News Summary
Northmoor is set to receive a $6.8 million federal grant to upgrade its roadways, addressing long-standing safety issues. The project will modernize Missouri Route AA, enhancing infrastructure and ensuring a safer environment for the community’s growing population. Mayor Lynda Wilson has actively advocated for these improvements, which are expected to kick off in 2028. Local residents are optimistic about the changes as they look forward to safer streets for families and children.
Northmoor Set to Get a Major Boost with $6.8 Million Road Improvement Grant
Northmoor, a quaint little town nestled just east of Parkville in Platte County, is buzzing with excitement after news that it will receive a $6.8 million federal grant aimed at upgrading its roadways. This significant funding comes from the Mid-America Regional Council, and it’s about time—especially with long-standing safety concerns plaguing its main streets. Homeowners and community members alike are ready to wave goodbye to the anxiety that comes with busy roads.
A Walk Through Northmoor
Emilee Shelton is one of many locals who chose Northmoor for its peaceful charm, providing the accessibility of Kansas City without the chaos. However, living on the main road comes with its own challenges. Cars speed down her street, often at perilous speeds, prompting her to keep her dog leashed just for safety’s sake. The main road is characterized by deep ditches on either side, raising even more red flags for residents and guests alike.
Shelton has grown accustomed to warning anyone who visits her home to watch their step near those ditches—especially as they are deceptively close to the road and concern her deeply.
A Much-Needed Transformation
Thanks to the newly acquired grant, the state of Missouri Route AA or Waukomis Drive is set to undergo major renovations. The project will stretch from U.S. 69 in Riverside all the way to Interstate 29, modernizing a roadway that dates back to the 1940s. This is a much-needed step to bring the infrastructure up to speed for the growing community, which currently boasts a population of around 300 residents.
Community Support and Concerns
Local Mayor Lynda Wilson has been a champion for road improvements for five years, tirelessly advocating for safer conditions. She has highlighted the urgent need for guardrails and traffic barriers to avoid potential accidents, particularly for families who have to navigate these streets. Concerns are echoed by other residents such as Travis Baker, who has six children. The proximity to the road while trying to walk to school has left many parents anxious for their children’s safety.
The ditches, unfortunately, add another layer of complexity. They aren’t just a hazard; they often collect litter from passing vehicles and seem to be neglected by city maintenance. Some dedicated residents have stepped up, volunteering their time to care for these areas, but there’s only so much they can do without local government support.
What’s on the Horizon?
The upcoming road upgrades promise to include a two-lane street complete with curbs, sidewalks, new street lights, and a modern stormwater system. However, not all costs will be covered by the federal grant; approximately 80% will come from it, while the remaining 20% will rely on local taxes. The total project cost is estimated to fall between $8 and $9 million, suggesting that Northmoor’s community will need to step up its contribution.
Excitingly, the construction is expected to kick off in 2028, and it couldn’t come soon enough for many. Mayor Wilson has noted Northmoor’s shifting demographics, as younger families begin to move into the area, seeking a friendly town to settle down in. The recent addition of a park near the busy street has only magnified safety concerns due to the absence of sidewalks, making these road improvements critical.
A Glimpse at the Bigger Picture
Councils and planners in Platte County recognize that inadequate infrastructure is a lingering issue, and this grant is just part of a larger strategy. Future roadway enhancements are anticipated as part of a long-range development plan, ensuring that older streets receive the updates they so desperately need.
As Northmoor embarks on this journey of transformation, residents can at least look forward to a safer environment to call home. These road improvements aren’t merely about asphalt and curbs; they’re about creating a community where folks can stroll safely, children can play, and life can thrive.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSHB: Platte County Residents Seek Transparency
- Google Search: Northmoor road improvements
- Central Illinois Proud: Peoria Intersection Reconstruction
- Wikipedia: Road construction
- Smithsonian Magazine: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Home Sale
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infrastructure
- PJ Star: Major Road and Sewer Projects in Peoria
- Google News: Peoria road projects
