District III News, Events, & Information
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South Central Unveils Neighborhood Plan at Showcase Event
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The first draft of the new
South Central Neighborhood Plan
was on public display at the SoCe Neighborhood Showcase event on July 20. Roughly 50 people, including Council Member James Clendenin, many South Central (or "SoCe") residents and stakeholders, and a Mayoral candidate, stopped by the pop-up event to check out the Plan. City Planners, one of the project consultants (RDG), and some members from the Plan's steering committee were present to gather feedback and answer questions.
The new Plan is a crucial component of the increased momentum calling for revitalization of the South Central Neighborhood. Over the last few years, community leaders have collaborated to facilitate organized efforts to re-brand this part of town and market themselves as a "quirky neighborhood full of gifted folks." Council Member Clendenin has worked to ensure those efforts are not overlooked by the City and has even invested a significant portion of his district's $1 million in Hyatt funds toward grants and projects that either directly or indirectly help this initiative. The Council Member shared, "I hope to see South Central uplifted with the rising tide from all the developments, investments, and improvements happening in Downtown. The Baseball Stadium, Advanced Learning Library, Delano District, and Riverfront are right in their backyard. This area has the potential to become a highly desirable and affordable place to live, work, and play."
Adam Barlow-Thompson, Director of the nonprofit
Neighboring Movement by SoCe Life
and key contributor to the development of the new Plan, agrees with Council Member Clendenin's statement. The Plan features an opening narrative written by Barlow-Thompson in which he describes the historic South Central Neighborhood as "rich in assets and able to define its own future." His narrative paints a picture of a resilient community eager to restore its social fabric and of a community proud to be inclusive and diverse.
The Plan goes on to outline five distinct themes, each with their own listed vision and goals, and defines specific actions both residents and the City can take to actualize those goals. The Plan is unique in its visual and digestible presentation. Unlike many official master plans, the document is not laced with jargon or technical language and appears to be written just as much, if not more so, for SoCe residents as it is for City electives and staff.
You can check out some snapshots of the South Central Neighborhood Plan
here
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Linwood Branch Library Aims for Harry Street Mall Relocation in 2020
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The Master Plan for Branch Libraries
, which was approved by City Council in June, suggests relocating the Linwood Branch to a larger space that will better accommodate residents in its service area. City Council is now gearing up to vote on the proposed
2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan
, which will allocate $1 million in 2020 to relocating the Linwood Branch. This is an exciting opportunity for District III residents to be better served by the City's Library system.
The Master Plan recommends moving the Linwood Branch to the Harry Street Mall, which is a more prominent location along Harry Street between Hillside and Oliver.
Community surveys outlined in the Master Plan show Linwood Branch had the highest percentage of users saying they also use the downtown Advanced Learning Library. The relocation is intended to better serve residents who live farther from other library locations.
This move will provide needed services, including better access to technology and collections, and better service hours. The location is on a busy bus route and is a more centralized location for the neighborhoods in District III that will arguably benefit the most from an accessible branch library. This location will be attractive to WSU Tech South Campus students, St. Joseph Hospital workers/visitors, and Clapp Park patrons as well.
While the current Linwood Branch is coveted by many, the location has several barriers, including: no space for expansion; people have a hard time finding the branch; City Transit does not have a route that directly serves the location; and because the branch is located inside a recreation center, the library is unable to set its own service schedule. The relocation of the library will not affect the Linwood Senior Center or Recreation Center's programming. Additionally, Council Member James Clendenin, City staff, and the Library Board recognize the utilization of that space as a place to meet and socialize and are holding conversations about how to preserve some of the most valued aspects for the Linwood community/patrons. Though library circulation services and staffing would not be offered, the space will most likely be retained as a gathering area and reading room.
As plans move forward, Council Member Clendenin will work with City staff and the Library Board to continue engaging District III residents, Linwood Branch patrons, and other local stakeholders to ensure District III has a branch library that is tailored to the community's needs and wants and provides equitable access and service.
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Transit Route Changes Effective August 10
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Proposed service adjustments will improve the efficiency of the
Wichita Transit
system, by providing: easier transfers at the Downtown Transit Center, additional access to residential neighborhoods, better service to schools, and easier understanding of route time schedules.
All routes connecting to the Transit Center will operate on a 45-minute frequency with the exception of Routes 16 and 26.
What's changing?
- To provide for all the routes operating on a 45-minute schedule, a few routes will have less frequent service than the current 30-minute frequency.
- A limited number of bus stops will move away from the core streets into the nearby neighborhoods.
- Service to the VA Hospital on Route 24 will be provided on an intermittent basis with additional stops available by request.
What's staying the same?
- Overall service hours remain the same.
- Fares are not changing.
- Saturday Service will remain as hourly frequency.
- Routes 201 and 202 will remain on hourly frequency at all times.
