HPNA Blog

HPNA Blog

April 20, 2018

Elaine McDermott: A Lasting Impression

This article originally appeared in the March/April issue of the Hyde Parker.

Elaine McDermott moved to 4012 Charlotte Street almost 34 years ago, and during her time in Hyde Park she made a big impact on her neighbors and the neighborhood itself. Moving to Kansas City from a small town in Iowa, Elaine says one of the first reasons she chose to get involved was to meet people. She worked on many neighborhood initiatives over the years, including serving on the HPNA Board, putting South Hyde Park on the National Historic Register, and volunteering on many of the Homes Tours. Elaine co-chaired the tour in 1989, and her own home was featured on the tour and in Star Magazine in 2002. One of Elaine’s most memorable projects was the long process of downzoning Hyde Park, which involved many city meetings and being very politically active on behalf of the neighborhood.

Elaine also worked with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) as a representative of South Hyde Park and later as president of the NHS board. Serving alongside neighbors and friends there, the partnership with this organization brought several beautification programs in Hyde Park. Among them were the installation of decorative urns throughout the neighborhood that we see adorned each year with colorful flowers, and the planting of hundreds of trees throughout Hyde Park. Elaine secured multiple grants to plant trees along residential streets and other areas.

Neighbors Kay Boehr and Dona Boley remember working together with Elaine on the Gillham Road Improvement Project, the plan responsible for bringing the updated playground to 41st and Kenwood and many other improvements that helped make our neighborhood and Gillham Park the shady, walkable, and family friendly area it is today. Speaking of their work together, Boehr recalls, “She was the energy that drove so many projects that made a huge difference in our neighborhood.”

Elaine is retiring this year from Kansas City Public Schools, and she will be moving to West Plaza. Her advice to neighbors interested in getting involved, “Show up and volunteer! There will always be someone who needs help, and there are always people willing to help. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors.”

April 19, 2018

Leaf and Brush Pickup

Leaf and Brush Pickup is next week, April 23-27 for Central Kansas City.

Residents who live in CENTRAL Kansas City (south of the Missouri River, north of 63rd Street, but not including residents who live east of Blue Ridge Cutoff) will receive curbside leaf and brush collection from April 23 – 27. Curbside collection will take place on your regularly scheduled trash day. Leave yard waste by your curb on your regularly scheduled trash day. Leaves must be in paper sacks available at hardware, warehouse and other stores. Branches must be bundled. Read the complete collection rules at www.kcwaterservices.org/programs/leaf-brush. If sacks and bundles are not collected on the scheduled trash day, call the 311 Call Center within 24 hours. For questions or to report service-related issues, please call 311 or 816-513-1313. Collecting lawn debris beautifies Kansas City neighborhoods; helps keep storm drains clean; helps prevent flooding in streets and basements, and helps protect creeks, streams, and rivers. Thanks for keeping waste out of street gutters, catch basins, and storm sewers, and for keeping Kansas City neighborhoods looking great!

April 18, 2018

Neighborhood Youth Organize Rally Against Gun Violence

Hello all,

My name is Jancyn Appel, I’m a junior at Pembroke Hill, and I’m one of the organizers of the rally against gun violence happening at Pilgrim Chapel. On April 20th, myself, a group of organizers, and students from over 10 KC Metro schools will gather in the park directly across from Pilgrim Chapel. As a member of the Hyde Park community, I can assure you that this event is safe (we have a city permit and insurance), not politically affiliated, and a place for those who hate what gun violence does to the community and its members. After living in Hyde Park for so long, I know these are all things our neighborhood cares about. We want a thriving, safe, community that is full of people that also want the best for those around them. What I’m asking from you all is support. Whether it’s monetary (gofundme.com/kcmetrowalkout), or just spreading the word. I believe that this student-led effort shows the fortitude of the children in our community and how willing they are to fight for change. 
Thank you so much for your time!
Jancyn Appel
Click here to view the Facebook event.
April 17, 2018

Show-Me Green Tax holiday

Major appliance purchases exempt from sales tax during Show-Me Green Tax holiday

Now is the time to get serious about the financial benefits of going green. At least that’s the case for folks looking to upgrade a refrigerator or cash in on a great deal for a new washer & dryer or some other energy-saving appliance.

