City’s Stormwater Program shared with Woodland Heights neighbors

The Woodland Heights Org. held its December 2021 monthly meeting on Zoom 12/21/21.  The featured guest presented on stormwater best management practices, and the city of Des Moines program for assisting homeowners with the cost of implementing these projects. 

Derek Nammany, City of DM speaks with
the WHO about stormwater Dec. 21, 2021

Derek Namanny, an Environmental Engineering Technician with the city, shared a message that has been making its rounds to many of the city’s neighborhoods:  The city has a cost share program for 50% of the costs of installation of stormwater best management practices or green infrastructure (up to $2,000 per property).  View the presentation online here.  Find the 2-page handout online here.

Find more information about stormwater best management practices online at www.dsm.city/swbmp.  

One business item was voted on and passed at the December meeting: an appropriation of funds for a January social event (exact details TBD but save the date for the evening of Jan. 18 (3rd Tuesday of the month).  

One notable announcement shared at the meeting was information and a link to a survey the city is using to receive resident input on how to spend approximately $95 million of ARPA funds.   

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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

Property Improvement Program previewed

Woodland Heights neighbors learned about the city’s plans to implement a Property Improvement Program at the WHO’s November monthly meeting, held over Zoom on Tue. Nov. 16, 2021.

Deputy Director Neighborhood Services, SuAnn Donovan
presents to a virtual gathering of the WHO on Tue. Nov. 16, 2021

Deputy Director of Neighborhood Services, SuAnn Donovan, presented on plans for this new initiative that would strengthen neighborhoods by preventing homes from falling into disrepair by necessitating regular maintenance on home features such as: roof, gutters, siding, windows, paint (home shell), and sidewalk.  The program would also include safety net features to provide assistance to homeowners lacking the physical or financial means to complete the necessary maintenance.  

The city will hire new staff for this program (1 supervisor, 2 liaisons, 4 inspectors, 1 clerical staff) and the City Council will need to amend city code before it goes into effect.  

During the NBSD report, Officer Moody updated neighbors on recent incident reports from around the neighborhood: including an unsuccessful burglary attempt on an ATM at an Ingersoll Business, and that the Star Gas Station site has been working with Crow Tow to impound cars illegally parked there.  

 

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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

September WHO meeting began preview of November election

Two candidates on the ballot for the November 2, 2021 City Council and School Board election introduced themselves to the Woodland Heights Org. at the September monthly meeting on 9/21/2021.  Coming up at the October meeting, be on the lookout for more candidates to introduce themselves and share their campaign platform.  

Find resources regarding voter registration and the upcoming election online here.  

The main item of business accomplished during the meeting was the (overwhelming) vote of support in favor of the High Street traffic calming concept plan.  Neighbors spoke favorably on how they believed the concept plan’s features would work to slow traffic and make High Street a safer, friendlier street.  

DMPD's Officer Mike Moody (NBSD Officer)
reports to the Woodland Heights neighbors 9/21/21

Officer Mike Moody (NBSD) shared stats on neighborhood incidents and updated on noise and concerns around Ingersoll.  Also of note was an update on Center Street near Callanan Middle School.  City zoning and the Narcotics division of the DMPD are collaborating and it’s a work in progress to address the ongoing issues there.  Officer Moody advised to continue to call the non-emergency # to report suspicious issues (515)-283-4811 and if you have video of suspicious license plates or characters, do reach out to share that as well.  

During discussion, several issues were raised including Mental Health Crisis Services and Addiction Treatment Services provided by Broadlawns Medical Center.  

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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

September meeting to be held outdoors

Update for the September 21, 2021 WHO meeting:  Forecast is for the most pleasant weather.  The September 21, 2021 meeting will occur as planned outdoors near the shelter at Chamberlain Park at 7pm.  

High Street Traffic Calming Concept Plan Released

Jeff Wiggins, of the City of DM, met with the High Street Traffic Calming Interest Group Wed. Sept. 15, 2021 to review the proposed High Street Traffic Calming Concept Plan (as part of the city's regular traffic calming program).  

Between 2019 and 2020, the city collected traffic study data, which can be viewed online here.  

On May 15, 2021 the High Street Traffic Calming Interest Group met virtually to share observations and concerns about High Street traffic that the Concept Planning would take into account.  

