tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post8319509180648471141..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Sign Issue Growing to New Height…Greg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28168507309154699402009-08-10T06:53:00.162-05:002009-08-10T06:53:00.162-05:00Reading the Post last week make we realize that we...Reading the Post last week make we realize that we will soon be without a city paper. Ben Felder is in the hip pocket along with about nine other city alderman. He couldn't do correct reporting if he had a gun to his head. Sorry to see you go Ben had high hopes for you but like a lot of other people in this town you too have sucked in by the administration at city hall. I for one will not be renewing by paper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-75523734115217348432009-08-04T21:45:29.098-05:002009-08-04T21:45:29.098-05:004:04 PM, Good point. Every time I see water runn...4:04 PM, Good point. Every time I see water running down the street or sidewalk, I say the street or sidewalk won't grow. Water is expensive. I don't waste money watering my lawn. My new house has no lawn so am installing sprinklers and a yard for Red Dogg. Water is much cheaper there in the desert so I can afford it, but if I didn't have her, I would plant cacti and let them take care of themselves.<br /><br />7:36PM, there is a lot you can't buy in Raytown. Even though Raytown is in the metro, I feel like I am living the the country. We do have quality grocery stores but if I want computer stuff it is a trip to OP. I was reading in the Red Star that Bennittis had wifi internet. That is a plus I didn't know about. Raytown is really a bedroom community with not much shopping. The high end stores would never make it here mainly due to the lack of through traffic because Raytown is not a destination spot. The locals can't support the type of shops we would like to have.Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-58859466249618424452009-08-04T21:31:40.027-05:002009-08-04T21:31:40.027-05:00It was my night to watch the BOA meeting on channe...It was my night to watch the BOA meeting on channel 7. I have never been so disgusted with anyone in my life. The mayor who calls himself a professional is nothing more than anrrogant bully who dosen't know shoe polish from applebutter. I thought the BOA meetings were open for discussion and opinions from the aldermen. I was totally wrong as far as our mayor is concerned. That only holds true if you are in complete agreement the the mayor. The man is a liar. I was at a debate for the candidates had when he ran for mayor. The question was asked of him. With all of your traveling how will you will be available to the citizens. He ever so proudly held up his phone and told a big fat lie. I will be available 24/7 via my cell phone. This man enjoys putting people down so he can look good. Well Mr. Mayor you look prety sad in my eyes and in eyes of alot of other citizens. So enjoy your power while you have it because when you fall you will fall hard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-16513950391275893072009-08-04T19:36:48.070-05:002009-08-04T19:36:48.070-05:00Had the opportunity to have lunch at Mr. Goodscent...Had the opportunity to have lunch at Mr. Goodscents downtown the other day. It's really depressing to sit there and look around at all the empty buildings and of coarse the park, that isn't a park. There has to be a reason for someone to come there and I just don't see it. Mine was I was coming back from Independence where I left my tax dollars, because I couldn't buy it in Raytown. I only wonder how much longer our city can survive on lunch taxes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-41964271172379331072009-08-04T16:59:00.799-05:002009-08-04T16:59:00.799-05:00I have been walking around the city for yaers and ...I have been walking around the city for yaers and have notice that at the intersection of Blue Ridge Blvd and Sterling there is no buttons to help people cross the road. I was hoping something can be done for us who live in the this area!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-76946021447947884182009-08-04T16:04:10.913-05:002009-08-04T16:04:10.913-05:00Drove past the "Greenspace" of Raytown y...Drove past the "Greenspace" of Raytown yesterday & was amazed to see the sprinklers flipping around & the water oozing & leaking from the fire hydrant going into puddles & being wasted. Gee, I wish I had free water to keep my yard & flowers wet. Oh well, it is more fun to pay for someone elses water bill.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-34756090931306265412009-08-04T11:07:16.372-05:002009-08-04T11:07:16.372-05:009:23 PM, I don't think that the city workers ...9:23 PM, I don't think that the city workers are allowed to just pick up signs. I complainted about election signs on the right of way. Mahesh Sharma saifd that the city had to idenitfy the owner and notify them to pick up the sign. Seems like an impossible proceedure.<br /><br />I complained about a Realtor's sign in the ROW. A city worker pulled up the sign and left it on the ground still in the right of way. I complained again. The sign was finally removed. I just wanted it moved BACK from the right of way.<br /><br />Pat, you are correct. From what I have been through something is against code if a city worker THINKS it is against code. It doesn't matter what is writen in the code. The claim was made that someone has to decide the intent of the code. Does the city have a psyhic on payroll to make this decision?<br /><br />In Carlsbad, CA a walk in clinic is locate in a shopping center. An old van with a sign "Doctors Care Center" has been parked at the edge of the parking lot bordering Camino Del Real (a heavily travelled street comparable to 350 HWY). It has been there over 20 years, I assume without complaint. What is wrong with Raytown?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7987596026936466192009-08-04T08:55:25.780-05:002009-08-04T08:55:25.780-05:00The price of Wal-Mart coming to a town.
