Northeast News
January 7, 2014

Dear Editor:

Around 20 years ago I attended a meeting of the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association. Mike Bushnell was president. I wanted to discuss real problems in the area and ways we as a group could help solve these before the area deteriorated to a point it could not survive as a viable living option for the people. Mike only wanted to talk about returning to the glory days when millionaires lived in the area. I walked away wondering what planet these people lived on.

It is 20 years (close) later and Mike and I are still speaking out and still disagree on many things, however I ask if the people would know anything about the area without the Northeast News? The Northeast area is portrayed as a lawless slum by the mainstream media as evidence look at the coverage of the recent warrants and arrest sweep.

It is true the Italian community has fled to Gladstone. It is true that in 1980, there were only two Hispanic businesses on the Avenue with one Asian. It is true when you drive through the area you think you are in Mexico or Somalia. Would the area look like it does today if Mike and Scarritt listened 20 years ago?

The Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce do not work with each other. I have approached both about a joint effort and neither were interested. We elected a city councilman that lived in the area but was forced to move to the north land because of redrawing of district boundaries. He has been swallowed up by interest outside the area. He has done some good for the area, but I will hold my nose when I vote for his reelection. He could have done more.

The influence of the neighborhood associations have been greatly diminished and replaced by a group of professional community organizers. Look at Washington D.C., to see what a disaster this approach to solving problems generates. Go to Joe’s Barber Shop on the Avenue and talk to him about the CID’s, the money he is forced to pay with no visible advantage or results for our businesses.

We are at a crossroads today as we were 20 years ago. Mike, you have had your 20 years and I appreciate your devotion, however it is evident your way has not worked and my way has never been tried. While I disagree with Carol Coe on most all issues, the Old Northeast needs a person like her. We must quit playing nice with city hall. If we are to survive, we must demand putting it more bluntly, we must raise hell.

Is it time for us to hold an area wide citizens meeting, elect a panel who will demand and push the envelop and one that will be dedicated to forcing change. This must include the Hispanic, Asian and Somali community. Will the Northeast News be the facilitator of this group? Who will join me in this effort?

Charles Melton

Kansas City resident