If You Can’t Stand the Heat ………”

2010-05-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Examiner recently reported a house fire in the 300 block of South Fuller (5-12-10). Their brief report indicated an “unknown” cause of the fire that completely gutted the home. This incendiary event at 308 South Fuller happened to be only a few blocks from 1306 W. Maple, the other abandon home discussed in this Blog. And, yes, both are in the award-winning multi-million-dollar M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization area and the proposed 12 Blocks West area. The real story of 308 S. Fuller is easily assessable on the city’s official website indicating its extensive code enforcement history. In the last 6 years, this property has been cited for code violations 24 times (this may be a city record) with a recent action noting unsanitary conditions resulting in an “Unsafe to Occupy” posting. And the utilities have been turned off since last year. The rest of this story is that the nicely renovated and well-kept home next door experienced damage from the fire also (see photo above). The vinyl siding shriveled up from the heat, at least one window was broken from falling debris, and there was likely even smoke damage. By the way, the IFD did a great job in putting out the fire and minimizing the damage to the adjacent property. This story begins like many other stories in town where property is owned by a person or an organization that doesn’t live in this neighborhood and who obviously doesn’t care about the families who live on this block. So if the home was vacant and the utilities were turned off, then was the cause spontaneous combustion? The collateral damage from problem properties goes beyond the heat generated from an arson fire. The problems in Old Town are clear but are city leaders getting the whole story? I guess we will see if the folks igniting the 12 Blocks West program can “take the heat” and accomplish what M/TRC and City Hall has failed to do.

Contrary Kingdom

2010-05-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is a make-believe fairy tale of a land not so far away for which nothing is what you would expect. In fact, things happen just the opposite way it would in the other normal surrounding kingdoms. It’s “Contrary Kingdom.” Where the land considered the most sacred is treated with the most disrespect. The Ministry of Health is located in the area where the youngest and healthiest villagers are and furthest away from the older villages who need these services most. Upon the flood plain of the Big Red River, economic activity is much more prominent than it is on higher ground where there is protection from the monsoons and where it is closer to the castle. The Ministry of Agriculture sponsors an annual festival to celebrate the harvest of the once abundant melon crop which the kingdom had been historically known for. Unfortunately, all the celebrations are conducted in the melon patch and they end up destroying most of their harvest each year. The Kingdom is actually becoming less known for the harvest of melons and more so for the huge festival that ends up driving the good farmers out to other more thriving kingdoms. The king and his court routinely issue proclamations stating that “All is well in the Land of the Melon” while melon production continues to fall. And the villagers lived despondently ever after. Good thing Contrary Kingdom is just a fairy tale!

McClain’s Square Roots of Success

2010-05-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

As we recognize the success of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Inc. (DLSMS), it becomes clear what can be accomplished when the entire community gets behind a project and a vision. As for “The Square” in downtown Independence, the McClains have had to work against the grain without the support of state and federal tax credit programs through historic district designations, overcoming negative economic and social ills, and lackluster business development and tourism programs in order to achieve their successes. On Sunday, The KC Star Magazine did a great cover story on the McClains highlighting the 16 businesses they started on The Square. Given the obstacles they’ve had to overcome, their accomplishments should be considered even greater than the award-winning DLSMS. Unfortunately, the McClains are less likely to be recognized from groups like the National Trust since The Square has never been officially designated as a national historic district. Attempts were started 10 years ago to expand the existing National Historic Landmark District to include The Square, but regrettably, those efforts have fizzled out. We could establish a local historic district to demonstrate our support of the national designation but no one seems to be talking about that either. In the mean time, we need to honor those who have chosen not to wait for the community to catch up with the rest of the world and who are actually doing things and solving problems on their own to revitalize our historic community. Congratulations and “Thank You” to the McClains for their positive contributions to and their continued support of the “Historic” Independence Square. And congratulations also to the County of Jackson for their successful completion of the restoration of the grounds and landscaping that frame one of the most important courthouses in the United States.

Local Suburb Reaches Summit in Historic Preservation

2010-05-05T19:27:00.001-07:00

The City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri recently received one of only five national honors for the “2010 Great American Main Street Awards” from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This award recognized Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Inc. for their work and accomplishments in revitalizing the heart of their community. Their success was a result of strong political support, appropriate professional planning, a progressive business community, and, more importantly, an active historic preservation program that promoted attractive tax credit programs offered at the state and federal level. Lee’s Summit currently hosts five historic districts (with a sixth one on the way) while viewing its historic built environment as community assets and using historic preservation as an economic development tool. This is what can happen when a community is running on all cylinders. They have been able to balance the success of booming growth and economic development combined with protecting their important historical resources. Yes, they know how to walk and chew gum at the same time. Congratulations to our neighbor, the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

God Bless America!

2010-04-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

The burial grounds for US Veterans are considered sacred and solemn with the highest level of respect bestowed on not just these grave sites but also their settings and surrounding spaces. This is how we were taught and this is how we were raised as Americans. This is one thing that even Republicans and Democrats (and yes Tea Partiers) all agree on. Most would even agree that a similar level of respect should be bestowed upon distinguished public institutions, libraries, archives, and, yes, places such as National Historic Sites & Landmark Districts. But what about a place that includes all of the above? And the veteran buried at the site happened to be a US President. And the site has an official military color guard and ceremony honoring this US President each year. And it’s not just any President, but the Honorable Harry S Truman who served as a Captain in WWI, whose leadership ended WWII while rebuilding and maintaining freedom in post-war Europe, and who desegregated the military. Such an important place would not only be desirable to have in one’s community but you would think that it would attract other reputable institutions along with public and private community investments. So how has that worked here in Independence? To answer this, I would invite you to park your car at the WWI Memorial Building and march towards the Truman Library on Pleasant Street past the abandon Palmer ISD building, past the plywood covered windows along the way, watching your step on the crumbling concrete and mud sidewalks, through McCoy Park, under the buzz of the towering high-voltage power lines, below the crumbling concrete bridge with painted-over graffiti, adjacent to the eroded bridge embankments, up the hill, past the ISD building with the tall cell phone tower (which is actually visible from the Library courtyard & grave site), and eventually to the front steps of the beautifully designed and landscaped grounds of the Truman Library and eternal resting place of one of the great American Presidents and military veterans. And this stair and entrance into the Library is mostly visible along this Pleasant Street route. To host this site is a privilege and honor for our community but it comes with responsibilities that, if we do not take seriously, the entire world notices. We can and should do a better job in respecting this place and its surroundings not just as a demonstration of community pride but, more importantly, as an expression of our love of Country. This is how I was taught and this is how I was raised as an American.

