How Kansas City Country Club Plaza Pedestrian Plan MIGHT Work

Again, we must start this conversation by noting that this idea isn't really new at all . . . Plaza leaders and denizens of the 4th District have been talking about restricting cars from this space since the early 1990s. 

However . . . 

There's one missing element and without it the plan is destined to FAIL. 

Security. 

The rent-a-cops are nice and they work a very demanding job. 

However . . .  

There's a very real question of LEADERSHIP and support for police against unruly youngsters, more dangerous crooks and all manner of criminals who would attempt to ruin a vibrant public space. 

Again and again . . . We go back to the moment when Mayor Q stood with protesters and demanded "no justice, no peace" in chants aimed at law enforcement. 

And so . . . We actually have a solution instead of just dredging up the past . . .  

Support for a sub station or CAN center on the Plaza MIGHT BE a way to make amends for Mayor Q's tragic decision that has cost MILLIONS in damage to an iconic district. 

Will a permanent police presence on the Plaza solve all of the district's problems???

Not by a long shot. 

But a mayoral endorsement of community policing for a district he helped to destroy would be a nice start in the right direction.

In the meantime . . . Here's a peek at amateur urban planners ahead of their meetup wherein they won't discuss threats a lot greater to the Plaza than parking spaces . . .

“It's not a silver bullet, but it drives down crime because in a lot of ways it just has more people around,” he said. “It increases profitability because you have more foot traffic."

The drawbacks so far from residents have been parking concerns and the price tag. But the group said this plan removes only 115 parking spots from the Plaza – leaving more than 3,000.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Local group wants community input on a reimagined, pedestrianized Country Club Plaza

Urban Lab KC is hosting a meeting to get feedback and ideas from the community on Monday at 5:15 p.m. at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Library.