April 19-25 is Missouri’s Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday, and it’s a nice opportunity for Kansas City residents to save money and stimulate the economy. This is one of several sustainability efforts the City supports to incorporate green programs into a broader approach that simultaneously promotes social equity, economic vitality and environmental quality.

ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances purchased during this window within KCMO, located in Jackson County, are exempt from state and city sales tax. In addition, purchases made in the portions of Kansas City, located in Clay, Platte, Jackson and Cass counties are exempt from city, state and county sales tax.

The Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday exempts state sales tax on retail sales of qualifying energy star certified new appliances, up to $1,500 per appliance, during a seven-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on April 19 and ending at midnight on April 25.

The following energy star certified appliances qualify for the holiday:

  • Clothes washers
  • Clothes dryers
  • Water heaters
  • Trash compactors*
  • Dishwashers
  • Conventional ovens*
  • Ranges*
  • Stoves*
  • Air conditioners
  • Furnaces
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers
  • Heat pumps

(*According to the Energy Star website, trash compactors, conventional ovens, ranges and stoves do not receive an energy star rating.  Therefore, although the statute anticipates that someday they may receive the energy star rating, tax will continue to apply to purchases of these items during the upcoming Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday.)

The Many Churches of Hyde Park

This information originally appeared in the January/February 2018 issue of the Hyde Parker.

Hyde Park is home to many different faiths. We are fortunate to have such diversity in and around our neighborhood. A few of the many different religious organizations and their services include:

Al-Inshirah Islamic Center at 3664 Troost Ave. Daily Salat: open daily for all five prayers. Ju’muah prayer on Fridays at 1:00 pm during fall and winter, and at 1:30 pm during spring and summer. Sunday Ta’leem every week at 11am. Additional classes are also offered throughout the week. For more info: (816) 960-0475 or alinshirah.com.

Central Presbyterian Church at 3501 Campbell St.
Adult Bible Study on Sundays at 9 am, Worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. For more info: (816) 931-2515
or centralpreskc.org.

Grace Assembly of God at 4101 Harrison St.
Sunday breakfast at 9 am, Prayer at 9:40 am, and Sunday School at 10 am. Worship & Main Service also on Sundays at 10:45 am. Family Night on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. For more info: (816) 561-8029 or graceagkc.com

Kansas City Buddhist Center at 3801 Gillham Rd, inside the Pilgrim Chapel.
Meditation services on Sundays at 9:30 am. Additional classes on Tuesday evenings. For more info: (913) 608-7125 or kansascitybuddhistcenter.com.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 4000 Harrison St.
Worship on Sundays at 10:15 am, Wednesday Bible Study at 7:15 pm.

Penn Valley Friends at 4405 Gillham Rd.
Bible Studies on Sundays at 9 am. Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship on Sundays at 10 am. After Meeting Programs on varied topics from 11:30 am-12:30 pm, except for 1st Sundays. For more info: (816) 398-1934 or fgcquaker.org/cloud/penn-valley-friends.

St. James Catholic Church at 3909 Harrison St.
Mass on Sundays at 10 am. Confession by appointment. Reading and reflection on the upcoming Sunday Scripture every 1st Monday at 6:30 pm. For more info: (816) 561-8512 or stjkc.org.

St. Mark Hope Peace Lutheran at 3800 Troost Ave.
Adult Sunday School at 9:15 am, and Worship at 10:30 am on Sundays. For more info: (816) 561-9677
or stmarkhopeandpeace.org.

Trinity United Methodist Church at 620 E. Armour Blvd.
Fidelis Sunday School at 9:30 am. Worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. Centering prayer on Wednesdays at 6 pm. For more info: (816) 931-1100 or trinitykc.org.

True Light Church of the Nazarene at 719 E. 31st St.
Sunday School at 10:30am. Worship at 11:30 am. For more info: (816) 561-1700 or 816-898-1633.

