Sunday, May 19, 2013



-- BREAKING NEWS --
  Raytown Board of Aldermen Approve Walmart Proposal

Early this morning (Wednesday, May 22, 2013) the Raytown Board of Aldermen approved the zoning application for a Downtown Raytown Walmart. The vote capped a marathon session of the Raytown Board of Aldermen that lasted until 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Over 200 people were in attendance, with spectators standing in the lobby of City Hall listening to the proceedings. At one point, early in the meeting Mayor Bower asked the Public Works Director to make certain the Council Chambers was not over capacity. The room is rated to hold 225 people.

The vote was split to approve the application at six in favor and four opposed to the Walmart application.

VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSAL:
Joe Creamer, Charlotte Melson, Pat Ertz, Michael Lightfoot, Steve Mock, Bill Van Buskirk

VOTING IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSAL:
Josh Greene, Jim Aziere, Jason Greene, Janet Emerson



The Kansas City Star gave scant coverage to the proceedings. Here is more information from the meeting.

One of the more important points not covered in the story is an amendment imposing a closing time 10:00 p.m. on the store if it opens. Walmart representatives told the Board and Public that they could not comment on the amendment (which was approved by an 8 to 2 vote) until they spoke with “Bentonville”.


That amendment was an important part of the proceedings and held some very interesting discussion by Board members.

Also missing was discussion after the public hearing portion of the meeting of comments by Ward 2 Alderman Jason Greene. Mr. Greene brought to the table a city ordinance requiring a two-thirds majority approval of the application because the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended “denial” of the application. The inclusion of street improvements by the city into the discussion and plans entered into public evidence may make that an important point.

The City Attorney ruled, as he said “in  his opinion” that the section Mr. Greene brought to play was not pertinent to the hearing. The majority of the Board acquiesced to his opinion.

The crowd was extremely well behaved. This was the fourth public meeting (two for P&Z, two for the BOA). All of the meetings, even the one in a freak snow storm, filled City Hall with opponents to the plan.
 

Check the Raytown Report this Sunday for a full breakdown of events of the meeting.




OTHER PAPERS DISCUSS

Monday, May 20, 2013 at 6:28 p.m.

Raytown officials are scheduled Tuesday night to decide whether residents will get to keep a large, city-owned green space intact for now — or get a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market in the space. The fate of downtown redevelopment hangs in the ...

Read more here: KANSAS CITY STAR






To read past articles regarding the Walmart application for a Downtown Raytown grocery store and allegations of conflict of interest by Mayor Bower use this link DOWNTOWN RAYTOWN




GREG WALTERS
Walmart Decision to be Made Tuesday Night BY GREG WALTERS

The Board will have decided to retain plans for a pedestrian friendly design for Downtown Raytown, or,

The Board will have scrapped plans paid approved in a public vote and funded by  the city in favor of a large box grocery store, with the remaining space gobbled up by over 60,000 sq. ft. of parking.

It has been a rocky road for the Walmart proposal.

In February the Mayor and some members of the Board of Aldermen claimed they were unaware that Walmart was the applicant. Undeniable evidence in the form of a Smoking Gun letter from Walmart’s legal representatives outlining the agreements reached at the meeting. The referenced meeting was held in December. Mayor Bower is named as participating in the meeting.

The question remains unanswered as to how many members of the Board of Aldermen were aware of those discussions.

Important milestones of the continuing debate over the Walmart application include:
  • Despite misleading meeting times published in a local paper and a once in century snow storm, Raytown residents filled City Hall to capacity at two hearings held by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the Walmart application be denied.
  • At the first meeting before the Raytown Board of Aldermen (held two weeks ago) so many people showed up many residents had to leave because there was no room to sit or stand.
  • Allegations of the Mayor having a conflict of interest from past dealings with Walmart representatives have recently come to light.  -- to read those charges use this link DOWNTOWN RAYTOWN
Which all makes for interesting reading, but the simple fact is that at the end of the day the decision is not the Mayor’s. That decision rests with the ten members of the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

If you have ever wondered whether or not your voice is heard, if what you have to say counts, this is the time to answer that question.

The highest honor an elected official can hold is to speak on behalf of those they represent.

Call your Alderman. Better yet, come to the Public Hearing. Stand to be counted with those hundreds who have attended the three previous meetings. When you speak to the Board Tuesday night, look your Alderman in the eye and tell him or her what you think.

Their job is to represent you. If no one hears your position, how will they know how to vote?


