Kansas City Mayor Sly James signature trolly project’s up and running…
And thousands of KC folks got to see and ride KC’s new Downtown Dazzle for free. It was a “party,” they claimed, but will it really help to promote Kansas City?
Seriously.
Will people who live downtown or in the City Market really actually use it? And as time goes by – after the novelty fades – will anybody continue to use it? Was it worth the estimated costs to the tax payers of $150 million?
At this point in time, it’s really not much more than a fun thing for tourists and locals, rather than a need item. I mean, if you have a car why would you ride the trolly over the 2.2 mile run from downtown to Union Station or Crown Center? Convenience? The Trolly makes 12 stops on the 2 mile run every 2 blocks. Will it make downtown busier? Will it help Power & Light be busier on weekdays and weekend nights?
Right now the answer’s, who knows?
Some of the possible issues are obvious.
Like that Kansas City doesn’t get many actual tourists.
Visitors here are mostly convention types or people on family or business visits. And face it, Kansas City is no vacation destination.
We do get our share of out-of-towners for sporting events, concerts at Sprint or the P&L. So yeah, I can see some of those visitors staying at downtown hotels using the trolly.
However I’m skeptical of locals who don’t live in that area or shopping downtown using the trolly, again, since they have CARS. And parking your car and climbing on a trolly doesn’t make much sense to me.
Because once you’ve parked. then you have to slowly go wherever you plan to on this short two mile run. Then you’re at the mercy of waiting for another trolly to get back to your car.
It could make sense if you were going to the Plaza or Westport and wanting not to drink and drive. And even more sense if the trolly took you all the way to Overland Park or places further out than two miles away.
Sure there are some Kansas City people who don’t have a car and it could help them get to their job if it’s near this run. But how many people fall into that group? My guess is not many.
As far as visitors wanting to ride the trolly for fun or sightseeing, well, you tell me. I just don’t think it makes much sense for a city that has huge financial issues and could have used the funds for more important needs like shoring up The Plaza, Westport, Brookside and/or Waldo.
Current estimates put the number of people living downtown at around 10,000 people. Most live in in apartments and condos, but will they need to use the trolly much? Is it convenient for them?
First Fridays have been a huge hit for midtown.
Westport with its own funds and new businesses has fought back to be KC’s busiest entertainment zone on a nightly basis. And sadly the Plaza is still searching for a new identity to make a comeback.
I live near the Plaza and its nightlife is nearly gone these days.
The Power & White District is pretty much a late night and weekend hang for the younger crowds, but has little to add for shopping or weeknight adventures. You know, unless Sprint Center has an event. The daytime action is still nearly nonexistent.
So how does the trolly help there?
To be fair downtown is much better today than it was before the redo that began over 10 years ago. Union Station now has several interesting special events and at times is very busy, like during the KC Royals championship celebration. But those sort of things are rare.
One could argue that we have to start somewhere and this is a good start.
I was more of a believer in fixing up midtown areas that were already doing well and could have been doing much better with some financial help from the city.
I guess maybe, it’s just a matter of baby steps.
Nice article Glaze.
Points well taken.
Thank you Chuck.
As spread out as Kansas City is, I’ve always been in favor of some sort of light rail system, similiar to what St Louis has. The MetroLink has been very successful there, and could be here as well with the right design.
Tend to agree with GWSWOT – a MetroLink system in KC would be both useful and used. However we just don’t have the vision to implement something utile, instead we aiming for imaginary tourist dollars.
Kansas City is NOT a tourist destination by any stretch of the imagination.
IMO, the Toy Train was a waste of time and money. Herne’s competitor blogged a picture of what the street car looked like around 7AM on Monday morning. Completely empty.
Sly James built a new street car that few will use. He wants to build a new Airport that yes is a dump, but the city turned into a dump on purpose. A fancy high rise hotel. Keeping 18th and Vine afloat. And soon, don’t be shocked if you hear about a new stadium for either the Royals or Chiefs.
All while Brookside and other area’s around town flood after a few raindrops. The crime and homicide rate is sky high and he is letting go of police officers because the city can’t afford them (But I thought it was ONLY one percent??????)
WOO! WOO!
Another paste and copy story by the King of Nothing. Every news outlet or blogger in Kansas City covered this story 3 or more days ago. Tell you what Mr. Nobody, you want to impress me, let’s see your copy and paste stories appearing in other places besides here and TKC. I’m not talking about your book someone else wrote and I’d hate to think how many other people in Kansas City had really written a book themselves and it was published, in the hundreds no doubt. You’re a joke Glazer, and you wonder why people dislike you. And whoever had the bright idea to post the picture of the fireman doing a rescue is so out of touch with what the story is about it’s proof what a clown show this is.
