Waldo Land Use Plan Project Overview
The Waldo Community Improvement District (CID) hired Ochsner Hare & Hare, the Olsson Studio, to help put the necessary plans in place for Waldo to realize its vision. The Waldo CID is developing a land use plan to guide future improvements within the CID boundaries. The Waldo Land Use Plan (Plan) will serve as a guide for the CID to secure financing for future infrastructure improvements and general aesthetic enhancements. The Plan will provide a clear path forward for the Waldo CID, Waldo Area Business Association (WABA), and private business and property owners that outlines annual upkeep projects to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the district.
With the recent passage of the Country Club/Waldo Area Plan (2018), it is especially critical that the Waldo CID define its path forward as the district has unique factors that are best understood when studied at a smaller scale. To inform the Country Club/Waldo Area Plan implementation process that the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is conducting alongside the Waldo CID/WABA, this planning process will give the Waldo CID/WABA the tools they need to advocate effectively on behalf of the district.
Specifically, the project will evaluate existing land use patterns, opportunities for historic preservation, necessary improvements (infrastructure and otherwise), and potential guidelines or regulations that could be instituted to ensure the financial success and aesthetic enhancement of the district.
Explore this page to learn about your opportunities to engage – both in-person and online – in this exciting process. Thank you for your thoughtful participation!
If you want to receive additional information about the project, please contact Tresa Carter-Hahs by clicking here.
Project Vision
A place for people to build relationships, grow and launch businesses, and inspire one another, Waldo continually aspires to be a creative one-stop-shop that is not one-size-fits all. Defined by its diverse and vibrant patchwork of businesses, employment opportunities, and community events, Waldo is built on authenticity and mixed-use activities, which it constantly seeks to foster, support, and expand upon.
Purpose and Mission
As Waldo continues to evolve, it is important that existing and prospective business and property owners are supported in their diverse ventures while Waldo continues to be inviting and responsive to community needs, wants, and desires. The Waldo Land Use Plan aims to determine viable and desirable infrastructure projects and district-wide improvements that will sustain the district for years to come. With your input, Waldo will remain the inclusive and inviting place everyone wants to live, work, and gather.
Project Boundary and Timeline
The Plan will determine future land use patterns for the Waldo CID, the boundary of which is illustrated here.
The planning process aims to be complete within 12 months, as shown below.
Share Your Voice
We need your help! There are many ways to get involved in the planning process, including taking an online survey, participating in a focus group, or attending the open house. Your input is valued and welcomed.
Join the Land Use Committee and Contribute at the Planning Workshop
Are you a business or property owner in Waldo? Are you looking to develop or redevelop a property or start a business in Waldo? Although all voices are valued, we especially want to hear from the business community during this project as we navigate the best ways to make Waldo a financially prosperous district that is supportive of existing tenants, inviting to prospective business owners, and welcoming to visitors and residents.
The Land Use Committee will serve as the guiding force during this planning effort. Those who participate will be project champions tasked with going out into the community to educate others about the project to build support for the district now and in the future.
The Land Use Committee will participate in a kickoff meeting to introduce the intent of the project, meet the planning team (consultant team and Waldo CID/WABA board and staff members), and better understand the time commitment. The Land Use Committee will also be asked to participate in a planning workshop. This event will bring together members of the planning team and Land Use Committee participants to generate land use concepts for Waldo, as well as design considerations and future improvement projects to contemplate. Based on on-the-fly feedback, the planning team will explore a variety of alternatives.
If you are interested in serving on the Land Use Committee or learning more about what it would mean to participate, please join us at the WABA office (7222 Wornall Road) for the kickoff meeting on Thursday, November 14 from 9:00-10:00 am.
Participate in a Focus Group
The focus groups gather individuals interested in sharing thoughts on the future of Waldo in a small group setting. Members of the planning team will facilitate conversations during these one-hour, topic-specific sessions. Focus groups times, locations, and topics will be set soon. Please check back!
If you are interested in participating in a focus group, please contact Tresa Carter-Hahs by clicking here.
Public Survey
All are invited to share their priorities for the Waldo CID and the projects they are undertaking. This process will feature two surveys: one will target project goals and priorities early in the process and another will ask for feedback on recommended solutions once the Plan is more developed.
The first survey is now available! Click here to provide your feedback. The survey will close on January 31, 2020.
Attend the Public Open House
This event is an opportunity for all members of the community to gather for conversation with one another, members of the planning team, and Waldo CID and WABA board members. Share your priorities for the future and provide input on progress so far.
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Coffee Shop at Keystone United Methodist (406 W 74th St., Kansas City, MO 64114)
Project Downloadables
As the planning process progresses, more project work, including relevant graphics, mapping, and documents, will be shared below for public review. Please check back!