Neighborhood kicks off 2020 with cookies, social

In lieu of a typical business meeting in the month of January, the Woodland Heights Organization hosted a social, the 2020 New Year Cookie (& Dessert) Kick-off. 

Neighbors enjoy desserts at the 2020 New Year Cookie Kick-off
at Scottish Rite Park on Jan. 21, 2020

WHO neighbors, guests, and friends enjoyed wishing each other a Happy New Year, reminiscing about the past year, and planning for the future.

WHO members socialize during the New Year Cookie Kick-off
January 21, 2020

An optional conversation activity was made available and party attendees could enjoy a photo slideshow displayed on a large screen.  The Welcome Wagon had supplies available for members to make reusable name tags that will be brought to all WHO monthly meetings. 

Neighbors enjoy the dessert potluck and photo slideshow
at the WHO social event Jan. 21, 2020

Several announcements were made including the outcomes of the Jan. 16 Plan & Zoning Commission meeting. 
- The request to rezone 2415 Ingersoll Ave to allow for animal service and boarding for a pet day care business was continued to the March 5 P&Z meeting. 
- The review and approval of the site plan for 2701 Ingersoll Ave (currently the Star gas station) to be redeveloped into a 3-bay retail center was approved by P&Z along with the staff recommendations.
- There was a hearing on the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance related to short term lodging rentals (Airbnb).  This will come up at the City Council Jan. 27 where they will set a date for a hearing on this issue before the City Council.  That hearing will most likely be on Feb. 10.

Other announcements included: advertising the Feb. 18 WHO monthly meeting, announcing that the March 17 WHO meeting will be the annual meeting featuring elections (if you would like to learn more about running for a WHO volunteer leadership role, learn more at a board info-session/social either Sat. Feb. 29 @ Bruegger's Bagels from 9AM-11AM or Wed. Mar. 4 @ Star Bar from 6pm-8pm). 

City Council Member, Josh Mandelbaum speaks with
neighbors at the social event Jan. 21, 2020

Lastly, an elected leader, City Council Member, Josh Mandelbaum was in attendance at the social event.  He shared some remarks and took questions from the gathering and spoke on transportation, housing, revitalization, and the budget, among other subjects. 

City Council Member, Josh Mandelbaum addresses the WHO
at the 2020 New Year Cookie Kick-off event 1/21/2020

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This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights. Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses. WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines