History vs Progress (?)

The original Stroud's, dating from 1933, has been demolished in favor of a new bridge and wider road. Sounds familiar in Eddy-land. While the 'historic' Red Bridge bridge will not be demolished, it will be sidelined in favor of, you guessed it, a new bridge and wider road. It's interesting that Chuck Eddy pushed for the 'Grandview Triangle' to be renamed '3 Trails Crossing' because of the trails' historical significance; yet, actual historic physical structures seem to have no meaning to him.

Harry Ingels, Sixth District Councilman

Chuck Eddy's done it again. A retired vice cop out by 150 and Horridge Road has just learned the Lee's Summit School District is going to take his land for a bus turn around. He's beside himself, as any of us would be; so he did what any good citizen should do, or at least be able to do. He called his elected city representative. His mistake was in calling Chuck Eddy because the response he received was a typical, "Call Harry". As I get older, my memory tends to not serve me as well as it once did, but I sure don't remember electing Harry Ingels.

East Hickman Mills Area Plan

Give Chuck Eddy a point. The City is drawing up new area plans and Hickman Mills is the first. But wait. The proposed plan area only takes in the eastern half of Hickman Mills. The residents asked for the plan to be inclusive of the entire area and the consultants agree with the feasibility. Chuck even told a group of residents that enlarging the area shouldn't be a problem. Why then is Tom Coyle, Director of City Plan and Development Department, dragging his feet? Could it be that, in reality, Chuck doesn't want a discussion of land usage along Red Bridge Road? Could he have his own plans for that area and doesn't want to share with the neighbors? Maybe we need to take that point back and give Chuck another strike instead.

Fairfield Wants to be Mayor, Part II

The Councilman lists maintaining parks as one of his priorities should he be elected mayor. Apparently, he doesn’t mean ALL parks. He is quite content to allow a 1,200-foot-long freeway-style bridge to be built in Minor Park at the site of the historic Santa Fe Trail crossing.

He wrote in a letter to one of the many persons opposing the bridge: “I believe I understand the concerns of those who oppose this project”, but then goes on to say: “We must look to the judgement of the 2 District Council persons on District projects.”

The bottom line is that he understands why the community doesn’t want this bridge, but the 6th district is not his particular fiefdom, so he can’t interfere. Never mind that both 6th district councilmen (Brooks and Eddy) are ignoring those who elected them.

For Councilman Fairfield, it’s simply politics as usual. I don’t think that’s the progressive attitude Kansas City needs in its next mayor.