history of lee's summit

LEE’S SUMMIT

THEN

and

NOW

1850-1865 William B. Howard

William B. Howard’s house - Woods Chapel - date unknown

Dr. Pleasant Lea

IMPORTANT DATES

1865 Downtown area platted as “Strother” by Mr. William B. Howard.

1868 Name of town changed from “Strother” to “Lees Summit” (no apostrophe)

1877 “Lees Summit” Incorporated as a Fourth Class city.

1885 Fire swept the downtown area, destroying all buildings. Council passed a law saying all buildings in the fire district must be brick or sheet iron.

1939 Officially changed by the Federal government to “Lee’s Summit”.

1996 Citizens adopted Charter. 2007 Citizens adopt revised Charter.

REDISTRICTING

THE GOVERNOR KNEW HE’D BE ACCUSED OF GERRYMANDERING BUT HE REALLY

JUST WANTED TO COMPLETE THE TURTLE.

POPULATION 1960 TO 2010 • Staff estimates based on housing units

• 10-year census

• 1960 and 1961 – mass annexation

• 1997-1998, increased 5.72 citizens PER DAY

• Drastic reduction 2008-2010

• At peak, 800-1100 permits per year

• Projecting 300-350 next 10 years

• Redevelopment rather than development

COMMUNITY PROFILE SUMMARY

65.39 square miles,

Jackson & Cass counties

2010 census: 91,364 population

4 Council districts

5 School districts

1950’s - 3rd Street facing west