Welcome to the Neighborhood

Welcome to the 49/63 neighborhood, a vibrant, diverse community where institutions (including Rockhurst University), residents, families, students, homeowners and tenants alike live side-by-side in the heart of Kansas City. Living off-campus brings new freedom and responsibility, but it doesn’t have to mean forgetting RU’s Jesuit core values. This guide is designed to help you adjust to your new home with those core values in mind.

Living the core value of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” starts with getting to know those who live alongside us. Follow these easy steps to meeting your neighbors.

• Say hi.
• Introduce yourself. “Hello, my name is…”
• Exchange contact information.

Our Neighborhood

The 49/63 Neighborhood is a diverse, vibrant community filled with many long-term residents, students, institutions, homeowners and tenants. Residents become actively involved in the neighborhood associations to explore and build on ideas that make 49/63 a great place to work and live. People choose to live here because they enjoy the diversity of people and ideas. Getting to know your neighborhood and the people who live here allows you to build positive, respectful relationships.

Be Active

The 49/63 Neighborhood includes the entire area between 49th and 63rd streets and from Oak Street to Paseo Boulevard. Most Rockhurst students live in the smaller communities of Troostwood (north of campus) or Troost Plateau (south of campus). Some may live east of campus in the Blue Hills Neighborhood.

Consider joining the social media group or attending a regular meeting in your neighborhood to learn what is going on:

• Troostwood — located north of campus.
• Troost Plateau — located south of campus.
• Blue Hills — located east of campus.

Be Proactive

Living among our neighbors requires the core value of contemplation in action — thinking critically about how our actions contribute to the greater community.

Be Clean

Make sure that the exterior and yard of your home is cared for (grass is mowed in the spring/summer, leaves raked in the fall and snow shoveled in the winter).

Please keep streets and sidewalks clean and clear of trash and debris.

Know Your Trash Day

Friday is trash day in 49/63 – 2 bags allowed. Recycling is encouraged. Don’t leave your trash and recycling receptacles on the curb after pickup — this creates clutter and might signal to thieves you aren’t home and lowers morale on your block. It’s also a courtesy to your neighbors. Visit kcmo.gov to find your weekly trash day and to schedule a bulky item pickup. Bulky item pickup is for large items like furniture you want to throw away.

Parking Regulations (Don’t get ticketed or towed!)

• Park only on paved surfaces — not in the grass.
• Avoid blocking driveways. Provide 4 feet to allow vehicles to enter and exit safely.
• Park no closer than 15 feet from fire hydrants.
• Campus parking permits are available at the Rockhurst University Security Office and valid in any lot designated for students, faculty and staff, including the North Parking Garage.

Parking Etiquette

Consider where you park. Do you have elderly or disabled neighbors who could benefit from parking closer to their home?

Staying Safe

When it comes to staying safe, remember the core values of magis, or “more,” which calls us to pursue the greater good, and reflection and discernment, a reminder to think about how our actions affect ourselves and others.

• Travel in groups
• Avoid risky behaviors
• Lock up valuables

Secure your home by locking doors and shutting windows at night. Expensive items should not be left in plain sight or stored in your car at any time. Call 911 if you notice any peculiar or criminal activity. Walk with a group or a friend at night.

Communication with Safety Officers

Everyone in the neighborhood has a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of the entire community. If you see or suspect a crime is being committed, call 911 and then communicate these issues with your neighbors. Be respectful in interacting with civic officials along with security and police officers, including the “Troost Titans” and Rockhurst University security officers.

Be a good Samaritan. University policy encourages students (and requires organizations) to contact emergency services in life-threatening situations without fear of disciplinary action due to drug or alcohol abuse issues.

Be sure to also sign up for Rockalerts to get emergency notifications and download the CampusEye app for Android or iOS to report any issues directly with campus security.

Blue and red emergency phones are available throughout campus.

Respect Yourself and Others

Be responsible for the guests visiting your home. Follow the law: do not allow underage drinking at your residence. Refrain from binge drinking and consuming illegal substances or drugs. Get help if you or a friend has a problem with illegal drugs or alcohol. Keep your home and yard clean. Do not allow guests to urinate in public places. Obey traffic laws and follow the posted speed limits on all streets.

Be Mindful

You live in a culturally, ethnically and economically integrated community. Children routinely use the whole block as their play area. Help keep those areas clean and free of broken bottles and garbage. Your neighbors may have young children who need their sleep every night. They may have exams in the morning. Other neighbors may need to wake up early for their jobs, while some are working from home or are retired. Keep loud noises and voices to a minimum.

Keep your yard clean and refrain from parking cars in the grass. Remember to pick up after your pets. Initiate respectful, tactful conversation when handling a conflict with others.

Refrain From

• Out-of-control parties
• Underage drinking
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Purchasing, selling or using illegal drugs
• Blocking driveways
• Parking on lawns

Keep the Peace

Disturbing the peace in the neighborhoods disrupts the daily lives of its residents and causes preventable conflicts. Consider the benefits of a harmonious relationship with your neighbor. If you notice any issues or problems in your neighborhood, call the 49/63 Community Action Network or RU Community Relations for assistance.

Neighborhood Resources

• Emergency: 911
• Rockhurst University Security Department: 816-501-4010
• Rockhurst University email alert system (Rockalerts)
• Kansas City Police Department (non-emergency): 816-234-5111
• Kansas City Action Center (city services): 311 or download myKCMO app on your iOS or Android device
• Prosperity Center for Financial Opportunity: 816-501-4239
• Rockhurst University Community Relations: 816-501-4306, alicia.douglas@rockhurst.edu
• Neighborhood Associations: Search “Troost Plateau” or “Troostwood” on Facebook or “Eastern 49/63” on NextDoor.com