The Troost Coalition is a consensus-driven group of representatives from the neighborhood associations of Beacon Hill, Hyde Park, Longfellow, Manheim Park, and Squier Park. The Coalition is the result of a series of community meetings held in 2013 to begin building consensus for a positive redevelopment strategy on Troost. Although Troost neighborhoods are strong, active communities, development on Troost often assumed the worst and failed to adequately support the grassroots success of the last 20 years. The Coalition works for the mutual benefit of all Troost neighborhoods, as well as administers the Troost Corridor Overlay District.

In 2014, the Coalition initiated and directed the creation of the Troost Corridor Overlay District. The Overlay is the result of over 30 hours of public meetings and charrettes, which were attended by over 200 residents. With the support of the Kansas City, Missouri Planning and Development Department and the efforts of volunteers from the local design community, a modified zoning use table and design guidelines were passed into city ordinance in 2014 and 2015. The Overlay is designed to give neighborhoods tools to combat undesirable development and establish an urban environment that preserves and invests in the existing area. It also provides developers with clarity and predictability for understanding the development needs of Troost.

When it comes to development on Troost, Coalition members serve as the eyes and ears for their neighborhood associations. Because this is a consensus-driven approach, we strive to find development solutions that are recognized by our neighborhoods as being beneficial for all of Troost. After meeting with developers, we report back to our neighborhood associations to solicit feedback and, if needed, seek an endorsement for the project. Hyde Park currently has three representatives on the Troost Coalition: Dona Boley, Laruen Brown & Chris Koch. If you have any concerns, feedback or questions, please contact them HERE.