Ground has been ceremonially broken for the already-in-progress East Patrol Police station/crime lab construction in Kansas City, Mo.
Chrome plated shovels were planted in dirt but it was obvious heavy equipment had been working for weeks. About 80 houses were torn down for the 17-acre, $74 million project.
Nearly every speaker talked about those who gave up property, some unwillingly. Though, there were no protestors visible at the gathering.
Mayor Sly James had more than construction in mind when he said, “by having a larger KCPD presence in this neighborhood, I want the residents to see we’re on the same page.”
James said he was “concerned about safety… about having a police presence where we want one and need one.”
James also said he was concerned about economic development.
His long term vision for the semi-blighted district is development east to I-435, west to Crown Center.
Two-and-a-half years of work is ahead on the new police complex before it will be operational.