Mismanaged Public Assets Become Liabilities

The investments we make, as citizens and taxpayers of Independence, especially for those dedicated to the education of our youth, are significant.  And many of these assets are historic, some are located in struggling neighborhoods, and a few are even located in a National Historic Landmark District.  These places are not just buildings, commodities, or line items on an accounting sheet but reflect the vitality and success of our neighborhoods and our community.  They also represent significant contributions of our forefathers and, in some cases, contributions of individuals and families.  This is one of the things I like about the Independence schools.  Almost all of them are named after and honor outstanding individuals who made a difference (instead of geographic features or directions on a compass).  In some cases, the land was generously donated to be used for the education of our youth.  This heritage should not be taken lightly.  When properties become no longer necessary or viable for their intended use, it doesn't mean that we stop maintaining them or practically give them away to anyone with a plan.  It was obvious that the old Pitcher Elementary School had not been maintained for the last few decades, which can be mostly attributed to its time under the care of the Kansas City School District.  It appeared that the grass had not been cut all year.  And it was reported that vagrants had been using the building and had even been using the lights and the air conditioning.  No one was really surprised by the recent arson and some may have actually welcomed it.  Does this honor the Pitcher family?  Does this honor our community?  We should respect the valuable public assets that have been passed down to our care.  If there are surplus properties, then every effort should be made to make sure those properties are maintained, cleaned up, and protected from damage and criminal activities.  If the ownership gets transferred to a private entity, then legal provisions should be in place to take back properties where plans have not materialized and promises have been broken.  Any new plans and rezoning efforts have to involve the surrounding neighborhoods and be compatible with adjacent land and, in some cases, historic preservation guidelines.  It seems that the only tool in the tool box for surplus school buildings is to convert them into low-income housing.  If the surrounding blocks are already saturated with low-income housing, then placing a big block of even more low-income housing doesn't seem appropriate or sustainable.  If the developer promises to reserve it only for senior housing, then what happens decades from now when ownership changes and agreements expire?  We tend to look ahead only about 5 to 10 years.  There are numerous instances here in Independence where planners did not have much foresight.  Appropriate planning and community discussions need to occur early as opposed to just moth-balling these assets while waiting for anyone to come along with a bail-out plan.  The Independence School District used to have a Facilities Planning Committee made up of community-minded folks and professionals that met regularly and planned walk-throughs of district properties.  This committee has been inactive since Dr. Hinson has been superintendant.  We can and we should do a better job with our public assets.  So why don't we?