Greg Walters, Contributing Editor
Richard Tush, Contributing Editor
DAY 11 - 67TH and BLUE RIDGE CUTOFF:MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
The grating over the storm drainage of 67th Street) at 67th Street and Blue Ridge has been replaced.
DAY 8 – 84th Street Sanitary Sewer Project:The mess left behind by the city after sanitary sewer improvements remains. No official word has been received as to a plan for resolution of the problem.
Many of our leaders at Raytown City Hall spend a lot of time giving lip service to efforts to clean up the town. Some want to crack down on rental property. Others want to remove large billboards. What is interesting is that there is hardly ever any talk of one of the most obvious blights on our city. That is the proliferation of large trucks using our city as a parking lot. It is especially noticeable along 350 Highway. 
DAY 11 - 67TH and BLUE RIDGE CUTOFF:MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
The grating over the storm drainage of 67th Street) at 67th Street and Blue Ridge has been replaced.
DAY 8 – 84th Street Sanitary Sewer Project:The mess left behind by the city after sanitary sewer improvements remains. No official word has been received as to a plan for resolution of the problem.
A copy of the original article (posted on June 1, 2009) has been sent to Mayor David Bower and Aldermen Lightfoot and Mock.
DAY 1 - Time to Get Serious About Cleaning up Raytown
Cutline --- Vehicle parked in retirement home development between Hunter and Kentucky Streets, just north of 59th Street.
Many of our leaders at Raytown City Hall spend a lot of time giving lip service to efforts to clean up the town. Some want to crack down on rental property. Others want to remove large billboards. What is interesting is that there is hardly ever any talk of one of the most obvious blights on our city. That is the proliferation of large trucks using our city as a parking lot. It is especially noticeable along 350 Highway.
This is even more interesting because that strip of highway is the crown jewel of the David Bower administration. Somehow, the image of the tractor trailer parking lot does not fit well into that picture.
Why so many trucks choose to park in Raytown is easily understood. Surrounding cities like Kansas City, Lee’s Summit and Independence do not allow large over the road trailers parking privileges just anywhere. With the exception of residentially zoned areas, Raytown does not enforce any laws against the practice.
There is, however, more to the problem than just where the trucks are parked because of aesthetic reasons. There is also the problem of residentially zoned neighborhoods butting up to commercially zoned areas. An area in Ward 1 is along Gregory Boulevard. The residential neighborhood abuts a commercial strip containing Block Buster Video, Taco Bell and CVS Pharmacy.
This weekend no less than five tractors were parked at that location. Two of them had trailers attached (see photo). Not much of problem, unless, they are running their refrigeration units, or, during the winter, being warmed up in the very early hours of the morning.
Let’s face it. Who needs an alarm clock if the truck owner is warming up his diesel at four o’clock in the morning?
The people who make their home in the adjoining neighborhoods have as much right to a good nights sleep, free of diesel fumes, as much as someone living on Lake Shore Drive or 87th Street.
What amazes us is that the solution is simple. Find a place in Raytown (and they do exist) for all trucks to park without being so obtrusive. One writer to this blog has suggested the old Walmart / HyVee location at 67th and Blue Ridge. Not a bad location. It is blocked off on three sides from surrounding residential housing by a large footprint complex of buildings. To the west is commercial property. And, it has easy access to major thoroughfares serving Raytown. Or, restricting large truck parking to industrially zoned areas is also an option.
Members of the Raytown BOA get all excited about big signs and rental property. And they should. But the solution to this problem with large trucks is so simple it makes one wonder why it has not been addressed.
The ball is in their court. Let’s see what they do with it.
A copy of this complaint has been forwarded to those Aldermen representing the areas where the truck pictures were taken. They are: (in Ward 1) Alderman Joe Creamer and Alderman Shane Pardue. In Ward 3, Alderman Charlotte Melson and Alderman Christine White.
Comments
Say good by to the pretty new grass at the old church site.
They have started parking trailers on it. By the time the tents
come down, after this weeks rain and all the people walking
on it, my guess the grass will be ruined. Don't get me wrong,
I'm glad to see the Summerfest and BBQ come to town. I think
Raytown needs this but, who will pay for the re-renovation of
the site?
These photos distinctly show LACK OF QUALITY. As I said at the last BOA meeting, this city is blighted.
It may have an impact if several citizens appear at the BOA and take their full 5 minutes to express their disgust. Or they could form a group and one person speak for 10 minutes. Part of the problem is that the sheepole allow the Lords of the Fief to due nothing through indifference. If more people would voice their concerns, it may draw attention.
