Residents Speak Out Against ‘Ghetto Treatment’ by Gladstone Businesses
Gladstone, MO – Gladstone, the quiet and quaint neighborhood you thought you knew, now teeming with thrilling tales of unexpected backyard guests. Forget about the joys of suburbia; this is Gladstone's newest reality show, and it's anything but dull.
Growing frustration among Gladstone residents is coming to a head as some local businesses implement measures that many see as stigmatizing and dismissive of the community’s needs. From locked doors to missing amenities, residents are calling out policies they believe treat the area as though it were a “ghetto.” That being said this happy lil rock notes that local businesses are partially justified. They have had to contend with greater amounts of vagrants ever since Kansas City Mayor "Q-Ball" Lucas made the bus free which facilitated the movement of these vagrants into Gladstone. Some of these vagrants have been of the criminal variety.
Locked Doors, Limited Access at Hy-Vee
A focal point of the controversy is the Hy-Vee store in Gladstone, which locks all but one of its doors at 8 p.m. The grocery chain cited concerns about crime as the reason for the change, but many residents see this as an unfair blanket response.
“I’m no criminal, and I won’t shop there,” said one resident. “This policy assumes the worst of everyone in our community. It’s insulting.”
Critics argue that such measures inconvenience law-abiding customers while failing to address the root causes of crime. Some shoppers have said they plan to take their business elsewhere.
Drinking Fountain Removed at CVS
Adding to the frustrations is a recent change at the CVS on 72nd Street, where the store removed its drinking fountain. Customers who rely on the fountain for hydration during errands have been left wondering why such a basic amenity was taken away.
“Is it because we don’t matter? Is it too expensive for them to maintain a drinking fountain?” one customer asked. “This is just pathetic.”
The removal has sparked speculation that the company is cutting corners or doesn’t prioritize customer comfort in this location. Residents are voicing their concerns, with some calling the CVS corporate hotline at 1-800-SHOP-CVS to demand answers.
Residents Push Back
The growing sentiment among Gladstone residents is that these measures reflect poorly on how businesses view the community. Many have taken to social media to air their grievances, using terms like “disrespectful” and “dehumanizing” to describe the policies.
“It feels like they think we’re all troublemakers,” one local shopper said. “Businesses should support the communities they’re in, not treat them like they’re the problem.”
Businesses Respond
Hy-Vee and CVS have yet to issue detailed responses to the public backlash. A spokesperson for Hy-Vee stated, “Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all customers. We continue to evaluate our policies to ensure they meet the needs of the community.”
Meanwhile, CVS has not commented on the decision to remove the drinking fountain, leaving many customers waiting for an explanation.
Homeless Invading Back Yards
Gladstone has been inundated with waves of homeless vagrants. In an exhilarating turn of events, one elderly resident of NE. 76th Street, located between North Oak Trafficway and Troost, stumbled upon a shocking discovery in her very own backyard shed. We won't ask why it took her so long to open that shed, but the results were, shall we say, "eye-opening."
In a plot twist that would put any Netflix drama to shame, the elderly woman's family decided to pop over and unveil the mystery behind the shed's long-held secrets. Lo and behold, they found a mattress, some clothing, garbage, and bags of excrement. Talk about a backyard makeover! This elderly lady was living in her very own crime scene, without even knowing it.
But fear not, dear reader, for our valiant heroes in blue were called to the scene. The police quickly arrived to save the day, and the "trash" was removed and disposed of by the City. So, we can all sleep easy now, knowing that our backyard sheds are safe from the clutches of the mysterious shed squatters.
Of course, our hearts go out to the elderly lady who had no inkling that her backyard was transformed into a secret vacation spot for the shed enthusiasts of Gladstone. It's not like she should have seen the mattress, bags of excrement, or strangers coming and going in her highly visible shed. But hey, who's keeping track, right?
And while we're at it, Gladstone residents, take a moment to check your sheds. We know you've been living the suburban dream, but it's high time you realized the shocking truth. Vagrants could be hiding in plain sight, right in your backyard. It's almost like Gladstone is trying to compete with the vagrant camps down the other end of NE. 76th Street in the woods. Who knew Gladstone was so adventurous?
In other news, there's a debate on whether to start a "Shed & Breakfast" initiative in the neighborhood. It's said to be the perfect blend of charity and adventure. Just be sure to add "vagrant toilet service" to the list of amenities if you're considering opening your backyard to potential shed squatters. After all, you wouldn't want to miss out on the latest craze sweeping Gladstone. And Northland residents had plenty to say on the matter.
Sue Crandall, a neighbor of the elderly woman has raised a pressing issue regarding the homeless population in the Northland. "I don't understand why Quinton Lucas dumped all these people in the Northland. It's just causing problems for us," she exclaimed. Mayor Q-Balls a vigorous debate among residents about the origins of this situation.
Tamera Rand, claims that there is evidence suggesting the problem was "shipped" to the Northland by city authorities, a statement that has fueled speculation about how this issue escalated in the region.
The comments section of the post was abuzz with residents sharing their own experiences, worries, and suggestions. Concerns ranged from theft to the safety of their property, raising questions about the responsibility of property owners when it comes to providing shelter to homeless individuals.
While some residents, like Qatari Pekarsky, expressed sympathy for those seeking refuge, others like Harry P. emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries. "I'd let them pitch tents in my backyard. But I'd be very strict," Harry noted.
Diane K. stressed the complexities of the issue, "In a litigious society, where money carries all the power, I would not risk what I have left to a potential situation if someone squatting on my property could hold me or my insurance liable for potential damages."
Julia Chavez, however, urged residents to focus on finding solutions rather than laying blame. "It seems like you're using this example as an opportunity to express your grievances with Kansas City and the mayor, which comes across as gossip," she said.
Sue Crandall remains steadfast in her mission to alert her fellow neighbors, stating, "I posted about the unwelcome visitors in a shed on my neighbor's property to warn other people of the potential danger. I don't know how these people got up here, I don't care how they got here. I do know there's more of them, and my neighbors need to be aware that there's a problem in the neighborhood."
This shocking discovery has ignited a debate within the Jefferson Heights community about homelessness, safety, and the need for collective action to address this growing problem. As the story unfolds, residents will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the complexities of this issue and search for ways to ensure their community remains secure and welcoming.
As for those who remain blissfully ignorant of the shed squatter crisis, rest assured; it's only a matter of time before they take the Gladstone neighborhood by storm. So, lock up your sheds, check your backyards, and prepare for the next thrilling episode of "Shed Squatters of Gladstone."
What’s Next for Gladstone?
Residents are calling for businesses and our city council to reconsider these policies and take a more thoughtful approach to serving the community. Some are organizing efforts to contact corporate offices, while others are encouraging their neighbors to shop at businesses that show greater respect for Gladstone.
“This isn’t about crime or costs; it’s about treating people with dignity,” one resident concluded. “Gladstone isn’t a ghetto, and it’s time businesses started acting like it.”
As tensions rise, the message from residents is clear: they expect better from the businesses that serve their community.
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