People who are trolls like you and hide behind fake names are sadly the majority of comment folks on all blogs. Known as cowards hey thats you. My book of course and a troll like you already knows this was published by SKYHORSE a division owned by a small company/ BARNES AND NOBLE. Its in both hard copy and now soft as well as available on KINDLE like all major books. It was nothing it sold from book to film in its first year out. Which most people that live in KC know. I’m sure you do. As for copy and paste, never done that in my life, guess Trolls and cowards like you do that, who knows.
As for why you dislike me or hate me don’t know don’t care. In the past I have tried to meet haters and cowards like you in person. They never show up. Odd huh. As you wouldn’t. I don’t do it anymore. Like most folks I’m kinda busy.
Whats sad and strange troll/coward guy…I write these stories for fun, entertainment and even news…Hearne and I go way back, he’s been a good pal and as you well know wrote about me and Stanfords hundreds of times in his column for the Star. So I try and give him current events, cover sports and entertainment etc…all in fun and in my spare time. I never write a story to hate on anyone. This story had ZERO to do with me or my business just a few thoughts that most agree on about the trolly. It’s not a big thing in my life.
I am at Stanfords six days a week. If you are having a mental breakdown of hate or need to see be feel free. You can even visit me in the daytime, Not much staff there in the day. Hey I’ve written this before: IN MY LIFE NOBODY AND I MEAN NOBODY HAS EVER COME TO ME IN PERSON ANYWHERE AND SAID ONE BAD THING TO ME, NOBODY. EVER. I think that says it all troll.
You never disappoint glazyzer, you never disappoint.
Yes because grown men should always act like grade school bullies. “Gots something to say meet me after skool” It’s the internet and “NEWS ALERT” the Internet doesn’t have to like you.
Now that you mention it, what DOES the rescue picture have to do with the article?
Aside from that, the rest of your comment is hateful.
yes…this story is old…but that’s probably because hearne is on another
job.
But regardless…I don’t get this street/cable car deal…..2 miles?
and he’s right (like the thousands who have already written about this) kc needs
to fix its sewers and fixsome other areas up.
As far as glazas accessment off the plaza…we were down there last Friday til
very late. Every place we went to was packed. So I don’t know where
he gets the idea that the plaza has to determine their own identity.
The real thing is that kc is so inundated with bars/restuarants/ that I can’t
see how they all stay open.
At 135th street there are no less than 10 drinking establishments.
There’s new development at 105th and mission…..at college and alt 69/
on alt 69 heading north…..at 159th to 165th of alt 69….
new bars are opening everywhere. New restaurants including 3 new ones
on top of all the others on 135th street…..
two country clubs are slated for expansion into retail and commercial….
119th street will be the farthest north in joco.
Add to that up north….k-10 corridor….Shawnee….
how will all these places make it?
will they close?
Add to that the plaza///Westport////and p and l…
As far as kcmo…I don’t know how they are gtoing to make it. Free tax subsidies
are keeping that town afloat but eventually you got to pay the bills.
Timing of story brain dead was the opening hello…Harley your hate has grown towards me old son…kinda sad thought we were pals? Mad at me cause of Trump? Yes he wins it all, I’m sorry Hillary is just outgunned and stands for nothing, she is boring he’s not…he wins. OH its the Royals, I’m standing up for them cause it hurts my biz. I see. How about this Harley. The Royals are very bad. Their pitching is near the bottom on everything in baseball. Beyond Hosmer nobody on this team will have season like last year? Why? They aren’t very good to start with…it was a ‘career’ year for all of them. Lets face it 2014 was a bit lucky in the post, regular season they were just ok…not great or even very good. Last year was a one time shot, it hit!!! Thank God. Will it again…NO. Happy now? You can be pissed. The Royals will not come back and Trump is the next prez…sorry but true.
I don’t argue with idiots. Sorry. I’ve proven you wrong
time and time again. Nothing personal. You’ve been
wrong in politics/in sports (you changed your mind at least
4 times last season on the royals who won it all…you called
for a boycott of arrowhead and the chiefs last season…you
screwed up on the super bowl when Harley had it right.
You work by the seat of your pants. You have no knowledge
of anyting including data and stats to prove anything
youwrite about. You lick your finger an put it to the wind
and come up with outlandish predictions.
Harley doesn’t work that way and that’s what makes
Harley right again and again.
Did you know we have computers. They work in milliseconds
and can absorb data and numbers faster than ever before.
That’s why Harley is always right!
That’s why you are always wrong!
I’ve written dozen of articles outlining your inability to
know what you’re talking about. And now more comments
are coming out about your lack of knowledge about what
you talk about.
Example: heard of crossroads district in kc? You haven’t
so you make that mistake about a really booming part of
Kansas city. Then you go: WHERE IS IT? Come on…
it’s been one of the fastest growing parts of kc. How about
the freight district? West Bottoms? YOu don’t know these
areas yet they are growing.