CITY OFFICIAL CONTACT LIST

MAYOR
Mayor David Bower . . . . 737-6000         

ALDERMAN, WARD 1
Alderman Joe Creamer (Ward 1)  . . . . 517-4773          
Alderman Josh Greene (Ward 1) . . . . 260-6325

ALDERMAN, WARD 2
Alderman Jason Greene (Ward 2) . . . . 255-8407        
Alderman Jim Aziere (Ward 2) . . . . 358-8375 

ALDERMAN, WARD 3
Alderman Charlotte Melson (Ward 3) . . . . 356-6244
Alderman Janet Emerson (Ward 3) . . . . 737-5050

ALDERMAN, WARD 4
Alderman Bill VanBuskirk (Ward 4) . . . . 737-2799    
Alderman Pat Ertz (Ward 4) . . . . 356-8233      

ALDERMAN, WARD 5
Alderman Steve Mock (Ward 5) . . . . 225-3217 
Alderman Michael Lightfoot (Ward 5) . . . . 686-8213


Bits and Pieces BY GREG WALTERS AND PAUL LIVIUS

Go figure! At the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen, Mr. Brent Hugh was the recipient of a proclamation recognizing the month of May as “Bike Month”. Raytown received a tidy sum of money to create some bike trails on Blue Ride Boulvard in 2010, hence, the proclamation.The Board unanimously approved the proclamation. Later in the evening, the Board was made aware there was a quarter of a million dollar shortfall in funds for the city’s streetscape of Downtown Raytown. Guess what was the first item some members of the BOA suggested cutting to make up the shortfall. If you said “bike trails” you were 100% on target.

For those following the story . . . Two meetings back former Ward 3 Alderman Christine White was nominated by the Mayor for a position on the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). Mrs. White’s nomination was held up by the Board so that new members could meet with her before voting. Apparently, something has changed. This week’s agenda does not mention the former Alderman (Mrs. White lost her bid for re-election last April to Ward 3 Alderman Janet Emerson). There is, however, a new nominee on the agenda for a position on the BZA. His name is Mike Aprill.
Ladies first? Jeanette Gentry found out that is not always the case at public hearings at City Hall. At the last meeting of the Board she arrived early to sign in as the first speaker during the hearings. Much to her surprise, another speaker was called ahead of her . . . also not surprising was that the speaker was one of three (out of 25 speakers) to speak in favor of the Walmart application. No doubt being Mayor has its privileges . . . favoritism must be high on that list.

The Paul Livius Report BY PAUL LIVIUS
This is the second part of The Paul Livius Report on the May 7th, 2013 Board of Aldermen meeting. Last week's Report covered the Public Hearing portion on the Walmart zoning application. This week's Report covers a "meeting before the meeting" and the tail end of the meeting after the Public Hearing was closed. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 a.m.

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – May 7, 2013

At 6:30, the Public Works Department conducted a work session to review the Downtown City Streetscape and the bike trail on 350 Highway. The Streetscape is a rebuilding of portions of 63rd Street, Raytown Road and Blue Ridge Boulevard in Downtown Raytown. The project is funded by a $473 thousand dollar grant from the Federal government. It is not connected to the proposed Walmart zoning package.

The city's portion of the cost would have been $158 thousand dollars IF the bids had not come in higher than the grant. Unfortunately, the bids are $378 thousand over anticipated construction costs.

To make up the unfunded portion of the construction City Staff has made some recommendations. To view them use this link DOWNTOWN COST OVER-RUN

Aldermen Bill Van Buskirk and Alderman Joe Creamer both said getting the Downtown right the first time was more important than bike trails. They proposed unfunding the 350 Highway bike trail to nowhere. Which would bring the city a savings of $175 thousand dollars.

However, unfunding the project would cost the city $433 thousand dollars in grant money.

The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance granting a conditional use permit subject to a single tenant home located at 6309 Raytown Road.  The existing building located has been used as a “single-tenant residential home.”  The property contains two buildings and is zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC).  The other building on the property has been used as an office.  Chris Rathbone spoke in favor of the applicant.  Alderman Van Buskirk made a motion to amend the proposed ordinance from 10 years to 5 years.  The motion failed because there was no second.  Alderman Aziere made a motion to continue this item until May 21, 2013.

The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance granting a use permit to allow residential dwellings on property located at 6310-6312 Raytown Road.  Alderman Van Buskirk made a motion to amend the proposed ordinance from 10 years to 5 years.  Alderman Melson made a motion to continue this item until May 21, 2013.