Are we living in New York City? I doubt that there is truck parking on the streets there.
This blight in this Fascist Fief needs to be addressed or would be be stepping on someone's toes or the friend of someone?
One guestion that comes to mind: Do the trucks parking at Taco Bell, etc. have the permission of the property owner? Quite possibly they are trespassing.
Andy Whiteman
The electrical wiring up there is downright scary looking. I am not sure if it is up to code. But I do know the city would never sign off on that type of work on private property.
Be careful where you step up there this weekend. With all this rain there will definitely be some settling of the earth where the old Baptist church used to be.
I doubt that the electrical wiring is up to code. I would class it as an extension cord supported by poles. Also there is and exposed meter box with no meter. Hopefully no one will be electrocuted.
Andy Whiteman
The people who live in the neighborhoods around those trucks behind Taco Bell don't think too highly of the belching diesels or the noise they create when running.
Maybe we should allow them to park at the city hall parking lot. Apparently its not enough of a problem for the Board to handle.
I checked on who represents this area.
What do Mr. Shane Pardue and Mr. Joe Creamer have to say about it?
Before I was forced to move to Raytown, I thought I might be forced to Conyers, GA. I checked their ordinances back in 1999 and at that time RVs, travel trailers, and boats weren't allowed. I am surprised that the Quality City people haven't taken these items up. The RVs, travels trailers, and boats don't bother me but there are some small minded people. Frankly, I think they are jealous that they don't have one!
Andy Whiteman
A lot of good people make their living driving trucks. But seeing them tucked away at abandoned gas stations, behind grocery stores and half-developed streets is not any kind of a plan.
We can do better.
with both noise and exhaust fumes.
the reason some are parked in Raytown is because
Raytown is a working community. Although our elected officials
would rather Raytown be Lee's Summit or Lakewood. It cannot
nor will it ever be. If our elected officials really cared for the taxpaying
public, truck drivers included, and since they passed rules against
the truck drivers parking close to their homes, it would only make sense and
good public relations, that the city would come up with some kind of parking arrangement for these Raytown citizens. However this
might cause them to work or think.
So, my suggestion is go to the top of Raytown government.
The people that tell the elected officials what to do and how to think. The City Administrator
and the city's lawyer.
Sure would be a lot less muddy.
Andy Whiteman
Here is a thought. Maybe they can rope off the area where the barbeque is supposed to be held and have mud wrestling.
Could draw quite a crowd!
I suggest a business could fence it or another location off and charge admission. We see these on the interstates called "Truck Stops". The difference here is that many are locals who need a place to park their rigs. The PD and I had an encounter with one trucker, with engine running all night, claiming he was waiting for a business to open. Turned out to be a lie when I checked with the business and they wondered why he was there.
Actually Raytown needs a secure place to park trucks for residents. I doubt there is zoning for that. I suspect it would have to go before the BOA as a conditional use or Planned Unit Development. I think it would be difficult to find someone to do this because the land has more value for business or industrial use.
Andy Whiteman
The Hawk
The Hawk
an insurance policy on the old church property so the grass
will be put back as it was when they started. Also all the electrical
is and has been inspected by KCPL and will be inspected again
before the Summerfest opens to the public. Ground fault electrical
and many safety measures have been taken. There is also an inspection
scheduled for the carnival too.
On a personal note I'm looking forward to having some great BBQ tomorrow.
So lets give them a break and have some good food and fun this weekend.
What's really important to them is to build another monument (read blog two back) to themselves.
All the sloganeering from the last election was just that. They should campaign on a theme of "more of the same", because nothing has gotten better.
By the way, I see signs everyday in Raytown on busy corners, telephone poles, etc., selling everything from lawnmowing service, pay day loans, increasing credit scores and so forth every day. Many for weeks on end before the wind blows them down.
Is my eye sight so much better than our code enforcement officers that they cannot see the signs?
Anyone of them at city hall who thinks they are doing a good job, from the newby aldermen to the crusty old veterans, aren't doing a damned thing for this town.
See they're putting new sidewalks in front of city hall. Not really a high traffic area for pedestrians, is it. But it sure does make them feel better about themselves.
Now, everytime they to one of their therapy sessions (the call them city council meetings) they can be reminded of how wonderful they are by putting in new sidewalks!
Let's park the trucks in your neighborhood. Then you can put more isulation into your home.
By the way, how do you keep the diesel stench out of your house if you open the window for fresh air?
