Tallulah's Law: Pick up after your pet.

I would like to dedicate this week’s CID blog post to my late pug Tallulah.  Last Thursday, I had to say my final goodbye to her, but I feel good knowing she was well-loved and cared for.  My “little princess”  is sorely missed, but she will never be forgotten.

In fact, Tallulah inspired me to write a post about the lessons she taught me about proper and healthy pet care.

Tu lived with me in my second-floor apartment in the Northland and it wasn’t uncommon for us to go for walks at least three times a day.  I had…correction, I was given the honor to carry her up and down the steps for our strolls due to her stiff joints and near-total blindness, but I think she relished the royal treatment.

Whether you live in a house in the surrounding suburbs or an apartment or loft Downtown, pets are a delightful joy.  And they are a great responsibility, both in the care and health of your companion, but also to your neighbors and neighborhood. Being a responsible dog owner is a lot more than filling the food and water bowls or a scratch behind the ears. It also means leaving public spaces clean of dog waste so everyone can enjoy our parks and green spaces.

On my walks with Tallulah, I always remembered to put a couple of dog waste bags in my pocket. After she did her “business,” I would pick it up so nobody would accidentally step in it and then dispose of it properly.  Not all dog owners in my complex share in this important job, and I was always concerned with what diseases lurked in those little “land mines” that she always tried to sniff. I know. Gross, right?

The Downtown population is growing rapidly, and with that is the number of dogs in the area. And Downtown dog owners know that there is a minimum of green spaces for their dogs to use. But these public areas can, and should, be  available for more than a bathroom for dogs. Kids need places to run and wrestle and families should be able to spread out a blanket for a picnic without the smell or sight of…poop. OK, I said it.

As Director for the CIDs, I often get complaints from residents and property owners about the amount of dog waste left on the sidewalks, trails, in parks, and in tree wells and landscaping beds. The messes are a smelly, unhealthy nuisance that someone other than the dog owner often has to remove. Sadly, this unfortunate job usually falls on the CID Ambassadors just so they can maintain the lawns and landscape beds safely.  While I have noticed that many people are responsible and pick up after their own dogs, I encourage all dog owners to make sure that all pet waste is properly managed for the good health and benefit of everyone.

Why is pet waste a problem?

• Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients.
• Pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Salmonella.
• Leaving pet waste on the ground, especially in public areas like roadways, sidewalks, parks, turf areas and landscape beds, may pose a disease risk to children, adults, and especially other pets.
• Rain or water runoff may carry the waste to other areas.

Let’s work together to keep dog waste out of our storm drains, neighborhoods, and recreational areas.

Do your part: scoop the poop!

Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy for those walking behind you; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do. People may not pick up after their dog because they think it’s gross or they’re not sure how to dispose of the waste. Picking up after your dog is easy and it’s the law!* The CIDs have installed Dogi-Pot pet stations in various locations Downtown and in the River Market for your convenience too. Next time you see one, be sure to grab a few extra bags for next time.

Reasons for picking up pet waste:

• It’s the law: City of Kansas City, Missouri Ordinance #65201, Section 14.19
• Environmental reasons
• Hygiene/health reasons
• Neighborhood courtesy
• It’s the right thing to do
• Keeps our Downtown clean for visitors, employees and your neighbors

Here are some easy steps for dealing with your pet’s waste:

1. Always carry a plastic bag when you walk your dog. Dogi-Pot pet stations are strategically located in areas throughout Downtown and the River Market for your convenience. Reusing an old newspaper delivery bag or plastic grocery bag works well too. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check the bag for holes before your pet’s walk!

2. Use the bag as a glove to pick up the pet waste. Place your hand inside the bag; scoop it up, turn the bag inside out and seal the bag. Dispose the bag in trash can.

3. Please don’t place bagged or unbagged pet waste in a storm drain or move pet waste towards the street.

4. Don’t compost pet waste. Compost piles may not get hot enough to kill disease causing organisms.

5. Remove waste from areas where children play or people garden or landscape.

6. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water after dealing with pet waste!

Tallulah taught me a lot of lessons over the course of her life. Being a good neighbor was definitely one of the enduring ones.

The Downtown Council’s Infrastructure Committee is seeking Capital Improvement project ideas from the neighborhoods within the Greater Downtown Area Plan (GDAP) boundaries. Potential projects can be seeking funding for phases of study, design and engineering, or construction in categories of Catalyst, Connectivity, Neighborhood Projects or Other.

As a sub-committee of the GDAP Implementation Committee, the Infrastructure Committee is responsible for reviewing project ideas and making recommendations to the Implementation Committee for future PIAC requests. This process is essential to our combined success as we all work together to make strategic and cost-effective improvements to the City.

The Infrastructure Committee will compile all submitted requests into a master list and begin reviewing them over the next couple of months. It will then prioritize its recommendations for improvement projects to the GDAP Implementation Committee prior to the PIAC request deadline on August 31, 2012 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. View the GDAP Annual Report for information on last year’s priorities and projects that received funding for FY 2012-2013.