Alderman Creamer left the meeting at 12:30 a.m.

The Board passed a resolution establishing the rates for employee medical and dental
insurance.  The HMO is increasing 10.4%, PPO (B) increasing 18.5% and PPO (A)
increasing 22.0%.  The dental insurance increased 3.5% for single and family.  The
vision insurance increased 7.7% for all coverage types.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 a.m.


FIT BOTTOMED GIRLS
How Kristen’s Life was Changed by being a Fit Bottomed Girl BY KRISTEN

I grew up learning that bragging was bad. If you do something really, really well, it will be noticed and acknowledged, but you should never acknowledge your own accomplishments. It’s impolite. I get that, but since joining the Fit Bottomed Girl crew, I’ve learned that everything is good in moderation, and that includes bragging.… Continue reading


To leave a comment use this link POST A COMMENT

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting blog. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Closed Session:
610.021(1) Legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys;

On Agenda: Jan 3, June 19, July 17, Aug 21

Also 610.021 (2) (Real Estate Contract) Dec 18, and Feb 19, 2013...

Note of interest:
Property Appraisal received early May, 2012.

June 19 Is the only date with a specific closed session agenda. The BOA Meeting Agenda indicates possible delayed start due to the closed session.

Wood bet my silver buttons!
The 6/19 meeting is when the money talk happened.

Is there a requirement about minutes in closed session?

Greg Walters said...

There are minutes kept of closed sessions. They are public documents.

Often times the minutes are little more than the motion made and the roll call.

The City Clerk is charged with maintaining those records.

Elisa Breitenbach said...

I would like to say Thank You to Greg for all the hard work & effort he has given to up date everyone on the Walmart Neighborhood Market. I would also like to Thank the many people who took a stand & signed our petition. I would like to Thank each & everyone who put up signs & bumper stickers. Thank you for all the flyers you passed out for us. Thank You for all the calls, letters & blogs you sent out. Raytowners that was great team work! You are what makes Raytown a great place to live & work in.

Anonymous said...

It three or more aldermen are meeting without public notice it is an illegal meeting and outside the rules set by the Sunshine Law.

If you know of such a meeting you should report it to the attorney general's office.

Pat Casady said...

I am still NOT against a store going in the green space.
I am for several stores going in the green space. It is zoned
this way and should be done this way.
However, we all know what rules mean to this bunch at
City Hall. If the rules get in the way they just forgive them
to work for their position. If we bend the rules we will get
ticketed or worse. The only way the people can win is to vote
bad officials out of office as was done in the last election.
Unfortunately we didn’t know VanBusKirk’s position when he
ran. It probably hasn’t happened but something stinks at
City Hall. Why are some of these officials trying so hard to get
the Wal-Mart in and go against the people and the rules?
Could there be another motive for these people?

Anonymous said...

4:16 PM, If any Alderman had told me they had a meeting about Walmart, it would have led to a long converstation. Who was the meeting with? (other Aldermen, Walmart officials, or citizens?)

Obiviously one or more elected officials have something to gain from approval of the Wallmart deal! I still want to know how much and to whom? From what I have read here, there needs to be an AG investigation but how does that get done? I reported a rip off mover to the AG and nothing happened. Will the AG also ignore misconduct by a city government?

Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me. The BOA (some members were different) has already been fooled once. Hopefully they don't fall for the same con again. If they do, the people need to get off their duffs two years hence and vote out all of those who voted for or supported this foolish action of another Walmart.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

I am hearing 4 verified "No" votes. This i going to be tight.

-"A clever individual"

Anonymous said...

Pat,

What are you talking about with VanBuskirt?

It wouldn't have mattered what he said on where he was on the Wal-Mart deal being the lady who ran against him didn't do anything.

So in other words people might dis-agree with him on Wal-Mart, but they at least saw him out and about, which means he would be active in the city unlike someone who called people over to her apartment to meet.

What kind of a want to be elected offical does that?

Maybe next time some who really wants to serve will run otherwise we will see more of Bill not less.

Anonymous said...

Pat, I persdonally have a hard time with you. You don't live in Raytown yet all you do is complain. Most of the time you don't even have the facts straight. Wish somebody would buy your business so you could move on out of town.

Anonymous said...

I don't know who the earlier writer is but I have nothing but respect for Pat Casady. He owns a business in Raytown, which helps to employ people in Raytown. He has not abandoned the Downtown. It is where he makes his living.

Only a twisted mind could find fault with this man gives to the community.