Here’s what I suggest. Before you make a point or express
an opinion do some research.
Harley has made you thefool. Nothing personal but you just
have no knowledge nor data to use to prove your points.
In other words…you’re a seat of your pants writer.
Even wislon has made fun of your stories.
You live a different life thanmost of us. But don’t come
on and try to make people think you know something
that the common guy doesn’t. Anyone who read tonys
blog would know already after he for months and months
railed against the streetcars. Your story was just a rehash
of what people of intelligence and wisdom have known
for over a year.
You’re wrong. Face it. The world has changed. Those with
the data/the information/the intelligence are taking
over the world and you at your age just haven’t caught
up to what is happening and why.
I admire your persistence but a fool and his money go
separate ways.
I’m not pissed at anyone. Mostof my stories contain jokes
and fun.
Its just that you’re not as smartas you want to be or try
to be and the world has passed you by.
Your best days are way behind you. It’s a newworld
out there and you are far behin d.
And because of that, for all the b.s. you put out to
cover the fact that you really know nothing that Harley
does know what’s going on.
I’m paid to do that sir.
I suggest you buy a computer and get educated because
come November Harley will be screaming that he’s the
king.
You fit right in with the conman dumpster. Maybe he’ll
make you THE KING OF STING when he loses.
I am working hard to defeat him. I know winners.
I know losers. And as much as I hate to say it…you’re
going to be a loser.
And besides…just like your Nazi dumpster…you change
your mind daily so who can know what you believe.
That’s your problem. Two weeks ago it was Hillary..now
it’s trump.
AGAIN HARLEY WILL PROVE YOUWRONG!
AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Crossroads is not overland park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Geez!!!!!!!
You’re right Harley he is an idiot. Glazer so out of it, he can’t still comprehend his book still isn’t a movie and looks to never be one. Glazer said, “It was nothing it sold from book to film in its first year out.” That’s a bold face lie if there ever was one. The rights to make a movie were sold but that is not by any means a film. Glazer lives in fantasy land, you know it and I know it. Top bad Glazer is such a jerk he can’t chuckle along with us over his unsupported comments and stories instead of the bully act he likes to pull. But as I asked and he ignored his gibberish is not for all to see anywhere but here in Kansas City on two blogs anyone probably can get a story posted on. Instead of impressing us, Craig once again shows his true colors and that’s being a bully and a mouth most could care less to hear from.
Aw hurt your feelings fake name guy. Sorry.
“First Fridays have been a huge hit for midtown.”
Wrong neighborhood.
come on….this is kcc…do you expect glaza to be right ALL THE TIME? hahaha
its crossroads.
either way first Fridays have been huge for that area….
Sorry did I miss something Cross Roads is OP? WHERE IS IT THEN?
East Egypt.
P.S. Uh I know where it is…the comment was aimed at NO ITS NOT MIDTOWN…it is midtown. Sorry.
nice article glaza.
what…no young hot p*ssy on the plaza recently. Should run with Harley and my
girl. We’ll be your wing man and woman.
Keep the good articles coming because without you and I, kcc would be a lonely blog with stories about black teenagers pissing off old rich republicans who then refuse to
donate money to a needy charity and hearne’s over the top hate of the kc star.
And now…here’s something for our resident rich republican: A sing along
WAY DOWN UPON THE SWANEE RIVER
FAR FAR AWAY
OH I WISH I WAS IN THE LAND OF COTTON
OLD TIMES THERE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN…
MAMMY…HOW I LOVE YA…HOW I LOVE YA…
MY DEAR OLD MAMMY!
Empty at 7 am? You don’t say.
I am totally unsurprised the 2 mile toy choo choo train is not stuffed with commuters at that time.
Hey guys this story was an opinion based on some facts about our new Trolly that opened this week, thats it. Nothing more. Nothing earthshaking. Not about me or Hearne or anything personal. To take it that direction by some is just plain silly and stupid. I sure can write a CG story if you want to bag on me let me give you cause. I write about how badly the Royals are playing and I am to somehow blame. Huh? They are playing horrible, no secret. Maybe they come back, if they do I’ll write about it. Thats how it works. Just like following our lives right some good days and some bad ones. Thats life for all of us.
I do appreciate the comments on the story by some of you, agreeing or not is fine. However to get so mean spirited again and again by a few hateful people gets old.
It is wonderful that Worlds of Fun has been allowed to expand outside of its borders. Things like this are the re ason I find it hard to libe in a city, particularly one fauning over the wonder of its mayor. $100,000,000 divided by a population of 500,000 is $200 for every citizen, and all for a two mile run. However, what is truely better, was the gush of those claiming success before ot even opened and the pledge to continue the nonsense. Who paid for this? Should one offer cudos to the waitress before we’re served? Hardly.
Uh, multiply your cost X2 and you are getting near the cost for this epic debacle.