tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post4561059911181188406..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Greg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-50202053916503622502010-09-15T23:32:04.458-05:002010-09-15T23:32:04.458-05:00I believe Andy has it correct in that the one way ...I believe Andy has it correct in that the one way change to Willow was due to one individual being upset with cars pulling over onto a small area of grass to make way for others to pass by. This person does not even live on Willow and the grass we are talking about is a side yard along Willow. I live in this neighborhood and can tell you that this person has run into the street in front of my car yelling profanities at me when I yielded to another vehicle. It is disturbing to me and other neighbors that such an individual could solicit this change and the elected officials agree to it without any regard or notice to the neighborhoods it affects. Willow has always been a narrow street and drivers have always used common courtesy to make way for one another. I was under the impression that the three feet next to any public road was city easement. Whatever the case, this issue is important to this neighborhood that encompasses at least a three block area. It does create inconvenience and safety issues, especially for the children in our neighborhood. It is also another perfect example of how things at City Hall are being handled. It appears to me that there is a complete disregard for the welfare and interests of the citizens of Raytown. I agree completely with the Raytown residency issue! If you don't live here how can you serve and/or protect our community? I can tell you that I will definitely be using my vote to try to change things in the next election.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7354131034259499422010-09-14T21:57:02.825-05:002010-09-14T21:57:02.825-05:00I just checked www.realtor.com and there are 623 h...I just checked www.realtor.com and there are 623 homes listed. This is not accurate because it includes homes in KCMO that are in Zips 64133 and 64138.<br /><br />I did a search for comps and a home one block from me that is over 2900 sf was only $120,000 which is less than I paid for mine. Obviously I can't reasonable expect that much for my home. Of course I assume the other home is in move in condition. I could waste money upgrading mine and NEVER recover the money.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60209583739812868562010-09-14T20:12:50.437-05:002010-09-14T20:12:50.437-05:00Obviously, but I really doubt if the costs of upgr...Obviously, but I really doubt if the costs of upgrades would ever be recovered. I feel it is like throwing good money after bad. My house is for sale "as is, where is." I expect a lower price. It isn't worth investing $30K to maybe get $5K more or maybe nothing at all. I view upgrades in hopes of a sale as wasted money.<br /><br />There are expensive upgrades in my new house the Realtor required of the seller. Even with the upgrades, the house was basically a fixer but not advertised as such. I had to pay extra to rip out the expensive tile hall to put in carpet. I am having upgraded single handle plumbing pulled out and installing plumbing with separate hot and cold faucets. Can't change the tub because the works is in a wall. <br /><br />I would rather pay more for a house from the 70s than an upgraded house because I don't like the new stuff. I am paying to remove the upgrades!<br /><br />Anyone who thinks upgrades are a good idea, can buy my house, spend money on upgrades and try to recover their money. To me upgrading is a gamble especially in this economy.<br /><br />I bought my Raytown house because I prefer olde stuff~~not new.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-24401354393426238092010-09-13T22:57:01.910-05:002010-09-13T22:57:01.910-05:00If your house isn't "move-in ready",...If your house isn't "move-in ready", you will get a lower offer. If it looks like your kitchen and bathroom haven't been updated since your house was built 6 decades ago, you will get a lower offer. If your house was decorated in the 70's, you will get a lower offer.<br /><br />Sure there will be some things a buyer might want to change; the color of the walls, the type of carpet. But if they look at your house and see 'outdated' and a whole bunch of work to be done, you aren't going to get the price that the newly remodeled house down the street will get. In the end its a trade-off between the cost of upgrades and what can be recovered in the sale, regardless of whether those changes are for you or the buyer.<br /><br />But remember, Jackson County is a buyer's market. And although there is a buyer for every type of house, the buyer is going to set the price.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02341341227725640999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-9438684005231112992010-09-12T22:34:01.889-05:002010-09-12T22:34:01.889-05:00I bought my house to live in, not as an investment...I bought my house to live in, not as an investment. The only remodeling I did was to suit my personal needs. I feel remodeling for sale is not cost effective. The upgrades may not be wanted by the buyer so the cost of the "upgrades" would be wasted money and never recovered.<br /><br />As an example, my new house had an upgrade of expensive tile flooring in the hall. To me a tile floor is unsafe. I wanted carpet and had to pay extra to have the tiles ripped up. For that reason, I am selling my house "as is, where is." The buyer may install the upgrades if the want them. I just won't waste money on something that may be of no value to the next person. If I do up grades, it would have been because I want them not with the intent of sale. