Ingersoll Streetscape Presentation at Feb. 2020 WHO Meeting

The Woodland Heights Organization held its February monthly meeting on Tue. Feb. 18, 2020.  Meeting attendees had many questions for the guests, presenting on Phase 1 of the 4-phase Ingersoll Streetscape Project.

Scott Ameida of engineering & design firm, Kirkham Mickael
at the WHO meeting Feb. 18, 2020

A representative from the engineering firm designing the project spoke first on project details.  Each phase of the project will take 1 construction season, with the first phase beginning in 2020.  The 2020 progress will include the North side of Ingersoll Ave. from MLK Jr. Pkwy to 24th Street. 
The goal of the streetscaping is to create a complete street that is tighter, and more walkable, with calmer traffic.  Look for: buried utility lines, safer biking (bike lane separated from traffic lane), mass transit amenities (including mid-block pedestrian crossing), and stormwater improvement (featuring permeable pavers). 

Kris Maggard, Executive Director of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
addresses neighbors Feb. 18, 2020

Kris Maggard, Exec. Dir. of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand explained to residents that construction will not be a pleasant process to drive around, but traffic will be able to move down the street and businesses will be accessible.  In future phases and years the project will continue westward down Ingersoll Ave.  All street parking will converted to parallel parking and more ADA accessibility will be a feature of the completed improvements. 

For more information, there will be a public meeting held
Thursday, March 26, 2020 from 5:15pm-6:30pm
in the Noah's Ark Banquet Room @ 2400 Ingersoll Ave. 

Maggard also briefly touched on the Hurd property at 31st and Ingersoll.  A previous development plan for that large site had fallen through.  Maggard told neighbors she expected news about the site (with a new development plan) to be coming in 2021.

DMPD's Sgt. Scarlett provides the regular NBSD report
to WHO neighbors Feb. 18, 2020

Also at the Feb. WHO meeting, Sgt. Scarlett reminded neighbors about the importance of calling in bad or strange things you see to the police dispatch (515) 283-4811.  This gets a record of any observation or incident on the computer which can be researched at a later date.  Along with updating residents on the regular monthly report, Sgt. Scarlett shared info about the CrimeMapping.com website that anyone can use to research certain reported crimes.

Cameron updates the WHO on proposed group norms
at the February monthly meeting 2/18/2020

A bit of old business was wrapped up when the WHO group norms were reviewed and generally agreed upon.  This came out of an activity held in December 2019. 

Finally, it was voted on by the membership to oppose a bill introduced to the legislature that would limit state historic tax credits so they would no longer be available to owner-occupied projects.

The March 17, 2020 WHO monthly meeting is the annual meeting featuring officer and board elections.  If you are interested in learning more about the board and volunteer leadership (or know someone who is) check out the calendar page of this site for info on the 2 upcoming board info-session-socials.





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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

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

December meeting had norms activity and Rebuilding guest

The Woodland Heights Organization held its December monthly meeting Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Scottish Rite Park. The room was full of about 17 regular meeting attendees from all corners of the neighborhood, but no new members were present.

Cameron leads group norms activity during
WHO December meeting 12/17/19

The main item of business on the agenda was a participatory activity where WHO members moved around the room writing suggestions and questions about the current and proposed group norms for the organization. Neighbors shared feedback under the topics of: time, listening, decision-making, participation, and miscellaneous. The many, great ideas will be reviewed by the Welcome Wagon Committee who plan to return to the WHO in February with a draft of community guidelines to be used to aid in effectively and efficiently achieving neighborhood goals.

The Welcome Wagon also brought forward a proposal for a pilot-project to create welcome bags for new neighbors to Woodland Heights. This 3-month-pilot passed and will start in January 2020. 

WHO meeting attendees learn about
Rebuilding Together 12/17/19

An AmeriCorp member, working for the local non-profit Rebuilding Together spoke at the meeting about the group’s mission, purpose, and programs. Rebuilding Together matches volunteer labor and supplies with area homes needing TLC to stay safe, warm, and dry, making critical home repairs for low-income homeowners at no cost to the resident.
The main program highlighted was the Wells Fargo National Rebuilding Day, coming up the first Friday and Saturday in May (5/1 & 5/2 of 2020). More information can be found online at https://rebuildingdm.org

Check the calendar page of this website for information about the upcoming social event: WHO’s New Year Cooking (& Dessert) Kick-Off. In lieu of the regular January monthly meeting, attend this fun dessert potluck Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 7pm at Scottish Rite Park. Invite your neighbors and bring a sweet treat to share. Catch up with old friends, meet some new friends, socialize, and share ideas about what you want to see in the neighborhood and priorities for the WHO in the coming year.







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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

Chamberlain Park history featured at Nov. meeting

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) held its November 2019, regular, monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  Perhaps the most interesting portion of the meeting was a presentation from Steve Nelson-Vaux, a volunteer historian, with a passion for Des Moines parks.

Steve Nelson-Vaux, a volunteer passionate about history and parks
presents on Chamberlain Park history November 19, 2019

Nelson-Vaux took meeting attendees on quite a journey from the glaciers that covered parts of Iowa, to early settlement, and decisions to set aside green space around the city instead of creating one, central park.  Besides the many pictures and resources he shared at the meeting, Nelson-Vaux recommended a history presentation about Chamberlain Park (created in 2016) that can be found online at the city's website (link here). 

Welcome Wagon presents on progress made and future
ideas during the WHO meeting Nov. 19, 2019

The night's other presentation was from the Welcome Wagon (Welcome Committee) about the work they have made so far this year.  Highlights included: conversations and direction the group has gone, initiatives that have already been implemented, upcoming plans for new outreach, and what it means to be a welcoming group.  An immediate step will be taken next month at the December WHO meeting (12/17/19) where there will be a workshop/activity neighbors and attendees can participate in around the idea of group-norms and best-practices for being welcoming, inclusive, and productive.