April 9, 2018

Host a block party with help from the HPNA

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association’s Social Committee has put together a packet of helpful information, tips, and applications for any neighbors who would like to host a block party. Read the tips and FAQs below, and click here for the application for a block party permit!

If you would like a hard copy of this information, please contact a Board member.

Block Party Tips

We are so happy that you are considering organizing a block party! The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association encourages neighbors to organize block parties as a way to meet neighbors, enjoy community spirit, and have fun! We also know that blocks with neighbors who know each other enjoy the added benefit of less crime. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance as you work through this process!

We hope that these tips will help your organizing process be smooth and trouble-free!

  • Set a date. Talk to some of your neighbors and find a date, likely a weekend day in the summer or fall. You may choose to hold your block party for an entire day or just for a daytime or evening potluck. Consider what will work best with your block’s demographics – older neighbors and families with young children may want the party to wrap up on the earlier side. Plan a date about two months in advance to give yourself enough time for paperwork and planning.
  • Decide on a location. The middle of the block is best for your main gathering spot! If the party location is perceived to be too far from their home people may not participate. However, if you believe some of your neighbors will not initially be excited about the party, you may choose to focus on using a section of the block with supportive neighbors.
  • Claim your date. Please notify HPNA of your desired date so that we can spread them out among our neighborhood. You can either email Chad Moore at northrep@hydeparkkc.org or contact us through the website at https://hydeparkkc.org/contact-us/
  • Fill out the application & get signatures. Print out the KCMO “Neighborhood Block Party Application for Permit”. Note that you will need signatures of 60% of your neighbors, so plan to walk around on an evening or weekend when everyone will be home!
  • Mail your application. There is NO FEE to hold a block party, but KCMO requests they receive applications a month in advance (at the address on the form), though they will accept permits up to five days before the date. When using city blockades, there is a $30 fee which is reimbursed when they are returned. If you need assistance in making this deposit, please feel free to contact the HPNA board.
  • Establish expectations/guidelines. You’ll want to make expectations clear, especially if this is your first block party. Think of what safety matters will ensure the most fun for all. Can neighbors invite friends? Who will be in charge of clean up? Are parents expected to stay with their children? Ask neighbors to clean their front yards of animal waste and other litter before the party. Be sure that a pathway is left open for emergency vehicles – just in case!
  • Decide on a theme & activities. You may decide to have a simple potluck or go all out with a beach-themed luau! Fun block party activities may include:
    • Chili cook-off, mac ‘n’ cheese contest, or wine tasting
    • Bounce house
    • Sidewalk chalk
    • Bike race
    • Tie-dye station
    • Bike decorating & parade
    • Movie on the street
    • Pet parade
    • Fire truck (or other truck) visit
    • Food trucks
    • Fire pits & s’mores
    • Face painting
    • Water table/sprinkler/pool time/water balloon toss
  • Share the duties. Be sure to enlist neighbors to help carry out these awesome ideas! Who is going to call the food truck? Who will get the ice, the drinks, the sidewalk chalk? Will you ask that participating families contribute a certain amount of money for the bounce house rental? Don’t underestimate the resourcefulness of your neighborhood teens to create games and decorations!

If you’re having a potluck, you will want to assign foods, i.e. “even addresses bring a main dish; odd addresses bring a side dish or dessert” or “last names A-J bring main dishes; K-S bring side dishes; T-Z bring desserts”. You might even want to use a site like Sign Up Genius to get everyone organized!

  • Tell your neighbors! Be sure to share the final plan with all of your neighbors (including neighbors at rental units) so everyone can plan ahead, especially with regards to parking. Pass out flyers with a timeline for the day and what everyone should plan on bringing. Hand deliver with a smile on your face!
  • Enjoy! After finalizing plans with volunteers, enjoy your day! Be prepared for the unexpected, and be ready to roll with it. The rest of the neighborhood would love to hear about your party – take photos and share some on the HPNA website!
  • Clean up. Be sure to enlist help to stay and help clean up so that your party doesn’t become bothersome to neighbors. Return blockades and signs.
  • Follow up. A few days after your block party, check in with your neighbors for feedback! What went well? What should be changed and improved for next year? Thank everyone for their help in making it a great event!