Only a coward would attack him in the manner that was done on this blog.

Anonymous said...

To add to 6:12PM's comment: Pat, also pays the outrageous property and personal property taxes to Raytown! More importantly Pat has a concern for the maintenance and upkeep of the area. As a business owner, taxpayer, and citizen; Pat is entitled to express his opinion but unfortunately is not entitled to vote in Raytown elections.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

To Anonymous 10:16, You may not like me or what I write or “complain” about But, at least I have the balls to sign my name no matter what I write. I have owned property, paid taxes and have been here for over thirty six years. I think I have earned the right to complain for the way this town has and is being run.

Gus babson said...

FOR SHAME!!! "Open and unbiased" MY ASS! Stalling with a joke of a movie doesn't do anything more than anger the folks already very disturbed with your actions!
Last night was a joke as far as Im concerned.
Next time you have a $1 million property for sale at &$625k lplease let me know what code breaks I can have.I know it's convenient to forget the $500 to tear the church down,but taxpayers paid that too!
SHAME
Gus Babsokn

Anonymous said...

Any news as to if the Walmart vote passed?

How about the Google Fiber vote?

Also, it seems the Google Account option is broken.

Anonymous said...

I was disappointed with how events unfolded last night, as well as very disappointed with Alderman VanBuskirk and Melson and how they lectured the public how misinformed they were and how ths was a "vocal minority" in their words. I was very pleased with Alderman/woman Josh Greene, Janet Emerson, and Jason Greene. Throughout the meeting I felt that Mr. Jason Greene consistantly brought up many valid points on why this was a bad idea for our community. Unlike Mr. Vanbuskirk or the Mayor's comments in regards to "threats" it is OUR RIGHT to threaten you with your job, if you two don't like it then quit public service and go pump gas somewhere.

Anonymous said...

Well, it took them to 3 a.m. but they finally ignored the will of the people.

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/22/4248637/wal-mart-grocery-sparks-intense.html

What next? Recall? Petition? I don't want a Walmart a mile from my house. It'll be worse than the McDonald's a mile from my house (I have scientifically determined it takes a car of teenagers about a mile to eat something and throw garbage from a passing car).

You blew it, guys.

Anonymous said...

Okay, so the BOA voted to sell downtown to Wal-mart. I assume that they also voted to accept the Google Fiber deal, but have seen no reporting on the meeting other than what the KC Star has.

6-4 was the vote, but no reporting on who voted how, although I can guess.

Anonymous said...

At least the market will generate tax dollars for the city. Right now we are paying someone to mow the "green space" and I haven't heard of anyone ready to open any other business there. I still don't understand why Walmart is interested in such a depressed and depressing area.

Anonymous said...

What happened last night?

Anonymous said...

Last night at city was nothing but a joke. They just went through the motion but bower had his votes in order before the meeting ever opened. He had the gall to threaten the public with being thrown out by the police if they got to loud and to unkind to people who are speaking even to the point of saying the clapping was to loud. The citizens tried to comply but the speakers for walmart were so unbelieveable that it was hard to keep your mouth shut.
I was very disappointed with the boa. I watched the faces of the alderman as the meeting went on and I could have told you who was going to vote for this. It was obvious that they did not want to listen to anything that the public had to say. It's hard to keep your face from telling the other person what your are thinking no matter how good you think you are.

AS for that 6-4 vote was very illegal and I do believe it will be challenged. When the Board of Planning and Zoning votes against something tha has come before them but the boa will look at next the vote from the boa has to be a majority vote and yes, Josh Green was absoulity correct. Mayor knows that better because he was on the P&Z for 18 years and chairman for several years.
The citizens of Raytown need to join a class action suet or what ever kind of suet is filed, I know I will. I'm sure that there will be a notifcation on this blog if Greg can find out who and when it will be filed.
We need to let city hall and bower know he cannot just run over the people of this city. Please joins us. It's time this adminstration needs to understands who put them there and they just stepped over the line!!!

Anonymous said...

Jason Greene brought up the PZ 2/3rds law not Josh Greene. I feel we are going to be confused in getting these two right in the next few years :)

Anonymous said...

I was unaware that there still are jobs available pumping gas!

Remember it takes a vocal minority to vote out an elected official provided said vocal minority will remember and make an issue of this issue 2 years hence.

What TIFs did Waklmart get? The location looks like a dismal failure and a great tax write off in my opinion.

Andy Whiteman

Elisa Breitenbach said...

