This is the history presentation presented to the Citizens Leadership Academy

1. LEE’S SUMMIT
THEN
and
NOW

2. 1850-1865 William B. Howard

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

4. Dr. Pleasant Lea

5. 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.

6. REDISTRICTING
THE GOVERNOR KNEW HE’D BE ACCUSED
OF GERRYMANDERING BUT HE REALLY
JUST WANTED TO COMPLETE THE TURTLE.

7. 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

8. COMMUNITY PROFILE SUMMARY
65.39 square miles,
Jackson & Cass counties
2010 census: 91,364 population
4 Council districts
5 School districts

16. 1950’s - 3rd Street facing west