As Troost Avenue changes, longtime residents say it's 'representative of Kansas City'

Troost Avenue is known as Kansas City’s dividing line, long associated with the city’s history of racial segregation and slavery. But as new residents move in and more businesses open, the community balances optimism and fear of gentrification.
Kansas City's Troost Avenue is changing. So KCUR's Up to Date set up a table outside of Operation Breakthrough near 31st Street to hear from residents, community leaders, business owners and others about the neighborhood's progress and the work that still needs to be done.

"I remember the convenience store that I was banned from going to as a kid because of all of the crime and violence," said Melissa Robinson, who now represents Kansas City's 3rd District on the City Council.

Until the city provides true opportunities for people who need it most, Robinson said, Kansas City will continue to see homicides and violence. She recommended the city invest in education, workforce development and affordable housing.