Changes are coming to a popular Kansas City bar after a deadly shooting near the establishment last year.
The Point in the West Plaza last few months has rebranded itself including voluntarily changing the time they close, now a deal with the city makes it permanent.
In his 25 years of living on Bellevue Avenue, Darren Carpenter has seen The Point across the street evolve from the days of jazz.
“It started getting into a little more of a hip-hop sound,” Carpenter said.
He said the crime in the neighborhood wasn't far behind. It all came to a head last Labor Day, when a gunman shot and killed a woman in a bank parking lot across the street from The Point.
“You just don't think about that happening in your neighborhood,” Carpenter said.
Neighbors point blame at The Point for the rash of violence. But the two women who own the popular establishment, Jennifer Tucker and Melissa Redman, are taking steps to build better community relations, even joining the West Plaza Neighborhood Association.
“Since then, she [Redman] really has kept us informed about everything that she has been doing to change her focus totally, so it's been a really good relationship,” Julie Tenenbaum, vice president of the West Plaza Neighborhood Association, said.
A statement from Redman said:
"The Point has a long history dating back to 1970. We are committed to continuing its history and creating an establishment that the neighborhood and community are proud of as a place they can relax and enjoy. As local women business owners, we are committed to making The Point a community and neighborhood location for watching sports, enjoying our patios and experiencing our menu or new brunch. We look forward to continuing the legacy of The Point and serving the community."
The Point went further, with the co-owners voluntarily started closing the bar earlier.
As they faced a liquor control board of review hearing next week, KCMO’s Regulated Industries tells 41 Action News The Point has agreed to give up their 3 a.m. liquor license this coming Monday in exchange for a 1:30 a.m. Permit.
Carpenter across the street is slightly skeptical.
“I don't know if shutting it down at 1:30 a.m. is going to make a big of a difference, but they seem to be on the right track, maybe it will,” Carpenter said.
Regulated Industries adds the changes also means The Point must close at midnight on Sundays.
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Andres Gutierrez can be reached at andres.gutierrez@kshb.com