Spreading Fertilizer in Independence

2010-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

To quote noted prize-winning historian, author, and former Librarian of Congress, Daniel Boorstin, “Planning for the future without a sense of the past is similar to planting cut flowers.” For a historic community such as Independence, historic preservation can be a tool to help Independence celebrate and build upon its important past. It’s about giving institutions, neighborhoods, and communities a strong foundation (root system) for which to grow, sustain itself, and bear fruit. Historic preservation provides communities with redevelopment tools and resources at the state and federal levels to accomplish great things. Active preservation and revitalization programs create jobs in a bad economy, boost property values in a slumping market, and, yes, reduce crime while we struggle to fund our police force. In fact, Missouri is the most successful state in the nation in its use of federal and state income tax credits for historic preservation and neighborhood stabilization. Historic communities in Missouri have very few excuses not to get this right. As for the Truman Boyhood Home on South Crysler (subject of 11-3-09 blog), historic preservation can be a tool to not only address a problem property and restore a historic landmark, but can create an anchor for the revitalization of a struggling neighborhood. It takes a community with a shared vision, effective leadership, and appropriate professional guidance to recognize these opportunities and to get something started. So if we have all these ingredients for the cake, then why do we keep getting half-baked efforts? No, it’s not about money. Our efforts to throw public money at something in order to make it better have not always been successful (as mentioned in the previous blogs). It’s a matter of setting priorities with forward-thinking, appropriate planning, and collaboration while fostering a sense of pride. But most importantly, it’s in creating an environment to encourage private investment from young families and innovative developers (not remote landlords). No, I’m not saying it is easy, but our community has had some success in doing difficult things. We need to stop spreading fertilizer on cut flowers and take steps towards real and sustainable progress.

Fuzzy Math in Tourism

2010-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

To evaluate the success of the Heritage Tourism program here in Independence, you just have to “Do the Math.” In the last ten years, our head-counts at tourist sites have dropped from approximately 400,000 to 200,000 per year while we have increased our expenditures from $500,000 to $1,000,000, and doubled the number city employees dedicated to the tourism department. And to say that we had a thriving tourism industry here ten years ago would be an understatement. And head-counts are somewhat deceiving since tourists are counted several times as they go from site to site and even counted twice at individual sites (i.e. if one watches the film at the Ticket Center while waiting for a tour at the Truman Home). And, not to mention, that some folks visiting sites are not tourist at all but are actually locals or students. From simple arithmetic, City Hall is investing $5 per site visit (compared to $1.25 ten years ago). So if we spend $5 of tax money just to get you to the front door of the Vaile Mansion and you spend $5 for the tour, then was that a good investment? The million dollars might be better spent on historic site development / expansion / preservation, fixing sidewalks along walking tour trails, restoring / expanding interpretive signs, and investing in neighborhoods surrounding tourist sites. So why were the tourism numbers several times higher in the 1980’s and 1990’s when we were spending very little on marketing? And in 1998, we paid a consultant from Arizona to develop a “Tourism Plan” so we could do a better job promoting ourselves. Did that help? The numbers say that the more we spend, the less success we have. Even though the money comes from a lodging tax from travelers, many who do not go beyond the I-70 corridor, that does not mean it is not real money. We have to demand accountability, results, and, yes, basic math skills from City Hall. Our slogan should be “It costs us a Lincoln to get you to a Truman site.”

Blight Update at 1306 N. Maple

2010-03-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

The update is that there is no update or changes. In fact, what appears to be a secure building from the street is an allusion. All the windows on the east side are completely broken out. Both doorway openings on the back side are unsecure. In the garage, which is also apparently tagged dangerous, is loaded with piles of garbage (see above photo) with the front doors open. It has to be attracting rodents (or worse) to the neighborhood. Drug activity was already mentioned in a previous blog concerning this property. And county records indicate that this property has been owned by a church-based educational institution (guess which one). I find it hard to believe that city officials have actually inspected this property. And if they have, then it is crystal clear who has influences over City Hall. If we were to manage property in this manner, City Hall would demand and strictly enforce clean up in 30 days. This property has looked bad for a year or more. Will this end up being yet another case where criminal arson will do more to remove blight than church, government, and M/TRC combined? Wake Up, Independence! Elections are coming up. If you’re happy with the status quo and the level of respect bestowed on our heritage here in Old Town, then there are clear choices for you at the polls. Actually, this would be a great time to take out the garbage!

One Block East

2010-03-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

PrudentPreservation makes a great point. It needs to be noted that the 300-400 block of North Pleasant Street is “One Block East” of the Truman Home and within view of the Truman Home National Historic Site. There is a hint (or stench) of hypocrisy to charge off to clean up blight in the “12 Blocks West” while contributing to blight in one block east. It also needs to be mentioned, again, that this block of Pleasant Street has been a part of the M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Locals obviously have varying opinions about the state of neighborhood. Have you wondered what folks outside our community think? In May of 2008, the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation (state-wide not-for-profit group based in Columbia MO) listed the Truman National Historic Landmark District on its “Top 10 Most Endangered Historic Places” in the state because of conditions on Pleasant Street and because “institutional property owners in the area have been moving out.” In the 1990’s, we were high on the list of endangered landmarks for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In the 1980’s, it was the US Department of the Interior. Have situations really improved in the last three decades? The Truman Library Institute’s fund-raiser, “Wild about Harry”, is next week and it attracts support from all across the country. It would be great for the local community to demonstrate that they are also “Wild about Harry” by supporting the preservation of his neighborhood and the historic setting his home. The Truman Neighborhood is essentially a living history district with the emphasis on “living.” It is important to have living/breathing human beings and families occupying the surrounding properties. And it is important to take advantage of the resources and tools available at the federal level to accomplish this goal. So what are we waiting for?