What changes will affect District III?
- Route 16: While still serving the same core areas of the city, this route will travel through the Southwest neighborhood. It will depart from Seneca between 31st and 33rd Streets to provide service to residents around South High School. The route will travel on Gold Street between 31st and 33rd Streets.
- Route 22: While still serving the same core areas of the city, this route will provide additional service to Southeast High School. From Harry and Greenwich, the route will take Greenwich to Pawnee, to Southeast High School. It will turn from Pawnee on 127th Street back to Harry to complete the remainder of the existing route.
- Route 26: While still serving the same core areas of the city, this route will provide additional service throughout the South City neighborhood and to Anderson Elementary School. Traveling inbound from south to north, the route will travel on Hydraulic, 43rd Street, Ellis, MacArthur, Hydraulic, Fortuna, Pattie, Luther, Washington, Wassall, Hydraulic, Pawnee, and Broadway.
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Bike Walk Wichita and City's Public Works Department Paint School Crosswalks
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Volunteer painters helped make four schools safer this summer. They worked with the City's Public Works Department to paint crosswalks at four different schools, including District III's Jefferson Elementary. The other three schools included Kensler Elementary, Woodland Elementary, and Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet.
Volunteers were comprised of students from the Department of Population Health at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board members, and Bike Walk Wichita staff.
With these sparkling crosswalks, students, their families, and neighbors can walk for their health—and safety!
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Don't forget to register your neighborhood block party! The August 5 deadline is fast approaching.
Click here
to register.
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Splash Party
: Beat the heat with water events such as an inflatable water slide, duck pond, relays, and squirt gun games. The part ends with a big water gun/balloon battle at 3 p.m. Bring your own water guns for the battle. Water balloons will be provided.
- 1-3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 27
- Osage Park, 2121 W. 31st St. S.
- Free event
Back to School Bash
: It's one last blowout event before school starts! Enjoy recreation games, food trucks, a craft project, and win PRIZES!
- 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, August 3
- OJ Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
- Free event
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Fall Gardening Series
: L
earn what you need to do this fall to make sure you have the best yard on the block come spring. Registration is required.
Click here
for information about each class and to register.
- July 30-August 29
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian
"The Pursuit of Endurance" Author Talk and Book Signing
: Friends of the Wichita Public Library will sponsor this event featuring Jennifer Pharr Davis. She set the overall fastest known time hiking the Appalachian Trail. She will share slides and stories from her book, and will reveal the secrets and habits behind endurance.
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 8
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St.
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District III Advisory Board
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The DAB hears various presentations from City staff, receives staff reports from the Wichita Police and Fire Departments, and votes on zoning cases. Public feedback and questions are welcome.
To see the DAB III Agendas, Minutes, Metropolitan Area Planning Department Staff Reports, presentations, and supporting documents,
click here
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6:30 p.m.
First Wednesday of the month
WATER Center, 101 E. Pawnee
Next DAB: August 7
Agenda: Public Art presentation
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District III Monthly Breakfast
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Join Council Member James Clendenin from 9-10:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month (except holidays) at the Christian Faith Centre (1130 S. Broadway) for a monthly community breakfast!
CM Clendenin will host a guest presenter and provide District III and City updates. This is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, community leaders, and chat with your council member! Please bring $5 if you would like to eat.
To see the District III Breakfast schedule for 2019,
click here
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9-10:30 a.m.
First Saturday of the month
Christian Faith Centre, 1130 S. Broadway
Next Breakfast: August 3
Guest Speaker: The City's Park & Recreation Department will be providing information on District III parks including: future plans for Clapp and OJ Watson, upcoming splash pads, and updates on Hyatt grant-funded neighborhood park projects
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District III Neighborhood Associations
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Neighborhood Associations are a great way to get involved in the community! NA's organize annual neighborhood cleanups, host community events and celebrations, address "problem properties," advocate for neighborhood improvements, and keep close relationships with local businesses, organizations, and elected officials.
To see the meeting schedule, contact information, CP Officer, and neighborhood boundaries for all District III NA's,
click here
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There are no scheduled NA meetings between July 26-August 9
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Road Construction Updates
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Street Projects with Major Traffic Impacts:
MacArthur, east of Seneca
This project will construct infrastructure improvements across MacArthur, east of Seneca.
Traffic Impact:
MacArthur is restricted to one lane traffic in each direction east of Seneca.
Estimated Completion:
Late Summer 2019
Lincoln, Vassar to Yale
This project will replace the pavement on Lincoln, from just east of Vassar to Yale (between Hillside and Oliver).
Traffic Impact:
Lincoln will be one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction.