The total lack of respect to the people of Raytown by the Mayor and his 6 friends last night was not a wise move. It was as if Mayor Bower was drunk on his own little power trip. The meeting was so very strange you had to laugh, people just could not hold it in. I am so thankful to our 4 that voted for the people of Raytown. Next meeting should be moved to a much larger place so we have enough parking and seats for all of us. This Mayor is much to fun to watch. No one will want to miss his next meeting!

Anonymous said...

I was predicting votes and quite frankly I was shocked by 2 Aldermen who voted "YES."

The BOA has essentially ruined downtown Raytown and its adjacent residential area(s). As I have stated, there are much better vacant locations in Raytown for a "Neighborhood Market."

This application was run through rushed through in the typical Raytown manner of denial and secret meetings. I again ask how much was under the table and to whom? I know Walmart acts like a big spender and occasionally donates a pittance to EMS, Police, or other public activities; but I am asking what did anyone gain personally? I bet it was more than the typical pittance of a donation.

Andy Whiteman

Greg Walters said...



The Kansas City Star gave scant coverage to the proceedings. Here is more information from the meeting.

One of the more important points not covered in the story is an amendment imposing a closing time 10:00 p.m. on the store if it opens. Walmart representatives told the Board and Public that they could not comment on the amendment (which was approved by an 8 to 2 vote) until they spoke with “Bentonville”.

That amendment was an important part of the proceedings and held some very interesting discussion by Board members.

Also missing was discussion after the public hearing portion of the meeting of comments by Ward 2 Alderman Jason Greene. Mr. Greene brought to the table a city ordinance requiring a two-thirds majority approval of the application because the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended “denial” of the application. The inclusion of street improvements by the city into the discussion and plans entered into public evidence may make that an important point.

The City Attorney ruled, as he said “in his opinion” that the section Mr. Greene brought to play was not pertinent to the hearing. The majority of the Board acquiesced to his opinion.

The crowd was extremely well behaved. This was the fourth public meeting (two for P&Z, two for the BOA). All of the meetings, even the one in a freak snow storm, filled City Hall with opponents to the plan.


Check the Raytown Report this Sunday for a full breakdown of events of the meeting.

Pat Casady said...


Andy,
I wasn’t surprised about the vote. Bower has his friends tightly
in place. He has them in his pocket and knows he can count on
them for anything he wants them to do. VanBusKirk is the one
I don’t understand. Bower has put him in his place many times.
I thought for sure he would vote with the people. I guess bullying
works on some people. What a disappointment these six are.
Seven counting the mayor. I have always said our elected officials
worship at the house of Wal-Mart and this proved it. How pathetic.
Oh yes, good news Anonymous 10:16, this has given me more to
complain about.
So grab a cool one and a comfortable chair, it’s going to be a long
Summer!

Anonymous said...

I would say that I'm not necessarily a supporter of Wal-Mart or some of the business practices that they utilize. I will admit that I shop at Wal-Mart for convenience and for low prices. The new Market is a grocery not a super center and I'm glad that is the case.
I have been following this BOA for several years, and this isn't the topic that first gained my interest. Although I don't agree with the desion of "yes" on rezoning, I'm surprised by the accusations of corruption. I believe that we have a BOA that care about our city and seem to generally make decisions that reflect that.
There have been some positive changes in my neighborhood regarding teenager issues and curfew issues in recent time. I don't know which Alderman is directly responsible for the positive changes, but I can say that many of them attended neighborhood meetings to help with the problem. Just my two cents.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you about VanBuskirk. I always thought he was the one who would listen to the people first. I notice that even though he isMayor protem it does not say so under his name. It used to under Lightfoot when he was mayor protem. He also is not sitting next to the mayor like Lightfoot used to. Do you think they are angry at each other?

Anonymous said...


What do you call well behaved??? It certainly wasn't the peanut gallery at Tuesday nights meeting. I could hear numerous times of disrespectful outburts. This crowd will never give respect,just expect it be given to them. on

Anonymous said...

The crowd was well behaved. The Mayor had the police department post a policeman at every meeting. What a waste of taxpayer dollars!

I think the crowd was well behaved too.

The most appalling disrespect I saw was when Alderman Creamer and Mayor Bower ganged up on one speaker (I think his name is Mr. Gunther).

It got so out of hand that Alderman Mock interrupted their attacks on Gunther and told them to stop it.

Good Job Mr. Mock. You did the right thing.

Anonymous said...

