Wornall Road Closing Disrupts Traffic Through Brookside

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

(Updated: Although the KCMO press release stated the street closure would be as described below, the south end of the closure is actually Wornall at 63rd. Found this out while driving by–get your facts straight KCMO!)

In Brookside…today is the first day of the Wornall Road closure from 58th St south to Huntington, in conjunction with the sewer and storm water pipe installation. You’ve probably noticed the huge digging equipment along the sides of the road lately. Supposedly this section of Wornall will reopen on Tuesday Sept 23, 2014 if all work is completed.

Note the Plaza Art Fair is happening this weekend, so there will be hundreds of cars trying to access the Fair by travelling along Wornall Road–then trying to find alternate routes due to the street closure.

Also on Sunday Sept 21, Wayside Waifs is hosting the annual Strutt with Your Mutt event in Brookside. Parts of Brookside Boulevard and Oak St (north of 63rd) will be closed Sunday morning for the walk and race.

Neighbors, be prepared for these street closures and plan alternate routes for the next several days!

What’s For Lunch or Dinner? Try This New Waldo Spot

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Let’s be frank: it’s a daily, often boring chore to plan and prepare fresh and healthy meals for one person or a family of five, even if you enjoy cooking. My daughter used to work at Cosentino’s Brookside Market as a ‘utility clerk’ (she bagged groceries), watching busy, suited singles and parents with hungry kids rush in, grab whatever from the prepared food section and dash out. We want convenience!! When my family is scattered and it’s just me at 6pm–I’m fine with eating a bowl of cereal or steaming some edamame to munch on with a side of grapes.

There’s a new Waldo ‘grab and go’ spot that’s a tasty and nutritious alternative to the usual grocery store salad bar or pizza delivery. Called Can I Have A Bite?, owner Kathy Hale is preparing fresh food daily for your convenience with an emphasis on using local meat and produce. (Longtime KC residents may remember her 1990s vegetarian restaurant called The Daily Bread). But don’t think all the choices are vegetarian–what’s different here is Kathy offers four versions of her food: “real” meaning no dietary restrictions; vegan, vegetarian and paleo. Here’s a sample of the menu items when I stopped by last week: vegan lasagna (one of her more popular dishes), chicken aioli wrap, a kale-apple-almond salad , lemon lentil soup, cashew meatloaf and pizza, plus a selection of spreads and desserts. She also offers a couple of breakfast items each day and partners with Red Headed Philosopher Coffee (also local) for beverages. Note that this coffee vendor offers more than coffee, like homemade lemonade and an Iced Grasshopper drink –yummy!

Kathy Hale

Kathy wants her customers to “know the story behind your food” like she does–all of her vendors grow organic and don’t use pesticides or hormones. She created all the recipes and cooks everything herself. I asked her if she had a calorie count and nutritional info for each item. Her philosophy is not to focus on calories, but on what you are eating–and make sure it’s fresh and free of chemical additives. Still, the portion sizes are reasonable and I don’t think any item would be unreasonable in the specific calorie count.

The point here is healthy convenience–the menu changes daily, and there are always several options. The entrees are frozen so it’s easy to stop in, buy dinner and heat up at home. Breakfast and lunch items are easy to pick up prepared and ready to eat. Check the Facebook page or website for what you want and text Kathy with your order. Currently Can I Have A Bite? is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-4:30pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm. It’s located at 8011 Wornall (east side), across from the Autozone. You can park right in front of the shop (easiest if you are heading north on Wornall) or turn on W. 80th Terrace for an off street spot.

Stop by and try something from Can I Have A Bite?. Spread the word to your friends who are on restricted diets. Thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo and Brookside businesses!

It’s Outdoor Festival Time in Kansas City!

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

The Labor Day weekend traditionally kicks off a month of large, annual outdoor events in Kansas City. It is amazing how many options there are — truly something for everyone, at all ages. So if you are weary of spending the weekend cooling off at the pool or chilling inside a movie theatre–read on for some good alternatives happening over the next several weeks:

KC Irish Fest, Aug 29-31 at Crown Center. This party has grown so large in just twelve years, and that is a direct result of the local Irish community and volunteers who have made this event one of KC’s best outdoor parties. Seven stages of entertainment, lots of children’s activities, a costume contest, Irish Fest Bingo and so much more. I suggest taking the Max bus to avoid parking hassles. Buy advance tickets online or at Hy-Vee.