As for the Barbeque. If it were to rain two feet, the people putting it on would call it the most successful event ever. I can already read the headlines in the Post.
Here is another thought, get a copy of the insurance policy you have "heard about". Post it. Then I will believe it.
Otherwise it is just something someone heard.
The old City Hall is downtown--at least walking distance to downtown. The building is in good condition (maybe maintainance is needed). You cannot built it to the same standards at today's prices.
I wasn't there to hear what was said, but there are many vacant bussinesses and offices in and near downtown. These could be occupied by the Fascist Fief. I consider any idea like this to be a waste of money. The only viable option I could understand is if the Fascist Fief doesn't have enough space and NEEDS to rent an office.
The Fascist Fief is seeking porkulous money from Dictator O'Bomba. I really think the Porkulous funding would cease is Dictator O'Bomba knew of the overall wastefull spending by the the Fascist Fief and the Dysfunctional School District.
The Salary Czar needs to take a look at Raytown salaries--totally out of line!
Andy Whiteman
What a close minded person you are. I live near the area in question. I know a few people who accually live in that area. I never hear them complain just you. You want fresh air move out of the city. You will never get fresh air. Inside a large metropolitan like this fresh air is a joke. i don't open my windows. If want fresh air I visit my farm out in the middle of no where. Don't cry to me about those trucks are not in my neighborhood. I don't let working people bother me. Just the people who don't and blog complaints about everyone else. Also my home is insulated very well i might add. It keeps the loud steroes from cars out. I am sure i would not be able to hear the suddle roar of a truck.
People with attitudes like yours should live in there own private community where you can fight it out with your neighbors daily and pissed together. That will allow the rest of us to have a better life.
Personal note. Hopefully the Summerfest BBQ will be great. Hopefully no rain and as allways great food. I would encourage everyone, accept mr. Cynical, Anon 10:40, to attend.
The Hawk
I drive on 59th Street pretty frequently. About half a block from city hall, at 59th and Raytown Trafficway on the south side of the street, there is a huge rock in the middle of the sidewalk.
I noticed it about a week ago. And then again tonight.
I know that at least two of our Aldermen, Pardue and Creamer have got to drive by this rock every time they go to and from city hall.
No doubt, when the city attorney drives in from Gladstone on a daily basis she drives past it coming in from the north city limits on Raytown Trafficway. This does not mention the city employees in public works and codes that most certainly drive by it on nearly a daily basis. Remember, it is only half a block from city hall!!!
How long do you think it will stay there before it is moved.
In the ghetto, the rock would just stay there until another one is put beside it and then trash and debris begins to gather around it.
In a well run city the hazard (it does block the sidewalk) would be picked up an cleaned up.
Let's see how long it stays there. Sometimes the actions/inactions of some people speaks so much louder than words.
Our neighborhood deserves as much peace and quiet as your does.
Working people do not bother me either. But when their trucks are running at night and the stench of diesel fuel keeps me from opening my window to let in a cool evening breeze, well let's just say it kind of makes me a little resentful.
Local governments are supposed to write laws to ensure the quality of life for everyone. Not just those who go by the name hawk.
I know your kind very well, Hawk. You sound and write so much like a bully. You care only about yourself.
I don't begrudge your trips to the country. Why would you resent me and my neighbors from wanting a little peace and quiet in our neighborhood?
As for the signs around town, what is the procedure? Do they have to locate the owner and give 10 day notice? If that is the procedure, it is obvious why signs can't be enforced.
Hawk, For my information, how do you soundproof a house? I can hear barking dogs, etc. and I am thinking it is coming through the roof, sewer vents, or exhaust fans.
I have a Realtor friend who is in the group Cognitive Dissidents and he said the only way to soundproof a house is to build it to the standards of a recording studio.
Andy Whiteman
How long will it stay? My answer: Until someone trips over it and sues the city and/or property owner.
BTW maybe it will be pictured in part 3. I did go check out the BP station before and after repairs since I happened to be in the area and reported it. Since I am not paid by the city. I think others can do reporting. I know the editors are reporting, but I think complaints carry more weight from a citizen. I received responses to my complaints.
Andy Whiteman
I think VanBuskirk, Lightfoot, and Mock are really bringing up relevant and important questions to all issues.
Andy Whiteman
what have you people done for the tax paying people of Raytown?