NSP Bucks Should Stop on Pleasant Street

2010-03-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

The problem with foreclosures and vacant properties hit the 300-400 block of North Pleasant Street, in the heart of the Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District, long before the crisis hit the community and the nation. The photo above is 419 N. Pleasant taken almost 2 years ago and shows overgrown weeds and boarded up windows. Conditions today are worst. The property looked this way during Candidate Barack Obama’s pivotal campaign speech about “Patriotism” at the Memorial Building (only a block away) while the national press descended on our neighborhood. And we lost one empty building over three years ago from arson (subject of 11-27-09 Blog Post). Today there are actually 5 empty buildings on this block which include an empty historic church sanctuary with plywood covering stained glass windows and, yes, an empty school building (Palmer). But there is actually hope. The federal government has what they call the National Stabilization Program (NPS) where they provide money to local communities to purchase foreclosed properties for rehabilitation and resale. City Historic Preservation staff is currently proposing to use NPS funds for 419 N. Pleasant. This has actually been one of the best ideas to come from City Hall in a long time. No other property in town would give you more bang for your buck than this one. Millions of dollars are available and have been for a while. Other communities have been spending this money. What is the hold up in Independence? If this were a problem associated with the Event Center, it would be treated as an emergency and the city would go into debt to address it immediately. In this case, money is not short but leadership is. Someone needs to take the lead this spring to get the NSP funds invested in our historic neighborhoods. We cannot depend on the First Baptist Church, the School District, or the banking community for leadership on Pleasant Street. City Hall has to step up to the plate and treat issues in Old Town with the same urgency as their beloved projects in the Little Blue Valley.

Deficits on Streets lead to Potholes in Revenue

2010-03-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

We’ve mentioned the cost of maintaining open space and parking lots, but what is the impact on city revenue when homes are removed from neighborhood streets? The City of Independence has budgeted over $52 million in revenue from property taxes, franchise fees from city-owned utilities, taxes from city-owned utilities, franchise fees & taxes from natural gas services, franchise fees & taxes & 911 fees from phone use, franchise fees & taxes from cable services, cigarette taxes, gasoline taxes, motor vehicle license fees, and general sales tax. This revenue represents an average of $1120 per household (this assumes households are supporting our local businesses). Every household represents a revenue stream. When these households disappear, so does the revenue. For example, if an entire block of say 26 homes disappear, that could represent a $350,000 loss in annual revenue from the city’s budget or the equivalent of the starting base salaries of 9 entry-level police officers. Obviously, poorly maintained and managed houses can put on strain on city resources but so do empty lots. It is important to maintain our housing stock for a sustainable city government and appropriate staffing levels of police and firefighters. It also supports local public schools, libraries, county government, etc. We need to get behind “12 Blocks West” and any other neighborhood revitalization/conservation efforts to maintain clean and safe housing for our citizens. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to put professional hockey players on our streets to maintain law & order.

“M/TRC-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E”

2010-02-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Examiner reported correctly in their headline “Hope for Truman Road Corridor?” when they placed the question mark at the end. The Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (M/TRC) Neighborhood Revitalization Program started out strong, but its record has most definitely been questionable of recent years. They supported the demolition of two homes in the expanded National Historic Landmark District that were also judged to be historic by the City’s Heritage Commission. Then they did not follow through to make sure the developer filled in all the empty spaces. They cleared land in an “Urban Renewal” style with the promise of putting in a park and some housing. Now we are spending public money for mowing and maintaining empty lots. Some of these vacant lots had been called in for code enforcement (in other words, conditions that contribute to “blight”). They continue to operate with staff and board members who live in other parts of town or even other cities. Church representation on the board has always had a priority over representation from neighbors. They continue to send money to the Kansas City consulting firm of Ochsner, Hare & Hare (OHH), for helpful advice? I realize that the economy is bad but we’ve been working at this for 15 years and there was plenty of time to get this right when the real estate market was strong. The extra $38,425 the City Council has budgeted for this year doesn’t appear to be buying anything new but the continued bureaucracy of maintaining an approved group of property owners who are not paying property taxes. Actually, the sidewalks in front of some of those approved properties are in horrible condition. It seems the neighborhood would be better off to invest an additional $537 dollars to hire a full-time police officer (starting entry-level base salary of $38,962) devoted to this neighborhood and let the M/TRC Board (with church representation) solve their own budget problems. If I recall, the M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was actually developed by the RLDS Church and OHH (maybe they would be interested in contributing). It seems the reputations of many are on the line. Those who are actually paying their taxes and those at the national level concerned about the fate of a valuable Presidential Neighborhood deserve more effort from the community to get this right.

Pink Slip Appears!

2010-02-17T18:32:00.001-08:00

Just 3 days after the blog post on January 24^ththat presented problems at 1306 W. Maple, it appears that the City responded appropriately with tagging this building as dangerous. Wow, someone must be actually reading this blog. Unfortunately, the property owner has still left broken glass on the front porch while children are playing at the neighborhood park just down the street. The tag (pictured above) actually references a fire at the property while there is no visible evidence of a fire (maybe it’s prophecy). Also, it has been 3 weeks since the date on the tag and it is still not registered on the city’s website as a complaint. Are city officials serious about this case? Is the property owner pulling a few strings? Does Rex know his name is on this tag? As average citizens and taxpayers, using property maintenance code complaints is our primary means of fighting neighborhood blight. I would encourage all citizens to use this tool that is available through our city government but, as you can see, it is important to follow up on these code complaints to make sure City Hall works like it is suppose to and that property owners respond appropriately. Government/institution-sponsored revitalization programs will not work without the helpful participation of local neighbors, citizens, families, and, yes of course, churches. When neighborhood children witness first-hand poor community stewardship by adults, then they will assume that no one will care when it comes to graffiti, vandalism, or worst. The cycle continues. Stay tuned to see what happens to 1306 W. Maple. It may give us a preview of how “12 Blocks West” will be managed. The home actually appears to need only minor repairs to keep it on the tax rolls. It’s too bad they didn’t take advantage of the tax incentives when they were available through our award-winning M/TRC program (when the adjacent hospital was in business). Does anyone see a pattern here?

