Embattled Brookside: Kansas City's Next Bannister Mall?!?

Yes, our post headline loaded question is just for cowtown originals and it's intended to put the current, deadly crime wave into perspective.

For those who don't remember . . . 

Bannister Mall was a shopping center in the southeast corner of Kansas City, Missouri which opened on August 6, 1980. After nearly 27 years of operation, the mall closed on May 31, 2007.

More than that . . . It's a cultural touchstone for longtime residents who watched something very nice turn into garbage slowly but surely. 

Sure the Internets & population shifts help . . . But in the end it was good old fashioned fear that drove people way. 

Also worth considering . . . 

Whilst Mayor Q's administration is attempting to take credit for a revival on the Country Club Plaza. It's be harder for retail investment to take hold in this enclave that's mostly like a small urban village surrounded by luxury housing and urban denizens just a stone throw away. 

In fact . . .

The last time Mayor Q paid attention to this part of town was when spent a great deal of time, money and effort painting BLM murals on the streets. 

For those who can't imagine that the fortunes of Brookside could take a turn for the worst. Of course, remember once hosted bustling commerce and countless teens a place to convene without parents in a mostly safe environment . . . For a time. 

And then . . .

Take a drive just a few minutes East and look closely at so many stately homes and the beautiful paths along The Paseo. Sure, it's not really safe after dark but there was a time not-so-long ago where that swath of land hosted families every bit as "middle-class" as Brookside.

This week . . .

A robbery that KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS REPORTED FIRST reminds us that this part of town hasn't solved its crime crisis. 

And . . . 

The latest neighborhood watch anti-crime efforts kinda seem like those prison guard towers that doomed Bannister Mall had to install around the parking lot to try and prevent rape & robbery.

As always, we share the bright side, relevant info and wish everyone the best of luck . . .

A string of robberies in Brookside has local business owners forming a coalition to address the rising crime.

Business owners in the area are planning their own group to figure out a plan for the rise of crime.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Brookside business owners take action after string of robberies

A string of robberies in Brookside has local business owners forming a coalition to address the rising crime.

Two men charged for armed robbery after helicopter tracking leads to arrest

Two Kansas City men have been charged after a series of armed robberies were committed from Rockhurst University to the Brookside area Wednesday night.

Developing . . .