Estimated Completion:
Late Summer 2019
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Construction Updates and Resources
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Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center
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Filling the Gap Provides FREE Lunches for Youth August 5-9
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Don't go hungry! Colvin is a host site for FREE lunches for kids (18 and under)! Sack lunches and snacks (and books!) will be handed out each day from 12-1 p.m. at the Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center (2820 S. Roosevelt). Extra weekend lunches will be given out on Friday. Kids can still receive free lunches through the USD 259 program every day at Colvin from 12-12:30 p.m. through August 5.
Click here
for additional Filling the Gap locations and information.
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All services at Colvin NRC are free and include:
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- Seven public computers with internet access and limited printing
- Public notary service, faxing, and copying
- Bi-lingual staff fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese
- Assistance in accessing community resources
- Community Services Representative is able to respond to neighborhood concerns and serves as liaison to District III Council Member and all City departments
- DCF Program Consultant on site to take applications for financial, food, and childcare assistance and to help with KanCare applications
- WSU TRIO representative on site every other Wednesday morning
- Seasonal programs such as Operation Holiday and free AARP tax preparation
- Various workshops hosted by community partners
- Affordable and fun summer activity camp for kids
- Filling the Gap program that provides free boxed-lunches to children 18 years and under during Spring Break and in August before school begins
- Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department neighborhood inspectors are housed at Colvin
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2820 S. Roosevelt
(P) | (316) 303-8029
(F) | (316) 858-7738
M-Th: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
F: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed noon-1 p.m. daily
Sat-Sun: Closed
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City of Wichita News, Events, & Information
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Budget Highlights
- The mill levy rate is unchanged. The 2020 budget is based on an estimated mill levy rate equal to last year’s rate.
- Additional funding for park maintenance. The funds would be used to address maintenance requests in a more timely fashion.
- Library Branch Study recommendations are included. All current library branches are funded in the 2020 Budget.
- Street maintenance improvements continue. The Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget are integrated to provide $9 million in funding in 2019, $10 million in 2020, and $11 million in 2021 for street maintenance.
- Reserves are maintained at appropriate levels. The 2019 budget includes General Fund reserves of $34.8 million, which is greater than 10% of projected expenditures, in accordance with City Council policy.
- Seven grant-funded police officers are moved to the General Fund after the retention period ends. The officers currently patrol the Broadway Corridor.
Capital Improvement Plan Highlights
The 2019-2028 Proposed CIP is based on a project prioritization model.
- Public Safety, $92.2 million: This includes $30.2 million to replace fire trucks and related equipment, $10 million for Police and Fire radio replacements and $13.9 million for other Public Safety equipment and facility upgrades. There is also $38.1 million in funding for the replacement of four Police stations and three Fire stations.
- Downtown projects, $39.3 million: Public investment in downtown continues to provide infrastructure that supports hundreds of millions in private investment.
- Street pavement maintenance, $98 million: The street maintenance efforts would be expanded with this funding.
- Park & Recreation Aquatics Plan, $20.8 million: Funding is allocated to upgrade six City pools and to add six new splash pads.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian improvement projects, nearly $14.3 million: These projects leverage federal funding and are based upon priority areas recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.
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A Message From the City of Wichita on the Water Treatment Plant
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While the recent article in the Wichita Eagle seemed alarming, it failed to mention that the City has been professionally managing the current water treatment plant and planning for the future water treatment plant for several years. This means we take the possibility of future failures seriously and are taking appropriate steps to ensure such failures don’t result in water outages.
Since 2016, the City has been reviewing current asset conditions and using that information to develop a long-term plan. This plan focuses on investing in the entirety of the water and sewer system and has identified funding opportunities to assist in the financing of large capital projects.
Meanwhile, staff are dedicated to providing safe and reliable drinking water. Staff has performed routine and emergency repairs and, because of their expertise, Wichita has not experienced a single, widespread water outage, despite the age and condition of the water treatment plant.
In addition to our long-term plan and expert staff, investment into the current water treatment plant has been tailored to ensure that we are keeping it fully operational. This will guard against any near-term failures that could result in a water outage and ensure that we can use the current treatment plant even after the new treatment plant is built, if we so choose.
Some recent repairs include roof repairs, improvements to the chemical feed system, and replacement of aged filters. All of these were carefully considered to ensure that we are investing responsibly in what we have, while also planning for the next generations.
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Integrated Care Team to Address Mental Health and Substance Abuse
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The City of Wichita has partnered with the County to launch a pilot program, "ICT-1," which will respond to 911 calls related to substance abuse and/or mental health issues. The pilot program will kick off on July 30. The initial trial will last for 90 days, and if successful, Wichita will keep it going through 2020. So what is the Integrated Care Team (ICT-1)? According to Wichita EMS Medical Director John Gallagher, ICT-1 is a multi-disciplinary team that will address different needs within the community for those who suffer from substance abuse with behavioral and psychiatric issues. The team will consist of one Wichita police officer, a COMCARE social worker, and one paramedic. The goal is to try and diffuse a volatile situation in order for a perpetrator to receive positive help.