Read the Concept Plan online here.  The concept is designed to calm traffic on High Street in the blocks between 28th Street and 24th Street (study area).  The five elements of the plan include: (1.) posting 25 mph speed limit signs on High Street @ 28th & MLK; (2.) placing a speed hump on High Street approx. 450 feet east of 28th Street (approx. the crest of the hill); (3.) placing a speed hump approx. 275 feet east of the first speed hump; (4.) placing a choker on High Street approx. 300 feet west of 24th Street (approx. the bottom of the hill (adjacent to vacant lot)); and (5.) alternating from North to South, then back to North on which side of the street parking is allowed.  

Next steps include:  (1.) Discussion of the concept plan and vote of approval at the WHO September monthly meeting on Tue. Sept. 21, 2021; (2.) City to send cards for feedback to High Street property owners (notification); (3.) Review by the city's Transportation Safety Committee; and (4.) Project to be programmed into the next construction cycle (hopefully Summer 2022).  

Phil recorded video of the virtual meeting Sept. 15.  Please contact Phil to view that video.  

  

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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

Home improvement and beautification topics of August meeting

The Woodland Heights Org., held its August 2021 meeting outdoors at Chamberlain Park on 8/17.  The featured guests were members of the city staff and included Chris Heilskov, Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor; Scott Clauson, Neighborhood Inspector (Blitz on Blight); and Erik Lundy, Zoning Enforcement Officer.  

Erik Lundy and Chris Heilskov, both of the City
of Des Moines, speak with the WHO 8/17/2021

The city’s Neighborhood Services Dept. and Neighborhood Inspections has been working hard to catch up on inspections that were delayed due to the pandemic and implement a new cloud-computing technology system to schedule, execute, and monitor inspections, violations, permitting, and more.  The department has been staffing up and soon will be hiring 2 additional inspectors.  

Neighbors attend the WHO meeting 8/17/2021
at Chamberlain Park

In addition to inspections staff monitoring neighborhoods for junk & debris, junk cars, nuisance properties, and zoning violations (such as illegal use and signs) to keep things looking nice, Invest-DSM is administering a city-wide Block Challenge Grant Program, where neighbors across the city can group together and apply for matching grants to fund home improvements boosting curb appeal.  Neighbors on High Street in Woodland Heights plan to make an application (due Sept. 30) and shared their story at the meeting.  Examples of projects allowable for the Block Grant Challenge Program include: landscaping (front yard), mulch, fencing, windows, and siding.  

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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

National Night Out event held in Woodland Heights

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus public health disaster emergency, neighborhoods throughout the country held their first National Night Out events since 2019.  Typically an annual event, National Night Out celebrates the collaboration and community building that neighbors and neighborhoods can do to prevent crime and fight crime alongside public safety officials.  

Public safety vehicles to explore at Woodland
Heights NNO event Tue. Aug. 3, 2021

Woodland Heights residents invited city police, fire, and other officials and staff for a social in Chamberlain Park on Tuesday, Aug. 3 for the 2021 event.  The gathering proved to be a great opportunity to meet with and hear from members of the public safety community as well as socialize with neighbors from all corners of Woodland Heights after limited contact due to the pandemic.  

Neighbors and community members gather at
Chamberlain Park Aug. 3, 20201 for NNO

Thank you to all the attendees, planners (especially the WHO Welcome Wagon committee), and volunteers who made the event a success.  

Mayor, Frank Cownie; NBSD Officer, Mike Moody;
and Lt. Larry Davey share a laugh at NNO 8/3/2021

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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

August meeting to be held outdoors

Update for the August 17, 2021 WHO meeting:  Forecast is for hot but fair weather.  The August 17, 2021 meeting will occur as planned outdoors near the shelter at Chamberlain Park at 7pm.  

Officer Moody’s Introduction to the WHO

 The July monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was held Tue. 7/20 and was the 2nd meeting of 2021 held outdoors at Chamberlain Park.  

Neighbors are invited to come back to the park Tuesday, August 3rd (first Tues. in Aug.) for National Night Out.  This free event will be open to all, and is a family-friendly neighborhood gathering.  Look for snacks and social under and near the shelter starting at 5:30 pm.  