NBSD officer, Sgt. Yanira Scarlett updates the WHO at
the November, 19, 2019 meeting

As usual, Sgt. Scarlett of the Des Moines Police Department (a Neighborhood Based Service Delivery officer) shared the latest monthly statistics and crime and prevention updates with neighbors.  Woodland Heights is 1 of the 10 neighborhoods under Sgt. Scarlett's purview. 

Other business at the Nov. meeting included passing 6 of the 8 proposed bylaw amendments. 
At the end of the meeting, neighbors wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving and left the meeting with quite a bit of knowledge about the past and present of Woodland Heights. 



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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

WHO featured in local magazine

The Woodland Heights Organization received local media coverage for its newly completed monument sign.

Clip of the November 2019 edition of the
Des Moines Westside Living Magazine

Page 18 of the November 2019 edition of the monthly, Des Moines Westside Living Magazine featured a full-page story on the newly constructed neighborhood sign. 

Read the full edition online here
http://www.dmcityview.com/DesMoinesWestNovember2019/html5/index.html?page=1&noflash

Tammy Pearson's feature recounted the years of planning and executing the project, the sponsorships, and the October 2019 celebration at the sign.  2 pictures are included.



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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

Sign dedicated, big meeting held, and history supported in October

The Woodland Heights Organization held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new, neighborhood monument sign on October 9, 2019

Woodland Heights Neighborhood sign ribbon cutting
near MLK & Cottage Grove Oct. 9, 2019

Representatives from the neighborhood, the city, police, business, and community were in attendance to celebrate and show support. Several businesses donated food for a social lunch following the dedication and ribbon cutting. The duration of the project was over 3 years, with final completion occurring in June 2019.

Many people, businesses, and bodies were thanked during the dedicating remarks. This dream would not have become reality without Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Polk County Board of Supervisors (particularly former supervisor, John Mauro); Christine Hensley, retired Des Moines City Council Member; Chris Johansen, city Community Development Director; Alan VanGundy, Simonson Architects; Jensen Builders, General Contractor; Jim Bouma, Fast Signs; Gabe Kauffman, Landscape Lighting Design; and Doug McBride, Woodland Heights Organization project champion and supervisor.

The WHO October monthly meeting was held Tuesday, October 15, 2019. A few things of note occurred at the meeting including hearing from city council and mayoral candidates, a bonus during the NBSD report, and time with a state legislator.

State Senator, Claire Celsi on her pre-legislative-session-listening-tour
at the Woodland Heights Org. monthly meeting Oct. 15, 2019

State Senator, Claire Celsi was a scheduled guest at the meeting, speaking with and listening to Woodland Heights neighbors as part of her district listening tour ahead of the 2020 legislative session which begins in January at the capitol.

DMPD's Sgt. Paul Parizek shares info about WatchDSM with
Sgt. Yanira Scarlett during the WHO meeting Oct. 15, 2019

DMPD Public Information Officer, Sgt. Paul Parizek joined Sgt. Scarlett during the NBSD report at the October meeting. Parezek brought information about the WatchDSM program. This is a community camera program where neighbors can volunteer their camera systems and footage for police review. Parizek stressed that the program is voluntary, protects privacy, and neighbors can turn down video requests at any time. DMPD will not have access to cameras, only registrants’ contact information to inquire about any useful video. Learn more at (dsm.city/watchdsm).

Sgt. Scarlett addressed crime reports, but noted that multiple burglaries that showed up on the crime map did not end up becoming true burglary cases.

Information from Des Moines Historical Society and Des Moines Screetcar Friends

Earlier this month the WHO Board voted to support 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 the board 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.





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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

Inspections, neighborhood projects, and muni candidates at September WHO meeting

The September monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization featured many guests and several exciting announcements and updates.

Woodland Heights Neighborhood monument sign on MLK
near Cottage grove after completion in June 2019

Wednesday, October 9 at 12:15 pm will be the ribbon cutting event, celebrating the completion of the neighborhood monument sign. The sign is located near the intersection of MLK and Cottage Grove. Event parking available in the St. Ambrose Cemetery (enter Woodland Cemetery at entrance and drive North) and on Olive Street.

The monthly WHO meeting, held September 17 at Scottish Rite Park started with the regular welcome and updates from the Welcome Wagon Committee. Then Doug shared info about the monument sign ribbon cutting, Chamberlain Park project, and working with the city on reconstructing the flower garden at 24th and Center St.

City of Des Moines, Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor, Chris Heilskov
speaks to the WHO members September 17, 2019

City of Des Moines Neighborhood Inspections Supervisor, Chris Heilskov brought data to update the WHO on inspections cases open, ongoing, and closed within the neighborhood. There has been some notable progress and we should see some more soon (including removal of gravel and parking in right-of-way area). More hires will be made soon within the inspections department as the budget has increased with new LOSST dollars.

2019 is an election year. Municipal elections in Iowa take place on Tuesday, November 5. Eleven candidates have filed to run for either DM Mayor or an At-Large seat on the DM City Council. Candidates have been invited to introduce themselves to the WHO. Four candidates did that on September 17: candidate for Mayor, Joe Grandanette, and 3 candidates for the At-Large seat: Carl Voss, Shelia Knoploh-Odole, and Ethan Standard. Expect to meet additional candidates at the October monthly WHO meeting 10/15.

Also in attendance in September was sitting DM City Council member, Connie Boesen. To close the meeting should shared updates about the Zoning Code changes and took a couple questions from meeting attendees.

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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