June 16, 2021
General Meeting
Kansas City, Missouri
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Present:
Matthew Browning, Baltimore Ave Nadja Karpilow, Baltimore Ave Deb Robinson, Warwick Blvd Angie Phillips, Warwick Blvd Jacob Ambrose, Central Betsy Ambrose, Central Tabitha Judson, Wyandotte
Leigh Blumenthal, Midtown KC Now
Officer Sanders, KCPD
Delaney Smail, Midtown KC Now
Deb Robinson, Vice President, called the meeting to order. Scot Stockton was unable to attend.
Dianna was absent. Nadja reported that there are no changes to the balance from the last report which is $3,592.
Angie Phillips moved to accept the April minutes. Matthew Browning seconded, and all were in favor. A correction to the minutes will be made for the update on 3722 Central. Walnut street had been mistakenly written in the minutes.
Deb Robinson moved to adopt the Guidelines for New Construction in Residential Historic Districts and Neighborhoods. Angie Phillips seconded, and all were in favor.
Officer Sanders gave a brief report and shared that locked and unlocked cars are being robbed. She reminded us to keep valuables out of sight and to lock our cars. A short discussion was had on gun shots and shot spotters.
Nadja gave a brief update on collecting signatures for the honorary street naming for Marty Phillips. She was able to get 50% + of the property owners on the block to sign the petition. The goal is to get the required signatures from property owners in Kansas City by the end of the summer. A minimum of 50 signatures are required.
The owner of 3722 Central received a permit to build a foundation but the city has on record that no other permits can be issued until the developer resubmits the design plans to the Preservation Office. It was noted that the sediment control on the property is non-existent.
The owner/developer of 3720 Warwick was successful in appealing the BZA’s ruling that the house had to be single family. The owner has plans to make the house into a duplex.
The group discussed briefly Airbnb and the current rules regarding short-term rentals. The group agreed that there needed to be more education and discussion on this topic.
The lighting of the building on the plaza has taken a break as the group spearheading the issue has moved to the issue of the development where the Commerce Bank tower used to be.
On October 7 Midtown Now KC will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. There will be an opportunity to table at the event, Leigh also shared that a midtown survey is out and requested group members take the survey. There will be a discussion of the results on July 15.
A few other items were discussed including an ordinance that was recently announced that will allow homeless camps on city property.
Delaney was introduced to the group. She will be working with Midtown KC Now on homelessness.
The clean up and recycling event held in partnership with Heart of Westport is scheduled for October 2. Angie will contact PC’s for People to see if they will be able to provide electronic recycling. Nadja will look into providing shredding services.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 18.*
* Moved to August 25 via Zoom.