Capital improvement project suggestions should include a description of the project and the estimated funds to be request. Suggestions should be submitted to Mark Rowlands, mark@downtownkc.org or fax to (816) 421-1661, no later than June 7, 2012.

Please welcome these nine businesses that have recently joined the Downtown Council. Memberships range from partner level to champion level. New members are encouraged to participate in any of our eight committees and are invited to attend the Board Meetings. Please read the following information on our new members.

Ambassador Hotel: The hotel opened July, 2012 at 1111 Grand. The former Gate City National Bank building has been transformed into a chic, independent boutique hotel with 43 richly decorated rooms. It is within walking distance to the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Power and Light District.

Cafe Al Dente: The family owned restaurant is located in the River Market at 412 Delaware. The restaurant has a big selection on their menu for lunch and dinner. 

Data Systems International, Inc. (DSI): Founded in 1979, DSI helps companies around the world increase productivity and profitability by mobilizing on- and off-premise business processes. With validated integrations to leading enterprise applications DSI’s solutions work seamlessly with back-end systems to provide real-time, mobile access to enterprise data. The company recently moved to 1201 Walnut from Overland Park, KS.

Green Dream Living LLC: Green Dream Living LLC offers marketing, communications, event planning, and consulting services to anyone seeking to learn or to connect their eco-conscious practices, products, spaces, places, events or services with like-minded or eco-curious consumers. GDL educates, inspires, offers a bridge to the experts and leaders, facilitates green-focused gatherings, and encourages continual envisioning within communities locally and globally for  a more environmentally-sensitive and healthy world. For more information contact Laura at  Laura.GreenDream@gmail.com.

Intake Studios: The company is an editorial and production house specializing in motion graphics, visual effects and animation that has been building a reputation as a world-class regional creative resource for commercials, cross-platform advertising and interactive media. The company is located at 1717 Oak in the Crossroads District.

Jackson County Casa: This non-profit organization is a voice for abused and neglected children in the court system. The organization has been around since 1977. The organization is located at 2546 Holmes Street.

Meridian Insurance Group: The insurance group specializes in group employee benefit insurance products. The insurance group is located in Belton, MO.

The Black Archives of Mid-America: The Black Archives of Mid-America was founded in May of 1974. Their mission is to preserve is to collect, preserve and make available to the public materials documenting the social, economic, political and cultural histories of persons of African descent in the central United States, with particular emphasis in the Kansas City, Missouri region. The organization is located in the historic 18th & Vine District at 1722 E. 17th Terrace.

Thinking Bigger Business Media, Inc.: Thinking Bigger is a resource organization dedicated to providing the strategic, “how-to” information small business owners need to become more productive and more profitable. The organization is located in Shawnee Mission, KS. 

Want to become a member? Go to our website and fill out the application at http://www.downtownkc.org/about/get-involved/become-a-member/. The first person to become a member and mention this blog post gets two complimentary tickets to the Jason Dorsey event on Thursday, June 14th at 7:30am. Please contact Julie Shippy for more information.

Downtown Kansas City will celebrate Independence Day in grand style again again this year with the city’s largest fireworks show. Mark your calendars for the KC Riverfest on Wednesday, July 4 at the Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park. And, this year’s Riverfest will take on an even more intriguing role, as it serves the opening event for Major League Baseball All Star Game festivities from July 6-10 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Of course, this email is designed to be much more than a save the date. I am writing to follow up on a recent letter to you from Ron Coker, Downtown Council board chairman, and Bill Dietrich, president and CEO. The letter not only set the stage for Downtown’s annual 4th of July festivities, but also opened the door to seeking your support. You see, the success of Riverfest is largely dependent on the support of the Downtown business community.

More than 30,000 revelers are expected to descend on Downtown and the riverfront for a July 4th holiday filled with family fun and entertainment. Riverfrest 2012 will feature a full day of live music, including hot country artist Dustin Lynch, a carnival, food, Market Place vendors, and the spectacular fireworks of the Zambelli Family!

Even though July is drawing closer, there is still time for you to become a Riverfest supporter. It’s not only a great event to support, but also can bring visibility to your company and a fun outing for your employees and their families.

Please help us to light up the skies over Downtown this 4^th of July! For more information about sponsorships and the event itself,  sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nelsie Sweeney at NSweeney@kcriverfest.com or call (816) 559-3727.

Councilman Jim Glover, Bill Dietrich, Mark Huffer and Ron Coker

Sherri McIntyre and David Vozzolo

On Wednesday, May 9, Downtown Council members and staff joined city officials and the Downtown Streetcar Project team to walk the route of the planned Downtown Streetcar project.  The walk started at 3rd and Grand in the River Market, the streetcar’s most northern point as it loops around the City Market.  During the walk we examined where the streetcar stops would be located and whether or not they would be on the sidewalk or require a curb extension into the street.  The Streetcar Project team also pointed out where changes to traffic flow and on-street parking would occur.  The team is committed to maintaining as much on-street parking as possible.