Make a Wish and Blow out the Flames

2010-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

On President’s Day Weekend, let us rededicate ourselves to our own presidential history. Let us strive to preserve neighborhoods in our community that promote human interaction and helping one another as opposed to new developments founded on barriers & isolation. It’s about maintaining neighborhoods with safe pedestrian-friendly paths as opposed to those dependent on gasoline-powered engines. It’s in having neighborhood churches and institutions that view adjacent homes as shelters for souls and spiritual revival as opposed to obstructions to convenient parking. Where homes are not just considered investments in one’s portfolio but also investments in the heritage of one’s community and beyond. It’s in fostering a sense of place and community where young families choose to invest instead of the location of last resort for those with very few choices. It’s being blessed with institutions of compassion & wisdom addressing needs in their own back yards as they prepare to march off to save the world. Where revitalization plans are judged based on their impact on families as opposed to dollars & duration. And where government entities put more emphasis on community preservation as opposed to program preservation. Where our property taxes are considered a responsibility to our community as opposed to being used as leverage to induce responsible behavior. And where diversity is considered an asset rather than a deed restriction. Where judgments of crime & punishment are based more on what is best for the safety of families and neighborhoods versus the availability of jail space. And yes (in reference to the photo above at 822 N. Liberty), a community where arson is considered a punishable crime and not a revitalization tool. Here in Independence, we have tremendous opportunities to lead the nation in preservation & revitalization instead of being just another case study of lessons learned.

Crimes against Humanity

2010-02-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

Independence is blessed to have the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, an active organization diligently working in the community providing affordable housing with home ownership to young families. Their location, the old Ray Wills Filling Station at corner of Maple and Union, is a wonderful building with a lot of character. The building has a connection to the story of Truman and it was used in a scene in the movie, “Kansas City” by Robert Altman. The Community of Christ Church put the finishing touches on the restoration of the building (after the film crew was done with the exterior restoration) in preparation for its use as the headquarters of the M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation. Now the Church has graciously allowed Habitat for Humanity (HfH) to occupy the space. Unfortunately, at this location, they’ve been the victim of criminal thefts at least three times in the last few years. One of their volunteers was actually interested in investing in a home in our neighbor just a few months ago but has since changed his mind due to the high concentration of crime. This is actually the story nobody wants to hear. How the presence of vacant buildings/property affects crime and the vitality of a neighborhood. This is same block where Jim Harpool promised to fill the empty spaces with new housing almost 7 years ago (subject of blog post 08/21/09) under the leadership of M/TRC. One of those abandon lots happens to be next door to HfH on the west side. The rental home north of HfH on Union Street has been vacant for almost a year now. The property to the south was clear-cut of homes in order to have park space. And across the street to the east is our Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District. Please send a donation to HfH to help them recover from these losses. Also, let them know we appreciate what they do and that it is truly an honor to have them in our neighborhood, Truman’s neighborhood. But to further assist HfH, push officials with M/TRC to finish projects started on this block. Call city code enforcement officials to clean up and secure adjacent vacant properties. And ask the City officials to put more police officers on the streets. Neighborhood Watch only works when there is “Humanity” occupying adjacent “Habitats.”

Ground Hogs Day, Again?

2010-02-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

As we plan to make improvements in what is called the “12 Blocks West” of the Truman Home, it would be good idea to look at lessons learned in previous attempts to revitalize Old Town. About 20 years ago we had “Fast Forward Independence” which didn’t really do anything but possibly assisted in getting some new faces at City Hall. Then in the mid 90’s, the “Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Plan” (M/TRC) was initiated. This plan actually had promise because it included millions in tax dollars and full-time staff while incorporating a historic preservation component. Unfortunately, the plan looked better on paper than performance. We shot our wad, did some good, but apparently didn’t fulfill promises. Then comes “The Great Northwest Independence Neighborhood Strategic Plan.” Again, it made people feel good to talk about some of these issues but I can’t image citizens believe conditions in their neighborhood are better because of it. And now, community leaders led by Dr. Hinson with the Independence Public Schools wants to start “12 Blocks West.” While we are using arithmetic to add up the blocks, it should be noted that 8 of those 12 blocks have already been a part of the award-winning, multi-million-dollar, comprehensive M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. With M/TRC (combined with other programs), there were more financial incentives to restore neighborhoods here than practically any area in the country and we still came up short. Consider all these attempts from the last 25 years as group therapy sessions for a somewhat dysfunctional family. Every now and then the family gets another therapist to help them with the same issues of self-esteem, getting along with others, and giving the family a sense of purpose, potential, and direction. “It’s déjà vu all over again” (and again and again and again). It’s important to continue to make attempts for improvement. Looking to success stories in other communities, such as Atlanta, is a good investment. But is everybody really at the table? And are we going to be open and honest about real issues? Someone said, “If you keep doing what you have always been doing, why are you surprised that you keep getting the same results?” Today on “Ground Hogs Day”, let us pledge to not make the same mistakes over and over and over ……...

Interpretive Signs

2010-01-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

How do we get today’s neighborhood youth to respect important assets in this community and to this nation? I believe it starts with appropriate community stewardship that is led by our adult population. It is how the adults behave in treating, protecting, and honoring what are considered our most important assets. It’s how our generation of citizens chooses to honor the previous generations. It’s the respect we bestow on the materials, craftsmanship, and valuable resources that went into building this community. It’s the way we honor the ideals, values, and Christian principles of our forefathers. It’s in opening the doors of our homes to neighbors to celebrate milestones. It’s in opening our eyes to see how we can make a difference as opposed to waiting for someone else to clean up the mess. It’s in giving the next generation an inheritance of something more than debt and decay. It’s in projecting a sense of pride to our youth, to visitors who come to our community, and to the citizens of the United States who trusted us with these assets. There are interpretive signs out there that are telling us how well we are doing. We just need to open our eyes.

