manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative vision document kansas city, missouri

manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative | vision document kansas city, missouri

contents

the process introduction what we heard vision technical analysis goals and strategies next steps

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the process
This Vision Document was conceived and coordinated by Brush Creek Community Partners (BCCP) who Promote the Brush Creek Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods in an effort to grow a world-class district connected by thriving businesses surrounded by healthy neighborhoods in the heart of Kansas City. In order to strengthen the area and promote appropriate, sustainable redevelopment projects and incentives, BCCP coordinated a visioning process and an Urban Renewal Area Plan for Historic Manheim Park. A consultant team comprised of BNIM, Patti Banks Associates and graduate and undergraduate students from University of Missouri - Kansas City volunteered to assemble technical data and facilitate a community driven visioning process. Three meetings were held with the Historic Manheim Park, Rockhill and Hyde Park neighborhoods. Together, area residents, business owners and community leaders identified the goals and strategies recorded in this document.

introduction
The turn of the 21st century brings with it a transformation in the American economy from one founded on instant gratification and overnight wealth, to one that invests in future generations. Over the last 50 years, many city centers and inner ring suburbs have suffered disinvestment, indifference and isolation due to our nations suburban migration. These same communities now have an opportunity to become leaders of a new green economy. They are the neighborhoods with the strongest history of place, culture and community, and they have plentiful neighborhood capacity and a capable workforce; all of which are ideal bones for building a sustainable future.

graphic of the study area boundary

historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

For decades Troost Avenue has represented a dividing line that separates fear and indifference on the west from frustration and negligence on the east. Troost is no different from any other corridor in Kansas City, but it has served as a gulf between the good will and aspirations of adjacent communities. Unfortunately, this house divided has only strengthened the out migration and continued the cycle of disinvestment. Healing the divide across Troost Avenue is an important step toward overcoming the momentum of Kansas Citians moving further and further from their communitys roots. Although the initial intention for this work was to catalyze revitalization within the Historic Manheim Park neighborhood, it quickly became evident that adjacent neighborhoods have much to gain from the project and represent an essential support network for area initiatives. For this reason the Rockhill and Hyde Park Neighborhoods were invited to the visioning process. It was quickly revealed that the communities have a common investment in and responsibility for Troost Avenue and that South Hyde Park experiences many of the same challenges as the Manheim neighborhood.

An InterCommunity Vision

This vision document has been created to bring the communitys voice to the surface and invite Kansas City to participate and invest in a sustainable future for the Historic Manheim Park neighborhood and surrounding area. The ideas contained in this vision document come directly from the citizens, business owners, spiritual leaders and neighborhood associations of the Historic Manheim Park, Rockhill, and Hyde Park neighborhoods. These stakeholders understand that each community is only as strong as its neighbor. The neighborhoods affected by this plan have recognized their common interests, and this vision document was created to pronounce their unity of purpose and belief that the neighborhoods can work together for the betterment of all. Despite unsuccessful attempts to bring change to the Troost corridor, failure should not be accepted. Today, new opportunities bring renewed hope to this area. The impediments that continue to plague this community can be overcome through neighborhood unity.
Opportunity for a new economy

It has become evident over the last five years that the best and perhaps only way for disadvantaged communities to reverse their decline and become viable, vibrant places to live is through holistic, interconnected, sustainable solutions. Renewing the physical appearance of homes will not have a lasting effect if social support systems arent created to maintain them. Street improvements will have little impact if crime continues to prevent neighbors from using the public realm. To realize a full transformation, the social, built and economic systems must simultaneously be renewed and reinvigorated through interconnected strategies.

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KAnsAs CItys Green ImpACt Zone

VIsIon for A sustAInAble future

In response to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts goals to create jobs, improve human health and increase energy efficiency of homes and businesses, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II has advanced an idea that will leverage stimulus investments in a way that maximizes sustainability. The idea has evolved into an initiative to concentrate $200M of recovery money in a 150 block area referred to as the Green Impact Zone of Missouri or GIZMO. The goal is to create a model for how local, state and federal initiatives can work together to get a larger, more sustainable return on tax payer investment. As an area that is experiencing some of the highest unemployment rates in the City, the lowest median income and one of the highest crime rates, Historic Manheim Park now finds itself in the middle of this catalytic project. The GIZMO initiative to transform the designated area (shown below) into a truly sustainable, model community is an opportunity that has created excitement and action throughout Manheim Park and the surrounding area. This vision document serves as the cornerstone of the communitys efforts to be a leader in sustainable renewal.

