More Speed

Traffic enforcement yesterday on Wayland in the AM, must not have read the blog before heading out.

No Need For Speed

Reports of traffic enforcement (read speed trap) on 87th Terrace on Monday. KCMO officer with handheld "shooting" motorists as they approach and then motioning over the offending criminals. The speed limit is 25 MPH. This should be easy for Weatherby Lakeans, 25 is the law enforced in WL. So for those taking the "shortcut", take a deep breath, slow down, enjoy the ride. I'm sure those who live in Wildwood are counting the days (hate to say years) until they can get their quiet neighborhood back.

You Think You Have Problems Now...

If you don't like the detour caused by the closing of the BRB now, wait (we can only hope) until construction actually starts. Discussion among friends has us wondering about the projected construction plan which includes Amity. Would it be possible Amity could be closed at the same time the BRB is? Nah...right? Do the plans tend to the two aging bridges on Amity? Yikes, maybe it is better not to think about it. Maybe these questions would be good to pose to Mr Johnson and Mr Ford when they appear at Weatherby Lake City Hall on the 7th.

Bridge Inspection Report

Still waiting on KCMO Public Works to release the inspection report on the BRB done in May. The previous report, two years ago by MODOT, makes you wonder why something wasn't done on a bridge that clearly was going down hill...and makes me wonder what happened to the money the State gave KCMO when they turned to bridge over to KCMO. Might be a good question to ask Messrs Funkhouser, Ford and Johnson.


Previous comment mentioned the fact there are no performance incentives in the piece of Barry that includes the BRB. Here is what happens when contractors are incented to perform...they do. The new I-35 bridge in Minneapolis.

Johnson to join Ford

Apparently KCMO Councilman Russ Johnson will join Ed Ford in attending the next Weatherby Lake Board of Alderman meeting on October 7th. Should be very interesting, to say the least. I believe this will be the first Northland public meeting the two have attended since the BRB fiasco began. I would think they understand the sentiments of those affected by the closure, so this wouldn't be a fact finding appearance. Could they have a more satisfactory answer than the stock PR releases by KCMO Public Works? We shall see.

One Month

If you are counting (I am) since the hoopla surrounding the BRB press conference. Indignant politicians (Funkhouser & Bos), wannabe's (Dusenberry & Quitmeier) and MAST Ambulance Director Hooten all deplored the closing of the bridge. Other than the press conference itself, media coverage has been meager (Vasto @ the Luminary is the exception).

In the meantime we, you and me, are left holding the bag. Response times to our residences by Police, Fire, Ambulance lengthened, neighborhoods made a little more dangerous due to change in traffic patterns, and the daily inconvenience/irritation of rerouting. Do you ever come down Barry going west, see the closed bridge, and give a sigh as you are forced to turn on to Amity? I do.

Touching Base

I sent requests for updates on progress to Ford, Johnson and Funkhouser earlier this week. Mr Ford's aide responded (previous post), that is it so far. With everything going on in City Hall in KCMO it will be very easy to defer attention to the BRB. The bid process is moving, albeit slowly...I don't think one could categorize it as progress. A phone call or email (contacts in previous posts) is an easy way to let the elected officials know how important it is to you. WL folks, same thing, ask your alderman and mayor about the current status.

Ford to appear

Lisa Minardi, aide to Councilman Ed Ford has indicated Mr Ford has requested to be on the Agenda of the Weatherby Lake monthly Board of Alderman meeting on Tuesday, October 7th. I'll confirm and post. The meeting is held at WL City Hall @ 7PM.

A Thousand Hits

Not counting the "soldiers" that got nailed by motorists on the BRB prior to closing.

That's how many hits in about six weeks this blog has received...surprising for a singular theme blog like this. Pressure on the politicians will be the only way this situation can change. What have you done to help?

Weary

Talking with a "volleyball mom" (is that our equivalent of a hockey mom?) Friday night. She lives at the very end of Wildwood West. I asked her how the BRB closing has affected her. Got that pained look on her face as she said she felt "weary". Are you there yet?