http://art...The price of Wal-Mart coming to a town.<br />http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/the-price-of-wal-mart-coming-to-town.aspx<br /><br />Good read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37573542273087141322009-08-04T07:31:23.046-05:002009-08-04T07:31:23.046-05:00I remember a few years back when an alderman
stop...I remember a few years back when an alderman <br />stopped at a house that had a garage sale sign in the<br />front yard. He pulled it up and yelled at the people<br />having the sale, "these signs are illegal" he said.<br />Either yard signs are legal or they are not. <br />However advertising a church or business in a residential<br />area would seem to be illegal. Then you have to ask the <br />question are the real estate signs legal?<br />How about election signs? Then you had the illegal signs<br />on the City Hall lawn that said "Not this Charter."<br />There was or is a barber in the Raytown Plaza that had a <br />sign on his van that said "Barber" on the side. He parked it<br />in front of his shop so people could see it from Blue Ridge Blvd.<br />The city made him take it off. So you tell me what is legal.<br />Is it only illegal if someone from the city feels it is illegal? <br />This town is full of double standards. Codes violations run amuck and past elected officials get away with things the average citizen could never get away with. <br />This is why I feel this town is going down a dangerous path.<br />I don't mean just because of the signs either. <br />A town is only as good as the people that run it. <br />There are many things that contribute to Raytowns problems.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-45631999024475721742009-08-03T21:46:27.058-05:002009-08-03T21:46:27.058-05:00If our paid personnel at City Hall would make a pr...If our paid personnel at City Hall would make a practice of picking up the signs instead of driving by them the word would soon go out to those who place the signs on the city right of way that it was a waste of time and money.<br /><br />But I doubt that City Hall will recognize that simple solution to a simple problem.<br /><br />Here's a thought.<br /><br />Maybe Bower should call a summit of former Raytown mayors to discuss the problem. <br /><br />Sure to grab the evening news and really fill their egos for at least 48 hours!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-50866805999067525902009-08-03T21:23:31.035-05:002009-08-03T21:23:31.035-05:00The last time I researched signs:
1) May NOT be in...The last time I researched signs:<br />1) May NOT be in the city right of way.<br />2) Signs in a residential area must be not larger than 5 SQUARE FEET.<br /><br />As to the religious signs, I don't know the zoning there. It could be business since it is on Raytown Rd. I didn't stop to determine if they are on the ROW or not. <br /><br />By the way, there are new signs at Raytown Rd and Gregory on the ROW. Since I am not the sign police, I don't have time to report each one unless it affects me directly. Driving by a sign does not affect me unless it is a safety hazard.<br /><br />The rest of you can report them is you like. I reported another one that directly impacts me. That is the only one that concerns me and it is not mentioned here because it was reported to the appropriate official hence no need to mention it here. I feel it is more efficient for each person to report these issues rather than bitching about them here.<br /><br />If the sign (or whatever) impacts you, by all means report it, otherwise who cares? There is a garage sale sign on the corner of Raytown Rd a few blocks from the religious signs and across the street, but no one complains. HMMMM...could it be signs praising the Lord offend some but the same people aren't offended by a garage sale sign. I don't follow the logic.<br /><br />True this city looks cluttered and below PAR so that is good reason to complain, but why not call or email city hall? I emailed Beth Linn about an issue and had a prompt answer from Andy Boyd. I think that is the way to resolve many issues.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-11990853119521817272009-08-03T11:57:54.053-05:002009-08-03T11:57:54.053-05:00I am not surprised that someone has started up wor...I am not surprised that someone has started up worship service or Bible studies at their home. I have heard to many stories in the past couple of years of how organized religion is driving people away from the church and God.<br /><br />Let us look at some of the local churches and their impact on Raytown. We have one that has a history of costing the citizens a lot of money. In their hay day of ensuring business like Apple Bee’s couldn’t open in Raytown, which cost us tax revenue when they ended up opening just on the other side of the city line at 63rd and Blue Ridge Cut Off. Who can forget the building that we bought off then to later learn it had asbestos. I still don’t understand why we didn’t go back on them for failure to disclose. Then it was only a few years after they built their new building on 350 highway that more then a 3rd of their congregation left because of the actions of the Minister’s son. I assure you there is more, but they did a good job to cover it up as they couldn’t afford more shame.