Sustainability is often called out as a specific goal in community plans and policies. In this case it was decided that EVERY decision and goal of the community should bring the neighborhoods toward a sustainable future. Short and long-term economic, environmental and social strategies are integrated into the eight categories described in this plan to create a holistic, sustainable solution for renewal.

green
Zip Codes
64110 64130

impact zone

NORTH

historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

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what we heard
We took to heart the feedback from many area residents and stakeholders. Despite the diversity of the area, it was immediately apparent that the neighborhoods had much in common and that together they could create a viable future for all. Six key topics were identified in the first community meeting and were further fleshed out in the subsequent discussions. Goals and strategies were created for each of the topics: HOUSING, PARKS, TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY, MAINTENANCE, BUSINESS, COMMUNITY and EDUCATION. These are both short and long-term, ambitious and common sense goals that represent a way forward and the beginnings of an actionable plan. The new story is not defined by geographical, racial or economic divisions, but instead is defined by unity, common investments and mutual understanding.

The community feedback from the 1st public meeting was used to create this tag cloud. The larger the text, the more frequently the topic was mentioned. (credit: wordle.net)

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vision
The three neighborhoods stressed the importance of working together to create a sustainable future for themselves and their neighbors. Rich and poor, black and white, EVERYONE who contributed to this vision was willing to work hard, invest and transform their area. Together they envision a Troost corridor that serves east and west alike, where 21st century thinkers and green jobs drive the economy, where local businesses thrive and the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas City comes alive, and where mixed-use nodes create density that puts more eyes on the street and increases safety. They envision an area where public parks are programmed to serve their area and are connected by active public spaces, sidewalks and trails, where children walk to quality schools and adults have the opportunity to learn new trades, and where healthy and efficient buildings are the norm. By achieving this vision, Troost corridor and surrounding neighborhoods can become a model for how decades of negatives can be transformed into a vibrant future through sustainable strategies.
vision statement

The following vision statement emerged from the three public meetings. It reflects all aspects of the triple-bottomline (people, planet, prosperity) as those systems relate specifically to the Troost Corridor.

In the final analysis, the rich must not ignore the poor because both rich and poor are tied in a single garment of destiny. All life is interrelated, and all men are interdependent. The agony of the poor diminishes the rich, and the salvation of the poor enlarges the rich. We are inevitably our brothers keeper because of the interrelated structure of reality
- Martin Luther King, 1964

historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

An interconnected community empowered by the people supporting the health and well-being of all residents valuing attractive homes and vibrant businesses united around a common goal for a restorative future.

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technical analysis
In order to create a more complete picture of the opportunities and challenges in this area, a technical analysis document has been created and serves as a companion to the communitys vision. The report includes Economic Capacity / Demand Modeling, LEED for Neighborhood Development Feasibility Study, and Historic Data Survey. The technical analysis should serve as a foundation for future planning and area studies. A summary of the three analyses are included and help to inform the Vision Document recommendations.
ECONOMIC SUPPLY AND DEMAND MODELING

The economic supply and demand modeling study determines the capacity of existing residential demand to fill commercial space. Results The economic supply and demand analysis indicates that: 32% of the commercial on Troost can be supported by current Manheim residents, 37% of the commercial on Troost can be supported by a full residential build-out (single family houses) scenario in Manheim, and 88% of the commercial on Troost can be supported if full residential build-out of Manheim, the current Rockhill residential population, and the current south Hyde population is included in the model. Discussion The model indicates that neighborhoods on both sides of Troost need to contribute commercial services demand to sustain the businesses in the Troost commercial corridor. Manheim Park cannot support the Troost commercial corridor alone, even with full residential build-out. A marketing plan for non-adjacent residents could help provide the remaining 12% of demand.

historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

LEED NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT FEASIBILITY STUDY

HISTORICAL MAPPING AND SURVEY

The Manheim Park study area was developed at a time when walkable neighborhoods were the norm. The LEED Neighborhood Development Guidelines (LEED ND) are a set of standards to ensure that redevelopment maintains this walkable character and improves the public realm. A feasibility study was conducted to determine if LEED ND is an appropriate tool for Manheim Park. Results The LEED ND guidelines appear consistent with the goals of the Manheim neighborhood. Manheim, Hyde, and Rockhill score 33 of the 40 minimum points to become LEED ND certified. It is feasible to achieve LEED ND certification if a few key issues are addressed and redevelopment is integrated into the historic pattern through planning and design. Key Issues and Conflicts Soils and Floodplain - A conflict exists between development in the floodplain and habitat restoration. The alluvial soils of the floodplain provide a prime habitat restoration opportunity, but several usable structures are currently located in the floodplain, there is interest in new building, and it is possible to raise the floodplain to alleviate flooding concerns. Parks - Manheim Park does not meet National Parks and Recreation Association or LEED ND standards for walkable parks. Schools - Manhemin Park does not meet LEED ND standards for school walkability. Restoration of the Bancroft Elementary School to include a primary education facility would achieve this credit. Stormwater - Opportunities to implement green stormwater infrastructure, habitat restoration, and floodplain restoration could achieve multiple benefits and credits. Residential Infill - The Manheim Neighborhood currently has a 20% vacancy rate. Residential infill should be encouraged, but development should be mindful of existing food producing urban gardens.

