Transportation
Voters Overwhelming Approve Local Funding to Extend Streetcar to UMKC, Next Stop Washington
By Kim Mueller Kansas City voters living within the Main Street Transportation Development District (TDD) overwhelming approved local funding needed to extend the streetcar route 3.5 miles from Union Station to UMKC. “It’s an exciting day to have both questions pass by such large margins,” Jared Campbell, Downtown Neighborhood Association president, said Wednesday. “It just…
Mayor Applauds Streetcar Extension Plan, ‘Prays’ Washington Favors Funding Request
By Kevin Collison The proposed streetcar extension from downtown to UMKC got strong backing from Mayor Sly James Wednesday, but he’s skeptical about its short-term prospects for obtaining full federal funding. “I’m very bullish on the streetcar and its expansion, and what it can do,” the mayor told an audience attending a panel discussion hosted…
North Loop Overhaul Plan Hits Federal, WyCo Potholes
By Kevin Collison The city’s ambitious plans to design a new future for the current, awkward bridge and freeway layout on the north side of downtown has hit unexpected blowback from Washington and Wyandotte County. First off, an application for $60 million in federal funding to help pay for replacing the obsolete Buck O’Neil Bridge…
New Downtown Bus Shelters to Offer More Amenities, Relieve Congestion
(Updated Aug. 24 with work schedule: Work is expected to begin Monday, Aug. 27 at 12th and Grand, and on Monday, Sept. 10 at Petticoat and Main. Construction at both locations is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year. Downtown bus stops will be temporarily relocated during construction: -Eastbound 12th at Grand…
Well-Known Westport Merchants Opposing Streetcar Expansion Plan
By Kevin Collison Several prominent Westport merchants have come out against the proposed streetcar extension from downtown to UMKC, apparently believing it won’t deliver enough new customers to justify the additional tax burden. In the latest campaign filing by SmartKC, a political committee opposed to the streetcar, Westport bars and restaurants including Kelly’s Westport Inn…