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.

Louis CK: Give Kansas City Another Chance!

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I really like the FX show Louie.  Loosely based on the life of comedian Louis CK, this show is about Louie as a stand up comedian, raising his two girls in New York City and trying to find a significant other to share life’s daily struggles.  It’s not  a true comedy, it’s not a strict drama, it’s…unusual.  It’s a combination of things:  hilarious, sad, odd, surreal, preachy, extremely personal, raw, sweet and touching. FX gives Louis CK complete creative control over the show–so the star writes, edits and produces the show himself. And it’s been nominated for several Emmys this year.

Louie — TV show on FX

So in last Thursday’s episode (airdate: August 2, 2012), Louie is doing a phone interview with a radio station to promote his (fictional) upcoming shows in Kansas City at Stanford and Sons because the ticket sales are slow. After some very funny, undecipherable banter with the DJs, Louie blurts out  how much he hates Kansas City.  He says, in part,  “Kansas CIty is the worst town I’ve ever been in…what a dump.  It’s the worst city in North America, and that includes Canada and Mexico”.  After this rant, the radio hosts end the interview. This is the third time I’ve heard Louie rag on about Kansas City –why does he keep bringing it up that he hates it here?

I think it was on Marc Maron’s podcast WTF? that I first heard Louie tell a story about his horrible experience in KC.  It was something like: he did a show,  got high after with the staff, and then got lost trying to get back to his hotel. I don’t remember exactly.  But it was clear he had a horrible time. Then, earlier this year he was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and ranted about it again.  Now  he’s dissing us  on the TV show.  Really,  Louie, was every visit here so  bad that you have to keep harping on it? You haven’t been back since to give us another chance?  Don’t you know we just hosted the All Star Game?  We were chosen to be the first city to have the Google superfast fiber network? Hey, we have some culture  and it IS possible to have a good time here! Other comedians from the area love it when they come home (Rob Riggle, Jason Sudekis, Paul Judd, Eric Stonestreet)..maybe you aren’t hanging with the fun crowd during your visits??

Louie, come back to Kansas City.  Skip the comedy club.  Do a show in my backyard (that’s very trendy now for up and coming touring musicians–they love the intimate atmosphere) and bring the girls–they can play in the park down the block. I’ll invite all my friends who love your show and your unique style of comedy.  Before the  show, we can grab some BBQ at Oklahoma Joe’s (your kind of place–it’s housed in a gas staton).  After the show, we’ll walk to   Foos for frozen custard–I know how much you love ice cream! Your agent can book you at one of our fancy hotels (yes, we do have them, you’ll be treated well).  I’ll give you a city tour–you can see our beloved Shuttlecocks, cruise the Country Club Plaza, and we’ll do the art walk if you are here on the first Friday of the month. Sit by yourself in a coffee shop and see how many people give you a warm smile.  Nope, Kansas City is not New York..but it does have a lot to offer, and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised the good time  you’ll have here. Be more…open-minded.

Louis, you’ve finally made the big time…and did it your way.  Don’t get caught now  in the bubble of unending adoration, yes men all around, playing all  big theaters for mucho bucks, just seeing each city from the limo window and concierge level. Remember what a good time you had  hanging in Miami? You can experience the same in Kansas City…give us another chance!!

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!

Average Price of Brookside Homes..Going Up!

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Yes, home prices in Brookside are going up…and that is good news for both buyers and sellers!  I’ll explain why after we get through the stats.  All figures are for single family homes in zip code 64113, the main Brookside zip code:

In June 2012, 53 homes sold.  Average list price was $329,457 and average sales price was $319,169.

In June 2011, 34 homes sold.  Average list price was $305,192 and average sales price was $289,060.

That’s a 10% increase!  Let’s compare year-to-date:

From January-June 2012, 135 homes sold, with an average sales price of $310,790.

From January-June 2011, 107 homes sold, with an average sales price of $298,802.

That’s a 4% increase from last year.  Notice the number of homes sold increased for each period as well.

Higher average sales prices can be explained a number of ways:  fewer foreclosures and short sales dragging prices down; pent-up demand from buyers who finally decide to buy; less inventory pushes prices higher; continued record-low interest rates.  The higher average prices favor sellers who make more money from the sale of their home.  This year’s buyers are paying more than last year, however, they can feel more confident about purchasing in a still desireable location where homes are gaining, not losing, value.  I’m predicting the overall sales and average price for 2012 will be  higher than 2011.

If you would like home sales statistics for your particular location, email me!

(Note:  all figures taken from Heartland MLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

 

 

 

 

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

Looking for Bargains? Come to Brookside this Weekend!

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The annual Brookside Shops Sidewalk Sale is happening this weekend!  Today through Sunday…walk on over to 63rd and Wornall, head east and browse the bargains!  Make a day of it and stop for lunch along the way!  Remember the Saturday morning farmers’ market is full of fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade goodies this time of year.  Bring a bag and stock up!