As I reported last month, Waldo home prices are on the rise. And the planned Wornall Road Improvement Project will enhance the streetscape, beauty and walkability of Waldo even more, making the area even more appealing to homebuyers.
Last week I stopped by the Open House Public Meeting (at Hale Cook Elementary) to get more details on the project. Paid for with your tax dollars, this project focuses on Wornall Road from 74th to 79th St. Key improvements will be made at the heavily traveled and congested intersection of 75th and Wornall.  They include:
*enhanced “artistic” crosswalks
*new curbs and sidewalks with accent pavers
*new streetlights and traffic signals
*a ‘gathering space’, planters, benches and litter receptacles.
This entire intersection will be reworked to be more accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders. There will be designated east/west turn lanes to access Wornall from 75th St (much needed!) and the Trolley Track Trail will be shared space with the sidewalk along the east side of the street.  The NE parking lot ( in front of Waldo Pizza and The Well ) will be also be reconfigured. (The transit center will remain.)
Although construction won’t start until next spring (continuing through 2021), and the City hasn’t decided where the first phase will begin (74th or 79th St), the public is invited to view the plans and provide feedback and suggestions. Go to the website for details and updates.
As a Brookside resident who supports local businesses, I am very excited to see our tax dollars improving this area for residents and visitors. Whenever I am driving into Waldo, I avoid 75th and Wornall when possible as it is just so difficult to get through.  This area is truly  the heart of Waldo with so many popular shops and restaurants right there. Of course, we will have to endure with closed streets and detours for a few years—but it will be worth it!