 

Block Party FAQs

Why should we have a block party?

The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association encourages neighbors to organize block parties as a way to meet neighbors, enjoy community spirit, and have fun! We also know that blocks with neighbors who know each other enjoy the added benefit of less crime.

What do I need to do hold a block party?

Simply set a date, fill out the needed paperwork & notify HPNA, get signatures, and decide on activities! More information can be found on the “Block Party Tips” page.

How many of my neighbors need to give their permission?

KCMO requires 60% of neighbors on the block sign off on the proposed date.

 

What if my neighbors aren’t interested in having a block party?

Some neighbors may not be excited about the thought of limited street access for the day. If this is the case, you may decide to limit the party to only a portion of the block, preferable the middle for easy access for all neighbors. (If you do this, you will want to also block off the ends of the block to keep other cars from driving down your street.)

 

Where can we get tables, chairs, and other items to use at our block party?

Pilgrim Chapel has graciously offered to let neighbors borrow tables, chairs, and drink coolers for their block parties. We suggest a donation of $1/table, $1/10 chairs, and $1/cooler to help cover the cost of wear and tear of these items. Simply contact Pilgrim Chapel to make arrangements.

 

How can I host a “green” block party?

A neighborhood block party doesn’t have to result in a lot of waste, and a “green” party doesn’t have to be complicated! Choose activities that don’t result in trash, such as bike races, water play, and cooking contests. Opt for a potluck meal so that neighbors can use their own cookware and serving dishes. Request that everyone bring their own plates and cups to use. Provide a bin for composting leftover food and recycling bins for empty drink containers (or better yet, use large pitchers!).

 

Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Your HPNA Area Reps are happy to help! For assistance, contact the North Hyde Park rep, Chad Moore, at northrep@hydeparkkc.org. South and Central residents can contact their reps with area-specific questions at southrep@hydeparkkc.org and centralrep@hydeparkkc.org! Additional information may also be found on the HPNA website.

April 8, 2018

GRIP Poll

The below items for the Gillham Road Improvement Plan (GRIP) have already been completed. In the poll, which can be found by clicking here, please rank which of the remaining items are of the highest priority to you and your neighbors.

Complete:

  •  Build of Play Area 2-5 years at 38th
  •  Tennis court improvements at 39th
  •  Build of Play Area 2-12 years at 41st
  •  Spray Ground at 41st (to complete fall 2018)
  •  Pedestrian Trail along Kenwood
  •  Removal of Swimming Pool Restrooms
  •  Improvements to Lower Pedestrian Trails 42nd to Brush Creek
  •  Addition to Pedestrian Trails 36th to 38th

To read the full GRIP, please visit this link: https://hydeparkkc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Develop-Presentation.pdf

April 7, 2018

Public Meeting: Midtown Complete Streets

April 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The City of KCMO is studying several streets in Midtown for Complete Streets improvements, which could include things like bike lanes, sidewalk upgrades, road diets, and more.

It’s an exciting opportunity to improve the quality of life in Midtown and prioritize the safety of people walking and biking over cars. We need your voice added to those who support Complete Streets.

For more information, visit the BikeWalkKC website by clicking here.

Public Meeting on Tuesday, April 17th

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Westport Presbyterian Church
201 Westport Road, KCMO

April 6, 2018

SHP Rep featured on Fox4KC

Nickolas Wood, South Hyde Park Representative on the HPNA Board, was featured on Fox4KC news for his neighborhood clean-up efforts.

Nick is a neighbor who gets things done. Between waiting for scheduled dumpster days, Nick, along with other neighbors, has taken the initiative to clean up the streets and alleys in South Hyde Park. Watch or read the Fox4KC feature by clicking here.

Thanks, Nick, for your contributions to our neighborhood!

March 29, 2018

TONIGHT: Change in crime meeting location

Join us at 7pm tonight for an update and to talk about your concerns regarding crime in the neighborhood. Due to a scheduling conflict, the meeting will occur at 3308 Troost rather than Central Patrol.