Kansas City Mayor Q Drops Low Barrier Bombshell On Northeast

Over objections of council members and community stakeholders . . . Mayor Q is using EPIC federal funds to direct more homeless populations toward Northeast.

Here's the crux of the debate . . .

There's a longstanding demand for a "low barrier" shelter to serve locals unwilling or unable to sober up even amid dangerous cold. 

There's not outright opposition to the idea but the problem is placement.

Even the most diehard Kansas City progressive doesn't want a junkie holding tank in their backyard. 

Faves of the current administration . . . "Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus" now advocate the funds and look to establish the "low barrier" shelter in Northeast near so many other low-income and homeless services. 

There is justified concern that the current Mayoral administration is pushing the homeless out of Downtown and into Northeast given the area's resistance and skepticism of his administration.

Here's where things get even more interesting . . . 

Neighborhood associations, KC University and biz owners have convinced council members to reconsider and talk about a solution and/or compromise. 

Council Member Hazley, Robinson and Rea have met with community leaders over weeks to try and hash out a plan. 

Now . . . 

AT THE ZERO HOUR MAYOR Q INTRODUCES 7 MILLION BUCKS WORTH OF LOW BARRIER FUNDING OVER OBJECTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEIGHBORS!!!

Here's a look at the resolution that might be rushed through this week: 

Ordinance #240046 -- Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a $7,137,610 contract with Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus to provide a non-congregate, low-barrier shelter facility to assist unsheltered families and individuals using previously-appropriated HOME ARP funds.

And so, trusted insiders shared this perspective with our www.TonysKansasCity.com blog community: 

"One again, you have the Mayor acting like a dictator and ignoring work that neighbors have done to talk about this project and try to find a workable solution. He's acting like the voters don't exist and trying to carry out his agenda with no accountability. It's disheartening to people who have invested time in these conversations and shows us how the Mayor operates when nobody is looking." 

And encouraging note . . . 

NORTHEAST LEADERS PREP PETITION PUSH BACK IF MAYOR Q'S LOW BARRIER BOMBSHELL DOESN'T GARNER MORE CONVERSATION!!!

Given the low turnout in recent elections . . . A petition against this federal funding flex wouldn't be hard to achieve and might be the only way to delay this no-bid priority for Mayor Q.

Developing . . .