Neighborhood Open House

2010-01-24T18:33:00.001-08:00

The house pictured above is vacant. The front door is actually wide open with just an unlatched storm door (with broken windows). Many of the other windows are also shattered with broken glass all over the place. Even the mail slot has been removed leaving yet another hole in the house. Inside there are signs of vagrant occupation. I’ve learned from a local gentleman that drug paraphernalia and used needles were found inside this house and that it has been vacant for about a year or more. There are no “Dangerous Building” tags on the property, but the building across the street (which appears to be in much better condition) has a pink tag in the window indicating city action for code violations. Yes, it is known fact that blight is contagious. No, this isn’t the intercity KCMO or KCK. It’s my neighborhood and it’s only a few blocks from a Presidential Neighborhood. The last time I drove down this block I saw lots of children playing. The address of the above property is 1306 West Maple. Welcome to the neighborhood “Open House.” And yes, it needs to be mentioned again, this block is in the heart of the award-winning Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Whether this particular home is judged historic or not (you be the judge), this is no way to manage property and this is not what I would call being a good neighbor. If readers of this blog are also concerned, I would invite you to make an online Property Maintenance Code Complaint on the City’s website:

https://www.ci.independence.mo.us/Complaints/

and enter the street number “1306” and the street name “Maple” and proceed. You can register your name and contact info or remain anonymous. Please help us with this property. And if you know who owns the property, I believe a lecture and schooling on community stewardship is in order.

The Exodus

2010-01-17T17:21:00.000-08:00

We’ve already brought up the departure of the School District’s administrative office from the Palmer Building. The biggest loss is the Independence Regional Health Center at Truman Road and Forrest Avenue. The hospital supported adjacent medical offices & clinics, restaurants, flower shops, housing, and good-paying jobs for this neighborhood for almost 100 years. And more recently it complimented the adjacent Nursing School at Graceland University’s Independence campus. Taxes generated by the hospital directly supported the Midtown / Truman Road Corridor (M/TRC) Neighborhood Revitalization Program. M/TRC is now essentially out-of-business (during a time when it is needed the most). Unfortunately, M/TRC has left 3 major projects unfinished, all of them at the corner of River Boulevard and Truman Road, which happens to be at the entrance into the Truman Neighborhood. The Sunshine Center, a care center for children with special needs, also departed the neighborhood while consolidating its services to another part of town leaving an empty building on Lexington Street. The Mid-Continent Public Library’s Genealogy & Local History Center also left the area choosing to invest $8 million in a beautiful new facility in a suburban location. The Library’s move was intended to make their facility more accessible to the public; however, they selected one of the most isolated areas in town with respect to public transportation. All of these losses have occurred just within the last few years and together represent a significant deficit to the historic community. What’s next?

There is some consolation for the loss of the hospital. There are exciting plans for an entrepreneurship center and business incubator at the old site. The project promises to be supported by the School District, Independence Council for Economic Development (ICED), a private developer, and TIF funding from the initial hospital relocation. This is likely a best-case-scenario for this site considering all the obstacles. I applaud the Independence School District in taking a leadership role in this project. Success will depend on public and private institutions working together, doing what they say they are going to do, guiding the project through completion, and sticking around, even when situations become difficult. Yes, that’s right; it sounds like a different approach than what we are used to.

Working on the Sabbath

2010-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

Doing the Lord’s work on the Lord’s Day! The above photo was actually taken during the Sunday morning worship services showing the demolition contractor getting started on this project for Messiah Lutheran Church. PrudentPreservaion, thought you would want to see the lastest. In this community, doing God’s work is never complete. Please try to Keep the Faith!!!

WWJP - Where Would Jesus Park?

2010-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening, the City’s Heritage Commission approved the demolition of one of the last remaining homes on the south side of the 100 block of East Pacific for the Messiah Lutheran Church on South Main. Here in Old Town Independence, this event is not newsworthy but just another day. Frankly, I don’t know how congregations can sustain ministries if they have to buy marketable housing, fund minimum levels of maintenance (usually no maintenance at all), taxes, then pay for a demolition contractor to tear them down and dump it into a landfill. This has to be a significant chunk of their budgets. And maintaining open space, whether green or paved, has a price also. Studies indicate that a single ground-level parking place in a central business district can cost an average of $86 per month considering its initial construction and its annual maintenance/expenses (snow removal, liability insurance, lighting, sealing/striping, etc.). Even selling parking spaces for $5 each during the annual Santa-Cali-Gon Festival doesn’t put a dent into the actual cost of maintaining parking lots. Those are just the financial implications. What about the environmental consequences? And, of course, what about neighborhood preservation and revitalization? On a much larger scale, churches in and around the Truman Neighborhood have been doing this for decades. This becomes a very expensive endeavor for these churches, many who have tight budgets. Was this a good investment for these churches? Are the neighborhoods surrounding these churches better off? How do these issues reflect on our entire community, especially when demolitions occurred in a National Historic Landmark District? I have my own opinions but I think it is important for this Christian community to openly, and without retribution, answer these questions honestly. I remember as a child regularly attending a church here in the neighborhood and routinely parking on a neighborhood street. And at that time, church attendances at all the downtown churches were several times what they are today and very few churches had significant off-street parking. Today we have huge parking lots with fewer attendees. What can we do better as a Christian community?

Presidential Boyhood Home gets Recognition

2009-11-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

The boyhood home of Harry Truman in the photo above located at 619 S. Crysler was recognized this summer by officials from the City of Independence. Unfortunately, the officials were from the Health Department and the recognition was for problems with weeds and trash/rubbish/garbage in violation of Property Maintenance Codes. Truman spent his impressionable boyhood years from age 6 to age 12 at this home. From this family residence, he enters the Independence Public Schools, he attends First Presbyterian Church Sunday School where he meets Bess Wallace, and he recalls his father’s celebration after the 1892 election of Grover Cleveland. In this rare Democratic Party victory celebration, his father decorates the weathervane mounted on top of the cupola of the home (the cupola has since been removed), which undoubtedly left an impression on young Harry. Other Truman residences in the city and the state are National Historic Sites, State Parks, and/or are marked with interpretive signs. This one (on the other side of the railroad tracks and approxmiately 1/2 mile from the Truman NHL Distrct) is one city officials would prefer you drive by without noticing. At Truman’s birthplace home in Lamar, Missouri, he only spent 11 months there and today it is a State Historic Site and House Museum and represents a source of pride for this rural community. We do learn from the Crysler property how absentee landlords maximize rental income while minimizing investment. There are actually 7 mailboxes on this property. Independence has many stories to tell but with this property we get a bonus lesson plan in economics. Anywhere but Independence, this would be national shrine. Here it is considered just another local public nuisance.

