Rezoning Moves Forward
RezoningMap 2
The Valentine Neighborhood Association has asked the city to rezone an area north of Valentine Road (see map to right) from District R-5 to District R-6. The intention is to preserve the single-family nature of the area.

Residents approved funding for the rezoning application and the city Planning Commission has scheduled a hearing for May 15. Kansas City Life is asking for expanded business zoning between 33rd and 34th Street at a later date. If you would like to attend the hearing, please contact Jim Martin for details. Read the city staff report on rezoning.

Norman School Does Not Win Tax Credits
We reported in the February newsletter that developer Sherman Associates hoped to win tax credits from the State of Missouri to help it rehab the Norman School at 3514 Summit. Several VNA residents attended a public hearing and urged the state to award the credits to Sherman. However, the process of getting tax credits is very competitive and Sherman did not win this round. The future of the school is unclear at this time.

Rockfest Coming Back
Rockfest, reported to be the largest rock festival in the United States, is once again scheduled for Penn Valley Park. This year the festival takes place on May 12. The festival organizers have been working with surrounding neighborhoods in advance of the event. After complaints in the past about trash and disorderly conduct in the neighborhoods around the park, the festival says it has a 16 person crew which will dedicate 256 hours to cleanup. They will also have off-duty police offers patrolling both the festival site and surrounding neighborhoods. If you have issues during the festival contact Mike Lowe at 816-283-9998.
View Rockfest community information.




















St. Luke’s to build hospice on Cresthaven grounds
Saint Luke’s Hospice will begin demolition of existing property on the west side of Southwest Trafficway between 35th and 37th Streets in mid-February. The site, formerly the Cresthaven Nursing Home, has been vacant for more than 20 years. St. Luke’s will construct a free-standing hospice facility. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned this spring. The facility is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

The $7 million project has received $3.5 million in funding from philanthropic donors. St Luke’s says the facility will include 12 family suites with room to expand to 18. A full-service kitchen, two chapels, common living rooms, and patios for family use are also part of the project.