LYERS!!!

The economy has had quite an impact on Country Club Plaza commerce.

Not only have we lost Sharper Image and Howard's Harold's, we've also lost the two proprietors (left) and their lucrative (or not so, we're not sure they ever opened their doors to the public) Plaza Meth Lab.

The devastating blow occurred when Carly E. Morris, 24, of Liberty died in October of 2007 after inadvertently drinking from a bottle of lye, a caustic chemical used in meth production, which she thought was a container of Sprite while visiting the apartment. She died three days later after the chemical burned holes in her trachea, esophagus and stomach, leaving behind what doctors described as "liquified tissue."

Apparently, killing your customers is not good for business.

PlazaBUZZ is glad to see these former residents have relocated to a more minimalistic abode.

STOP! In the Name of...

From the KC Star's Watchdog:

Virginia Schaefer is concerned about pedestrian safety on the County Club Plaza [as you might recall from a previous PlazaBUZZ post], specifically at the intersection of 47th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Schaefer says she was promised a new stoplight more than a year ago.

Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. And there is a stoplight in your future, not just in your stocking.

Kansas City Public Works Department spokesman Dennis Gagnon says design work has been completed for a signal at the intersection and the project is out for bid.

"It is expected that the construction phase will begin shortly after the holiday season and should be complete in time for the pedestrian traffic increase that occurs in late spring and early summer," Gagnon says.

P-BUZZ commentary:
I dunno about you, but I stood in the middle of the street for almost 10 minutes on JC Nichols yesterday after running around the park a few times. Traffic coming south on that road, even school buses for goodness sake, will not stop to heed a pedestrian in that crosswalk right there.

80 Miles & 80 Pounds

Mole. Mmmmmmmole. Molay-molay-molay-molay.

Enjoy the Plaza lighting ceremony from Starker’s Reserve, 201 W. 47th St. Executive chef John McClure is serving a buffet of non-traditional foods, including a turkey mole taco bar, roasted squash salad, sweet potato mousse and roast pork loin with cranberries and pecans. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be live music from 7 to 10 p.m. and bar service available. The buffet costs $25 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required; call 816-753-3565. [Courtesy Lauren Chapin, KC Star]

Watch 80 miles of lights flip on while gaining 80 pounds. WOOT!

Sorry, I'm in touch with my childish side today. Turkey mole tacos actually sound damn delicious!

Hasta la BYE-BYE Mr. Brady!

From KansasCity.com: Barry Brady is retiring at Highwoods Properties and relinquishing management of the Country Club Plaza, the shopping and entertainment district that he has run for 13 years.

“It’s my decision,” Brady said Tuesday. “Highwoods has been a good company. I’m 62 and I’m going to take some time off.”

To whomever may replace Mr. Brady,

1. Could we please stop the commercialization of the Plaza with national brands?
2. We don't want a Forever21 or an upscale Target. We would love, however, a Dean&Deluca or a Trader Joe's.
3. Don't go the route of the P&L... keep some local flavor like the Classic Cup and other beloved KC eateries!
4. Can we, seriously, turn 46th Street in a promenade, a la 3rd Street in Santa Monica? We may be able to avoid the near-death experience when walking the streets from those who have no intention of stopping at crosswalks and those that punch it coming out of parking garages.

And that's all I have to say about that... for now.

Sincerely,
PlazaBUZZ Resident Bob

Yeah Babeeee, Dickie V. Book Signing!

On Sunday, November 23rd, Dick Vitale will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

Yeah babeeeeee! He tossed up the rock and nailed that trifecta!

On Tuesday, November 25th (12p-130p), Dickie V. will be signing copies of his latest book, Dick Vitale’s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball, at the Barnes & Noble on the Plaza.

How's that for a Diaper Dandy!?!?!

Is this the Quiet Before the Storm?

Not much news to report on The Plaza the past few days... this must be the quiet before the madness that ensues once the light switch gets flipped.


[Photo courtesy of ericbowers photostream]

Meanwhile, there are so many fantastic photos when you search for "country club plaza" in the flickr photostream that you really should go take a look.

I've already created the search query for you. Click here!