Kent Newman, member of the Des Moines Citizen
Task Force on Sustainability with the WHO July 20, 2021

The meeting’s featured guest was Kent Newman, of the Des Moines Citizen Task Force on Sustainability.  Newman shared history of sustainability efforts in the city going back to 2007 through the present day, highlighting emissions goals, programs, the creation of the task force, benchmarking ordinance, and more.  Learn more about the Task Force online here.  

Officer Mike Moody reviews notes while speaking
with Woodland Heights neighbors July 20, 2021

After Sgt. Scarlett’s reassignment to the South Side of Des Moines, Officer Mike Moody has transitioned into the role of NBSD Officer, working with 9 neighborhoods covering some of the West Central and Near West part of the city.  Officer Moody took time to share about himself, his career with the DMPD, and his perspective of the NBSD role.  Moody emphasized multiple times how valuable neighborhood organizations and meeting opportunities are to get to know each other, learn about issues going on, and working to build a safer, more close-knit community.  Moody also spoke highly of cameras, noting he has multiple cameras at his home and recommends others consider cameras for their own homes.  

One item of business raised during the meeting was starting the planning process to partner with the City of DM Forestry Dept. for a service/volunteer event to prune and do some maintenance on city-owned, street trees, especially near the park and cemetery.  Look for more information on this in the future.  

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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

July meeting to be held outdoors

Update for the July 20, 2021 WHO meeting:  Forecast is for hot but fair weather.  The July 20, 2021 meeting will occur as planned outdoors near the shelter at Chamberlain Park at 7pm.  

Chamberlain Park meeting successful

The June 2021 monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was successfully held in-person at Chamberlain Park on June 15.  The evening was warm, but dry, making for a comfortable gathering.  After skipping meetings in March - May of 2020 and holding online meetings June 2020 - May 2021 due to the coronavirus public health disaster emergency, neighbors finally gathered face-to-face.  

Kris Maggard, Executive Director of The Avenues
 of Ingersoll & Grand with the WHO June 15, 2021

The featured guest was the Executive Director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, Kris Maggard.  She updates neighbors on the efforts to create an Urban Recreation District (and how Woodland Heights folks can get involved with that).  Other highlights from her remarks included updates on the Ingersoll Streetscape construction, business and development updates, and comments on pandemic recovery.  

In an emailed report, Sgt. Scarlett shared that the new NBSD officer covering the part of the city that includes Woodland Heights will be Officer Mike Moody.  Officer Moody's start-date is TBD.  Until the time of the transition, Sgt. Scarlett will still be on-point for neighbor questions or concerns.  See the recent incident map online here.  

Other meeting highlights included Beautification and Welcome Wagon Updates as well as planning and prep for our National Night Out event (first Tues. in Aug.) Tue. Aug. 3, 2021.

Stay tuned to the email newsletter and social media for updates on details for the July monthly WHO meeting.  

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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

June meeting will be outdoors at Chamberlain Park

Update for the June 15, 2021 WHO meeting:  Forecast is for hot but fair weather.  The June 15, 2021 will occur as planned outdoors near the shelter at Chamberlain Park at 7pm.  

Sgt. Scarlett’s last meeting with Woodland Heights

The May monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was held Tue. May 18 over Zoom.  Neighbors Zoomed in to hear first from Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy.  

Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy with
The Woodland Heights Org. May 18, 2021

Supervisor McCoy shared the latest news on mental health funding in the State of Iowa, with changes by state legislators to transfer funding model from the County property tax levy, to state-funding.  

Next McCoy detailed County emergency response to the Pandemic, including $40 million of expenses last year going towards health, emergency housing and eviction relief, nutrition, and other efforts.  McCoy expects the $94 million of American Rescue Plan money to reimburse the County for last year’s pandemic expenses.  The remaining funds must be spent in certain ways, and the County is seeking resident feedback on what shovel-ready projects are in need of these emergency funds.  

McCoy reviewed InvestDSM, reminding neighbors the County invested $2.5 million last year and plans to contribute $5 million this year.  

