Crestdale Community Final Report Released

During the summer a group of National Planning Experts completed an intensive planning study of the Crestdale Community. Crestdale is a historic African American Community in Matthews. The study was led by Jason Beske, AICP, a Senior Planner for Overland Park, Kansas. He was joined by other planning experts from around the country.

This effort was paid for by grant funds from the American Planning Association. The goal was to engage Crestdale residents and interview local experts to help establish establish a vision or framework for a sustainable and healthy community and address challenges such as social equity, affordability, accessibility and sustainability for this historic neighborhood.

The final report on this study is now complete. Major recommendations of the plan include:
1. Creating a neighborhood identity, both for residents within the geographical boundaries of the community and for those outside to become aware of Crestdale.
2. Developing a proposed Heritage Trail with markers and public art.
3. Additional community garden development within Crestdale.
4. Residents/stakeholders need to build their own internal neighborhood communication then start outreach to tell their story and educate people about their community.

Read the complete report