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-9467360035261713932010-09-12T20:58:55.437-05:002010-09-12T20:58:55.437-05:00Here are some actual numbers for Raytown: 30,388 (...Here are some actual numbers for Raytown: 30,388 (2000 census), 28,931 (2009 estimated, City-Data.com). We'll have to wait a year or so to see the 2010 census data.<br /><br />As far as house prices, you have two things working against you. First you had the housing bubble that greatly overvalued houses. Then you had the crash and all the foreclosures undervaluing. I would bet Raytown has at least 5 years before values re-stabilize. Here are some examples; I ran checks on many of the houses on my block and looked at the last sale price and assessed values. (public info from Jackson County) An educated guess would say that these houses are worth $50-60k. In 2007 several sold for $90k+ and most have been foreclosed. I bought mine for $30k in 2008, and JaCo had it assessed at $60k in 2009 and $50k in 2010.<br /><br />Jackson and Wyandotte counties in the Metro are still overloaded with foreclosures. You aren't going to sell for true market value until most of those are gone. On a brighter note, many of the people who are buying those houses are making big investments in them. I lost count of how many I saw getting new windows. And one was a HUD foreclosure, and the Gov't rebuilt the detached garage so it would sell.<br /><br />Of course, if you aren't investing in your own house (keeping it fairly modern) and just complaining that the neighbors don't mow to suit you, then you'll find yourself at a disadvantage again later trying to compete with newly remodeled homes with new siding and windows. I personally have put close to $20k in updates into my house and will probably do another $10k if I can get a permit for a sun room.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02341341227725640999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-45977092886625629622010-09-12T20:46:33.048-05:002010-09-12T20:46:33.048-05:00I agree, where do you find the truth? The actual ...I agree, where do you find the truth? The actual number of homes for sale by owner (FSBO) can never be factually determined. MLS listings can be counted and also MLS has calculations for average time on market if you ask a Realtor. (Which I did in '94. At that time is was 6 months for Raytown.) Foreclosures are another questionable area. There is an internet company that inflates the count by including delinquencies inorder to sell their service.<br /><br />As for ghetto it depends on what you consider to be a ghetto. Those stating ghetto should define the term so we have an understanding of where you are coming from.<br /><br />I have been debating Dictator O'Bomba with a friend in AZ. We finally agreed to stop the debate when her husband was very ill so she could spend time with him. Now our focus is on how do me know the media is stating the true facts since obviously there is a bias. Anyone can post anything on the internet and people may accept it without question. I tend to agree with Fox Mulder, "Trust no one!"<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-70784682082705286852010-09-12T12:51:52.576-05:002010-09-12T12:51:52.576-05:00Have to agree with the last comment. Whoever wrote...Have to agree with the last comment. Whoever wrote the post calling Raytown a ghetto was way out of line.<br /><br />Blogs are a sounding board of opinion. <br /><br />As for skewered information, where do do you find the truth?<br /><br />I'm still waiting for them to find weapons of mass destruction in the Iraqi desert. Then I can understand how a withdrawal of all but 50,000 troops is any kind of withdrawal at all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-55504029995256761192010-09-12T11:27:05.529-05:002010-09-12T11:27:05.529-05:00When I was forced to move here, my Realtor, who wa...When I was forced to move here, my Realtor, who was having difficulty locating a home for me, finally suggested that I consider Lees Summit. First off, the Post Office failed inspection. Second, prices were so high, Lees Summit was obviously for the rich and too expensive for me.<br /><br />I will be selling my house at a loss. Recently 3 homes on my street were for sale: one was clearly overpriced (and a code violation~~tall grass), the other was miniature and old so I didn't try to evaluate price, the 3rd was priced fairly but didn't sell so the owner took it off the market. The first finally sold after the price was reduced from $145K to $116K. The only way to sell a home in Raytown is at a loss. This may be true for the metro area. Link to listing:<br /><br />http://www.houseforsaleinraytownmo64133.info/<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-40145091320010755952010-09-12T10:29:05.667-05:002010-09-12T10:29:05.667-05:00It appears as though some are utilizing skewed sta...It appears as though some are utilizing skewed statistical information on here. How about citing reliable sources? I wouldn't trust any of this information unless I get factual information that is confirmed. My time is way too valuable to base decisions upon false information. Back it up with something that can be proven other than 'Because I know it'.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-18809313241014373692010-09-12T08:31:45.724-05:002010-09-12T08:31:45.724-05:00I can tell you have not been to Blue Springs latel...I can tell you have not been to Blue Springs lately. <br /><br />You "understand" there are 274 homes listed for sale in Raytown. <br /><br />I suggest you a take a drive through Lee's Summit. There are a lot more homes for sales in that town than in Raytown.<br /><br />The economy is in the dumps and people are losing their homes due to high taxes and house payments they can no longer afford.