Victorian Home Well Done

2009-11-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

This evening is the 3-year anniversary of the fire 306 N. Pleasant Street in the heart of the Harry S. Truman National Historic Landmark District and within view of the Truman Home National Historic Site. The event was actually a non-event and received no coverage in the local media, even though it was considered to be a felony arson and actually came dangerously close to the home next door with human lives inside. “The Examiner” did print a few lines three days later on the inside pages of the newspaper. To put this news event in perspective, it was published next to a larger story about the local supper club hosting a singing group at the Community of Christ Auditorium. National historians back in 1971 thought this building was important enough to include in the original 22-page National Register form prepared for the district designation. Three of the 18 photographs in this document include images of this home. Two weeks after this fire, the community hosted Nobel Peace Prize recipient, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, for his farewell address to America at the Truman Library, only a few blocks down the street. It’s ironic that this part of the neighborhood looked like a war-zone while the Secretary-General was giving his speech on, yes, “World Peace.”

Happy Birthday National Trust

2009-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our "Preservation" magazine arrived in our mailbox today from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). It was actually 60 years ago (October 26, 1949) today that President Harry S Truman signed the Congressional Charter that created the NTHP. I thought I would read in the magazine a few lines or possibly even an entire paragraph that that might present this important story of the beginning of this great organization. It was not there. You might drop them a card to their headquarters in Washington DC (in the adjacent photo) and wish them Happy Birthday. Harry Truman appreciated and understood the importance of history and respecting those who came before us. That's what historic preservation is all about. In the hometown of Truman and in his neighborhood, you would think historic preservation principles would be the strongest. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear to be the case. We have tremendous opportunities to turn things around but the entire community has to be on board. Wouldn't it be great to read in "Preservation" magazine stories of success concerning Independence, Missouri? I believe that is what the NTHP and the national preservation community wants, also.

Last Place in the Standings

2009-10-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

The question has already been asked, “When Histories Compete, Who Wins?” Well, what else does local heritage tourism compete with? Look no further than the epicenter of competition where the Chiefs play football, the Royals play baseball, and, more recently, college football match-ups such as the “Border Showdown” with MU versus KU. It is called the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, yes, named after our good neighbor. With the high concentration of people coming to this part of the KC Area, someone a few decades ago thought it was a brilliant idea to locate our Missouri Tourism Welcome Center at the Sports Complex property. Unfortunately traffic and architectural designs were not considered with this site selection. The photo above is a view of the Welcome Center from street level taken last winter. One can easily miss it while driving by. On games days, it is almost impossible to get to because of the traffic. For game days/events that are near sell-outs, they actually lock the doors and close the Welcome Center to avoid traffic problems (which goes against the reason for putting here). And even though Jackson County taxpayers are spending $600 million to update the Truman Sports Complex property, not one dime was considered necessary to improve the Tourism Welcome Center. Visitors who are successful in getting there are greeted by a concrete building with no apparent front entrance. When you find the front door, you are greeted with a sign that states “Please do not leave valuables unattended in your car” which may lead some to go back to their car and keep driving out of town. It should not be surprising that the KC Welcome Center is in last place in the standings for visitor head-counts considering all six centers throughout the state that were operating the entire year of 2008. Yes it’s true, the Chiefs and Royals are not the only last place teams located at the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex.

School District “Passes the Buck”

2009-10-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

As we strive for a community that runs on all cylinders, one of the bright spots is our award-winning public school system. Harry Truman was the only US President since 1897 to have never earned a college degree, yet was voted in the top 5 greatest US Presidents by educated historians in a recent C-SPAN poll. I believe that makes his Independence High School diploma one of the most important educational achievements in the nation. From Truman’s Sunday School experience across the street at the First Presbyterian Church to his public school time at the old Palmer building site, these experiences shaped his character. And with the Memorial Building across the street where the Truman Family voted, this block is especially important to this great American story. This story is important to not just the current 300 million US citizens, but future generations of US citizens. But is this story important to local citizens? What about the Independence School District who was actually responsible for the education of Harry Truman? The School District’s recent announcement to sell the Palmer School Building (which is contaminated with mold) essentially “Passes the Buck” to future owners of the property for its environmental cleaning, which makes one wonder if they appreciate and respect this story (their story). The Independence School District deserves support in the upcoming bond issue election so they can support excellence in local education. The Truman Neighborhood, and in particular, the old Palmer School Building, deserves local support from the School District so it can continue to educate the nation on the value of public school excellence while maintaining the story of one of the great world leaders. What else should we expect from the hometown of Harry Truman who coined the phrase, “The Buck Stops Here?”

Walk the Walk

2009-10-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

The above photos indicate sidewalk views here in Independence. The one on the left is of the 300 block of Delaware Street in the Truman National Historic Landmark District (across the street from the Truman Home where 20,000 tourist visit each year) and the one on the right is in the valley out east adjacent to, well, nothing. The sidewalk on Delaware has been part of the award-winning Midtown/Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization program over the last 12 years that promised to improve infrastructure and make the area pedestrian friendly. The sidewalks in the Truman Neighborhood are important not only to neighbors and tourist but also to maintaining the story of this world leader who routinely took walks to provide himself a connection to and a perspective of his own community. As we look towards the East in the lush green valley of the Little Blue River (in the old floodplain), we should strive for sustainable development for a prosperous future of Independence. However, maintaining what we already have in the heart of our historic community (on higher ground) is even more critical to the future of Independence. If we’re going to “talk the talk” on neighborhood revitalization, tourism, and, sustainable development, then we need to “walk the walk.”

Higher Learning Regarding Higher Ground

2009-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

The history of historic preservation in Independence is now the subject of a book available at Barnes & Noble, “A President, a Church, and Trails West - Competing Histories in Independence, Missouri” by Dr. Jon Taylor, University of Central Missouri History Professor. It was also the subject of a presentation and panel discussion at last year’s annual conference of the National Council on Public History (NCPH) in Louisville, Kentucky which included Dr. Taylor, Dr. Dwight Pitcaithley of New Mexico State University, Dr. Craig Campbell of Youngstown State University, and Dr. Patrick O’Brien of the National Parks Service, Tucson, Arizona (first Preservation Manager with the City of Independence). That presentation was entitled “When Histories Compete, Who Wins?: Zion, Three Trails, and a President: Competing Histories and Memories in Independence, Missouri.” The preservation story of our community and Truman’s neighborhood is becoming well-know and has become, itself, a landmark in the pages of our nation’s preservation history. It is likely that more people outside of Independence understand our problems and conflicts with historic preservation than those inside our community and at City Hall. During conversations with Park Service leaders in other states, the question routinely comes up, “What’s wrong with Independence?” These issues are not just about preservation but also affect the success of economic development through heritage tourism and just basic community pride. On the question of “Who Wins?”, it appears that there are many in town with “L’s” on their foreheads!

