By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
June 18, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Got an idea for a neighborhood park? Think something along the street you live on needs to be replaced?

The city wants to hear what you think should be added or fixed in your community.

On Thursday, June 12, Public Improvements Advisory Committee (PIAC) representatives met with members of the Third District to learn about improvements that could be made to area parks and roads. According to its website, the primary function of PIAC is to solicit resident input and make recommendations regarding both the citywide and neighborhood portions of the capital budget. Throughout the summer, PIAC will host a number of public hearings to receive this input. These hearings provide residents with an opportunity to express their opinions, concerns and project requests regarding the forthcoming capital budget. The deadline to submit a PIAC application is Aug. 31, 2014.

Forestine Beasley, PIAC rep for the Third District, told the small crowd in attendance that if everything goes smoothly and projects are accepted, then work typically begins the May after the city budget has been constructed. The meeting was attended by multiple city department representatives to help assist with any questions from residents.

In total, three people stood up and announced what they’ll submit to PIAC. Augusta Wilbon, who lives in the Independence Plaza Neighborhood in the Northeast, asked for several trees in Harmony Park.

“Small trees that don’t get overwhelming,” Wilbon clarified.

Wilbon added she’d also like to see some picnic tables and up-to-date signs for the park, as well as paved alleys with streetlights. She said these are long neglected needs that the Independence Plaza area needs.

“We’re slowly getting what we need and turning the area around, but it’s a process,” Wilbon said.

Wilbon said not only does she currently live in the area, but she also grew up near the Independence Plaza neighborhood. She knows what it needs.

“I know we can get more [for the neighborhood],” Wilbon said. “I’ve learned how to make things happen and I’ve been chipping away at the problems for years.”

For more information on PIAC, how to submit an application and about future meetings, visit http://kcmo.gov/citymanagersoffice/piac/. The next meeting for the Third District is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at the Bruce Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Parkway.