Santa Cali Gon Days, Aug 29-Sept 1 at Independence Square. This festival is in it’s 42cd year and offers a good, old fashioned county fair atmosphere. There is a farmer’s market, lots of arts and crafts for sale, music, food–and it’s free!

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival opens August 30 and continues every weekend through October 13 in Bonner Springs. Bring the kids and enjoy the various street theatre and medieval entertainment, interaction with the characters, animal rides; browse the craft booths and of course you gotta eat a turkey leg and caramel apples! There are also special packages for purchase, such as a Pub Crawl. A great value for the price.

Two outdoor music events are happening September 6: you can rock on with local bands at the 10th Annual Crossroads Music Festival at Crossroads KC or opt for a more mellow vibe at the Prairie Village Jazz Festival, starting at 2pm at Harmon Park, 77th and Mission Road. Both have admission fees.

Now in it’s 35th year, the Westport Art Fair is Sept 5-7. I love shopping at these booths because they showcase artists from the Kansas City area and I find the art more affordable (for my budget!) than other art fairs.

The annual Fiesta Hispana happens downtown at Barney Allis Plaza Sept 12-14. You’ll find great food here, local and national musical acts and a boxing tournament!

And finally..Kansas City’s biggest outdoor Fall event (unless the Royals win the World Series this year!) is the Plaza Art Fair. It’s all here–art, music, food booths, usually perfect weather and the chance to chat with long lost friends you run into while strolling the streets.

Every weekend in September–low cost, local celebrations of interest to all ages, residents and visitors. Why not experience one you haven’t been to before–there are so many choices! Finally, a special thank you to all the volunteers and local leaders work so hard to make these parties happen. Our friendly Midwestern hospitality really shines at every event.

Neopolitan Style Pizza Comes to Waldo-Pizza Manifesto

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

I’ve been wanting to stop by this new pizza shop in Waldo, Pizza Manifesto, as it has been open a few months now. Finally ate there last week, along with my teen daughter and another (college aged) friend. It was Wednesday night, we arrived just after 6:30pm and we were the only people there during our stay. There was one guy working behind the counter. I expected to be busy during the dinner hour; perhaps it was just an off night!

Pizza Manifesto in Waldo

Pizza Manifesto is Neapolitan style pizza–very different from a more traditional place like Waldo Pizza across the street. The menu boasts “quality Naples-milled flour” and only water, yeast and sea salt are added to create the thin, chewy crust. Ordering your pie is similar to the Chipotle concept: you pick a base sauce of marinara, pesto or olive oil–and then customize your toppings from the display in front of you. There is fresh and shredded mozzarella, various meats, veggies and several cheeses. An average price for a pie with two toppings would cost $7.50–and there are a couple of specialty pizzas. Two salads are available, and a selection of gelato, plus beverages.

The pizza is baked in under two minutes, in a very hot oven–so watch that first bite, it can burn the inside of your mouth! Most ingredients are fresh and very basic and simple , as a Neapolitan pizza should be. The décor is minimalist as well–concrete floors, metal chairs, small pictures on the wall, bags of flour on display.

Daughter and friend enjoyed their selections–fresh mozzarella, chicken, arugula for the toppings. I liked my simple topping of plum tomatoes and mushrooms. I certainly felt this pizza was ‘healthier’ than a typical D’Bronx or Minsky’s slice–and they are totally different styles and flavor profiles. The pies are cut into four slices, and it’s easy to eat two and save two for lunch the next day. The service was friendly and quick. It seemed a little odd there weren’t more people in the place, and hopefully business is good overall as I understand it’s a locally owned spot. Reviews are generally very positive on Yelp! and Urban Spoon.

Pizza Manifesto is located at 505 W 75th St, just west of Wornall and is open seven days a week. Stop by and try it for yourself! Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses.

Armour Hills Home Sales Drop in June 2014

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Here at the halfway mark of the year, It’s time to check the home sales stats for Armour Hills in Brookside. In June 2014, (similar to May) we had decrease in average sales price and fewer homes are selling. Let’s look at the specifics:

In June 2014, seven homes sold with a median sales price of $228,000 and a very short 22 days on market. One home was listed at $168K and sold for $199K–the result of a bidding war between rehabbers I’m sure.

In June 2013,thirteen homes sold with a median sales price of $249,000 and 51 days on market. The lowest sales price was $180,000 and the highest was $335,000.

