Crossroads Community Association Inches Closer to Creating CID for a Safer District
Kansas City, Mo. – The Crossroads Community Association (CCA) is making significant strides toward its long-anticipated goal of establishing a Crossroads Improvement District (CID). The proposed CID is built around three main themes: greener, cleaner, and safer.
Addressing Community Needs
According to CCA board member Lara Gray, “We are one of the only neighborhoods, we’re the only neighborhood within this radius of the Kansas City Metro without a CID.” The Crossroads area is known for its vibrant arts scene, and the leaders of the CCA believe that forming a CID is essential for supporting future growth and stability.
Plans for Improvement
The improvement plan includes implementing 12 hours of police and security patrols, installing camera surveillance, and ensuring regular trash and graffiti removal. Funding for the CID would primarily come from a half-cent sales tax and property assessments.
Community Vision
Gray emphasized the importance of providing a visible presence in the neighborhood: “I think more than anything we just wanna make sure there are eyes on the street and people walking around and having a good time more than anything, that’s what we need.” This initiative follows closely after the unsuccessful voter proposition for a new Royals stadium in the East Crossroads.
Looking to the Future
Gray expressed hope that even if the Royals stadium didn’t come to fruition, the Crossroads could attract other developers who fit its arts and entertainment character. The CCA aims for the community to be a desirable place that embodies its principles of being cleaner, greener, and safer.
Signatures Needed for Progress
The CID proposal has been in development for over two years, and the CCA reports only needs 70 more signatures from property owners to move forward. They aim to have this accomplished by the end of August, which would allow them to take the proposal before the city council for a final vote.
Business Perspectives
Local business owners, such as Venus Nichols of Arizona Trading Company, believe that the CID could help mitigate crime. Nichols noted, “What I understand is that most of the crime is break-ins at night when businesses are closed. That I think would be a good time for police and security to be around.”
Conclusion
Once the necessary signatures are secured, the proposal will also require approval from the election board for the sales tax adjustment. The CCA hopes to secure funding by next year to realize their vision of a heightened sense of safety and general improvement within the district.