Did you miss the Streetcar Stroll?  Then attend one of the following public meetings next week. They will be held on May 15, 16, and 17.  The project team will have specific information about the proposed location of the streetcar and its impact on traffic and parking throughout the route. During the open houses, you will be able to review project exhibits that illustrate the streetcar route, explain construction timing, outline applicable studies and plans, and review the project’s funding strategy. City representatives and consultant team members will be present to answer questions and discuss issues or concerns.

Links:

May 15, 16 and 17 Public Meetings (pdf)

Downtown stroll tracks proposed streetcar route, Kansas City Star

While Downtown may be one of the safest neighborhoods in the metropolitan area, CID Ambassadors go the extra mile to help Downtown workers, residents and visitors feel even more secure.

The Downtown and River Market Bumblebees (aka, Ambassadors) provided nearly 1,300 escorts over the last year and average more than 100 per month.

“Whether you’re working late, it’s dark outside, or you just don’t want to walk alone, a radio-equipped, uniformed and trained CID Safety Ambassador will accompany you to your destination, vehicle or bus,” said Mark Rowlands, CID director.

The safety escort service is free within the Central Business District and River Market area during the following hours of operation: 7:30a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

To request a safety escort, call the CID Dispatch at (816) 421-5243 about a one hour prior to requiring an escort.  To learn more about the CID’s Clean and Safe services here.

Renovation and expansion of Kansas City’s beloved coffee roaster will result in a new entrance, a larger café
to be open six days a week, and a beautiful event space located at its current factory at 1204 W. 27 th St.

“This is huge… a big game-changer,” said Danny O’Neill, president and founder. “It will make us significantly
more efficient with our new docks and plant layout, as well as allow us to entertain tens of thousands of
fans year round.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. on May 8, and is scheduled to feature Mayor Sly James,
along with Downtown area business and civic leaders. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, and stay for refreshments and tours.

“The Roasterie and Danny O’Neill epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit that built Kansas City and is absolutely
driving Downtown’s continued revitalization today,” said Bill Dietrich, president of the Downtown Council.

The “new” Roasterie will receive its crowning touch by late summer, when a full DC-3 airplane will be
mounted above the building – making the coffee kingdom clearly visible from Interstate 35. The DC-3, a
common vehicle for transporting coffee beans around the world is a significant part of the Roasterie’s brand
identity.

“We want the Roasterie to be a great place for our neighbors to visit, as well as bring guests,” O’Neill
said. “It’s already inspiring others in the neighborhood to spruce up their property. We feel this can be a
catalyst for development down (nearby) Southwest Boulevard.”

The event will not only celebrate The Roasterie’s future, but also its rich 19 year history. The Roasterie’s
revenues increased more than 30 percent last year to top $10 million in 2011.

“I have a deep appreciation for Danny O’Neill and his team at The Roasterie,” said Pete Fullerton, president
of the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation. “He does a lot for Kansas City and for the
neighborhood – he is a creative visionary.”

For more information contact:

• Stacy Barter, the Roasterie: stacy@theroasterie.com
• Mike Hurd, Downtown Council: mike@downtownkc.org
• Jennifer Presberry, Economic Development Corporation: jpresberry@edckc.com

 More than 125,000 visitors are expected to enter Bartle Hall for the All Star Fan Fest over the five-day run. And, that’s just for starters. Special attractions have already been announced for Barney Allis Plaza, the Power & Light District, Crown Center, the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) at 18^th & Vine, and the Crossroads Arts District.

To keep up with the latest All Star Week news, like us at Facebook.com/Downtown Kansas City and follow the official Kansas City website for all things All Star at www.VisitKC.com/allstar.

 The current list of All Star Week highlights includes:

 Daily, July 6-10

• MLB All-Star Fan Fest @ Bartle Hall (9a.m.-8 p.m.)
• Special Exhibition on All Stars @ NLBM (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• World War I All Stars @ WWI Museum (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

 Friday, July 6

• Crossroads Block Party @ 19^th & Baltimore (4-10 p.m.)
• First Friday @ the Crossroads Arts District (6-10 p.m.)
• Friday Night Flick: Moneyball @ Crown Center (9 p.m.)
• Grand Slam Jam in FANsas City @ Barney Allis Plaza (8 p.m.)

 Saturday, July 7

• Buck, BBQ & Baseball @ NLBM (7 p.m.)
• Grand Slam Jam in FANsas City @ Barney Allis Plaza (2-9 p.m.)
• Groovalicious Fruit @ City Market (9 a.m.-noon)
• KC Command @ Sprint Center (7 p.m.)

 Sunday, July 8

• MLB All Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run @ Power & Light (7:30 a.m.)
• Art of the Machine Series @ City Market (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
• Grand Slam Jam in FANsas City @ Barney Allis Plaza (2-9 p.m.)
• KC Chamber of Commerce @ Kauffman Center (7 p.m.)
• All Star Futures Game + Legends & Celebrity Softball Game @ the K (4 p.m.)

 Monday, July 9

• MLB Home Run Derby @ the K (7 p.m.)

 Tuesday, July 10

• MBL All Star Red Carpet Parade @ Country Club Plaza (1 p.m.)
• Community Watch Parties @ locations tbd (7 p.m.)
• 83^rd MLB All Star Game @ the K (7 p.m.)