The planning team collected historical photos, maps, plans, and address logs in order to understand how the neighborhood functioned at the turn of the century. Manheim Parks current physical layout at one time supported a dense, walkable, mixed use, mass transit served community. Historical Imagery Historical aerial and ground level images show trolley cars, the original Bancroft Elementary, the Troost and Cleaver II urban node, and historical drainage patterns. Please see the full report for the images. Historic Plat and Sanborn Maps: Detailed plans for much of the historic Troost corridor were uncovered by researching historic plat and Sanborn maps. These maps allow further analysis of historic building and street layout. Polk Catalogue The Polk Catalogue is an archive of historic city addresses. It contains owner and building use descriptions for every address along Troost at 10 year increments from 19201990. Additional information from the 2000 census and 2009 URBATA data provides a clear record of Troosts initial development, florescence, and decline. National Historic Register Newcomers Funeral Home, at Virginia and Brush Creek is the only building in the study area that is currently listed in the National Historic Register.

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goals & strategies

Safety
Safety is a basic need and the cornerstone of the many admirable goals being established in this Plan. By making improvements in perceived and actual security, organic neighborhood growth is stimulated.
Goal:

Build a community where neighbors know each other, where children can be seen playing outside and where public spaces are safe 24 hours a day.
Strategies:
Implement CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)

recommendations: Improve lighting and other design considerations to discourage unwanted activity Increase density and eyes on the street Program public parks and open-spaces. Adhere to National Parks and Recreation Association standards Creatively manage vacant lots and strictly enforce code violations Cooperate with local police to systematically reduce crime Increase neighborhood self-policing and maintenance programs

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historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

Business
A healthy mixture of homes, shops and businesses make neighborhoods stronger by providing employment, increased activity and stability. Commercial businesses can also provide shopping amenities that address the immediate neighborhood needs.
Goal:

Increase the diversity and quantity of local businesses and entrepreneurship opportunities and ensure that necessary amenities can be purchased within the neighborhood.
Strategies:
Create a strong Business Association Integrate the findings of the KCMO New Tools Task Force Actively recruit businesses that fill neighborhood needs: grocery stores, a

supervised laundromat, credit union, recycling center, restaurants, etc. Use the Polk Catalogue to understand distribution and service types that were successful in the past Promote and support locally owned business enterprises Retool zoning to restrict future development of undesired uses. Use form based codes for the URA to help shape a walkable and safe public realm Create appropriate incentive programs and implement other available financial tools Focus on nodal development target specific areas with the most potential to be catalysts for redevelopment Investigate the potential of neighborhood co-ops (food, gardening, etc) Use historic platting maps to preserve and restore historic buildings

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community
Community is defined by how and where people relate to each other within a neighborhood. Programs that bring people together and places where people gather are both important components of creating a strong sense of community. The goals and strategies below reveal the neighborhoods desire to create unity and space for relationships to develop and thrive.
Goal:

Reinvent connections between neighborhoods to establish an equitable place where neighbors greet each other on the street with a smile and where strong neighborhood associations collaborate to establish a social support network.
Strategies:
Establish a Community Activity Center where people of all ages can come

together to celebrate, learn, teach and share. Specifically the community would like to see existing vacant school buildings reinstituted for this use Create inter-neighborhood community mural projects Reinvestment in small, local businesses and appropriate neighborhood services along Troost to bring ALL surrounding populations to the area, creating connection and community Facilitate communication and collaboration between neighborhood associations Community Gardens were identified as a great way to bring people together and grow healthy food for the neighborhoods Restore historic boulevards, buildings, and parks to help create a sense of history and place within the neighborhood Provide support, access and amenities that allow the elderly to age in place and remain involved in the community

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education
Access to quality education is one of our most precious human rights. Although the focus of education is often on K-12 systems, we also consider how adult education can reveal a neighborhoods capacity by teaching the skills of the 21st century economy.
Goal:

Nurture a community where children can be seen walking to and from neighborhood schools, safely crossing back and forth across Troost Avenue, a place where adult literacy and joblessness are improved through education and training opportunities, and where local universities become an integral part of the community because students and faculty live, work, learn and volunteer in adjacent neighborhoods.
Strategies:
Create a venue for adult and continuing education and specifically green job

training Reuse vacant school buildings: Restore the Bancroft Elementary School to include primary education facility Partner with UMKC, Rockhurst, and the Metropolitan Community College to enhance the educational opportunities in the community Establish a program for area residents to volunteer in local schools Partner with cultural institutions, such as the Kansas City Art Institute, Discovery Center and Kauffman Foundation, to improve outreach and educational opportunities in the community

photo credit: flickr.com/timsamoff

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TRANSPORTATION
The community has expressed their vision for accessible transportation in terms of increasing walkability. Traffic slowing measures such as decreased street widths, safe crosswalks and well-maintained sidewalks help to encourage pedestrian traffic and a more personal level of community interaction. By increasing pedestrian circulation throughout the community there will be fewer perceptions of community boundaries, thereby helping to equalize the area economically and socially. This increased physical and social connection also increases the potential to further integrate the community with the resources of surrounding institutions.
Goal:

Increase pedestrian activity throughout the neighborhood.

