Douglas Cemetery is more than just a plot of land. For us, the residents and neighbors of the 90th Street and Troost Avenue area, it is a deeply rooted connection to the people who lived, worked, and helped build Kansas City. The cemetery and surrounding land hold stories, memories, and precious histories that are intertwined with our community's heritage. They remind us of the lives and contributions of those who came before us. Once disturbed, these connections are at risk of being forever lost.

Currently, a proposal threatens to obliterate this link to our past. The plan is to replace the serene, wooded area at 9000 Troost Avenue with a massive 288-unit apartment complex encompassing nine three-story buildings, parking spaces, and additional development infrastructure. Most concerning is that the property includes Douglas Cemetery, along with known and suspected burial sites. Developers have already started clearing trees even before the formal Planning commission has completed its process.

This project disregards the sanctity of Douglas Cemetery. Kansas City’s cemeteries and historic burial sites are irreplaceable treasures of our heritage. These are legacy lands meant for respect, not for urban sprawl. By allowing development on such hallowed ground, we risk erasing crucial pieces of our history and identity. Once these sites are forgotten and concrete takes their place, the stories of those who sleep there are silenced forever.

We propose that this development proposal is halted immediately. Instead, let's explore alternative solutions that preserve these historic sites while addressing any possible housing needs. One potential solution could involve seeking less invasive locations for urban development that do not encroach upon historically significant grounds. Community members, developers, and city planners must collaborate to ensure Kansas City grows without sacrificing its rich cultural and historical legacy.

We owe it to future generations to pass on these invaluable historical landmarks with the respect and reverence they deserve. Therefore, I urge the Planning Commission and relevant city authorities to act now to stop this development before irreparable damage is done.

Please sign this petition to protect Douglas Cemetery and preserve Kansas City's historical integrity for all who call this city home.

Douglas Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri - Find a Grave Cemetery https://share.google/tFp3vOPOnQjK03ALX