Woodland Heights Organization: monthly meeting

July 18, 2019

Center Street & High Street focus of July WHO meeting

"The Center Street Story: An Urban Renewal Retrospective" was the first topic on the agenda of the July 16, 2019 Woodland Heights Organization monthly meeting.

Madison DeShay previews a documentary about Center Street
at the July 16, 2019 WHO meeting

The documentary project of Community Legacy Matters Inc. tells the story of a thriving African American business and residential district in Des Moines in the first half of the 20th century. Interstate 235 and 1950s urban renewal forever changed that community. Project Director, Madison DeShay spoke to Woodland Heights neighbors about the work being done to complete this documentary to preserve and share the story of Center Street.

NBSD officer, Sgt. Scarlett shares the latest incident data as part
of the NBSD report at the July 16, 2019 WHO monthly meeting

After some new business and updates on the National Night Out event (coming up Tue. Aug. 6), the regular NBSD report, and the featured guest, the meeting's main event started: hearing from a developer about potential development on High Street and getting feedback from residents about the proposal.

Ryan Francios of Rally Cap Properties shares info about rezoning
as part of a potential development along High Street July 16, 2019.

The Rally Cap proposal included rezoning property from “R1-60” One-Family Low-Density Residential District to “NPC” Neighborhood Pedestrian Commercial District to allow for development of a 5-unit, 3-story, live-work, rowhouse dwelling. Many neighbors expressed concerns about business encroachment into the neighborhood as well as traffic and parking issues. Other neighbors commented about the step the development could provide between Ingersoll commerce and residences further North.
Ultimately the developer decided to pull this item from the July 18 P&Z agenda so no vote was taken at the WHO meeting.

Thanks everyone for the high interest, the vigorous discussion, and the patience given during the long meeting.
See the calendar page of this weblog for all the upcoming events and meetings.

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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 19, 2018

Neighbors speak at Woodland Heights town hall

The Woodland Heights Organization held a 'town hall' styled meeting September, 18, 2018. Neighbors took turns sharing ideas, concerns, and asking questions.

Neighborhood Based Service Delivery (NBSD) Unit Officer, Sgt. Yanira Scarlett answers Woodland Heights Neighbors' questions at the town hall neighborhood meeting at Scottish Rite Park Sept. 18, 2018

Approximately 20 neighbors attended the meeting. The following came directly from the town hall:
Questions, comments, concerns, goals, and ideas from neighbors:
1. Idea: Collaboration with North of Grand neighborhood
2. Concern: Gentrification of Woodland Heights neighborhood
3. Goal: Increase Scottish Rite Park resident engagement with WHO
4. Question: How do we differentiate WHO and our neighborhood from other neighborhoods and associations (specifically North of Grand)
5. Comment: WHO provides a good way to find out what's going on in the neighborhood
6. Idea: Working on housing issues in Des Moines (Bridging the Gap)
7. Question: Does Airbnb work in neighborhood?
8. Concern: Rents are going sky high
9. Concern: Make sure landlords keep rental housing stock in fair condition
10. Concern/Question: Is someone sleeping in Chamberlain Park and causing disturbance?
11. Question: What is the best thing for neighbors to do if homeless are in Chamberlain Park after-hours?
12. Idea: Joppa is a group that helps with homelessness in Des Moines
13. Comment: Can use neighborhood meetings to learn what's happening in Woodland Heights
14. Comment: Welcome to new neighbors!
15. Question: Aren't we happy that home values are increasing?
16. Concern: 8 reported auto accidents on Woodland in 2018 year-to-date
17. Idea: Increase amount of 'no parking' space near 24th and Woodland
18. Idea: Investigate making 24th Street 1-way between Woodland and Center

Sergeant Scarlett recommended neighbors review the CrimeMapping.com website to keep aware of incidents in Des Moines. And as neighbors see anything suspicious or troubling, please call it in to the non-emergency police number: 515-283-4811 (you can report anonymously). If you see something, say something.