Kudos to Councilman Curls

On the whole I don’t have much good to say about the city council–or the mayor. Maybe that’s because of the lack of representation that has been shown to my district. Councilman Curls, however, has shown himself to be a bit different. He actually seems to want what is best for his district, the fifth.

I see on the City Plan Commission docket for Tuesday, he is requesting a moratorium on gas stations. As an environmentalist, I say It’s about time. I almost couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the Mayor declare a climate emergency, but I haven’t seen a lot that he has done in the way of mitigation since uttering those words – quite the disappointment. Even empty words garner publicity and most people would believe he would follow through with something meaningful. KC’s loss.

Councilman Curls, however, seems to be stepping up to the plate even if environment wasn’t his first thought. As I understand it, he is opposed to gas stations in his district simply because there are so many already. The fifth district could certainly use some new development, but gas stations don’t really seem to fit the bill. Some have ventured to say they’re simply fronts for liquor stores.

At any rate, this seems to be a positive step in the right direction and it’s heartening to see an elected official seem to have no agenda accept what’s best for his district.

Hickman Mills Gets No Respect

Yet another gas station has been proposed for Hickman Mills – that’s the historic neighborhood in southeast Kansas City that everyone seems to ignore – including the City. Anyway, this one has actually gotten a bit of attention. Channel 41 actually filmed and interviewed a group of neighbors about this project and their concerns. That is a big step forward. The next step, apparently, is to educate the news people on the neighborhoods that actually make up the community of Hickman Mills. Both speakers in this clip who were at the location live in adjoining neighborhoods called Fairwood and Loma Vista. The news person identified the area as Ruskin Heights. While that may be the largest neighborhood in Hickman Mills, it is actually a good 15 blocks south of where the neighbors were standing which is across the street almost west of Fairwood.