How much asphalt is enough?

2009-09-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

Prudent Preservation, I knew you'd enjoy seeing your favorite parking lot all spruced up after its annual utilization for that festival of all festivals. Ah yes, the piquant smell of gently decaying garbage and a flurry of activity (including early morning trash trucks) all herald the end of Santa-Caligon with a another perfectly good Labor Day holiday shot all to hell. Thanks, Bank of America for allowing one little non-profit to tie up a less-than-attractive piece of real estate for the entire year. We neighbors enjoy the ambiance of asphalt, especially with weeds peeking through it.
And speaking of the festival of festivals, I think it's time to move it. I feel sorry for the McClain's businesses, especially this year since the tents were set up so early - they must've lost a lot of business in their restaurants.
Why do we have to experience the love every year? There's that new sales-tax supported events center in southern Independence near I-70. It would be some great exposure for the Missouri Mavericks. All those lovely handicrafts could be indoors - I think it's the perfect solution.

Boundary Fractious-Disorientation (BFD) – Historic Districts

2009-09-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

In seems that the Truman Neighborhood has a case of BFD, Boundary Fractious-Disorientation. This disorder occurs when the historic district boundaries have been drawn and redrawn several times to minimize hostilities from local churches so that a community is really not sure what is considered historic, while the final historic district boundaries ends up only a fraction of what it was. The local Heritage District boundaries have been in 3 different configurations since 1974. The last reconfiguration in 1984 significantly reduced its size leaving it 1/3 of what it used to be. During a time while communities across the country were expanding their historic districts and creating new districts, our City Council, with co-sponsorship of the First Baptist Church (and no objection from the RLDS Church), choose to reduce our program, thus, attempting to rewrite history to make our community appear less important than it really is. They were successful. Current boundaries leave out approximately 1/5 of the Truman National Historic Landmark District. Yes, I failed to mention that there is another district, the nationally designated Truman National Historic Landmark District, whose boundaries have never changed, although there is a current proposal to expand those boundaries to cover additional residential areas and the Square. That proposal has been around for 9 years. Yes, it appears those representing the national interests here in town believe our community is more important than we do. The Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization project was in a position to clear things up, but their boundaries unfortunately fractured the National Historic Landmark District again leaving out approximately 1/2 of the district. They eventually expanded those boundaries but not after most of the public money was spent. There are even a few properties on Delaware Street where the front 1/2 of the lots are in both the local and the national districts while the back 1/2 of the lots are only in the national district. You don’t even have to leave your own back yard to experience BFD. I sure hope students in the public schools are learning their lessons in geometry & fractions. It will come in handy when future generations recognize these problems and decide they want it fixed. Will the neighborhood be the same when this eventually happens?

High Water of Biblical Proportions

2009-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Storm water gets so high in the west section of the First Baptist Church parking lot; full-immersion baptisms could be performed there. With the tall weeds growing up between the cracks and the high water, we now have a “wetlands” to add to this preservation district. But be careful, the native mosquito will end up being a protected species. I believe this is a first for our country’s portfolio of National Historic Landmarks. During the vehicle parking frenzy of Santa-Cali-Gon, someone needs to alert the water rescue folks if there’s rain in the forecast. And, good neighbors, don’t forget to pick up trash out of the streets, sidewalks, and front yards of your neighborhood block during Santa-Cali-Gon so at least some areas of town will look respectable. If you see trash in a church parking lot, you might pick that up too so it does not end up clogging their storm drain, again.

Hell in a calico-lined handbasket

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Brace yourself. It's time to breathe in a rich lungful of grease and watch the largest white trash extravaganza in the country invade Harry Truman's neighborhood. How patriotic. Seriously, one can only dream of a Labor Day weekend of peace and tranquility (unless you're willing to leave town). In the last 20 years, I've gotten out more than a few times while the getting was good. Now, if all these Chamber types lived anywhere near here, would they possibly have an aversion to wall to wall (bad) music, toothless revelers, and don't forget the smell of funnel cakes and all other manner of foodstuffs on the diabetes 2 forbidden food list?
Let's not forget the Examiner's hard-hitting brand of journalism this week featuring a front page story about the ten favorite foods of Santa-Caligon. . . Forget about unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, crappy mass transit and a rash of foreclosures here on the north side - have a funnel cake and a lemon freeze! Why worry?
Just to be clear, I'm not opposed to a festival on the Independence Square. I am opposed to a carnival that brings tons of crime and the need for extra police protection all in the name of profits for the Chamber. Can we aspire to a better event, like the Irish Fest, maybe? Do we really have to cater to the lowest common denominator? This festival used to mean something historic in the community. It's unfortunately morphed into an orgy of bad food and entertainment all in the name of the almighty dollar. Anyway, I think the crowds are dwindling from previous years and eventually this cockroach on the pie of square progress will die a quiet death. Until then, yipee-yo-kay-yea motherfuckers!

Chamber of Santa-Cali-Gon Rules the Square!

