leawood is on the map

Anyone that can see or hear can tell that Old Leawood is a neighborhood experincing teardowns.

Things like dumpsters, dump trucks, cement mixers and johhny on the spots temporarily cluttering up our views. The beep, beep, beep of bulldozers at 7:00am (on the dot!) wake us and remind us that this isn't just some bad dream. It is real. And on most days it is real annoying.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Leawood, Mission Hills, Prairie Village and Roeland Park are all on the map for being neighborhoods experiencing teardowns. I would typically love seeing "Leawood" in print and especially being known for something nationally. But being on this list, in my opinion, isn't a good thing.

I often hear people say about teardowns in Old Leawood that "it has happened in Mission Hills, Fairway, Prairie Village blah blah blah....." Oh, by all means then let's jump on the the same trend??! And because other neighborhoods have gone before us, does that some how make it right??!

Those that care about this neighborhood can see where I'm coming from. For those that are in it because their financial well being depends on it see it from a different point of view. Like them or not, ranch houses are a part of American history. The fact that people just tear them down to make way for a south JOCO house is ridiculous. Build with character, don't overbuild, and please don't take away all of the green space and trees that this neighborhood is known for.

There has to be some happy medium out there. A balance of some sort. But what is it? Your comments are welcome.

more signs on the way

Another order for signs has been placed and they should be here within the next week. Support for this awareness has been incredible. Thank you to those that have asked for signs in your yard, made contributions for more signs, and are concerned about the future of Old Leawood.

The signs have brought a huge awareness to this issue. It's a small step and we still have a long way to go, but changes are being made and hopefully the end result will be a neighborhood that everyone is happy with.

Remember anyone can add comments here on the blog. What are your needs, likes, dislikes? It's going to take all of us to make a difference. Thank you!

leawood planning commission agenda

The city Residential Architectural Ordinance (CASE 54-06) is up on the Planning Commision agenda for public hearing Tuesday, May 13. They should be proposing their height and massing requirements at this meeting. You can check out the agenda here. This will be very important to us, especially when it goes to City Council. Plan to attend Tuesday's meeting if you can. 6:00pm at Leawood City Hall Council Chambers.

guidelines meeting scheduled

May 20th

7:00pm

Meadowbrook Country Club

Please plan on attending the guidelines meeting on Tuesday, the 20th of May. Review the guidelines prior to the meeting and come prepared with your comments. This is your chance to make a difference...don't miss it!

stolen signs

It has been brought to my attention that "Neighbors for Preservation of Old Leawood" signs were stolen this weekend out of some neighbors yards.

One neighbor said that five minutes after her sign was placed in her yard, a middle aged woman drove up, yanked the sign out of the yard, chucked it into her trunk and then drove off.

The support for this cause has been overwhelming. For those of you wanting signs for your yard, we'll hopefully be placing another order this week. Just contact me at www.traybella@hotmail.com and we'll add your address to the list.

If you have a sign in your yard, please make sure that it is 6 feet from the curb.

results of the may 1st meeting

We had a nice turnout for the May 1st meeting. I would still like to see more of you there, and you'll have your chance at the next meeting.

Due to severe weather the meeting was adjourned early. Another meeting will be scheduled to comment on the guidelines. As soon as I here of the date, I'll post it here on the blog.

Thank you to those who came to support this effort.

definition, effects and strategies of teardowns

In doing more research on teardowns I came across Go To 2040.

It's a site developed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. It not only covers the definition of a teardown, but it's effects on community character, economic costs and most importantly effects to the environment. It also list strategies on dealing with teardowns.

If you have a few minutes it's worthy of checking out.