Business owner relocating to Overland Park from Crossroads area citing safety concerns
In an email sent out to members of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, CEO of Dialectic Engineering, Gregory Trees expressed his concern over the alarming crime rate in the city. The email was sent out just before 5:30 pm on Tuesday evening.
Trees shared in an email that over the past half-year, their staff has faced a series of challenges, including two instances of car theft, theft of catalytic converters, harassment from individuals experiencing homelessness, and exposure to human waste, used syringes, and discarded bullet casings.
In an interview with FOX4 on Wednesday, Trees discussed the issues in detail.
According to him, one of the employees had his car stolen a couple of weeks ago and is currently in dire need of transportation. He’s been struggling without a car, having to rely on his parents or Uber to get to work.
The email went on to say that upon the expiration of my lease, I plan on relocating my business to Overland Park. This move is motivated by the desire to assure parents of recent graduates that their children will be secure working at my company.
According to Trees, the youngster living upstairs who recently graduated, had his car stolen. This unfortunate incident has led him and his parents to have a conversation about the safety of his workplace. Trees is certain that they are discussing the potential risks involved, and it would be unwise not to consider them.
According to Pam Whiting, the Vice President of Communications and Media Relations at the KC Chamber, the Chamber held seven listening sessions with local residents during the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department’s search for a new chief. Whiting also mentioned that the Chamber has been in touch with Omaha 360, an organization that has effectively reduced violent crime in Nebraska. In an effort to replicate their success, the Chamber is seeking assistance from KC Common Good.
In a voicemail received on Wednesday afternoon, Whiting explained that the leadership team is currently in Germany for a trade mission that coincides with the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs game.
According to Trees, he pays approximately $3,800 annually to the chamber as his dues.
Trees affirmed his willingness to leave the chamber when asked about it, stating, “One-hundred percent.” He went on to explain that he would be open to joining another chamber that would truly represent the interests of businesses and engage in negotiations with the Mayor to ensure their success. Trees emphasized that he would have no qualms about making the switch if such an opportunity presented itself.
On Wednesday night, there was a statement released by the office of Mayor Quinton Lucas to FOX4.
The Downtown Kansas City neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular, with a rapid growth rate that’s hard to ignore. Despite a recent letter writer’s comments on the area, it’s worth noting that the mayor himself has spent the majority of his adult life living and working in Greater Downtown and has a different perspective. However, he is open to meeting with the writer and the Missouri governor’s appointees to the Board of Police Commissioners to discuss their concerns and determine the best course of action. While it’s true that certain types of crimes, such as shootings, have decreased in recent years, the city is committed to eradicating all forms of violent and property crime.
According to the mayor, being homeless is not a criminal offense, and it is not acceptable to just gather up these individuals and relocate them outside the city. The city is committed to investing millions of dollars to provide the unhoused population with access to permanent and stable housing, employment opportunities, mental healthcare, and transportation. The mayor recognizes the importance of addressing this issue and is taking proactive steps to improve the situation for those affected.
In addition to voicing concerns over public safety, the writer appeared to take issue with the Chamber’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion. However, this criticism appears to be irrelevant to the main point being made. It’s important to understand that a city can have a diverse range of communities and still prioritize safety. In fact, Kansas City is setting an example for how to achieve this balance successfully.
The building lease that he holds is valid until the year 2030.
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