KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was one of the best kept secrets and Google unveiled it right here in the metro. Ultra high speed internet was coming and this area of the country would be the first to get it. Fast forward two and a half years and some aren’t too happy.
“This the first above ground utility box in Valentine and Roanoke’s 100 year history, so they are the first ones to do it. They put it in public view. It’s an eyesore, I think it degrades the neighborhood and it is also a graffiti magnet.” proclaimed Art Perry.
Art Perry is a long time resident of the Roanoke neighborhood. He’s upset with the above ground utility boxes that can be seen on just about every block.
They are there because of Google Fiber. Perry and many others want them gone, but it doesn’t seem likely.
“We enlisted the neighborhood association to reach out to local Google liaison and she confirmed that the boxes were there to stay and that it’s just the way it’s going to be.” explained Perry
Perry shared some email correspondence with the liaison. One of the emails reads in part:
“The box you referenced is in the right of way and is permitted by the City. While we attempt to minimize disruption to community aesthetics as we construct Google Fiber across Kansas City, this box will remain in its current location. We have been in regular communication with the 39th Street CID.’
Perry isn’t sure what can be done, but he believes something should be done. As for the graffiti, Google is dispatching a team to clean the boxes. Perry says it won’t matter, “they’ll get tagged again in a week.”