The shorter days on market period shows us that buyers are snapping up the updated, newer listings as soon as they hit the market. The lower average price can be explained in the lower list price of the homes for sale and falling prices for the homes that were overpriced to begin with.

Now let’s compare year-to-date figures:

For the first six months of 2014, 34 homes sold with a median price of $240,000 and 51 days on market. These are virtually the same numbers as the first five months of the year.

For the first six months of 2013, 40 homes sold with a median price of $245,000 and 76 days on the market.

Overall, inventory has been lower than last year, reflected in the fewer number of homes sold. The $5000 price drop in average price is not something I am concerned about. Overall, prices are rising in Armour Hills. Currently there are 14 homes for sale, with a median sales price of $235,000. The lowest price home is listed at $179,950 and the highest is $499,900.

Now that we are past the July 4 holiday, I expect slower sales and fewer homes listed through the end of the year.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

Bluegrass Concert in Brookside Helps Southwest Students

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Strong schools are supported by the communities they serve…and regarding Southwest High School in Brookside, I believe the strongest support has come from it’s neighbor, Wornall Road Baptist Church. Led by Pastor John Mark Clifton, the members of this church have reached out to the families and students at Southwest for the past three years.

Through their generosity, this congregation has provided:

*all meals for the football and basketball teams, including a spring sports awards banquet

*uniforms for the track team

*coaches for cheerleading team

*emergency assistance for victimized students

*student mentoring

John tells me the students and families are so very grateful for everything the church provides, and his members feel they get back so much more from the kids than they give.

And in order to fund all of these special services, Wornall Road Baptist Church hosts a bluegrass concert each year to raise money for their efforts. This year’s show is Sunday July 20, 2014 at 7pm and features Grammy nominated and Hall of Fame member Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.

Here’s your chance to see an excellent bluegrass show, in an intimate setting (only 400 seats!) and show your support for the Church’s local mission. Tickets are very reasonably priced at $10 and $15, and are available online at www.eventbrite.com (search for Doyle Lawson) or at the church on Sundays from 9:15-10:15am. Prior to the show, there will be food trucks, live music, games and classic cars on display outside beginning at 5pm.

When making your weekend plans, join the members for the Wornall Road Baptist Church for an evening of lively bluegrass music. All are welcome!

IB High School Proposed for Brookside

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Big news was recently announced for homeowners in Brookside: Academie Lafayette and KC Public Schools want to form a partnership to create an International Baccalaureate high school at Southwest High School, 6512 Wornall Road. If all plans are approved, the first students would enroll in Fall 2015.

Why is this important news for all residents–not just those with school aged children? Because a successful, well-maintained and respected public school in the heart of Brookside could raise property values and keep families in the neighborhood long term. I’m very optimistic about this possible new partnership–but of course there are many details to sort out over the next few months. I attended a meeting last week for parents of current Southwest students (although I do not have any children at the school) to find out more. Here are a few things I learned, outlined in bullet points:

*Academie Lafayette would operate the school, hire staff and manage curriculum. KCPS would retain ownership and maintenance of the building. It would not be a French immersion school, but would have several foreign language options.

*Prospective students that do not graduate from Academie Lafayette would need to pass a test before enrolling at the school.

*The inaugural 9th grade class (2015-2016) is expected to have 100-150 students, split equally with AL and other grade school grads. (Southwest has a capacity for over 1600 students; current enrollment is about 500 teens). One additional class would be added each year through 12th grade.

*Students who leave Southwest will meet with KCPS representatives, one on one, along with their parent/guardian, to discuss placement in other schools.

*The proposed partnership has been approved by the MO Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education and the AL charter school sponsor, the University of Central MO. Students would be considered KCPS students. A final decision is expected before the end of the year.

To learn more…attend a meeting! If you are the parent/guardian of a current SW student, the next Family Meeting is Thursday July 17, 6:30pm at Paseo Academy. Two Public Meetings are scheduled for 6pm Tuesday July 8 and Tuesday July 22 at Paseo Academy. Online resources: www.kcpublicschools.org/alhs and the Mind Mixer forum www.kcpsforum.org

New CID Tax Proposed for Morningside Neighborhood

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Recently I read that the Morningside Neighborhood Association plans to create a CID (Community Improvement District) to generate revenue for improvements to their Brookside neighborhood. The story in the Kansas City Star implied the proposed CID could be connected with bringing the streetcar route into Brookside. This sounded odd to me, so I met with association Vice President Ryan Loehr to learn more.

