2019 National Night Out, Tue. Aug. 6

The 2019 Woodland Heights National Night Out event will be Tuesday, August 6.

This annual tradition occurs the first Tuesday in August.
The WHO event this year will be:
Tue. Aug. 6
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Chamberlain Park (2150 Woodland Ave.)

Free parking available at Freedom Financial Bank (corner of Woodland & MLK)
The Woodland Heights Organization will be grilling hot dogs and be providing side dishes and dessert.  Come hungry.  Feel free to bring your own lawn chair and picnic blanket.  Bring the kids.  This family-friendly event will feature sidewalk chalk and several other activities for children to enjoy.  Adults can take part in a raffle drawing for a gift card to a local business.  DMPD Officers and Des Moines Fire Department Firefighters and equipment have been invited and plan to participate (as they are able).

NNO is a great opportunity for neighbors to interact with local police and fire fighters in a positive, community-building setting.

FB event link

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

County Supervisor & Mayor address June meeting

The June monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization was held June 18, 2019 at Scottish Rite Park.  2 main guests and 1 other presentation made up the bulk of the meeting.

Polk County Supervisor, District 5, Matt McCoy address
the Woodland Heights Organization June 18, 2019

Polk County Supervisor, Matt McCoy (representing District 5) was the featured guest on the agenda.  Supervisor McCoy reviewed his activities with the Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) Board, the water trails, Woodland Cemetery, partnering with the City of Des Moines on home improvements, and more.  McCoy had lots of data from CZB and other sources including stats on poverty and housing (including that 40,000 properties are in substandard or poor condition).  McCoy expressed his passion for established neighborhoods, connecting strong cities to a strong County.

Des Moines Mayor, Frank Cownie speaks with
Woodland Heights neighbors June 18, 2019

Des Moines Mayor, Frank Cownie, stopped into the meeting with NBSD Lieutenant, Larry Davey.  Cownie's primary message was thanking residents for their support of the Local Option Sales and Service (LOSST) Tax vote earlier this year.  Cownie mentioned many of the ways that money is being put to use, including the 'blitz on blight'.  Davey addressed local narcotics concerns. 

Woodland Heights neighbors present June 18, 2019
on recent Civil & Human Rights Symposium

A presentation focused on social progress, economic progress, judicial progress, and more, under the umbrella of equity for all was made at the June WHO meeting.  More info can be found at the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission website.  Other resources mentioned included:  Community of Racial Equity (CORE), and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ).

Other business conducted at the meeting included approving spending for National Night Out signage, and approving spending for Des Moines Neighbors annual membership renewal.  Reports were made on traffic and NBSD issues.

Mark you calendars and spread the word about National Night Out.  The Woodland Heights neighborhood will be hosting an event Tuesday, August 6 starting at 5:30 pm in Chamberlain Park.  Find more information on Facebook. 

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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 update at May meeting

The May 21, 2019 monthly meeting of the Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) featured 1 main guest, before the regular NBSD report, some new business, and regular reports.

City of Des Moines Neighborhood Inspector Supervisor, Chris Heilskov
shares NID information at the May 21, 2019 WHO meeting

Chris Heilskov, a Neighborhood Inspector Supervisor at the City of Des Moines, updated Woodland Heights neighbors about the current status and operations of Community Development's NID and what neighbors can expect in the near future.
Heilskov has 2 peer Inspector Supervisors (total of 3 citywide) who oversee 17 inspectors (designated to different zones within the city (Chris presented a map of the different zones).
Heilskov addressed the budget changes that will be coming with the 1% Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST) that will go into effect July 1. 
One of several interesting stats was that as of 5/21 there were 128 open inspections cases within the boundaries of Woodland Heights. 
Look for more info about inspection at the June 18 WHO meeting where our neighborhood inspector is planning on giving meeting attendees further updates on his work within Woodland Heights.

Other meeting highlights included the NBSD report, presented by Officer Scarlett (DMPD), some discussion of traffic issues during New Business, and reports on WHO committees, the monument sign (near MLK and Cottage Grove), and more.
Find the full minutes on the 'Calendar' section of this weblog.

