Topeka Tree Team Announces their Schedule for 2009

Last fall Transform Topeka helped with the Willow Park cleanup that was organized by the Topeka Tree Team and Keep America Beautiful.  It was amazing how much was accomplished in one Saturday morning.  This year the Topeka Tree Team is concentrating on beautifying “gateways” into our city.  Read the rest of this entry »

Sales Tax on the ballot or behind the doors?

Here’s what is going on. There is a question regarding the new sales tax issue. Here is a story from this past Friday’s cjonline: http://cjonline.com/stories/020709/loc_385570846.shtml

If you believe the people of Topeka should vote on the sales tax incentive, I would encourage you to contact your City Council representative.

If you believe the sales tax issue should not be on the ballot, I would also encourage you to contact your City Council representative.

You may find their contact information by going to the city website.    http://www.topeka.org/cityofficials/index.shtml

Frankly, is this the right issue or the right time? I am not sure, but we must act.

We can no longer allow for elected officials to make decisions for us. If we are tired of the same problems, if we are tired of the lack of leadership and if we want things to get better, we have to let our voices be heard. The people of Topeka must decide this issue one way or another.

That is my two cents, what is yours?

Survey of Topekans Gives City Council New Direction

Survey of Topekans Gives City Council New Direction

WIBW.com (http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/24267419.html)

The City of Topeka held a news conference Wednesday morning to announce the results of a survey.

“We need to be able to tell our tax payers what we’re doing and how we’re doing it and why,” said City Manager, Norton Bonaparte.

“What this city council and this city administration is saying is that we’re ready to take a look at how residents feel,” said Karen Falk.

The city paid $15,000.00 for the survey. Read the rest of this entry »

Riverfront Development

This past Monday, I attended the Masterplan for the Topeka Riverfront Development. Going into the meeting, it was difficult not to be skeptical considering so many things that has happened in Topeka. From bad attiudes to bad planning, Topeka has seen a fair share

The Masterplan was impressive. If you did not go to the meeting, you missed out. The information should be online. It was clear that a lot of thought and care had been put into the Masterplan. The group Sasaki Associates has provided other Masterplans in the United States. It was evident why.

I was disappointed the next day to read so many comments posted a local website dismissing the idea. The majority of those who posted were not at the meeting.

What does Topeka want?