Morningside is a beautiful area of Brookside, with boundaries that run from 59th St to 65th St and Oak to Brookside Boulevard. Currently the $35 annual dues are voluntary, and Ryan says less than half the households pay the fee. The monies collected pay for regular neighborhood events, such as the September Sunset Supper and monthly Fly The Flag gatherings. However, the Association wants to have a reliable source of income to fund several other services that would benefit homeowners. The $125 fee per household would be collected by Jackson County and raise about $67,000 per year. In order for the CID to go into effect, a majority of homeowners need to sign a petition in favor of tax and each signature must be notarized. Ryan assured me there is absolutely no connection with their proposed CID and the possible future routes of the streetcar.

Checking the association’s website posting of the Spring 2014 newsletter, you’ll find an outline of how the money would be spent. Most of it -$33,000-would go towards regular yard waste pick up. About $10,000 would pay for landscaping and signage. (and of course the City of KCMO would collect earnings tax on this CID fee–sounds like double taxation to me). Overall, the $125 charge seems reasonable to keep up appearances in the nieghborhood, which helps keep property values up. The Morningside Neighborhood Association leaders are all volunterrs, and as a board member of the Armour Hills HOA, I know how much time and money it takes to maintain an older neighborhood with various islands and markers. Residents should be thankful the board has the foresight and initiative to create a CID in order to maintain the area with a more reliable funding source.

The Morningside CID is not a confirmed tax. Ryan says they are planning to invite homeowners to sign the petition at specific upcoming events yet to be determined. There will also be at least one public meeting later this summer. Watch the association’s website for details.

Brookside Home Sales Stats – May 2014

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside home sales statistics are in, and there has been a slight change from one year ago as compared May 2013 to May 2014. Prices are still rising! I am checking single family sales for the main Brookside zip code of 64113, details below:

In May 2014, 36 homes sold. Median sales price was just under $300,000 and 102 days on market. The lowest sales price was $155,000 and the highest was $1.35 million. (That Sunset Hill property had been for sale since October 2012.)

In May 2013, 30 homes sold. The median sales price was $290,000 and 118 days on market. The lowest sales price was $180,000 and the highest was $1.7 million.

More homes sold in May 2014 and in a shorter amount of time, and the average sales price was about $10K higher this year.

Checking year to date figures:

From Jan-May 2014, 103 homes sold at a median sales price of $298,000 and 84 days on market.

From Jan-May 2013, 113 homes sold at a median sales price of $285,000 and 110 days on market.

A few less homes sold so far this year, probably due to a lack of well priced, updated inventory..and the average sales price continues to rise. The Brookside housing market is overall in good shape and on an upward trend for higher home values!

Currently there are 99 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $460,000 and 125 days on market. This high median list price is due to the large amount of upper bracket homes for sale at this time. There is still a strong demand for updated, well cared for homes priced from $250-350K in our area…those are the ones that seem to sell the fastest.

(All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

BBQ in Waldo – The Stack Restaurant

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

There have been so many new businesses popping up in Waldo this year: Tropical Sno Cone, Second Best Coffee, Kansas City Bier Company, Pizza Manifesto –and Waldo/Brookside residents love to support locally owned businesses. I recently stopped at The Stack restaurant, 8920 Wornall Road, to satisfy a barbecue craving. It reopened in April, and has seen a steady stream of customers since then.

BBQ is a an easy topic of discussion for KC residents–everyone has their favorite. The Stack holds it’s own with the big guys (Oklahoma Joe’s, Jack Stack and Gates). The restaurant is very casual, service is fast and friendly, and the portions are generous. I’ve tried the ribs and the burnt ends–both very tasty and tender. My daughter and I split the Stack Slab Platter and had enough left over for another meal!

Jeff Hallier, partner

You’ll find a variety of appetizers here too: fresh-sliced onion rings, BBQ potato skins, pig skin poppers and wings. Partner Jeff Hallier told me they are also experimenting with a sausage stuffed pork loin, a special bread pudding dessert, and want to add fish options on the weekends. Right now you can only purchase bottled beer, but Jeff is already planning an expansion to include a full bar, hopefully by the time football season kicks off. The Stack also offers nightly specials, a catering menu and plenty of parking in front of the restaurant.

The next time you get a craving for BBQ–stop in The Stack. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday at 10am. Thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo businesses!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Brookside Community News