The meeting was called to order by Chair Karen Hiller.
Members present:
Karen Hiller, ChairMembers absent: Gene Cain, Potwin; Janet Gard, Banking; Alvin Georgia, Monroe; Jim Daniel, St. Francis; Clardy Vinson, USD 501; Annie Kuether, State; Ted Mize, Old Town; Dale Sandberg, Ward Meade; and Reverend Douglas Phenix, Clergy
The March board minutes were distributed and approved.
Tom Luellen spoke of the plans Stormont has for a new surgery center on property currently owned by the hospital. He showed information regarding that property and the placement of parking, etc., for this project. They desire to expand in the present location but it is difficult to acquire adjacent properties as some owners are asking inflated prices. The TurnAround Team expressed their desire to have Tom encourage this new development to fit in with the Washburn-Lane Parkway regarding landscaping, lighting, etc. They have talked with the city about land usage and David Leamon will sit in on discussions as a representative for Washburn-Lane. Discussion was held regarding what the TurnAround Team can do to help guide development for projects impacting the parkway.
David Leamon spoke of the progress for the beginning phase of the Washburn-Lane Parkway. A photo layout with lights drawn to scale has been developed. The lights will be the same lights, including posts, as in the downtown area which is good lo-level pedestrian lighting. We do not have a start date from Jeff Hunt yet, though we are still hoping May.
We have been awarded CDBG grant money which will provide for benches, trash receptacles, landscaping and banners fot the demonstration leg of the Parkway and window signs for businesses all along the Parkway. David reminded the group that the money must be encumbered by May. Dave Jackson will consult with us on landscaping with Jeff Hunt helping with the layout as well as Bill Riphan, Director of Planning and Development.
Benches, banners, signs, trash receptacles and trash pickup are issues we need to address. Banners will identify Washburn-Lane on the outside and the landmark or the neighborhood on the inside.
Tom Luellen and Jim Daniel stated they will take responsibility for window signs for businesses bordering the Parkway. Dave and Joe will find a company that will help get the benches set.
Deborah Swank has addresses of those who live on or own property on the Parkway. She and David will notify residents and landlords of the transformations that are coming.
Dave Graverson talked with representatives from KDOT. The categories available through the T-21 grants are historic, scenic and environmental, and pedestrian/bicycle amenities. There is not enough footage in most areas for bicycles and, therefore, Washburn-Lane will likely fit the scenic category. There is an 80-20 match but if we put up more, they are more willing to fund a stronger application. The process is very competitive, so we must present a well-planned document to contend for funds. Applications are due in mid-September for the year 2002. If we have the city committed, it can be a phased project. Karen reminded us that if the planning work is done, it will enhance our position for the T-21 grant.
Discussion ensued on the dog leg area around 16th Street. We will need to consult with the city on what plans they may have for the curbs and median in that sector.
Frank Meadows and Dick May are working with architect Peter Gierer to design the monuments at 17th and 6th Streets. Because of the different layout of these two areas, the same size and style may not be appropriate for both ends. Frank will bring the resulting designs as soon as they are available.
The four documents we have for Washburn-Lane are to be integrated so that there are no redundancies. We will work with the city to assure we have our plans in a format with which the city will be agreeable. Mayor Wagnon recommended that we keep the Washburn-Lane Parkway our main focus.
Karen spoke of the need to have a committee devoted to fundraising and that Janet Gard has agreed to serve on that committee. Loretta Rahmeier and Claudia Luttjohann have made some inquiries regarding known benefactors who might be interested in donating to the Parkway project.
Candy Wells is the primary property manager for the Campus View shopping center for Robb & Company. Tom Ellis has met with her and offered to assist with attracting tenants that will be beneficial for, and used by, the student population attending Washburn University. New student housing will bring a demand for more services in that area, so Washburn is very interested in seeing that this sector is a place where it is safe.
Pam Mullins reviewed the information gleaned from the March general meeting regarding the Dillons store. The committee will take these recommendations to share with Wynne Dillon at their next meeting. A motion was made and seconded that we should convey to Dillons what the store means to the neighborhood and ask what we can do to show our support. We also will work with surrounding businesses.
Dillons has indicated they would donate the vacant lot north of the store to the TurnAround Team or to the city. Rogers Brazier has indicted he will work with us to make this into a park and help with maintenance as well. This will be a passive park, e.g., benches, landscaping, etc., as opposed to having playground equipment. Various means of providing beautification were discussed including sidewalks. This will be presented to the general membership for their approval.
Pam Mullins stated that the Methodist Home on College is being seriously considered by a company that specializes in saving historic properties.
Meeting adjourned.
People who are interested in improving the quality and image of Central Topeka, particularly people who live in or own property in the Central Topeka area from Monroe to MacVicar and 21st to the Kansas River, are particularly encouraged to attend. For further information, call 234-2883.