News From the Link

49/63 Neighborhood Coalition & CAN Center Sparkle!

Since 1971, the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition has 4963represented the area of 49th to 63rd, The Paseo to Oak. Its purpose is to bridge Troost Avenue, stabilize the community, and protect and maintain a good quality of life for residents in the area. The Community Action Network (CAN) Center was established in the early 90's to supplement this effort and to address negative issues attacking the community. Two Metro Patrol Officers and a city Codes Officer were assigned to be part of the CAN Center. COMBAT funded a person to help combat the proliferation of drug usage and sales.

For the past few years, the space housing 49/63 was outside the boundaries of the 49/63 Neighborhood. Early in 2010, in keeping with the Rockhurst University goal to support the neighborhood stabilization efforts, the University offered help by providing office space. The house at 5418 Lydia was built in 1919, and had been sitting empty for the past few years. Rockhurst installed new plumbing and electrical systems; painted the inside and out; added new storm windows, security systems and lighting; and is in the process of removing and installing fencing in the back yard. CAN volunteers have a landscape plan in the hopper as soon as the weather breaks.

The area selected for the office was known for constant calls to the police, was host to a number of unsupervised youth, and had a large number of burglaries. Landlords along the block were having difficulty keeping good renters, and the chaos was spreading to other nearby blocks. Thanks to Rockhurst and the 49/63 Coalition and CAN Center, the area is already transitioning and the disruptiveness, for which the area was known, has already decreased. Area property owners are following suit and improving their property. Congratulations to Rockhurst University, 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition and the 49/63 CAN Center for the investment made and for helping Southtown sparkle!



New Businesses in Shops at Blue Parkway

Swope Community Builders announced two new tenants moving into the Shops on Blue Parkway: Diamonds and Diamonds, 4207 E. 50th Terrace, and (opening in July) Funnel Cake Creations, an ice cream, frozen custard store with homemade creative funnel cakes at 4201-A E. Blue Parkway. The leases were negotiated by Greg Patterson & Associates, leasing agent for the shopping center.


Doing the Shuffle in Brookside

The Brookside Barkery and Bath, 118 W. 63rd St., is expanding their space next door, previously home to Flowers by Design. Meanwhile, Flowers by Design has moved east to 112 W. 63rd St. previous home to Wine. Both businesses will be gaining more space. Flowers by Design's first floor space is smaller than before but they have gained additional room in the lower level for design work, classes, and many new projects and plans to come.

Brookside Barkery and Bath owner, Delena Stout says, "The expansion will allow our customers room to shop for more varieties of food, treats, collars and leashes. The remodeled bath area will accommodate the many large dogs who live in the neighborhood." Stay tuned as construction continues.

Just up the street, tucked away next to Bellezza Tan and Salon and Charlie Hooper's, is Tower Dry Cleaners and Laundry. They will be moving around the corner into the new Missouri Bank Building (formerly Star Motors) at 6254 Main St. The new location will provide better access and parking for the patrons. The move is expected by the end of July. Stop in and see the new digs!