Category Archives: Brookside Community News

Where are the Mutt Mitts in Arbor Villa Park?

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Heavy sigh as I begin this post…it’s about the ‘mutt mitts’ (plastic bags for doggie waste) provided by the Armour Hills Homes Assn in Arbor Villa Park. At our board meeting last week, a resident stopped by wondering when the supply would be replenished.  Board member Tiffany Moore did some investigation as to why the box is frequently empty.

A resident who lives near the park orders the mitts and stocks  the dispenser.   Armour Hills has been spending about $4500 per year on these plastic baggies. A shipment of 6400 mitts lasts…just 6 to 8 weeks.   Yes, we have lots of dog lovers in Armour Hills, and I’m sure residents of other neighborhoods use our mitts when walking their pets.  But I doubt that every person walking by is taking just one mitt…it’s obvious some folks are taking hundreds of  mitts for their personal ‘stash’.

What to do?  This is an issue the board will have  to discuss.  We want to provide this service  for our residents, and the occasional non-Armour Hills homeowner is welcome to take one if necessary.  But it’s hard to justify a $4500 annual expense when it’s obvious some people are just helping themselves to as many mitts as they can take with them. There are approximately 1200 homes in our subdivision–if every single homeowner had a dog that was walked twice each day, there’s no way 6400 mitts could be used in eight weeks’ time!

I don’t have a dog.  But if I did, I would appreciate having the convenience of a mutt mitt dispenser in the park when needed.  I hope  this service does not have to be discontinued because of a few selfish people who are stealing the supply.  However, Armour Hills residents should not subsidize the cost of doggie waste bags for those who feel entitled to abuse the service.

What’s Next for Hale Cook Elementary?

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As a real estate agent, I am often asked about the public school districts in the metro area.  It’s no secret that many KCMO families move to Kansas or another neighboring Missouri school district when their kids reach school age.  A recent study by the Kauffman Foundation estimates that less than 10% of the approximately 6000 elementary school aged children living in zip codes 64112, 64113 and 64114 attend a public school. But that’s what Friends of Hale Cook are trying to change. Located at 7302 Pennsylvania, this non-profit group is trying to re-open Hale Cook as a  neighborhood school managed  by  the KCMO district .

So will the school be ready for the 2013-2014 school year?  Too early to say.  Kansas City School Superintendent Steven Green and Mayor Sly James are supportive,  and the  next step is the feasibility study which will be taken to the school board in the fall. Friends of Hale Cook welcome all area residents to take the study–and it’s easy to do.  Just go to the Hale Cook website  and click on the link.  It took me less than five minutes to complete.

Although operated by the KCMO school district, Hale Cook  will feature focused  and  constant parent involvement with volunteers in every classroom. The  advisory board will push to partner with the hiring of the principal and teachers.  Even though the school is still  in the  planning stages,  many teachers who live in the area have contacted the Hale Cook volunteers, expressing  interest in working at the school.

In the meantime, Friends of Hale Cook are maintaining a very visible profile in the community.  Yard signs are visible,  there are regular meetings and events open to the public, and the group has a grant from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to grow food on the school grounds for the needy–drive by and see the garden!

Friends of Hale Cook is the best example of a group of parents committed to changing the reputation of the KCMO school district by bringing back this community school. It’s a true grassroots movement. So how will the school district respond? Will they support Hale Cook, cooperate with parents, push through entrenched bureaucracy to get the school open? This will be a test.  The KCMO school board is always talking, talking, talking about ‘getting the community and business leaders involved’ to improve the schools.  Here’s the  opportunity to see if they mean what they say.  Prove it, KCMO school board, by supporting Hale Cook. Embrace the  advisory board, partner with the parents and volunteers. And please voice your opinion by taking part in the survey.

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics- July 2012

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Time for our monthly review of home sales in Armour Hills! Homes are selling quickly in our neighborhood. Let’s review the stats:

 
In July 2012, 9 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $225,422 and the average sales price was $224,111.  Average days on market:  53.

In July 2011, 5 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $226,460
and the average sales price was $224,470. Average days on market:  80.

Almost twice as many homes sold this year, although the average sales price is virtually unchanged. Days on market is shorter, which is good news for sellers. Also, notice how the average sales price is just about $1000 less than the list price.