The Iowa Events Center lost $2 million each of the last 2 years.  The convention center hotel lost $6-8 million, according to McCoy.  On the bright side, Prairie Meadows business is rebounding and all 1,500 employees have been offered the opportunity to come back to work.  

Sg. Scarlett (first from left) at the WHO
National Night Out in August 2018

During the regular DMPD Neighborhood Based Service Delivery (NBSD) report, Sgt. Scarlett surprised neighbors by announcing this was her last meeting as NBSD Officer for Woodland Heights.  Going forward she will be part of a team serving Des Moines’ South Side.  The DMPD is currently working on selecting Sgt. Scarlett’s successor.  In the meantime, neighbors can use Sgt. Scarlett as their contact for NBSD concerns.  

One concern was noise near the Star Gas Station and other businesses near Ingersoll Ave. and Linden Street.  Sgt. Scarlett has been in contact with business owners and the city.  Replacing fending could help reduce cut through traffic across the gas station property.  Police have been in the area at problem times, but have found it difficult to charge for offenses as it is difficult to measure the decibels of noise for the required period of time.  If loud cars realize they are being recorded, they turn down the music or drive away.  

Sgt. Scarlett recommended neighbors keep calling in complaints and using the addresses of where they identify issues so the database will link all the cases.  515-283-4811.

Candidate for Des Moines City Council (at-large seat), Justyn Lewis addressed the Woodland Heights Organization and introduced himself.  The municipal election is November 2.  Practicing fairness, all candidates for city council (at-large and Ward 3) will be invited to a WHO meeting.  

Ahead of the May 20 city Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, the WHO discussed a proposal to rezone property at 2406 Woodland Avenue (to allow for a duplex).  A motion was made and seconded to oppose the proposed rezoning.  This motion passed.  

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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

Hight Street traffic calming, NFC, Barber Shop, and noise discussed in April

The April 20, 2021 monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was packed full of business and updates.

A virtual meeting for the sole purpose of hearing from interested neighbors (and anyone interest in the issue) about needed traffic calming on High Street is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 @7pm on Zoom.  A staff member at the City's traffic department will be on hand to present on the City's traffic calming program.  Find  all the information online at bit.ly/highstreet21.  

Stephanie Murphy, NFC Exec. Director speaks with Woodland
Heights neighbors at the April 20, 2021 WHO meeting

Neighborhood Finance Corporation's Executive Director, Stephanie Murphy, was the featured guest at the meeting.  Murphy shared info about the NFC's many programs and how Woodland Heights residents can take advantage of them.

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Thinking About Making Renovations to Your Home This Year?

You may qualify for up to $10,000 in a forgivable home loan!

Did you know that Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) has been providing purchase, refinance, and home improvement renovations in the Des Moines area for over 30 years?  In the past year 216 homeowners or homebuyers have completed $4.6 million in home renovations through an NFC Advantage Loan.  Since NFC started lending in the Neighborhood, they have provided loans to over 279 households totaling over $15 million in repayable and forgivable loans in our neighborhood.

The Woodland Heights neighborhood is in a Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) lending area which means you may apply for an NFC Advantage Loan and qualify for a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 in home renovations.  The forgivable loan is available when first qualifying for a purchase, refinance, or home improvement loan. In addition, some homebuyers may qualify for up to $10,500 in down payment assistance. 

If you are considering exterior repairs or improvements, ask NFC about their Front Porch Program loans. These loans are available to homeowners seeing repairs or improvements to the exterior of their homes. Front Porch loans have been used for projects like roof and foundation repairs, window and door replacements, exterior siding or painting, new garages, driveways, and more.

For details on all of NFC’s lending programs, please visit NeighborhoodFinance.org.

NFC is a non-profit, licensed Iowa mortgage company offering purchase, refinance and home improvement loans. Every NFC Advantage loan is paired with a forgivable loan that is forgiven with five years of owner-occupancy. NFC partners with Polk County, the City of Des Moines, neighborhood associations and local financial institutions to facilitate neighborhood revitalization in NFC lending areas. 

To see if your home currently qualifies for NFC Lending, please visit the NFC lending map at NeighborhoodFinance.org or call their office at 515.246.0010.

