KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first of seven houses that must be demolished to make room for the newest patrol station in Kansas City, Mo., Police Department was torn down Monday morning at 26th and Olive Street.
“It’s been an emotional process for the neighborhood as well as the police department but we are very excited to see it get going,” said Major Sharon Laningham of the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.
Leading up to the demolition, there had been frustration and disappointment by the residents who were forced to leave but compensated for their homes. Today a handful of residents booed the destruction of three homes.
Kaw Valley Wrecking, LLC, won the contract to demolish the homes. Crews expected to complete demolition of three of the seven homes on Monday.
“It’s always hard, change is hard and whenever you do something like this there is going to be benifits and there are going to be some people who may not be as satisfied or happy with the project,” said Lisa Pelofsky, President of the Police Board of Commissioners.
The new East Patrol Division Station and Crime Lab Campus means the destruction of homes in a four block area bordered by Prospect and Brooklyn between 26th and 27th streets. The city was to pay homeowners left in the area to move out and relocate so that their homes could be torn down to make room for the new campus.
Related: Frustration Runs High on East Side
In a blog in May 2011, KCMO Police Chief Darryl Forte asked the community for suggestions on a location for the new patrol station. Some residents were unhappy their neighborhood was chosen and they’d have to move.
The project is funded from money raised from a 2010 public safety sales tax. The overall project will cost $60 million and the station and crime lab will be open in 2015.
For more information of the project.
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