2009-08-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

The old steel drums are lining up on the Chamber’s parking lot along with ice machines, port-a-potties, and storage units. During one of the peak tourist months of the year, their parking lot is looking like a salvage yard. That means it’s time for Santa-Cali-Gon!!! Urban Renewal, a program cursed by new generations of city planners, has left us with a community that’s just perfect for Santa-Cali-Gon. During this 4-day festival (an event that originally celebrated our historic trails history), parking lots and empty space become much more valuable than our historic built environment. Have you noticed the abandon parking lot across the street from the Chamber at the NW corner of Osage & White Oak? It was tagged for code violations for excessive weeds (see photo above). This lot usually gets cleaned up only once a year. Did you know that it has been owned by Bank of America for many years? US tax payers recently committed $52.5 billion to this financial institution to keep them in business (more support than even General Motors). Even after this level of public support, they are still having trouble maintaining this small lot. A few years ago, the McCoy Neighborhood asked the bank to use this lot on a single Saturday morning to stage a neighborhood clean-up project. BofA declined to participate “due to existing sponsorship commitments and current marketing and business priorities.” If you’re planning on attending some of the festivities during Santa-Cali-Gon (or looking for bank), please patronize those organizations and institutions that are good neighbors. And if you see folks associated with the Chamber of Santa-Cali-Gon, wish them success for their big 4-day event, but ask them to promote the redevelopment of open spaces and blighted asphalt for the other 361 days of the year. If they look outside their windows, they’ll see what we’re talking about.

Truman Road Redevelopment Stalled

2009-08-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

We’ve been happy to invest in the neighborhood, although everyone assured us that Truman Road would be finished. Remember 6 years ago when developer, Jim Harpool of Dial Realty, stated that he had to demolish two homes on Truman Road so he could redevelop most of the block? The demolitions had to be approved by the City Council since the houses were considered historic. There were tours so people could see the conditions of the properties. A city staff member actually resigned over the matter. Remember? Harpool received approval because he promised to fill in all the empty lots (and those he created by demolition) with architecturally appropriate housing. Six years later, we are still waiting on three empty lots and a home that is incomplete. A block full of homes is like a smile. Empty lots are like missing teeth in that smile. Why is a developer who has been successful with complex commercial projects in the Little Blue Valley having trouble with basic residential work? One of the empty lots that we get to look at every day is 813 W. Truman and was the primary subject of the controversy with preservationists. There is landscaping on it now. Does that mean nothing is going to happen there? Why aren’t folks on the redevelopment board and at City Hall upset over this? What about Church officials who refused to offer individual properties for rehab because they wanted them done all at once? Are we satisfied because the block just looks better than it did? Or do we prefer that he not complete this project because we are unhappy with what he’s done? Would City Hall be okay with a developer in the Little Blue Valley who only got half-way through a project, then lost interest? It’s ironic that property only a stone’s throw from ground considered sacred and holy is associated with broken promises.

Independence Heritage Tourism

2009-08-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

To get the ball rolling, what do citizens think about our city’s Heritage Tourism program. The city’s annual tourism budget was $992,000. This is a higher budget than what was allocated for the Law Department, Water Pollution Control, Human Resources, and Municipal Court. In the City’s Annual Budget Report (FY July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009), prepared for the City Manager and City Council, under the City’s list of past accomplishments it states “In 2007 nearly 1/4 million visitors toured our historic attractions.” From that statement, it sounds like city officials view our existing tourism program as successful. From my observations, those statistics are no way near the actual numbers of tourists who come to Independence. What do you think? I see is a brochure stand tucked away in a dark corner of the City Hall lobby (with city employees behind locked doors). I also see a few ads and billboards. Reports indicate that we have 4 full time city employees that only work on tourism. City-owned sites such as the National Frontier Trails Center, the Vaile, and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate all have their own separate staffs and budgets. The bed tax from hotels and motels funds our tourism program. We’re lucky to have this funding source, but are we making effective use of it? The success of our Heritage Tourism program is critical to the success of the Square and the neighborhoods surrounding the Square. You would think that the presence of tourists wondering our neighborhoods would mean sidewalk improvements, filling abandon buildings (Palmer), and historic preservation activities would be a priority. Does Independence understand the relationship between heritage tourism and historic preservation?

Old School Buildings

2009-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, great idea for a blog for the neighborhood and good rules. Yes, the old Palmer Bldg is an important part of the neighborhood. I believe the Independence School District has some responsibilities to clean up the mess. It was a lesson I learned in kindergarten that, if you make a mess, you clean it up. And don’t the Boy Scouts have a saying that you always leave a place in better condition than it was before you occupied it. These are pretty basic principles that seemed to have been ignored, especially in old town Independence. These lower standards for community stewardship are the reasons why we had to implement a big neighborhood revitalization program years ago. We expect property owners to live by these basic principles. Absentee landlords have trouble with this. Churches should live by this principle but also struggle. You would think that a public education institution would be more sensitive to this. I hate to put the Independence School District in the same category as absentee landlords but I guess it is time for neighbors to give them a grade card. I would also invite citizens to look at the old Santa Fe Elementary School building at 23rd & South Union Streets (see adjacent image). This is a building they sold, also, and now look at it. Will the Palmer building look like this someday? Why is Old Palmer Junior High building worth close to $1,000,000 with toxic contamination and the relatively clean Old Chrisman Junior High building was worth the cost of 32-ounce Mountain Dew at QuikTrip (that includes ice, reusable cup, and straw)? Did I hear correct, the School District will be asking us to vote for a bond issue this fall?

Requiem for the Palmer building?

2009-08-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Today's McCoy newsletter has an article about the Palmer building. It's for sale now, listed with a realtor for $985,000. Here's the link: http://www.ceahrealtors.com/our_properties.htm. You may remember the reason it was vacated to begin with - deadly mold. The kind that puts people in the hospital. So, is the mold just a bonus, or is this a fire sale so the school district can just walk away? I know it's ancient history, but let us remember the school building just up the street conveyed to an organization for "one dollar and other valuable considerations" and look how THAT turned out. I love the sight of winos drinking out of a paper sack, waiting for a free lunch in full view of the Truman home tourists. Nice visual. There's an election coming up in Nov. for the school district - it's time for old-towners to ask what's REALLY going to happen here.

The Evening Constitutional

2009-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Truman referred to his morning walk as his "constitutional." It was something he engaged in faithfully. We'll attempt to be faithful in moderating and keeping the discussion going, but probably won't have the military discipline he did - especially the morning part of it.
That said, if you live up and around the Square and/or the Truman neighborhood, let us know what's on your mind.
The rules of the blog are pretty simple - identify yourself or not and say what you think within reasonable limits. Name calling and personal insults will not be published. Tell the truth and provide links to the facts whenever possible. Other than that, I believe in the freedom of expression. Sometimes a word or two can be helpful for emphasis and for relieving stress. Blog away. Your comments are welcome.