Equal Housing Lender   NMLS# 8943

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Also at the April 20 meeting, neighbors shared their vision and hopes for 2513 Woodland Ave., the run down building that previously housed a barber shop.  Two potential developers shared broad ideas for the property and listened to WHO members to gauge the support they might have for a future redevelopment proposal.  At the meeting, many neighbors did express interest in the idea of a small retail development.  Read Lyla's response to the interest in retail/commercial redevelopment online here.  

NBSD officer, DMPD's Sgt. Scarlett, shared the regular incident report for the neighborhood with attendees at the April 20 WHO meeting.  In addition to the regular rundown, Sgt. Scarlett spoke extensively about the noise (and other) complaints related to people driving, congregating, parking, and playing loud music from their cars near 2617 Ingersoll Avenue.  

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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

Lyla's response to interest in commercial development at 2513 Woodland

A message from longtime Woodland Heights neighbor, Lyla:  

Please pass this information along to any party of interest including people at (the April 20, 2021) meeting of the WHO.

At (the April 20, 2021) meeting of the WHO there was much support for taking this building (2513 Woodland Ave.) back to small commercial. I do not think that the city would allow this because it would be "spot zoning" which is illegal and there is no availability for off street parking which is required under zoning...for either commercial or residential use. The neighbors could fight the city to allow for this type of use...but that process would take many months, and require several public hearing processes and much conflict.

Chapter 134-7.2.6 of the Des Moines Zoning Code:  If a nonconforming use in a N district (single family homes) is discontinued for more than one year for any reason whatsoever, the nonconforming use is deemed abandoned and may not be re-established.

This property has been vacant for over 20 years and lost its legal nonconforming status that can not be re-established.

There was discussion by two adjoining neighbors saying they would be interested in acquiring the property to expand their property. This may be a possibility but they would have to pay for the property and the cost of demolition of the structure. My best estimate would be $30,000 - 40,000 to do this. (could split the cost) Most people do not have this kind of money up front but they could possibly refinance their homes to acquire the land and demolition costs. This process could take a year if allowed.

The NFC could start building a new home (using same footprint) this fall if they can receive 2 exceptions from the city on "set back" requirements for the front of the house and the driveway.

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Urban Agriculture message at March meeting

The Woodland Heights Org. held its March monthly meeting virtually, on Zoom, on March 16, 2021.  This meeting marked the 1 year anniversary of the March 2020 meeting that was cancelled because of the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  The 2021 annual meeting (including officer and board elections) continues to be postponed to a future date TBD.

Find information on Facebook about the neighborhood's efforts to keep the Woodland Heights clean and beautiful with regular litter-pickup events throughout the year.  Coming up soon:  Sun. March 28 @ 1pm.  Trash bags for the cleanup to be provided by DM Public Works.  

Andrea Vaage of the city's Food Security Task Force addresses the WHO 3/16/21,
while other guests included City Council members, Carl Voss & Connie Boesen

The featured guest was from the city's newly-implemented Food Security Task Force.  This citizen group wants to create resources and a space to be the one-stop-shop for all resident questions about urban agriculture in the city of Des Moines.  Among Vaage's remarks were comments about resources from ISU Extension (including regulations on urban agriculture) and from the city on its Stormwater Subsity Program.  Vaage recommended the LSI Global Greens Farmers Market due to its location at 3200 University Ave. being so close to the Woodland Heights neighborhood.  

City Council Member, Carl Voss shared info about the upcoming event Friday June 18 hosted by Friends of DM Parks at Waveland Golf Course.  On a downbeat note, Voss shared statistics about increased thefts of automobile catalytic converters and the LeadsOnline website.  

City Council Member, Connie Boesen updated the neighborhood on the recently-approved budget and updated and ongoing city priorities including an additional $100,000 for tree planting and the building of more spray grounds in city parks (some replacement of wading pools).  

Officer Scott Baker of the DMPD shared the NBSD report with neighbors.  

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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

Annual Meeting POSTPONED & info from AMOS

An important piece of business passed at the February monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) on Feb. 16, 2021.  A motion PASSSED to postpone the Annual Meeting & Board Elections to a future date.  Normally the Annual Meeting of the WHO is held every March.  But due to ongoing safety and health concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), the membership agreed to postpone holding that meeting.  Stay tuned for future updates on when that meeting will be held.  The March 16, 2021 meeting of the WHO will keep the same format as the regular, monthly neighborhood meetings.  

