EPIC TKC BLOG COMMUNITY FACT CHECK: MAYOR SLY'S BLIGHT FIGHT ISN'T ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION!!!
Regarding today's bit of propaganda amid so many dangerous buildings in Kansas City Here's the best take on this it of propaganda from a WELL-RESPECTED denizen of our blog community . . .
"The city thinks tearing down vacant buildings is neighborhood revitalization. Neighborhood revitalization is paving streets, timely bulky item pickup, police patrolling neighborhoods and other neighborhood services."
Check the presser:
City ramps up neighborhood revitalization with $10 million demolition program
The City of Kansas City, Missouri, is launching the next phase of its plan to tear down all 800 structures on the Dangerous Buildings List within two years by starting demolition of abandoned homes in several urban-core neighborhoods.
The demolitions of two dilapidated houses in the 2000 block of Chelsea Avenue are the first of 23 abandoned houses being torn down in the next two weeks. The City’s new program has already razed two large commercial buildings: a former restaurant at 60th & Troost and the former Manchester School on Truman Road.
“Demolishing these dangerous buildings is a top priority for our citizens and this will not only enhance the overall appearance of our City but also help strengthen our efforts to generate more public-private partnerships and boost economic development throughout the City,” Mayor Sly James said.
This neighborhood revitalization program is a focal point of the current fiscal year budget, which began May 1, 2016. The City Council approved issuing $10 million in bonds to fund the program. The money previously budgeted annually for demolitions will pay the bond debt service.
The proposal set forth by City Manager Troy Schulte is a remarkable acceleration over the 150 or so demolitions that have been regularly occurring every year.
“The City is taking a decidedly more aggressive approach to dramatically improve local neighborhoods,” Schulte said. “We know we haven’t always kept pace with the need but this program gives us a chance to get in front of the problem.”
Private companies are being encouraged to donate demolitions to support the program. So far, Kissick Construction and Industrial Wrecking have answered the call, agreeing to donate and coordinate a combined 65 demolitions.
Previously the KCMO Land Bank offered the Dollar Home Sale, which sold almost 50 homes on the Dangerous Buildings List for sale for just $1 each.
The City is also evaluating homes on the Dangerous Buildings list for possible deconstruction. Some homes may be deconstructed, which saves and recycles materials, but this process takes longer and is more expensive than traditional demolition.
During the first year of the demolition program the City will focus on bringing down buildings it already owns through the KCMO Land Bank.
The second year will be dedicated to privately-owned buildings on the list because those require more time to make sure the owners receive proper notification prior to demolition.
The public can follow progress of demolitions on the City’s Open Data Catalog at https://data.kcmo.org/
##########
Sly is the king of the KC Shuffle. Looks like more misdirection to me.
ReplyDelete^^^^ don't be a conspiracy clown. KC needs these places torn down. Avoiding it just makes crime and blight worse, if Sly can get rid of these buildings than more power to him.
DeleteI can hear the song playing in the background.... Isn't it bliss?
ReplyDeleteDon't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who can't move...
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.
I've been trying to tell people about Sly James and his moronic plan for years. The man is an absolute idiot. No, you don't cure blight by tearing down buildings. Once they're torn down, they are left with vacant lots the City refuses to mow on a regular basis creating one nuisance after another.
ReplyDeleteLooks like some poor, unemployable has-been needs a job. That's the only time they tear down buildings. Somebody connected to the establishment is out of work. It's a shame.
ReplyDeleteSly will always be known for destroying KCMO!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow's that "Change we can believe in " working out for America?
ReplyDeleteAnd the next act is " Stronger together" , even though our country has never been so torn apart.
This is press conference number four in front of decrepit homes...
ReplyDeleteSly, want to do this city a favor and head in the right direction? Fire City Manager Troy Schulte.
ReplyDeleteHow many homes could be rehabbed for 10 million dollars? That would be revitalization.
ReplyDeleteHey, demolition works! Look at Detroit. They demolished the hell out of it. Today it is mostly a great big vacant lot.
ReplyDelete