Kansas City, Missouri – In a move to heal the gaps caused by decades-old infrastructure projects, Kansas City is relying on its residents to play a major part in the Reconnecting the Westside initiative. This city-led project aims to rebuild essential neighborhood connections that were disrupted by the construction of Interstates 35 and 670. The program will officially begin with a community summit slated for Saturday, April 5, at the Boulevard Brewery situated at 2501 Southwest Boulevard, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The Reconnecting the Westside project is backed by a major $1 million grant from the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program. The objective of the effort is to develop solutions that increase safety, accessibility, and the overall long-term well-being of the community.
However, the project’s ambitions extend beyond just repair of streets; it is ultimately about mending the social fabric of the neighborhood, understanding its historical background, and shaping a future that reflects the aspirations and realities of its current residents.
The next summit marks the commencement of the first phase of the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) project. This key phase includes collecting public feedback on both the problems and opportunities present throughout the affected corridor.
During the event, residents will have the opportunity to listen to presentations from city officials, urban planners, and engineers. More significantly, it will be an open venue for attendees to voice their concerns, provide comments, and submit their ideas.
Councilmember Crispin Rea of the 4th District-at-large emphasized the importance of community involvement:
“Ensuring the voices of Westside residents are heard is critical to this process,” said Councilmember Crispin Rea. “The highway construction of past decades had a lasting impact on this community, and now is the time to take steps toward repairing those divisions. This summit will help guide the study and ensure that the needs of the neighborhood are at the forefront.”
Echoing these sentiments, Councilmember Eric Bunch, also of the 4th District, highlighted the study’s significance in the broader context of urban development and community well-being.
“This study is a key step in understanding how we can reconnect the Westside in a way that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and quality of life for residents. Public input is essential in shaping the vision for the future, and I encourage all community members to attend and share their perspectives,” Bunch said.
Residents seeking to stay updated on event details and opportunities to submit further feedback should visit reconnectwestside.com or contact the initiative via email at [email protected]. The city hopes this summit will be a turning point in restoring unity and vibrancy to the Westside neighborhood, underscoring its commitment to a community-driven approach to urban development.
