KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Construction is underway to build a new east patrol station and crime lab for the police department in Kansas City, Mo.
After decades of decline, the Prospect corridor Tuesday is seeing some major new investment that the city hopes will be transformational for those that live there.
The goal is to help transform the image of Prospect from a violent crime corridor to one of new businesses and jobs. This is a $74 million project that’s expected to take two years to complete.
A public safety sales tax renewed by voters in 2010 is paying for the new patrol station and state-of-the art crime lab. The location was controversial because dozens of homeowners were forced out of the neighborhood. But on Tuesday city leaders said poverty stricken families on the east side will see benefits as a result. There’s a conscious effort to make sure jobs associated with this project go to those who live nearby. And the city expects the East Patrol Campus will help lure more private businesses to set up shop along Prospect.
“What we believe truly will be a stepping off point for industry to come in, up and down the community along Prospect to change the whole feeling about Prospect,” said Police Commissioner Alvin Brooks. “And bring some sanity we hope to solving some of our crimes and give the community a sense of feeling that the city cares.”
Hard feelings are still among some who were forced to move. A woman, who was bought out by the city to make way for this project, said she doesn’t believe the promises of jobs for neighbors or new business development on Prospect.
But the city is committed to hiring very low income neighbors as part of the project.
A woman who lives only a few blocks away said she has been hired as an office worker by J.E. Dunn Construction, and said more jobs are available for unemployed east siders.
For those who are interested in applying, here’s what to do:
- Go to the ‘Section 3’ office at the Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose Center, which is located at: 3200 Wayne Ave., Suite 108, Kansas City, Mo. 64109. Phone: (816) 513-6817
- There you can pick up and fill out an application, for more information, click on this link.
