Springfield councilwoman wants to see cars cruising Kearney again

(From the City of Springfield)

Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson is hoping to bring classic car cruising back to Kearney Street. Her requested resolution for Monday night’s Council meeting asked for fellow Council members to “support cruising Kearney as a community tradition that brings neighborhoods together while promoting civic engagement and encouraging tourism.”

Former Councilman Doug Burlison sponsored a successful bill in 2015 that in essence, allowed cruising again, except for in designated areas and times decided upon by City Council.

Council voted unanimously (with Hosmer and Fulnecky absent and one vacant seat on Council) in support of the resolution, which promotes classic car cruising 6-10 p.m. on the second Friday of each month from April through September.

Ferguson and members of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival committee and other local car clubs are working with Kearney Street businesses and nearby neighbors to help prepare for the possible weekend activities. Earlier this year, the City hosted a series of activities aimed at efforts to revitalize the Kearney Street corridor.

“I think the possibility of classic car cruising brings enormous opportunities to the businesses on Kearney and really all of north Springfield,” she said. She is specifically planning a special ribbon cutting / car cruise event May 26 (the opening evening of the Mid-America Street Rod Nationals) to bring awareness and hopefully, many people out for the evening.

Watch for more information about potential Kearney Street cruising at route66festivalsgf.com.