Strategies:
Decrease street widths and lane widths where feasible in order to slow traffic Reroute heavy traffic from Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard Enforce sidewalk maintenance policy Develop hiking, cycling and running trails that connect the neighborhood to

surrounding communities and institutions. Trails should also be used to connect people to local parks, Brush Creek, and the Blue River Primary Conservation Area, which links to the Stadium Complex, Swope Park, and Minor Park Implement a unified streetscape design including safety measures for street crossing and well-lit shelters for public transportation Work towards creating complete streets that are designed for save travel for all modes of transportation

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historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

MAINTENANCE
The community envisions a heightened level of neighborhood pride and involvement in issues associated with property maintenance and neighborhood safety. By establishing commonly held expectations of property care, trash disposal and recycling, nuisance complaints may be reduced. Through the combination of neighborhood programs and coordinated city services, this community seeks a consistent approach to public right-of-way design and infrastructure maintenance that contributes to a cohesive and unified neighborhood.
Goal:

Establish and implement a high level of property maintenance that creates an attractive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
Strategies:
Create neighborhood education and outreach programs regarding property

maintenance expectations and policies Implement consistent neighborhood signage program and improved wayfinding Designate regular neighborhood trash pick-up days and recruit volunteers Implement consistent neighborhood trash and recycling containers Create a clear mechanism for reporting and pickup of illegal dumping

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housing
Having healthy, safe and attractive housing is a basic desire and a primary tenant of any successful neighborhood. There is also an opportunity to dramatically improve the performance and efficiency of many older homes and in turn reduce utility bills and environmental impact.
GOAL:

Create a neighborhood of well-maintained houses filled with attentive and invested occupants.
STRATEGIES:
Create a strong homes association Encourage property maintenance Enforce code infractions Advertise and enhance faade and improvement funds Discourage absentee landlords by enforcing maintenance requirements and

steering incentives toward people living in the neighborhood

Partner with foundations, community development corporations and private

developers to build new high-efficiency homes

Encourage local businesses that supply components for historic homes and

property maintenance services for overgrown lots

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historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

parks
Open space and places for play, recreation and relaxation improve community health, provide important gathering spaces and can improve property values. The programming and maintenance of these facilities often makes the difference between success and neglect. GOAL: Create a fun and safe gathering space for the neighborhood. Provide amenities for park visitors and clean up existing property. STRATEGIES: Program the parks with festivals, activities and regular uses Provide pedestrian amenities like pavilions, benches, play equipment, and trash receptacles Increase or create neighborhood work days to beautify parks and create ownership of the space and amenities Improve lighting Allow activities such as community gardens within vacant lots Follow the National Parks and Recreation Association and LEED ND standards for walkable parks Use natural resources as a backbone for parks and trails Include stormwater management in passive and active public parkland Link the Manheim Neighborhood to Brush Creek

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next steps
This vision document is the beginning of a planning process that aims to transform Manheim Park, Rockhill and Hyde Park into healthy, safe, vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods. The strength of the vision presented in this document is its support by the community. The residents of Manheim Park, Rockhill, and Hyde Park will be the ones turning this vision into reality. The following steps are actions that can bring the vision and recommendations in this document closer to implementation. The next steps are organized by the organization that is responsible for carrying out the action. Citizens Support Neighborhood Associations by volunteering and/or attending regular meetings Help define a strategic plan to implement the vision Engage and educate your neighbors about the vision and the future possibilities for this area Neighborhood Associations Endorse the vision document Continue to listen to residents and act as the voice of the people Work together to coordinate and partner on neighborhood initiatives Green Team Endorse the vision document Planning subcommittee becomes champion Create strategic plan for implementing the vision Work to establish city support for the plan Brush Creek Community Partners Endorse the vision document Support plan implementation and coordination as appropriate Promote the vision and plan to potential partners City of Kansas City, Missouri Recognize and endorse vision document Incorporate the vision document and plan participants into future community planning in the area Work with the neighborhoods to develop the framework to implement recommendations Work with Neighborhood Associations and other local organizations to enhance and implement the plan

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historic manheim park healthy neighborhoods initiative

Brush Creek Community Partners + BNIM + Patti Banks Associates + UMKC