Mayor's September Newsletter
Dear Mission Woods Residents -
While it doesn't seem that long ago that we were huddled inside with the AC cranked up, the seasons are changing quickly. This was emphasized to me when doing my mayoral duty and scheduling leaf pickup dates (more on that soon) and holiday lighting installation. Plenty of substantive topics to discuss this month, so let's get to it:
Rainbow Boulevard Complete Streets Traffic Plan
A partnership of local cities and organizations is collaborating to produce a plan to enhance the Rainbow Boulevard corridor from Shawnee Mission Parkway to I-35. You are invited to learn more and share your opinions, (which is needed by this Friday 9/22).
5345 Mission Woods Road Lot Split
I sent out a letter yesterday from Rick Rals, chair of our Planning Commission (though I neglected to put his name on it) about the Commission meeting addressing the re-platting of 5345 Mission Woods Road. Thanks to all of you who have responded with perspectives and questions, much of which is centered on potential future uses of the lot. Our City Attorney Jeff Deane, as well as representatives of Mission Hills Country Club, will be on hand to address concerns at the Commission meeting to be held tomorrow, September 21 at 4 p.m. in Westwood City Hall. A special City Council meeting will be held immediately following, to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
Mission Woods Terrace Safety
As many of you are aware, we’ve had ongoing issues with the intersection of Mission Woods Terrace and Shawnee Mission Parkway. In the past five years, there have been six instances of vehicles hitting Mission Woods walls, mostly in the middle of the night. In addition, there have been reported close calls between vehicles entering and exiting the intersection because of service vehicles narrowing the lane. We intend to address the latter as soon as possible by potentially extending the no parking zone along Terrace. In our October City Council meeting, we’ll start exploring options to prevent any more crashes, such as the one we had last weekend.
Street Lights
Crews from Evergy, after many months of delay, are installing new streetlights on Mission Woods Road and Terrace. Thanks to Council Member Bob Tietze for staying on top of the project. Once we have had time to live with these new lights, we can discuss if there are other spots in the city that would benefit from lights. This will be an open process, with resident input.
Other City Council Meeting Business
A few other noteworthy topics coming out of the last City Council meeting: we began discussing what information the City should be providing homeowners prior to starting construction projects, as well as what changes we might consider to govern the appearance and noise of such projects. We also discussed noise in the context of the sound of tennis practices and matches coming from the Pembroke Hill courts. Finally, we discussed putting in place a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, which will be in front of the Council for consideration at our next meeting.
Trash and Recycling Bins
A reminder that your trash and recycling bins should be kept inside your garage when not set out for our Monday morning pickup.
Go Green 2023! Environmental Fair this Saturday
Join your neighbors for Go Green 2023!, to be held this Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway in Mission. This free event is brought to you by Northeast Johnson County cities, including Mission Woods.
The Environmental Fair aims to show you how each small step you take can help reduce your carbon footprint at home, school and work and save money while doing so. More than 40 local businesses and nonprofits will provide information and items to help you live a more sustainable life.
Along with booths and educational sessions, the fair will include children’s activities, electronics recycling and a thrift store fashion show. Learn more here
Upcoming Community Recycling Event
Residents of Mission Woods are invited to take advantage of the annual recycling and document shredding event to be held Saturday, September 30 in Merriam. Organizers of the event are still seeking volunteers to help with traffic and unloading if you’d like to sign up.
The next Council meeting is Tuesday, October 3 at 7 p.m. Please feel free to attend.