Courtney Dufford, lead organizer for AMOS & Crystal Loving,
DSM resident and AMOS member present to the WHO 2/16/21

The featured guest presentation at the February WHO meeting was from AMOS (amosiowa.org) (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) on the subject of children's mental health.  Neighbors learned about the current challenges including funding.  

AMOS is advocating for positive change to the children's mental health system and funding in the state.  Neighbors can get involved in these efforts by expressing their interest to AMOS via an online survey here.  For more info, contact AMOS at amosiowa@gmail.com.  

State Sen. Claire Celsi addresses the Woodland
Heights Organization on Feb. 16, 2021

Busy (as usual) during the legislative session, but available on the evening of Feb. 16, State Senator Claire Celsi (whose district includes the Woodland Heights neighborhood) Zoomed into the February WHO meeting to share updates from the Capitol.  Celsi, a Democrat, is in the minority party and expressed frustration with much of the legislation brought by the majority Republicans.  

Sen. Celsi welcomes electronic communication (especially during a time when there is less in-person outreach):  Claire.celsi@legis.iowa.gov and by phone 515-462-0487.

Other business items conducted by the WHO included expressing neither support, nor opposition for the proposed rezoning and development of 2510 Ingersoll Ave. and sending a letter stating 4 neighborhood concerns to the Plan & Zoning Commission.  It was also agreed to move forward with High Street neighbors on efforts to address traffic calming on High Street.  

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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

Tree information and Trolley Monument update shared Jan. 2021

The Woodland Heights Organization held its first meeting of 2021 virtually, continuing to keep neighbors physically separated to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  

DM City Forester, David Jahn and Kacie Ballard of
Trees Forever present at the Jan. 19, 2021 WHO meeting

2020 was the Year of the Tree in Des Moines, culminating in the release of the city's first Urban Forest Master Plan.  City Forester, David Jahn shared highlights of this plan, raising awareness of the goals of increasing the city's tree canopy and how neighbors and neighborhoods can be part of the solutions.  

Jahn reminded neighbors that the street trees planted in the 'parking' (the area between the street and the sidewalk) are owned by the city and should be maintained only by the city.  Residents are not allowed to cut down or trim these trees.  Instead they should contact the city to perform the necessary maintenance.  

To notify the city you'd like a street tree planted in the city right-of-way in front of your house, find information online here.  

Kacie Ballard of Trees Forever shared information about this nonprofit organization that works closely with the city to leverage volunteers to plant and maintain more city trees than forestry division staff could accomplish.  Ballard talked in depth about the Growing Futures program as well as becoming a Tree Keeper.  

Ballard shared data about trees in Woodland Heights including that Oaks and Flowering Crabapple were the most abundant species.  To increase tree diversity, 4 recommended species include: Kentucky Coffee Tree, Honeylocust, Yellowwood, and Hophornbeam.  

In October 2019 the WHO voted to send a letter of support for ​community efforts to obtain a historic designation for the Des Moines Streetcar turnaround site near 49th Street and University Avenue.  This location is not in Woodland Heights, but WHO members recognized the historical significance streetcars played in the creation and vibrancy of our neighborhood.  A trolley barn was previously a prominent feature of the neighborhood at Ingersoll and 24th. 

A motion was made and passed at the WHO meeting Jan. 19, 2021 to send another letter of WHO support for the project, and a motion was made and passed to send a donation of $25 from WHO toward funding the Trolley Loop Monument. In making this motion it was noted that individuals can send private donations to support the project.

How to donate:  write a check to the Des Moines Historical Society at the following address.  Be sure to put "Waveland Trolley Loop Fund" in the check memo line.  The address is:

   Des Moines Historical Society

   c/o David Barzen, President

   P.O. Box 8038

   Des Moines, IA 50301

The Des Moines Historical Society is a 501.c.3 organization; it maintains a separate account exclusively for the Waveland Trolley Loop project.

See pictures of the Trolley Loop Monument plans online here.  The intent is to create a welcoming pedestrian space featuring a streetcar sculpture, interpretive information, and a place to relax along the new University Avenue multi-use recreational trail.  

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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