Area of Influence
The project’s area of influence generally is bounded by Paseo Boulevard to the west, Swope Parkway to the east, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, and East 85th Street to the south.
Newsletter: Community Summit #1 Recap
20 May 2025
Creating a Safer, More Accessible and Connected Future, Together
The Reconnecting the East Side project is the first step in addressing challenges created when US-71 Highway / Bruce R. Watkins Drive was constructed — focusing on physically restoring the heart of the East Side by listening to residents, identifying early action projects, and shaping a long-term vision for the future. The project aims to improve safety and reconnect neighborhoods divided by the highway, spanning from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to 85th Street, and from Paseo Boulevard to Swope Parkway.
By working closely with the community, the project team is building a clear understanding of the corridor’s needs — including land use, green space, housing, economic development, public health, education, traffic safety, and other issues. Stop by our Community Office Hours, held each weekday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Mary Williams-Neal Community Center, to visit, ask questions and share comments with the project team!
Community Summit #2: Save the Date
Join us on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Blue Parkway Sun Fresh. More information coming soon!
Community Summit #1: Recap
Thank you for joining us in this ongoing conversation at the March 22 Community Summit.
Did you miss it? No problem! Did you join us and think of something else to share? Our website includes all of the resources that were available at the Community Summit, and it is not too late to share your ideas!
Project Map
Project Areas
The first phase of the project focuses two distinct Study Areas: Area of Influence and Area of Potential Effect.
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Area of Potential Effect
The project’s area of potential effect generally follows US-71 between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and East 85th Street, including a narrow buffer on either side of US-71 (roughly Prospect Avenue to South Benton Boulevard.) This area is intended to be wide enough (plus about 50 feet in either direction) to cover any potential improvement strategies and their potential construction limits.
Engagement Map
Make your voice heard!
We need your input now to ensure the project process reflects the needs of impacted neighborhoods and corridor users. Our Online Engagement Map allows East Side residents and enthusiasts to share their concerns and feedback. This feedback will be used to create initial and refined alternatives during the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study.
Contact Us
JOIN US — We host Community Office Hours Monday through Thursday.
Please stop by to visit and bring your questions and comments to share with the team!
Project Manager
Selina Zapata Bur, AICP
Mary Williams-Neal Community Center
3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64130
Monday through Thursday
2 - 6 p.m. CST
