The next step in the Heartland Visioning process

The Heartland Visioning first draft has been released today… as promised! The first thing I noticed was how concise it is… I know, that’s not at all the most important piece…. but this process started nearly 6 months ago with lots of data and input from the community. And, at 36 pages, it’s impressive to me that there really is a focused vision of what Topeka can be.

The first part of the report is tough to get through. It’s important, though… it’s the argument for change. But, Topeka is a place I love, and it’s hard to hear the truth sometimes. (For example, I really don’t care for my doctor to point out that I’m overweight.) However, by acknowledging the problems and a focusing on a new direction, Topeka can make a change (and in an oh-so-similar way, addressing my own weight issue is the only way that situation will change).

Forgive my slightly silly analogy, but I think that it makes a point.

While the Plan doesn’t hold any official weight…. no laws will be put in place after the draft’s been approved, the Heartland Visioning Steering Committee will not be the ones who will be investing in the downtown development (perhaps as individuals, but not as an entity)… so, the way this will take effect, is by all the citizens here. I’d encourage you to take a look at the Draft Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan and then submit your comments. It’s scheduled to be formalized in October, so be sure to take the time to look this over. You know that our elected officials will be looking to this document to get direction in the future. And the more input that’s received, even in this later step, the more importance can be placed on the document.

I’m really interested in what you think of the plan!

  • denise
  • August 25th, 2008
  • No Comments    
  • Topeka News

City and County Taxes

Recently the city council approved a .1 mill levy increase for those living in the city of Topeka. In my opinion they should have made a decrease in the mill levy. What I see hurting the population growth in Topeka is that the tax burden is very high in the city. Please respond if you agree or disagree and give me your reasons. Topeka needs to lower the mill levy if Topeka expects to be able to compete with nearby cities and counties that may possibly be lower in taxes. New construction in Topeka comes with “special taxes” attached to the property for streets and water services. Which means you are paying your monthly water bill plus an additional tax included in your property tax burden for water service. Also an additional tax for the road in front of your house along with the standard tax that takes care of the rest of the cities roads. These “special taxes” can last around 20 years or so. I recently moved back here from Leavenworth County where my wife and I owned a new home that was appraised at a higher value than the new one we purchased in Topeka last year. The house in Topeka is constructed better but is cheaper per square foot. We paid 1/3 less in property taxes in Leavenworth County than we do in Shawnee County even though the house in Leavenworth County is worth more. There were also no “special taxes” in Leavenworth County like there are in Shawnee County, which hurts new home construction, which hurts growth of the city. This is an example of why it is hard to attract new residents to Shawnee County and Topeka. Topeka needs to broaden its tax base, and by broaden I don’t mean raise taxes on current residents, but lower the taxes and attract new residents. Please let me know how you feel about our current tax rates and let me know in your opinion what would help attract new residents to Topeka.

  • Aaron
  • August 21st, 2008
  • 2 Comments    
  • Topeka News, city government

TPAC - To fund or not to fund…

The Topeka City Council voted last night to cut the $300,000 for TPAC from the most recent city budget.

“To think we can operate without that is ludicrous. It can’t happen,” said Jeff Hiestand, president of the TPAC board of directors.

it is my understanding that TPAC is a non-profit organization.

Why?Are all Performing Arts centers managed the same way?

Is it reasonable to ask the question, “If TPAC had been a corporation would have it been in this position to begin with?”

I don’t know, I am just asking the question. I think we need TPAC and it is a quality of life issue.

I have not noticed a lot of shows going on there over the last couple of years. Do they market the events that are going on there?

Does TPAC have a Facebook, MySpace, etc? What are the methods TPAC uses to communicate?

Should TPAC consider relocating near the Riverfront?

With or without the funding, the issue that must be examined is, What can be done to help TPAC not be in this position in the future?

That is just my opinion

There really are things to do in Topeka

Tonight, I went to see Vicki Lawrence at Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) with my family. She was hilarious. I laughed for almost 1 1/2 hours straight. TPAC is such a beautiful theater in downtown Topeka. I remember doing at least 8 dance recitals for The Dance Factory in that theater. I have seen the Festival Singers in that theater. I don’t understand why more shows aren’t performed in that theater. I have heard people say that the reason it doesn’t do as well is because of its location at 8th and Quincy and parking. I felt 100% safe walking the block and a half to the parking spot that we had no trouble finding along Monroe, just south of 6th Street. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Grand Re-Opening

The Topeka Blvd bridge construction is complete! From afar, the bridge has beautiful touches. The area at SW 1st & Topeka (”my side” of the bridge) looks completely new. There are celebration plans for tomorrow afternoon and will officially open on Monday. I know the businesses that have been affected by the construction will surely be celebrating themselves.

The construction was a ‘have-to’ project because it was literally starting to fall down. My hope is that the renovation of this area grows throughout the rest of the city… before they become ‘have-to’ projects.   Just like when you finish one project in your house, you can see all of the other areas that need fixing.  And just in this way, we’ll have to take a look at the most-needed areas and the ones that we can afford :) to take of next.

  • denise
  • August 2nd, 2008
  • 4 Comments    
  • Improvements, Topeka News

T. Boone in T -Town

This afternoon, Topeka has a chance to be part of something special. For those of us who are concerned about rising energy prices, we all need to get to the Heritage Hall at the Kansas Expocentre today at 4:00 p.m. Former oil man, now diversified energy crusader T. Boone Pickens will be in Topeka today, and I am looking forward to going.  

Once the people get behind, the leadership will get behind, they will have to. Thank God, Mr. Pickens recognized that. If he makes money while helping everyone get the picture, good for him. I applaud him for his efforts. 

I would encourage everyone to attend the Town Hall meeting at 4:00 p.m. Spread the word. 

For more information go to www.pickensplan.com

Local Business Spotlight: Hazel Hill Chocolates

Ever since Denise posted Being an Intentional Topekan, I’ve really tried to follow her lead and make a concerted effort to shop local. This weekend Brandon and I stopped by Hazel Hill Chocolates - a homemade chocolate shop located downtown at 7th and Kansas.

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