I just read in the Post about how the aldermen were praising each other
on how well they have been doing. Such as "the economic development
projects like the new Hy-Vee grocery store, the current construction of
a new Wal-Mart Supercenter, (which Raytown will not see any tax dollars
from for twenty three years) and the demolition of the old First Baptist
Church." We all know with the old locations of the above mentioned
stores Raytown had an income from taxes collected. Now little or no
tax income will be collected. Is that the definition of economic development?
Then it needs to stop! Plus how much was the total bill on the old church?
I feel sorry for the new elected officials that truly seem to care.
VanBuskirk, Lightfoot and Mock. They will be beating their heads against
the good old buddy wall for their four year terms. Hopefully in two years
the people can elect more good, caring people to help them out.
“The Time is Now” we do not need to keep “Reaching for Tomorrow” to achieve having our city to be one of the top communities within Greater Kansas City!
Everyone who was at the meetings either in person or on TV knows it to be true unless the TV replay is censored.
Andy Whiteman
I guess this is just an additional example of who our mayor really doesn’t care if he brings tax dollars back into our city. To many years building stadiums has clouded his vision for our future. Oh well, we only have two more years to put up with the mistake of electing him mayor.
By the way the only person at city hall to reach out to this state representative was Pat Ertz who is working on obtaining state funding for projects water district #2 is working on. This is the type of leadership we need at city hall. Thank you, Pat, for setting an example that Bower needs to live by.
Maybe Pat Ertz should run for mayor in 2 years. Hopefully I won't be here but I still can vote if I can't sell my property.
The Mayor should be a full time job. No person can work full time and have enough time left over to do the Mayor's job properly.
BTW has anyone noticed the planter project? Pat has 2 beautiful planters of flowers at his business along with a sign that it is a project. I don't get around much, but those are the only planters that I noticed downtown.
Andy Whiteman
To Anon 730, How is the chamber selling firework the good ol boy system?
Our Lady of Lourdes and The River Church are selling them as well. Any non-profit group can sell fireworks.
7:17PM, if nothing will be done about codes, why are certain people harassed about codes. I know one senior citizen who claims harassment.
Take a look at the corner of 67th St and Raytown Rd. There are numerous postings of the same sign on one corner! Looks stupid to me. I think one is enough or even NONE would be better. Maybe one of the editors would like to run out and take a photo. This city looks blighted to me. Why all the talk about Quality Cities? It is just talk and no action.
Andy Whiteman
4 years ago I was told the average house in Raytown was on the market 6 months. I don't think they will sell that quickly now.
Andy Whiteman
What I really wonder is when buyers drive around Raytown and see our blighted condition in some areas, will they buy here? I bought in 2000. If Raytown was in the condition it is today, I never would have bought here.
11:24 AM, It could be that when and if codes goes out they don't observe mosquitoes since mosquitoes are out mainly dusk and dawn. I don't know about Raytown but most cities prohibit standing water.
It seems to me that your complaint should be to the Health Department. Not only is it a nuisance, but it is really a HEALTH issue. You could also call CH 4 Problem solvers.
I have mosquitoes too and am not sure where they are coming from. Possibly Wildwood Lake which is some distance. I make sure to replace the dog's water at least once daily. I have a 40 watt bug zapper outside and a 25 watt bug zapper in the garage. There are many mosquito traps and repellers on the market but you shouldn't have to buy them because of an irresponsible neighbor. I am just pointing out possible remedies because while 99% of the mosquitoes are probably from your neighbor, you may still have some mosquitoes when the issue is resolved. I suggest checking Westlake or Smith's.
BTW: I complained to Public Works about standing water from poor storm drainage. They came out and took care of it promptly.
Andy Whiteman
It sounds like the assumption is that all will run in the next election. I was shocked when Flemming and Schlapia didn't run! I assumed they would.
Does anyone know how many actually attended?
Number one, they don't care what we think.
Number "two".....is what they think of the people.
Number three, they think they are all smarter than any of the rest of us.
Number four, they spend your money faster than they can collect it.
Number five, there is not one person on the board that knows how to run a town.
Number six, they can't say no to giving away taxpayer money.
Number seven, and most important, they don't know what their job is.
Number eight, rules were written for everyone but for them to follow.
That is why we have outsiders as dept. Heads.
Number nine, they make a mess of everything they do then don't have the
honesty to admit it or integrity correct it.
Number ten, they have probably hurt this town beyond repair.
As for the illegal signs, they are like weeds, you pick a few and the
next day there are twice as many as before. Drive in front of the Center 63
shopping center. "Want a free phone?" well there is about five new signs
to tell you.