Longfellow Residents Struggle with DoorDash’s DashMart Traffic

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Heavy traffic outside DoorDash DashMart in Longfellow neighborhood at night.

News Summary

Residents of Longfellow are expressing growing frustration due to the incessant noise and traffic caused by DoorDash’s DashMart operations. Open 24/7 for nearly two and a half years, the convenience store has drastically transformed the local environment, attracting a significant volume of delivery drivers. With average daily vehicle counts reaching alarming levels, residents are raising concerns over safety and the quality of life in their neighborhood. Despite measures taken by DoorDash to address complaints, many in the community remain skeptical about the efficacy of these changes.

Residents of Longfellow Feel the Strain of DoorDash’s DashMart Operations

In the bustling neighborhood of Longfellow, residents are experiencing a growing sense of frustration as they contend with the never-ending noise and traffic generated by DoorDash’s DashMart. The store has been operational for 2 ½ years and is open 24 hours a day, creating a convenient option for those in need of a midnight snack or late-night supplies. However, for those living nearby, it has become a source of stress and concern.

A Front-Row View of the Traffic Chaos

One resident, John Wildman, has taken it upon himself to monitor the hustle and bustle outside his home. From his front window, he observes an astonishing 60 to 100 drivers streaming into the DashMart during peak evening hours. For John, who lives across the street with his wife Sarah and their three kids, the surge in traffic has transformed their once peaceful street into a thoroughfare for DoorDash delivery drivers.

In 2024 alone, their residential road witnessed an average of 885 vehicles each day. To put that in perspective, nearby Charlotte Street saw around 1,500 vehicles daily, and Gillham Road, a major artery, handled a whopping 8,500 vehicles per day. Such traffic levels have raised eyebrows not only for John and his family but also for the other residents in the area.

The Sound of Late-Night Deliveries

What’s even more bothersome is the noise. Initially, John was taken aback by the loud, “window-shaking” music that seemed to reverberate from the cars of drivers picking up their deliveries. It became a nightly disruption, making family evenings less enjoyable and sleep more elusive. Alongside this constant disturbance, neighbors have reported issues with delivery drivers blocking driveways, raising concerns over safety, and even contributing to fender benders.

A Glance at the DashMart

Located at 2730 Holmes St., the DashMart is nestled among residences, an art gallery, a gym, a church, an elementary school, and more. This close proximity to numerous homes makes the high traffic from the convenience store all the more perplexing. While there are no other DashMarts nearby—aside from a site in Lenexa that works well due to its proximity to a Coca-Cola bottling company—the Longfellow community feels the weight of the store’s operations.

The Zoning Violations and Ongoing Issues

In late 2024, a city inspector raised alarms by issuing two zoning violations against DoorDash for insufficient parking and inadequate space for delivery trucks at the DashMart. Despite their attempts to appeal these violations, the Board of Zoning Adjustment recently upheld them. This decision marks a crucial turning point, as fundamental changes must now be implemented at the DashMart if it wishes to maintain its current operational status.

DoorDash’s Response to Neighborhood Concerns

In light of these ongoing issues, DoorDash has expressed its desire to be a good neighbor. They have implemented a few changes in an attempt to remedy the complaints from residents. Adjustments made to their app now prevent drivers from accepting new orders while waiting at the DashMart, and the company has encouraged suppliers to use smaller vehicles to minimize blockage on local roads.

Further developments include the installation of security cameras and the hiring of off-duty police officers to help manage the flow of traffic around the store, measures that reflect their dedication to improving community relations. However, many residents remain unconvinced, with some wishing they had known about the possible implications of living near a 24-hour convenience store before purchasing their homes.

A Look Ahead for Longfellow

As of March 18, discussions continue regarding the code violations while DoorDash seeks possible alternative sites in Kansas City. While John Wildman continues his traffic counts from his front window and delivery driver Jefferson navigates the high pressure of waiting for orders, the neighborhood of Longfellow stands at a crossroads, hoping for some much-needed relief from the operating DashMart.