Community gathers for workshop on July 24 at Samuel U. Rodgers. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

Neighborhood leaders and residents of 10 Northeast and East Side neighborhoods gathered on Thursday, July 24 at the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Propeller Building (2050 E. Ninth St.) to participate in a workshop to update the Truman Plaza Area Plan, which was last updated in 2012.

During this workshop — focused on transportation and mobility — participants were led in discussions utilizing maps and graphs created from data collected by the City of Kansas City’s Planning and Development Department. Collected data highlights areas that are satisfactory or need improvement regarding roadway safety, pedestrian and cyclist connectivity and transit networks.

The Truman Plaza Area Plan is one of 18 area plans within the City boundaries that guides future development including housing, transportation and commercial development. Boundaries of the Pendleton Heights, Scarritt Renaissance, Indian Mound, Lykins, Sheffield, Independence Plaza, Forgotten Homes, Blue Valley and East 23rd Street PAC neighborhoods fall within the Truman Plaza area boundaries.

Following a PowerPoint presentation by 4th District Kansas City City Planner Jonathan Feverston, participants were invited to make specific comments and notes on area maps, specifically regarding sidewalk access, lighting and signage as well as amenities including seating, public art and bike parking.

Feverston explained that information collected during workshop sessions guides investments in roadways and other public capital improvements; it will not guarantee or commit funding toward improvements.

Additional sessions — pop-ups — will be held in August to gather more resident input, namely during the 4th District Night Out Against Crime event on Tuesday, Aug. 5 in McCoy Park (1524 White Ave.) and during Back-to-School night at J. A. Rogers and Garfield elementary schools.

Interested individuals may also view these plans and participate in surveys online at: areaplans.kcmo.gov/pages/truman-plaza-in-progress-area-plan.

Feverston stated his department expects to have a final draft for review available in October. 

The Northeast News will provide more information on the progress of the Truman Plaza Area Plan as it becomes available.