I think the Wal-Mart was the best thing. For all the talk of a plan for this area it has been an eye-sore for years. Run down store fronts and discount cigarette shops. It's blight. You can talk all you want about what you want to bring in there but the truth is that's all it's been for years is talk. Maybe now that there is a prime tenant and a reason for people to come there we will finally see that area get some real life.

Anonymous said...

Depends on your point of view. In my eyes, Walmart is the definition of "blight".

Chris Rathbone said...

There were some people in the gallery who were speaking when they should not have been. I even had to wait till they quieted down to take my turn to speak. I didn't really mind. I don't think it ever got out of hand. This is an emotional issue for a lot of people and it is to be expected.

Respect goes both ways. The Mayor and some on the BOA seemed to be very upset about the "threats" they were getting. They lashed out at those who dare "threaten" to make sure they would not get another term. Come on, Really? These citizens feel that they were in the majority and that they were being ignored by the majority of the BOA. The only recourse they have is to try and get representatives voted out who they feel don't represent them very well. If the Mayor and the rest of the board cant handle that, they need to grow some thicker skin, or find another line of work. It's the way politics work.

I though it was kind of funny that at the last meeting I spoke at, I was told to remove my veteran's hat before I spoke, and rightly so. At this meeting however, Mrs. Van Buskirk got up to speak with her ball cap on and no one said a word (I can actually understand why no one would want to confront her, sometimes it's just easier to let things go). Some people get more respect from the board than others, just look at Mr. Gunther.

I have been nothing but respectful towards the board, and will continue to be, even though we disagree very strongly at times. I was very disappointed in the vote, but what's done is done, it appears. I don't think this is the end of the world, but I do think we could have done much better. The majority of the board did not think we could do better, so it appears we will be using up the entire green space for 1 grocery store. The problem I have is, that this cant be undone once it is here. We are stuck with it. There may be a couple last ditch efforts to try and derail this, but things being what they are, all I can do is hope the Neighborhood Market will pull in some more business downtown. I sincerely hope this plan works, for the sake of Raytown.

Anonymous said...

Just a note, but back in the day the rules for women vs. men wearing hats in public are very different. Women get a pass, I don't know why. Maybe stemming from an older day when they covered their hair during church? Anyways, just a strange thing and it still is like that in some ciricles - women can wear hats in church services/indoors but men cannot, and it's probably part of why you would be required to take off your hat while a woman was not. I know it's old-fashioned and many younger people don't even know the old 'rules'. Conventions are funny things sometimes.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully Walmart will decided that the 10PM closing time does not fit their business plan and will back out.

The location is doomed for failure not being on an arterial. How many people will get off 350 HWY or even Raytown Rd. just to go to this business?

I still want to know how much was under the table and to whom? Do any of the elected officials or department heads own stock in WMT (Walmart) or receive income from this company? A disclosure is in order.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Wal-Mart can not desecrate Raytown's Downtown district. It has already happened.

Raytown had a historic downtown with several brick and stone buildings from the 1800s. For a town with roots going back to the earliest settlers in this part of the country, it does seem strange that we have lost the architectural legacy that did exist, and that most towns our age still retain. There was a two-story brick structure known as the Tradex Building, among others. These buildings were torn down to make room for... the Raytown Baptist Church parking lot, and later the Church itself abandoned the downtown property.

Wal-Mart can not desecrate Raytown's Downtown district. It has already happened.

Anonymous said...

Is it safe to shop at the Raytown Wal-Mart?

I ask as every time I drive by there is always at least one police car at the store.

I don't know about you, but I don't feel safe shopping in place that has that many police officers always at it just has to be a good place to get jumped in the parking lot or worse.

Anonymous said...

7:32PM, A police car at Walmart gives me a sense of security. They usually are there for shoplifters. I was approached at Walmart on Hillcrest by a "disabled" transient looking for a ride. I told him I didn't think that Hank would allow him in the car. KCPD had a mini-station there. When I was ready to leave, I went to the PD station and was escorted to my car. The Raytown Walmart should have a mini-Police station! I suggested this at the time Walmart was approved.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

its jobs and tax money people. grow up.

Andy Whiteman said...

7:32PM, A police car at Walmart gives me a sense of security. They usually are there for shoplifters. I was approached at Walmart on Hillcrest by a "disabled" transient looking for a ride. I told him I didn't think that Hank would allow him in the car. KCPD had a mini-station there. When I was ready to leave, I went to the PD station and was escorted to my car. The Raytown Walmart should have a mini-Police station! I suggested this at the time Walmart was approved.