RAYTOWN REPORT

By Richard Tush While traveling West bound I 350 highway a new sign has appeared soaring high above the roof tops of neighboring buildings. It is apparent that Title Max is not aware of our city ordinances that do not allow any new pole signs. I was please to learn when I contacted city hall about this issue that they were already taking action to bring this business into compliance. I was surprised that a chain like this would move into a city without first obtaining a business license, which would have eliminated any misunderstand or perception of our city’s ordinances. Speaking of Pole Signs… By Richard Tush We would like to recognize one of our local small businesses for setting the example on properly maintaining their pole sign. We wish others would follow the example of "The Store" located at 67th and Raytown Road and keep not only their sign maintained, but also the pole. Too many of the pole signs in our city need the poles painted and / or the signs replaced,...

By Richard Tush The Park Board voted Monday night to increase the fees for several of the amenities next year for example the all day shelter rental from $75 to $90. However, the board might have to look at other means in the near future to ensure they have the funds to keep up the current programs and expectations. This may even include a future tax proposal. The board is planing to conduct a survey to obtain input from citizens and those who utilize programs provided by the park. There will be two movies in the park next year with the intent to plan them both during months when tempters are not a high as was experienced during there showing last month. Don’t forget next Friday, July 31s,t they will again be hosting movie in the park. Deadly Future… By Richard Tush As I have been driving around the city, I have noticed an increasing number of dead trees and brush piles. In accordance with the city’s own ordinances these are to be removed, but as we are all too aware the city t...

By Richard Tush Several months ago we started a new regular section "Fix This Eye Sore". Since the conception of the section we have seen several improvements in the city: The signs that flooded the right of ways are all, but a thing of the past The hole at the 67th St entrance to the BP on Blue Ridge has been covered The signs on 59th Street have been straightened The grafitti has been removed from the back of the sign on 70th Terrace We want to thank the city for taking noticeable steps to improve our city’s image. Downtown’s Lacking Sparkle… By Richard Tush I question what steps is the city taking to improve our downtown image as the green area still has bare spots. At a Board of Alderman meeting prior to the SummerFest event Alderman Melson stated the chamber would repair any damage to the grass. Over a month later and still no repairs have been made. Yet, last week "The Raytown Post" ran an article about steps being taken to catch and prosecute those who a...

By Greg Walters Raytown ’s image problems go much deeper than the Gary Knabe Memorial Mosquito Swamp at 79 th and Spring Valley Road. The real problem is the lack of desire to recognize problems and address them. Eventually this lead to an inevitable inability to recognize image problems. The problem compounds itself when the those responsible at City Hall begin to pass the buck as to who is responsible in fixing the problem. The attached photographs speak volumes. One is that of some graffiti on the back of a spe ed limit sign on 70 th Terrace just east of Raytown Road. The graffiti has been there for well over three months. While it is possible that no one from codes saw the graffiti, it is not believable that the police have not driven by it. Undoubtedly, they have seen it. But it is painfully obvious that no one has taken the time to report it to Public Works for removal. Or if they have, no one has responded from Public Works to remove the graffiti. The other two pictures...