is not gold, Mayor Bos was reminded as he admired the gold scissors being handed out to the ribbon cutting at Barry Road and Amity yesterday at 3:45. The ceremony, just like the road itself, got underway just a bit late. A crowd of about 20 was gathered to hear the lineup of local politicos say the right things. Gia Vang from Fox 4 was there to interview the VIPs, including Bos (link below) if you didn't see the piece at 10:30 last night. Speakers at the event included:
- Damien Hodges, KCMO Project Manager who acknowledged the "inconvenience" of the area residents.
- KCMO Councilman Russ Johnson who stated Barry road construction was finally finished after "twenty years".
- KCMO Councilman Ed Ford who recognized the "Mad Moms" for their persistence in pushing the road project.
- Lynn Hinkle, representing the coalition that Ford referred to as the "Mad Moms" pointing out the last two fatalities at the bridge were the "16th and 17th fatalities on this stretch of road".
- Bob Heim, project manager for the Platte County portion, mentioned the funding mad possible by the 3/8 county road tax.
(Johnson and Ford had been invited four years ago to address the BOA at WL, at first agreed then backed out at the last minute. I suspect the potential for hostilities over the sudden closing of the BRB was more than they cared to face. Apparently time heals all wounds)
Although he was present, Jerry Bos did not address the crowd, don't know if he was asked to speak. Also not present was KCMO Mayor James, but that might be because it is alleged the only thing he knows north of the river is the airport.
Both the news story and Hinkle refer to the 17 fatalities "on this stretch of road", but no one seems to be able to substantiate that fact which has oft been repeated. I do know of 3 since I moved here in 1999. No matter, the cars and trucks were whizzing by during the ceremony and once an oncoming car on Barry honked at another car that was trying to cross on Amity, heads turned at the sound. "Safer Barry Road" we shall have to see.
Hodges mentioned the project cost $30 million, funded by federal, county and city money.
No balloons were released.
http://fox4kc.com/2012/08/14/barry-road-improvements-complete/
3 comments:
My count is three since the late seventies!
You are correct.
I understand the emotional issues, but exaggeration of the facts diminish the point. Hinkle has to wonder when somebody is going to ask the question/
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