<br /><br />As for living in the ghetto, I can tell you have never been through the ghetto, or for that matter, west Independence. <br /><br />It is easy to spot someone that likes to hate. There is spotlight shining on you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37766218299186283862010-09-12T08:01:21.276-05:002010-09-12T08:01:21.276-05:00Who are you kidding, Raytown is considered "a...Who are you kidding, Raytown is considered "a slum" when you get into some of these other progressive communities such as Blue Springs, Independence, or Lee's Summit. They are thriving with new residential and commercial growth. They are clean, have well kept streets and are considered much safer than Raytown. It's no wonder that we have to "BRIBE" a business with huge tax incentives to come to Raytown. Would you want to locate in the GETTOH? I understand that there are 274 homes listed by just realtors on the market in Raytown. Also I'm sure there are 100's more that are for sale by owner. What does this tell you? It tells me that people are trying to get out while they can still get something for their property.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60079710212792093202010-09-11T19:58:16.456-05:002010-09-11T19:58:16.456-05:009:50AM, Obviously. I am wondering why the BOA kee...9:50AM, Obviously. I am wondering why the BOA keeps using the excuse, "other cities in the metro are doing it?" Obviously they don't know this is Raytown, not another city except for the fact ALL of the tie wearing chair warmers are from other cities.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-11907073013773793352010-09-11T09:50:14.809-05:002010-09-11T09:50:14.809-05:00We are not Kansas City or Lee's Summit. We are...We are not Kansas City or Lee's Summit. We are Raytown and that's the fact. We would like to think that we are better than Lee's Summit but that in someone's head not the reality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-3358875280430713882010-09-10T11:28:48.589-05:002010-09-10T11:28:48.589-05:00The School Board must live in the School District....The School Board must live in the School District. That doesn't mean they must live in Raytown since the district extends past Raytown. And 2 of them don't pay their taxes until it becomes an issue prior to election! That was my reason not to vote for those two.<br /><br />The REAP manager asked for donations stating that 30000 people in Raytown need help with food and utility bills. To my knowledge City Hall seems to think there are about 10,000 people. I wonder where the extra 20,000 came from?<br /><br />10:16 PM, I was forced to move to this area for a job. I accidently found my house after my Realtor was unable to locate a suitable house and I made a wrong turn when I came to inspect the Post Office. How can people who live in Raytown possibly work in Raytown when there are NO jobs that pay a decent wage? I know of only one employer that pays decently except to new hires. The city pays next to nothing unless you are a tie wearing chair warmer. So where do you think Raytown residents should work?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-3890189278240229482010-09-10T07:44:13.512-05:002010-09-10T07:44:13.512-05:00Anonymous 1016
Rules are rules! If a town is not g...Anonymous 1016<br />Rules are rules! If a town is not going to obey the rules<br />it sets up for the way a town is to be run and managed<br />then get rid or the rules. Raytown's forefathers thought it was necessary to have department heads live within the city so what <br />has changed? Better yet why has it changed?<br />I can see a short time period for someone to find a place to move in to but, lets face it, six years is a bit too much. <br />To answer another remark, Raytown's population is around <br />ten thousand people. Even when Raytown was thriving there weren't<br />eighty thousand jobs to be had. <br />Although the people should have their opinions listened to, the people don't get paid a big salary to run the town.<br />And, I don't believe there are any rules about where teachers have to live.<br />I think, the school board members have to live in Raytown. Being an<br />elected position.<br />How are the people supposed to think when our city leaders break the rules.<br />With some elected officials breaking the codes rules, the city changing the rules to<br />fit their own needs, receiving tax money for one thing then then using it<br />elsewhere? Deceiving the people they are supposed to be representing.<br />However Anonymous 10:16, I will agree with you on a part of your statement. (six words)<br />"It is nonsense to debate this," because nothing will ever change.<br />It's like a person on drugs. They can make up any excuse to do what they want.<br />They can tell themselves it's OK to break the rules because they made them.<br />A little power is the worst drug of all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-74855082193209894582010-09-10T07:18:26.266-05:002010-09-10T07:18:26.266-05:00I don't believe John Wiley and Gary Knabe are ...I don't believe John Wiley and Gary Knabe are buds so therefore,if John should run for mayor I would vote for him because I think he would make the slum land owner clean up his mess on 79th and Spring Valley.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-36369583945801093392010-09-09T22:43:53.855-05:002010-09-09T22:43:53.855-05:00No, it is not nonsense. Kansas City requires that ...No, it is not nonsense. Kansas City requires that its department heads live within city limits. So does Lee's Summit and Independence.<br /><br />It is a very legitimate concern. <br /><br />Be fair about it. Given a choice, wouldn't you rather your department heads live within the city?<br /><br />Wouldn't you rather all of our police officers made their homes here?<br /><br />You spout off about crime a lot. So I would think you would like to have the 50 or so sworn police officers making their home here.<br /><br />Be patient, you will have plenty of time to make excuses for the Mayor and his Board next April.