Seen this Halo-themed Cybertruck around the metro? It belongs to Ken Smiley, one of the leaders of KC’s Tesla club. | Photo courtesy of Ken Smiley
The City of KCMO was just awarded a $2+ million federal grant to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
The money will be used to add charging stations in lower income neighborhoods + near communities with multi-family housing that also have a limited amount of private parking available.
Where are KC’s current EV charging stations?
There are ~1,000 charging stations scattered about the KC metro operated by Evergy, and six locations with Tesla Superchargers.
If you want to access Evergy’s charging ports, you’ll need to create a Charge Point account. Its Level 2 Chargers provide a charge equal to ~40 miles for $1.92 and take ~1.5 hours. DC Fast Chargers do it in 15 minutes and cost $2.40.
Pro tip: You can plan your road trips with peace of mind by utilizing ChargeHub. It’s a free app that locates EV charging stations for you.
EV charging stations as far as the eye can see
|
Map courtesy of Evergy
All those savings have you craving your own private port? Hit the brakes. Before you race ahead, make sure you apply for an electrical permit (KCMO uses Compass KC; Wyandotte County has a five-step online app) and hire a licensed electrician to install it for you.
Are EVs easy on my wallet?
In addition to the climate impact, EV drivers save an average of $500-$1,500 per year in refueling costs and ~40% on maintenance costs over the car’s lifespan. The IRS also gives up to $7,500 in credits for individuals + businesses that purchase new EVs.
Thinking about getting around gas prices but don’t know where to start? Let us give you a jump on your research. Check out Evergy’s tool for comparing EVs to see if you can find the right fit.
Fountain City Comedy Festival | Thursday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | MTH Theater at Crown Center | $25+ | Nationally touring comedians and homegrown favorites will take over stages at 20 different shows across the metro.
Terra Luna | Thursday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Overland Park | $27+ | Walk through a woodland fantasy featuring beautiful music, enchanting lights, and immersive acrobatic performances by Quixotic.
Friday, Sept. 13
KC Fiesta Hispana | Friday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | American Royal Complex — Parking Lot B | Free entry | Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month at this larger than life party.
Ali Siddiq | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $51+ | The famous sit-down, storytelling comedian is taking on the Heartland.
Saturday, Sept. 14
A Cure for Charlie 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, Overland Park | $0+ | Watch teams go head-to-head as they raise thousands of dollars to cure Charlie Fry and all kids suffering from SLC6A1.
Sunday, Sept. 15
“College”| Sunday, Sept. 15 | 2-4 p.m. | The Kansas City Music Hall | Donations encouraged | It’s like a Seth Rogen college comedy flick... except silent and set in the 20’s — watch it in the Art Deco hall with live musical accompaniment.
Enjoy the festivities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. | Photo provided by City of Overland Park
Mark your calendars: The Overland Park Fall Festival returns this month, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off the season.
Held on Friday, Sept. 27 + Saturday, Sept. 28, this free, family-friendly celebration features a jam-packed lineup of activities for all ages — from live performances to food trucks and a farmers market.
🍴 Satisfy your cravings
You’ll want to bring your appetite, Kansas City. Grab a bite from local vendors, including:
Swing by the booths of makers like Quilting in Kansas, Peculiar Bowls, and Pantless Potter in the artisan fair.
|
Photo provided by City of Overland Park
🛍️ Score your local finds
Psst... The holidays are quickly approaching, and you can’t go wrong with a handcrafted gift.
Shop one-of-a-kind items at the artisan fair featuring 100+ artists, makers, and creators. Think: Everything from clothing and toys to fine art.
Enjoy musical performances held each day across three stages.
|
Photo provided by City of Overland Park
🎉 Family-friendly festivities
Bring the kids for activities like face painting and puppet shows before enjoying a lineup of local performers, including Justus West, Maggie Boone, Mad Science (and more).
KCMO was granted $10 million to improve Prospect Avenue, which leads the city in “fatal and serious injury crashes.” Along with Kansas City’s 20% match, a total of $12.5 million will be spent to redevelop the street between Linwood Boulevard and Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard.
Development
Overland Park’s abandoned Incred-A-Bowl was rezoned for redevelopment. Plans for the 8500 W. 151 St. space detail a 1,000-person capacity event space alongside retail, dining, and a gym. Now, the developer must secure a building permit within one year or else they’ll strike out. (Johnson County Post)
Civic
Wanna take a swing at re-imagining the iconic Plaza tennis courts? Now’s your chance. The city is seeking proposals that will focus on elements like residential multi-family units, matching the Plaza’s architecture, and relocating the tennis courts. View the full wish list.
Trending
The Kelce bros’ wise Momma Donna has a tip for KC travelers: “stop by Hemma Hemma at 71st & Wornall for breakfast or lunch... you will love the cinnamon rolls.” But don’t just take her word for it, see her plate for yourself.
Closed
Coco Bolos has permanently closed for dining-in at Overland Park’s Prairiefire. The Mexican eatery promised to continue providing catering as well as hosting private events. Follow its Facebook for more information.
The Word
Balance transfer cards: One of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt. This card gives you almost two years to pay off your existing balance, sans interest — plus, that sweet, sweet cash back.*
Pets
Psst: This local pet service recently celebrated its third anniversary. From luxury boarding to grooming and daycare (plus a dog park with local beer and food options), CITYDOGs is your one-stop shop for industry-leading dog care. Take a look at their paw-some services.*
Fun Fact
You can advertise in this newsletter with no long-term commitment or contract. Your message could be right here in as little as two days. Secure your spot.
Development
🏪 Be the Plaza’s broker
Be the broker: What grocery store should be added to the Plaza?
Food glorious food. We’re anxious to buy it. | Photo by Country Club Plaza
As we’re sure you’ve heard, the County Club Plaza is under new management. Dallas-based HP Village Partners has made lots of promises regarding its renovation plans for the 101-year-old shopping district. But there’s one talking point that’s perked up Kansas Citian’s ears:
Adding a grocery store.
The idea of targeting a Trader Joe’s has been floated, with no definitive promises as to who the operator will be.
We want you to put on your broker cap and tell us what grocery store do you believe would make a great addition to the Plaza?
Nooo, not the tennis courts. I may not be good at tennis (or any sport) but I love playing it, and I love the Plaza tennis courts. Looks like Editor Maddie’s prediction was right. C’est la vie.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.