Now let’s look at year-to-date figures:

From January-July 2012, 44 single family homes sold.  Average sales price was $220,406.  Average days on market: 89.

From January-July 2011, 30 single family homes sold. Average sales price was $210,151.  Average days on market: 137.

Year-to-date, average sales price has jumped up $10,000 from last year, more homes have sold and days on market has shortened by almost seven weeks! In addition, we had a home sell last month for $382,500–a very robust sales price for Armour Hills.

It will be interesting to see if these trends continue in the Fall, a  traditionally slower time for sales. Currently there are 18 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average list price of $245,975 and 126 days on market. If you would like moer specific information on home sales in the Brookside area, contact me!

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

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Brookside/Waldo Tax Reassessment Notices-In the Mail!

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Did you recently get a letter from the Jackson County Assessment Department? Yes, neighbors, it’s that time again…Jackson County is reassessing residential property for the 2013 tax bills.

We recently got the letter at our house, so I called the assessor’s office to get more details about the process. Working north from south KC, their  focus is now on the Brookside area. Staff from the assessment department will soon be inspecting and measuring the  exterior of homes.  Workers will NOT ask to enter your home; however, you will receive a door hanger asking you to call in more specific information. When  you  phone in, you will be asked questions about various features of your home: how many bedrooms and baths; if you’ve added on any rooms or have a finished basement. All of this information will be used to determine a ‘fair market value’ for your home, based on recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Next spring, the valuation notices will be mailed.  Not only will your home have a specific dollar valuation, but it will also feature  an estimate of your new property tax bill.  In the past, your notice stated  the value of your home but not how much the tax bill might be. Property taxes are due at the end of the year, so residents will have plenty of time to protest the new property valuation if they feel it’s unfair. And remember, when your property taxes go up, so will your monthly mortgage payment to cover the tax escrow account.

Watch for assessment personnel walking around your neighborhood in the next few weeks. If you want more information, the Assessor’s office phone number is 816 881 4661.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside – Part 2

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I wanted to write about a few more things I learned at the Google Fiber neighborhood association meeting on Monday night.  Google Fiber is  the fastest internet speed there is, 1000Mb per second, which is 100 times faster than what consumers have right now.  Google chose Kansas City KS and Kansas City MO to roll out this service, which you can register for now at the website.

You can read part one of my blog about Google Fiber at the top of this page. Other information about Google Fiber for reference:

*The ‘fiberglass box’ bringing the service to your home will be attached to the house, and stays with the house.  You will have one fiber box per TV set.

Google Fiber boxes

*Google says they will ‘work with the neighborhoods’ as to the placement of the service huts in each neighborhood location. I am concerned about this because of the unsightly AT&T UVerse boxes that were plopped on the easement and 68th St and Main in Armour Hills, which is not only an eyesore but blocks the view of oncoming cars.

* Users will have a regular remote control stick and a tablet for TV control .  (I was not allowed to take a picture of the tablet, but it’s about the size of a Kindle and very easy to use).

*You will not need a router or a server with this service.  You will have three small boxes, one for storage, another for cable and a third for DVR service.

*Four computers can be served by one network box.

*You can find a list of available TV channels on the website.  Right now, premium channels (like HBO) are not listed.  ESPN and AMC aren’t on the list either.  But Google is still negotiating, and feels these channels will be available eventually.

Google welcomes anyone interested in this service to stop by their local headquarters at 1814 Westport Road for a demonstration.  It’s very impressive–you can test out the mega-fast internet connection and the bright, hi-def TV service.  There’s plenty of Google staff to chat with you and answer questions… and it’s a very  relaxing, inviting space to hang out  and play with the new toys!  Hours are Sunday-Friday 12noon-8pm and Saturday 10am-8pm,  1814 Westport Road at State Line.

Having Google Fiber access to the KC metro area is going to change the way we work, play, and entertain ourselves.  The rest of the nation will be watching how we use this service and what happens as a result.  Even if you don’t think you have the need for faster internet service–if you plan on moving in the next few years, sign up. I believe it will add to the value of your home if it’s connected to Google Fiber.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside–More Details You Should Know Pt 1

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 Last night I attended the Google Fiber meeting for homeowner association leaders.  Google has done an excellent job of launching this service in Kansas city—plenty of media advertising, local news coverage and an easy to navigate web site with detailed  information.  Before the meeting,  I asked friends and family:  what other questions do you have about signing up for Google fiber?  Here’s what I found out:

1)      What if you have more than one TV?  Yes, you will be charged extra to connect more than one TV to the service.  Those rates aren’t determined yet.