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-14969130263760495682010-09-09T22:26:11.983-05:002010-09-09T22:26:11.983-05:00Mahesh should be the first to be REQUIRED to more ...Mahesh should be the first to be REQUIRED to more to Raytown per city ordinance which never should have been waived.<br /><br />The others can be addressed when their contracts expire/renew or when replacements are hired. <br /><br />But the ordinance needs to be set in place first requiring department heads to live in Raytown.<br /><br />It is simple, move to Raytown or look for another job.<br /><br />If I ran for Mayor, that would be my first priority!<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-27665677019493792322010-09-09T22:21:51.677-05:002010-09-09T22:21:51.677-05:00Willow street is a smaller issue to divert your at...Willow street is a smaller issue to divert your attention from bigger issue such as CRIME.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-769544990556999982010-09-09T22:16:04.844-05:002010-09-09T22:16:04.844-05:00It is nonsense debate on this bogus forum. Almost ...It is nonsense debate on this bogus forum. Almost 60% of the people who work for the city are non residents and 70% of the teacher are non raytown school residents. 80% of the people who live in Raytown do not work in Raytown. I think you all should be looking into the mirror to search your soul before you make nonsense statements.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-62869041124142782732010-09-09T21:59:46.932-05:002010-09-09T21:59:46.932-05:00"we will investigate and have the staff get b..."we will investigate and have the staff get back to us with the correct information"<br /><br />Typical bureaucrats! Because of their incompetence and failure to notify people affected by changing Willow Street to a one way street the city has spent nearly five hours wringing their hands over of "what will we do!?!"<br /><br />For starters, the out of town department heads should apologize for their ignorance of how and why the good people of Raytown travel about their town.<br /><br />Then, the city council and his highness, the Mayor, should re-think their position of using only out of town department heads to manage our city.<br /><br />They are the ones who are truly at fault. The carpet-baggers are being carpet-baggers.<br /><br />But they would not be able to do so if the city council and Mayor had not sold out the people of Raytown in the first place.<br /><br />Next April cannot get here soon enough for me.<br /><br />David, you fooled me once. You will not fool me again. Same for your cronies on the Board.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-79056367239465549682010-09-09T20:57:08.271-05:002010-09-09T20:57:08.271-05:007:17 AM, I think the deciding factor will be what...7:17 AM, I think the deciding factor will be what the board <b>ACTUALLY</b> does to resolve this issue. Raytown has has a small turnout at city elections, but I bet every one of those people as well as the entire neighborhoods will cast votes if they are unhappy. If they are appeased, they will sit at home on election day and never think about voting.<br /><br />Pat, I would say 50% of the board fails to investigate anything but I can name 5 alderpeople who will ask very pointed questions depending on what is at hand. If we count one who was defeated, the number would be 6.<br /><br />I don't trust ANY promise a candidate makes. He/she will say whatever it takes to get elected. I call that buying votes even though no money has changed hands.<br /><br />In the case of the Mayor's election, I think it will go to the best orator which is what happened in the last Presidential election. <br /><br />If Wiley runs, Bower has met his match. It sounds like the debate has started at the last BOA meeting.<br /><br />I was thinking of running for office at the last election, but it would be a disservice to the people since I am moving. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-33738087976368892482010-09-09T17:31:07.815-05:002010-09-09T17:31:07.815-05:00As long as the staff members that dont live in Ray...As long as the staff members that dont live in Raytown continue to make the decisions we will not get anywhere. In my opinion, Mahesh and Beth Linn have to be the first to go. They dont live here, dont have a vested interest in our town and are paid way to much for their worth. To take 2 hours discussing a one block long street that was made one way because of one person, and was done illegally is surely a waste of time. I also think that having 10 Alderman is 5 to many. How much money did the City give Aldi in concessions? <br />Tom Cole said in his gathering that there are several projects that are ready to go,,,where are they? Hung up in staff..More projects mean more work and more work means they cant get home to their out of Raytown communities in time to make dinner.Maxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53173205603030654952010-09-09T08:44:33.564-05:002010-09-09T08:44:33.564-05:00Andy, do you think the board investigates anything...Andy, do you think the board investigates anything?<br />This and other boards before them with the exception of<br />a few members, the rest only do what they are told to do by the City Administrator,<br />the cities lawyer or the mayor. They never ask the people <br />how they feel about a subject. Because they don't<br />want to talk to you. Maybe it's because most don't actually know<br />what they are doing. But, I do know we need changes.<br />I don't personally care much for Mr Wiley but, if he has any <br />better ideas maybe we should listen to him if he decides to<br />run for mayor. However, I must caution everybody, we have all heard campaign promises before. Even by Mr. Wiley. And we all know, they are seldom kept.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.com