Mayor Quinton Lucas Addresses Community Concerns in Kansas City
Kansas City recently hosted a vibrant meeting for residents, where Mayor Quinton Lucas dropped in to share insights and engage directly with community concerns. The gathering, held on September 9, took place at the South Patrol Police Campus and was part of a discussion led by City Manager Brian Platt. With a friendly atmosphere, attendees were eager to ask questions and discuss various pressing topics affecting their city.
Addressing the 911 System
One of the main topics of concern during the meeting was the city’s 911 system. Mayor Lucas was candid in acknowledging that improvements are needed. “You gotta answer 911 calls,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Community member Brad Lemon, who serves as the president of the KC Fraternal Order of Police, added to this sentiment by highlighting the staffing issues plaguing the system.
“It’s a generational problem,” Lemon noted, pointing out the challenges in attracting younger individuals to careers in public safety. Despite these hurdles, he praised KCPD Chief Stacey Graves for her leadership and provided positive news—this marks the first time in a decade that the 911 department has retained more personnel than it lost.
Future Plans for the City Jail
Another pressing issue discussed was the development of a new city jail. Mayor Lucas reported active discussions about potentially placing the new facility near Jackson County’s jail, which is currently under construction. “That is an ongoing conversation,” he assured the residents, highlighting the city’s commitment to improving the local justice system.
Economic Development Discussions
The conversation then shifted to the recent closure of Oracle Cerner’s campus in South Kansas City. City Manager Platt shared that the city is exploring ways to reclaim some of the economic development incentives initially promised in exchange for job creation. Members of the audience expressed concern over this development and were curious about the timeline for reopening Hillcrest Road.
“We’re having conversations now about legal pathways we could pursue,” Platt stated, assuring the residents that 5th District At-Large Councilmember Darrell Curls is actively involved in the discussions.
Recent City Achievements
Before diving into more questions from the audience, Platt shared a few exciting updates from the city’s recent achievements. The city has successfully converted around 90,000 streetlights to LED bulbs, which not only enhances visibility but also saves money. They’ve repaved an impressive 519 miles of streets in the last fiscal year and provided 170,000 trash carts to residents, improving waste management across the city.
Moreover, Platt noted that these new trash carts will pave the way for an upcoming phase of trash collection using side-arm trucks, which will help streamline operations without eliminating any jobs. He also mentioned a focused effort to tackle litter hotspots, specifically referencing areas at the entrances and exits of Bannister Road from Highway 71.
Support for Senior Citizens
Another crucial segment of the meeting involved discussions around support for senior citizens, with Dan Fowler, a former city council member, providing insights into the senior citizens service fund operating in neighboring counties. He explained how the fund assists residents aged 60 and older with a variety of services aimed at helping them remain in their own homes.
Interestingly, Jackson County residents will have an opportunity to vote on November 5 for a new tax to fund a similar senior services program, which would entail a 5-cent levy per $100 on real and personal property.
Honoring First Responders
As the meeting wrapped up, a heartfelt tribute was offered to first responders who courageously served during the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. This emotional remembrance highlighted the meeting’s spirit of community and gratitude.
Overall, the South Kansas City Alliance meeting proved to be an informative and engaging event, allowing residents to voice their concerns and stay informed about the city’s future. With leaders like Mayor Lucas and City Manager Platt at the helm, Kansas City is navigating these challenging yet crucial issues with open dialogue and a commitment to enhancing the community.