2)      What fiberhoods wil get connected first?  The order of installation depends on the number of  people registered in that area.  If your fiberhood has more households signed up as of the deadline, you will get service quicker.

3)      What if I have Google Fiber connected to my house and I move? Can I take Google Fiber with me?  No, the fiberbox stays with the house.

Shuttlecock light fixture at Google Fiber HQ

4)      What if I buy a house in a fiberhoodthat doesn’t have the individual Google Fiber box and I want the service?  If that neighborhood has already been serviced by Google, and your new house doesn’t have it, you will have to wait until Google can come back and connect your individual house. No timetable for how long that will take.

5)      If I don’t sign up for the service before the Sept 9 deadline, and decide later I want Google Fiber, can I still get the service?  That may be  possible, but it may be a long time before your home is connected.  Those who sign up by the deadline are first to get the service.

6)      After the Sept 9 deadline, when will Google start connecting individual homes?  Google plans to start connecting homes by mid 2013, and there will be a calendar online that shows which fiberhoods will be connected when.

7)      How will customer service work?  Google will have local customer service  representatives and two remote call center service centers.

8)      How will condos be connected to the service?  Google is still working out the details on this. 

9)      When will Johnson County get Google Fiber?  It was announced yesterday that parts of northern Johnson County will be able to register soon for the service.

I have more information to share about my visit to the local KC Google headquarters, which I will do in part two of this blog.  This is a very exciting opportunity for homeowners, and I believe it’s worth the $10 to register for the service now, even if you change your mind later and decide you don’t want it. Watching the demos of this superfast connection–it opens up a whole new way of instantly connecting with business, services, friends, family and entertainment.  The tech world will be watching us closely as this service is implemented.  Get on the spaceship!

 

 

 

 

Street Work at E 68th and Main, Armour Hills

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What’s happening at the three intersections along Main St in Armour Hills, starting at E 68th Terrace and going north?  I stopped today and chatted with the workers to find out. (The City subcontracts this work).

Street Blockage Armour Hills

Apparently there are leaks in the main water valves under the street.  The homeowner at E 68th Terrace and Main reported the leak to the City over a year ago, according to the workers on site.  At the corner of E  68 and Main, a water valve was inserted. This work has nothing to do with the federally mandated sewer upgrade project.

Six Feet Under the Street!

It was interesting to peer inside the hole where the work is being done. ..yes, it’s about 6 feet under!  These pipes are the original cast steel pipes, laid in the early 1920s.  The sections around the water valves are being replaced with ductal iron pipe.  After all the work is completed, the City should send someone out to resurface the asphalt at these three intersections.  No timetable for that project.

In the meantime, it’s a bit of an inconvenience to drive around these intersections but at least KCMO finally got around to addressing the problems!  If the resurfacing doesn’t happen in a timely manner, I’ll follow up with a call to the Public Works Department.

Whole Foods Store Coming to UMKC Area

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Some exciting news for the Plaza/UMKC/Brookside area last week: a Whole Foods Market is planned for 51st and Oak St, across from the UMKC administrative center. Currently, this area is mostly a parking lot,

Parking Lot at 51st and Oak, looking northwest

with the Kansas City Young Matrons Club House at the corner. On top of the Whole Foods will be a four-story, $39 million luxury apartment complex, with monthly rental prices ranging from $950-$1900. (These apartments will not be targeted towards the student population). If all goes as planned, the project would open sometime in 2015.

Some controversy has spung up around this plan because the developers want access to the project through a new driveway that cuts through the popular Trolley Track Trail, heavily used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists. There are already areas now where vehicles cross through the trail, but this new drive would  likely produce much more traffic going in and out on a daily basis, competing with heavy pedestrian use. Parking for the complex would be in a garage in the middle of the site.