<br /><br />One of the other churches has produced to mayors. One that one he left office and moved out of our town had a Clay Chastan mentality and wanted to still run our city. The other is our current “Tax Hike Bower” who is always miss spending our tax dollars. Given money away not to help our citizens, but to “The Corporate Welfare Hog” know as Wal-Mart. <br /><br />With organized religion like this it is no wonder the churches that have the most growth are the ones tied to no denomination.<br /><br />So let the persons on Raytown Road celebrate their faith in their own way and hopefully bring a little peace to the rest of us who are paying to much in taxes thanks to some of our local denomination churches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-41131831658695394672009-08-03T11:25:18.870-05:002009-08-03T11:25:18.870-05:00What does signs in someone’s yard that are not in ...What does signs in someone’s yard that are not in the right away have anything to do with anything?<br /><br />The last time I checked as long as a sign was not over 4 feet by 8 feet in a residential area not on the right away it was not illegal.<br /><br />Although, I too might find it strange that someone has a large sign in the yard about a Bible study at their house and not at a church. However, I support the Constitution of the United States, which clearly allows for both freedom of worship and speech.<br /><br />If you would do your homework, you will find the challenged of signs in yards has already been decided in the courts. Our city nor any city can do anything as long as the signs meet residential measurement requirement and are within the property lines of the property the signs are located on.<br /><br />I would suggest instead you ask you Alderman why codes enforcement is not pull the signs that are illegal instead of a group of citizens that only get recognizes for their effort on this blog.<br /><br />Remember the Mayor came out last week and owed up to the fact our city might be hurting to meet some bond obligations. If we have code enforcement officers or other city employees who can not seem to do anything then it is time for them to go. As well we sure don’t need the economic developer position. Lets tighten the belt at city hall and assign this were it should be, which would be Beth Linn. If she can not handle both duties then let her resign. Be honest, she can not handle code enforcement now or this blog would not have a “Fix This Eyesore” section. What a sad example of leadership! I guess Bower doesn’t want anyone at city hall that has more energy then him. The “Big Dog” he might be, but those who have seen his lack of getting things done know him best at the “Lazy Dog”. The “Lazy Dog” needs to resign so we can get our city moving forward again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-78800042569279556242009-08-03T11:12:43.018-05:002009-08-03T11:12:43.018-05:00I don't live in WD #2, but is Mr. Ertz the onl...I don't live in WD #2, but is Mr. Ertz the only one on the board? Why is he responsible for everything? In Raytown we have 10 on the board plus a mayor and I wouldn't hold an individual responsible for the actions of a board.<br /><br />Since the taxpayers of Raytown are paying to keep Walmart open, obviously Raytown is a Socialist City. Maybe I sould call it the Socialist Fascist Fief of Raytown.<br /><br />If Greg was the only one who saw what was wrong with the deal, I wonder why the other board members weren't voted out. Maybe that will come up in future elections, but people in Raytown don't vote.<br /><br />I am still wondering if anything was under the table?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60433673662054223122009-08-03T07:43:52.719-05:002009-08-03T07:43:52.719-05:00The Jesus is Lord sign is still there and now alon...The Jesus is Lord sign is still there and now along Raytown Rd. there are even more small signs.<br />It's like that old song "Signs,<br />signs everywhere a sign."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-58546936771472431312009-08-03T07:38:57.294-05:002009-08-03T07:38:57.294-05:00To Anonymous 12:46,