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Water Distribution Exploring New Ways to Attract Applicants
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Facing a 20 percent vacancy rate for more than the last 12 months, the Water Distribution division of Public Works & Utilities is seeking new ways to attract candidates. Recruiting and retaining employees has become increasingly difficult in this competitive job market, especially when employees possess a CDL. Therefore, to address vacancies and the high rate of turnover, the division is looking at ways to establish new channels and partnerships. Recently, Public Works & Utilities and HR staff met with a representative from the Department of Children and Families to establish a pipeline of applicants from their work programs to the City of Wichita. Public Works & Utilities will soon be meeting with representatives from WSU Tech to explore partnership opportunities with that organization as well. Also in part with HR, a “Now Hiring” sign was designed, printed, and placed outside of Water Distribution offices to attract applicants.
Other efforts aimed at increasing recruitment and retention include examining the interview process to determine if improvements can be made, such as: explaining total compensation and long-term benefits in an easy-to-understand format, allowing candidates to the tour the facility and equipment in an effort to excite them about the importance of public service, and also working to make sure we properly target and evaluate qualified candidates.
Staff will attend the Kansas Municipal Utilities Training “Work in Water” later this month to explore other ways to battle turnover within the utilities.
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Fill the Boot
An article brought to you by the Wichita Fire Department
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You may have seen firefighters standing on street corners or in front of grocery stores collecting money in fire boots. What you may not know is where those donations go.
The Wichita Fire Department takes to the streets several times a year to support two different charitable organizations: the Salvation Army and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). No money collected is used for Fire Department expenses or operations. Collection sites are done in accordance with City of Wichita ordinances, and permits are obtained prior to collection days.
MDA is the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside the federal government, and has committed more than $1 billion in funding since its inception. WFD is proud to partner with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and has helped raise several hundred thousand dollars for the cause over the years.
The Salvation Army is committed to the social betterment of the poor. Wherever the Salvation Army operates, it does so in practical, skilled, and cost-effective ways.
Being servants who are committed to the betterment of the community, firefighters are happy to help raise money for both of these worthwhile causes.
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Hey Wichita, the new electric scooters are here! The City wants to remind everyone of some rules and safety of the scooters:
- Cannot operate on the sidewalk
- Can operate on bike paths and roadways posted 35 mph or less
- Can only operate until 9 p.m. or dusk
- No helmet, insurance, DL, or registration required but a helmet is strongly suggested
- Cannot ride more than two abreast
- Need to ride as close to the right as possible
- No more than one person on the scooter at a time
- Cannot cling to a vehicle.
Please utilize this great new way to get around, but do so properly and safely! Learn more
here
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Riverfront Legacy Master Plan
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31
Wichita Boathouse
515 S. Wichita. St.
Learn more about the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan
here
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This event will be the first opportunity for the public to share their vision on the east bank of the Arkansas River (from Kellogg to Douglas and the River to Main). A brief presentation is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. This is a come and go event.
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Whether you're looking to catch a show at Century II, wanting to enroll in an activity camp, or learn new tech skills at a workshop, the
City of Wichita
always has plenty of events and programming to offer.
Be sure to routinely check out our Park & Recreation, Public Library, and Arts & Cultural Services pages to see what new events and opportunities are scheduled!
Don't forget to follow or subscribe to your favorite City departments and divisions to keep up with the latest updates as well!
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Community News, Events, & Resources
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The Health & Wellness Coalition and Bike Walk Wichita Present:
Walk BINGO
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The Health & Wellness Coalition, along with Bike Walk Wichita’s Pedestrian Workgroup, would like to provide a little extra motivation for you to get outdoors and walk!
Click here
for a bingo card and start crossing off squares today! Earn a bingo by completing the activity listed on the bingo card, answer the question associated with the activity, and email it to
hwcwichita@gmail.com
. Five challenges in any column, row, or diagonal counts as a bingo. A super bingo is achieved by completing the entire card and submitting all answers via email by August 16.
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Noticing blight in your neighborhood? Is there a pothole on your drive to work? Does graffiti need removed?
Create an account on Access Wichita or Dial Wichita! at (316) 942-4482 to reach any department.
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The booklet is designed to provide you with important tips and information on a variety of community issues. By working together, we can help prevent and solve crimes, improve and make neighborhoods safer, resolve conflicts and enhance our quality of life.
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Not sure how many chickens you can have in your backyard or want to know if your neighbor can park his trailer there?
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We are always looking for ways to improve the newsletter. Let us know your suggestions!
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Office of Community Services
Maddy Campbell, District III Community Services Representative
Have questions or concerns?
Email
Council Member James Clendenin or call (316) 268-4331.
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