Independence Preservation - Asleep at the Wheel

It looks like we are getting a "crash course" in how vulnerable out historic resources are here in the Truman National Historic Landmark District.  Late last week, a vehicle hit a power pole on Truman Road at 3:00 am and sent the high-voltage power line tumbling to the ground.  The drive was reported as "Asleep at the Wheel" and likely compromised by more than just sleep deprivation.  The overhead power pole could have very easily fallen onto one of the Wallace Homes at the Truman Home National Historic Site and could have resulted in irreparable damage, fire, or worse.  If that would have happened, Independence would, again, have made the national and international news in a not-so-positive way.  The Truman National Historic Landmark District is one of the few Landmarks in the country that has a 4-lane state highway running through it.  In fact, the traffic coming from the west rolls through routinely at higher speeds expecting to be stopped by only lighted traffic signals.  The residential-scale 4-way stop sign at Delaware Street is regularly missed and automobile accidents occur there all the time.  In fact, I've been involved in a hit and run accident at that very corner from a vehicle that ran through that intersection without stopping.  And heavy truck traffic and city buses can literally shake historic buildings on their foundations.  "Asleep at the Wheel" is a good description of the local revitalization and preservation efforts, which is unfortunate for one of the most historic communities in the Midwest.  At least the good folks at the National Park Service are aware of the problems and were concerned about the recent accident on Truman Road.  Thankfully we have the National Park Service here in Independence doing what they can to protect the interests of 300 million US citizens.  But it's time for locals to get back in the driver's seat and steer clear of disasters before we end up in the national and international media, again.  And for the 20,000 visitors per year who tour the Truman Home National Historic Site, please look both ways when you cross the street (don't assume the cars are going to stop), watch your step on the crumbling sidewalks, and make sure your automobile insurance is up-to-date.