The Wal-Mart deal was one of t...To Anonymous 12:46,<br />The Wal-Mart deal was one of the best deals in the history<br />of Raytown. FOR WAL-MART! <br />It was the worst deal in history for the people of Raytown.<br />Read this carefully, the only cost to Wal-Mart is their inventory<br />and payroll. Not even their building will cost them. It is all paid for with taxpayer money. The deal is if they don't don't collect enough taxes to pay for the bond, the City of Raytown has to make up the difference. This could be as stated $800,000.00 for the December payment. This is your money! <br />Greg knew what was being presented to the board. He tried to point<br />out the flaws and that it wasn't a good deal for the people of Raytown.<br />We wasn't "covering himself" he could see through the BS and hype <br />being pushed at the board by the then City Administrator and Wal-Mart's people. Nobody and I mean nobody else on the board was sharp enough to see that they were being played for fools. Wenson wanted to make a name for himself and Wal-Mart wanted everything at no cost.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39977794632845446572009-08-02T22:32:05.456-05:002009-08-02T22:32:05.456-05:00Someone is telling some white lies here. The payme...Someone is telling some white lies here. The payments made by the city in lieu of the Walmart sales tax revenue will not reimbursed by Walmart. <br /><br />Check it out. Call City Hall and ask the City Finance Director if Walmart is responsible for payments on bonds when it does not have a store up and running.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60459736813911983702009-08-02T09:50:10.627-05:002009-08-02T09:50:10.627-05:00Why is Public Water District#2 continuing to WASTE...Why is Public Water District#2 continuing to WASTE my TAX DOLLARS? Mr. Ertz has a lot of explaining to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-29345367851498596102009-08-02T08:39:13.839-05:002009-08-02T08:39:13.839-05:00Knabe's lot at 79th and Spring Valley needs mo...Knabe's lot at 79th and Spring Valley needs mowing again and I'm not sure the standing water problem is solved either. Where are you codes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-62617488746000186312009-08-01T20:54:07.624-05:002009-08-01T20:54:07.624-05:00To the person who gave the link to the landlord bl...To the person who gave the link to the landlord blog, that blog belongs to Turn Key LLC a man named Ben is the owner. He's also along with Kanabe, one of the slumlords. How do I know this? I have several friends who have rented from him, not a very pleasant individual.<br /><br />Just a heads up, don't believe everything you read on a blog.Salnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-73104623378258880312009-07-31T20:55:01.231-05:002009-07-31T20:55:01.231-05:004:48 PM, Yes there is a Tax Fairy. It is utilitie...4:48 PM, Yes there is a Tax Fairy. It is utilities that owe back payments for not paying their franchise tax. A large amount bailed Raytown out a year or 2 ago. Looks like maybe more to come.<br /><br />The thing is these windfalls can't be depended on.<br /><br />12:52PM, I think the initial problem comes from the voters. What good would a recall do but waste money? There would still be a small turnout of the same voters who voted them into office.<br /><br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-23201275646485301602009-07-31T16:48:37.771-05:002009-07-31T16:48:37.771-05:00Whoever wrote that the Walmart profits will pay fo...Whoever wrote that the Walmart profits will pay for everything and not cost the city anything is nuts!<br /><br />The money that is going to pay the bonds is tax dollars the city will not receive. They are not replaced by the tax fairy.<br /><br />Wake up people. Your city council has sold you out to Walmart and HyVee. You pay extra for the pleasure of shopping in their stores. Money that should go to repair your streets, buy streetlights and improve your quality of life goes to pay the bond holders. Not to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-57474697866285872382009-07-31T12:52:27.498-05:002009-07-31T12:52:27.498-05:00Mayor Bower and his cronies are the most incompete...Mayor Bower and his cronies are the most incompetent bunch of elected officials I have seen in a long time. I'm not sure they are even smart enough to be corrupt. I think they are just plain DUMB. TOO BAD WE DON'T HAVE RECALL ELECTIONS IN OUR TOWN!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-17632187894256819282009-07-31T12:46:08.954-05:002009-07-31T12:46:08.954-05:00Pat: Part of the Wal-Mart revenue will cover the ...Pat: Part of the Wal-Mart revenue will cover the bond payment, so paying back the bonds isn't going to cost the city anything (they will get their 800,000 back). Wal-Mart is the real crook. They demanded tax breaks and the big challenge is what will be lost when they move. Greg may have voted no, what was his real reason? Was he just wanting to cover himself if something went wrong?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-56323444558859994272009-07-31T11:32:20.347-05:002009-07-31T11:32:20.347-05:00Who elects these people who make bad decisions? No...Who elects these people who make bad decisions? Not the voters. When you consider that a very small percentage of the pople vote in local elections, I would assume they are elected by their family, friends, and groups they belong to.<br /><br />These same officials have been conned by at least 2 other developers on the downtown redevelopemnt project. "The first time sahame on you. The next time shame on me." What does it take for the officials and the people to learn by their mistakes? <br /><br />I have no facts and am accusing no one, but I wonder what was under the table?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.com