Overall, I think our  community will welcome the Whole Foods and the apartment building. Whole Foods is just the sort of retailer that will do well at this location, serving students as well as the thousands of residents in the area. Although public parking is already scarce here, many people would walk or bike to shop at the store. Folks who live in this part of town are attracted to the area precisely because they don’t always have to jump in the car to patronize area restaurants, stores and other services. Having a huge (eyesore) parking area in front of the store isn’t necessary.

“Walkability” is a very desirable feature for many homeowners–and potential home buyers. Welcome, Whole Foods, and make sure the drive  over the trail is well marked and lighted at  night for pedestrians. Don’t remove the bus stops on Brookside Blvd that drop off on Oak or Brookside Blvd. Work with the neighbors, respect the Trail (one of our most beloved amenities) and you’ll be rewarded with our business.

Locally Owned Craft Beer Bar Proposed for Brookside

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John Couture

Remember this face?  Longtime Brookside residents will…it’s John Couture, former employee  of SRO Video.  It was so much fun to stop in that store, let the kids play with the rubber animals and browse the videos.  The staff was always friendly and knowledgeable.  SRO has been closed for a few years…but John is proposing an exciting new operation for Brookside–a craft beer bar/restaurant at the intersection of Gregory and Rockhill.

John met with the Armour Hills Homes Association board last night as the venue would be in Armour Hills at 120 E Gregory. He wanted to explain the concept, answer any questions we had  about his proposed operation and hear our opinions on a few issues.  Although it is the position of the AH board to not take a  position on  issues such as this, we all were impressed with John’s enthusiasm and commitment to being a good neighbor in Armour Hills. 

The Bier Station will offer high quality craft beers for purchase and consumption on site.  John described it as a ‘tasting bar /bottle shop’ — similar to a wine bar, with international beers on tap and some packaged beer for take out purchase. He’s committed to partnering with locally owned businesses, such as Farm to Market Bread Company for the soft  pretzels.  Other menu items will include  cheese plates, sandwiches and desserts.  Capacity will be under 100 persons, proposed hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday – Saturday 11am-midnight.  There will be a partially enclosed rooftop area, possibly some lighter live music, and a ‘contemporary and European art deco’ decor with long picnic tables to encourage conversation with other beer drinkers.  John  hopes  neighborhood residents to walk or bike to the Bier Station, welcoming kids too  as the parents stop for a cold brew.

The concept sounds great, something different for the area:  a casual, comfortable  place for beer lovers to grab a beverage, enjoy a light meal and chat with friends.  He promises  all  employees will know about the craft beers served, and which beers pair up with various menu offerings.  It’s not a done deal yet, though.  John is asking KCMO for a parking variance for the site (although he does have the ok from nearby Townsend Publications to use their parking lot evenings and weekends) and he is still working out a lease agreement with the landlord.  If all goes according to plan, the Bier Station will open in December.

John grew up in KC, is a Rockhill Gardens resident and a graduate of the Kaufman Urban Entrepreneur program.  And he is committed to not only providing a quality, service oriented establishment but promises to ‘always’ be responsive to any neighborhood concerns.  Even though I’m not a beer drinker, I’m always supportive of locally owned, neighborhood friendly businesses and look forward to welcoming John and the Bier Station  to Brookside!

The Picnic Project at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

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OK, this isn’t a blog about Brookside…but about an event I know many Brooksiders will attend!

It’s “The Picnic Project” this Sunday, July 15 2012 on the lawn at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  Everyone loves the   front lawn of the Nelson…it’s magnificent, I never tire of looking at it. On Sunday the lawn will be transformed into a huge picnic area, open to the public.

For the past several weeks, there have been several fabric painting workshops around the city.  Anyone could paint a 5ftx5ft red or white canvas ‘blanket’.  These individual  blankets will be assembled into one huge  10,000 sf picnic blanket on the lawn Sunday from noon-2pm, and the picnic is 2-4.

Picnic Project blanket squares

Kansas City based artist Alison Heryer is the creator of this public art piece.  She teaches fiber art at the Kansas City Art Institute.  What a fascinating sight this will be for everyone to enjoy!

If you decide to make a day of it at the Nelson, remember their featured exhibition this summer is Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs 1851-1939.

Summer 2012 Exhibit Nelson Atkins Museum of Art