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

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

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

Visiting KC for the All Star Game? Come to Brookside-A Neighborhood of Locally Owned Shops & Restaurants!

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

Are you in Kansas City for the All Star Game? Looking for someplace a bit different to visit–for shopping or dining? Then come to Brookside!

Sure, you can go to the Country Club Plaza…and the Power and Light District…you will see the usual national chain stores and restaurants. But if you want to discover some friendly, locally owned business, come to Brookside. Just drive about two miles south of the Plaza at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd (or take the MAX bus). Park the car along any residential street…and join the neighbors walking to various businesses and services. Yes it’s hot..but we have lots of shade in Brookside due to our tall, leafy trees! Our merchants association website link is here.

Artwork in Brookside; shops in background

Dining options:

Julian – Top Chef contestant and James Beard award winner Celina Tio’s casual neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and service. Call for reservations.

Carmen’s Café – Casual southern Italian food and tapas, full bar. Good for take-out, too.

Blue Grotto – Wood fired pizzas and tapas, full bar.

Charlie Hoopers – Beloved neighborhood bar and grill with lots of TVs, games and bar food.

Michael Forbes Grill – Casual American food, try the pot roast soup, catfish and fresh cut fries.

Bella Napoli – Italian grocer and small restaurant/pizzeria.

The Roasterie Café – Best latte in town, free wi-fi.

Shopping:

Stuff – An art fair in a store. Hand made jewelry, décor, art.

5B&Co Candlemakers – Candles and gifts, the usual, and some unusual, fragrances. Get the “Brookside Bungalow” candle for a special gift.

Reading Reptile – A children’s bookstore, worth a visit just to see the décor.

Brookside Art Fair banner, 2011

Shopgirls – Always changing, eclectic clothes and jewelry you won’t find in a mall.

World’s Window – Décor, clothes, scarves, jewelry from around the world.

The New Dime Store – Forget something? The Dime Store probably has it. A true five and dime, like in the old days.

This list represents just a few of the more popular places Brookside has to offer. There’s much more to discover as you walk along 63^rdStreet and the nearby side streets. We’re glad you are here…come join us in Brookside for a unique, local experience during your stay!

Armour Hills Freedom Parade 2012

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

Boy it was hot yesterday morning for the annual Armour Hills Freedom Parade…but we had a great turn out anyway! Some excellent costumes and decorated bikes and wagons this year! Below are a few pictures I took during the festivities. Special thanks to Cosintino’s Market for donating cookes to our event. ..and thanks to all of our residents who participated!

Very soon I will be taking lessons on how to post pictures on this blog that are attractively arranged for your viewing pleasure!!

Armour Hills Homes Assn Board Meeting June 2012

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

Hi neighbors!

Here’s a brief recap from the Armour Hills homes association board meeting on June 19, 2012:

*Mark your calendar for July 18, we are hosting a special security meeting for residents at the Country Club Congregational Church at 6pm.

*We will also host the annual Armour Hills Freedom Parade on the Trolley Track Trail July 4. Gather at the south end of the trail near Gregory at 9:30, parade begins at 10am. Prizes and refreshments included!

*Troy Schulte, Kansas City MO City Manager, will be our featured speaker at the Annual Meeting in November.

*Our tree planting project will begin in the Fall.

*We are applying for new PIAC funds to make improvements in Arbor Villa park.

*Melissa Saubers is working on improved communication via social media for our residents. She is working on a Facebook page, the Clarion and our website.

*Remember the annual Ice Cream Social is September 7.

Our next meeting is July 17, 7pm, at the Church. All residents welcome!

Armour Hills and Brookside Home Sales Statistics April 2012

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

I have not been blogging for several weeks…too busy with work, two graduations, and a great family vacation to New York City! Back in the saddle today, and want to post home sales stats for April for the Brookside area…there is good news!!

Armour Hills subdivision

In April 2012, six homes were sold. The average list price was $231,125 and the average sales price was $227,275. Average days on market: 42.

In April 2011, three homes sold. The average list price was $224,450 and the average sales price was $209,333. Average days on market: 84.

Currently there are 23 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average list price of $241,791.

Average sales prices are up, and days on market are down! Now let’s look at the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

64113 Zip Code

In April 2012, fifteen homes sold. The average list price was $302,167, and the average sales price was $295,377, Average days on market: 53.

In April 2011, nineteen homes sold. Average list price was $248,160 and average sales price was $239,931. Average days on market: 98.

Again, average sales prices are up, days on market are down. Less units sold, but the higher sales prices and lower days on market shows buyers are committing to purchases.

Currently, there are 115 homes for sale in zip 64113 with an average list price of $566,033. The upper end homes are not selling as quickly as those priced under $350K, thus the higher average list price.

Would you like information on home sales in your area? Email me!

(All information based on single family home sales. Stats taken from Heartland MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics – March 2012

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

It’s the end of April…just now have time to post home sales statistics for Armour Hills in Brookside, Kansas City MO! Thanks for your patience, let’s get to the numbers:

In the month of March 2012, 4 homes sold. Average list price: $185,950. Average sales price: $181,325. Average days on market: 213.

In the month of March 2011, 4 homes sold. Average list price: $203,000. Average sales price: $195,500. Average days on market: 111.

Currently, there are 22 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average price of $243,961.

Although the average sales price is down, remember that there is a wide variety of home prices in Armour Hills. When lower priced foreclosures sell, or smaller homes, that skews the average sales price down. Also, it takes longer for these types of homes to sell, thus the longer days on market. Showings are way up compared to 2011, so I think this will be a strong sales season for Armour Hills!

If you would like more detailed information on what is selling in Armour Hills or other parts of Brookside, just email me.

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

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