Crossroads

A forum for determining the future of the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition.

Since 1971, the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition has been an effective force in determining the success of many of Kansas City's intown neighborhoods.  Talented leadership unafraid to take risks and challenge the status quo has turned what was once a loose, disunited collection of neighborhoods suffering the ravages of poverty, crime and social upheaval into a coherent, vibrant collection of neighborhoods that embrace their economic, racial and social diversity.  Within 49/63's boundaries are two major universities, a major biomedical research facility, some of the most desirable neighborhoods in Kansas City, many successful businesses and - most importantly - some of the most intelligent and interesting people in the city.

People like you.

The Coalition has come a long way in meeting its original goals.  Property values are stabilizing, neighborhoods are being revitalized, crime is decreasing, new businesses are starting up.  Tulips are blooming on Troost Avenue.  The Coalition is still working on those original goals, but we've begun to wonder about the future as well.  Many new challenges are facing neighborhoods all over the city - economic, ecological, social - and all of us are worrying about things we didn't have to worry about before.

This is where you come in.  We want to hear from you.  The Coalition is devoting many of its board meetings this spring to rethinking its goals, its vision and its mission.  We have some ideas for where we'd like to take the Coalition over the next five to ten years.  But we think you have ideas, too.  You may have different goals for your neighborhood, you may be thinking of different things, you may be facing a different set of challenges.  Whatever you think, we'd like you to tell us.  Even if you don't live within the 49/63 boundaries, your opinions are still important - we're all facing the same challenges, and every idea helps. 

Use the form below to talk to us.  Any time you have an idea about the future of our neighborhoods, let us know.  Feel free to write to us as often as you want to.  We won't ask for your name or address unless you wish to share it.

And - as always - we invite you to talk to us in person.  The Coalition has its general meeting on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm at the Rockhurst University Community Center.  We usually present a topic of interest to the neighborhood, but it's a good place to meet your neighbors and talk about issues affecting all of us.