Completion of Troost Bridge Celebrated

Kansas City celebrated the completion of the Troost Avenue bridge on Saturday, May 5, with a street festival. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Mayor Sly James and several members of the city council joined other dignitaries for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by a free concert with some of the city’s best-known jazz musicians.

Troost Avenue has long been known as a racial and economic dividing line. The new bridge, located in the Green Impact Zone, symbolizes how communities can come together to transform disinvested neighborhoods into sustainable places.

The city of Kansas City funded improvements to the bridge – including a new pedestrian walkway to be completed in 2013 – with federal funds awarded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. “This is an important milestone in Kansas City as we continue to work together to connect communities, create better neighborhoods, and bring people together to make our city a stronger, safer and more united place to work and play,” said Cleaver.

Green Impact Zone facilitates redevelopment of Bancroft School

Yesterday, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (right) and Kansas City Mayor Sly James (left) announced plans for redevelopment of the vacant Bancroft School, located at 43rd and Tracy in the Green Impact Zone. The $14 million project will include 50 affordable housing units — 29 in the remodeled school building and 21 in new townhomes to be constructed on school grounds. The Make It Right Foundation, the organization founded by actor Brad Pitt to build affordable housing in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, will donate $2.3 million toward construction costs. More information»  More press conference photos»