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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

3 Guests Visit WHO

Three guests spoke with Woodland Heights neighbors during the April monthly WHO meeting, held 4/16/19 at Scottish Rite Park.

John Woolson of City of Des Moines Parks & Rec speaks
with Woodland Heights Neighbors April 16, 2019

First, John Woolson, Cemetery Operations Supervisor with City of Des Moines Parks & Rec updated meeting attendees with the latest news about Woodland Cemetery.  Notable, was Woolson sharing copies of Park & Rec's Spring/Summer 2019 Program Guide. 

At-Large City Council Member, Connie Boesen
addresses the WHO April 16, 2019

Second, DM City Council At-Large Member, Connie Boesen spoke with attendees.  Some things she brought up included plans for the Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST) revenue the city will be receiving as well as property assessments and property tax. 

Jo Oldson, State Representative, Iowa House Dist. 41
speaks with WHO constituents April 16, 2019

Third, coming to the WHO meeting straight from debate on the floor of the Iowa House of Representatives, State Rep Jo Oldson updated neighbors on the General Assembly, specifically addressing some local control issues.

Other meeting highlights included the regular NBSD report, a motion on traffic issues on High Street, and updates on the WHO committees and ongoing projects.

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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

New Board elected at WHO annual meeting

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) held its annual meeting during its March monthly meeting, held at Scottish Rite Park.

State Senator Claire Celsi (D-Sen. Dist. 21)
addresses the WHO meeting attendees March 19, 2019

The meeting began with brief remarks from State Senator Claire Celsi (who represents Woodland Heights and other parts of the West side of Des Moines and parts of West Des Moines).  Senator Celsi noted that she is available for constituent questions and requests for assistance with state-level issues. 

NBSD Officer, Sgt. Scarlett reviews the monthly incident
report with attendees at the March 19, 2019 WHO meeting

As usual, Neighborhood-Based-Service-Delivery (NBSD) officer with the DMPD, Sergeant Scarlett reported on incidents and crime reports in the neighborhood.  She also followed up on traffic concerns around Ingersoll, High, 23rd, and 24th.

WHO Board of Directors, elected at the annual meeting March 19, 2019

The main item of business at the meeting was elections to the Board of Directors.  The following candidates were elected to serve for a term of 1 year:
President - Phil Kreznor
Vice President - William Strong
Secretary - Jeanne Astor
Treasurer - Ben Berger
(3) At-Large - Lyla Dozier, Ryan Francois, and Carol Lewis

After the election, the new leaders took time to listen to neighbors in attendance and hear what they had to say.  Attendees shared their thoughts, ideas, hopes, and concerns about the neighborhood. Here’s some of what they said:

1. Some like the educational opportunities provided at the monthly meetings.
2. Many want a safe community, and want the organization to help ensure safety.
3. An attendee who has been with the organization a long time, thinks it's great to see younger people get involved. Neighbors should call or otherwise contact leaders of the organization to let people know what’s going on. And also be encouraged to call city leaders like Councilman Josh Mandelbaum.
4. Some newer folks are looking forward to getting to know more about the neighborhood… both the good and the bad.
5. Some people are still here after all these years.
6. Some attendees enjoyed observing the proceedings.
7. Many were ready to be done with this tough Winter.
8. Several brought up communication, maybe focusing on door-to-door neighbor engagement to spread the word about the Woodland Heights Organization.
9. One neighbor will soon be celebrating 50 years or living in the neighborhood.
10. Some folks also work in the neighborhood. They want people feel welcome and safe. And want home values to stay strong. And have good architecture for new construction and rehabs. They want to see continued investment in the neighborhood and connections strengthened with commercial, business, and Ingersoll. Have more dialogue between residents and business.
11. Organization leaders are excited to help out and want to be accessible to membership.
12. Some think the neighborhood is great it’s interesting to see how the organization works.

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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 2019 with cookies, social

The Woodland Heights Organization held a social event Tuesday, January 15, 2019 to kick off the new year.  The New Year Cookie (& Dessert) Kickoff was held at Scottish Rite Park.  Neighbors brought desserts to share potluck-style and Scottish Rite Park generously donated coffee.

Woodland Heights neighbors enjoy treats and socializing during the WHO 2019 New Year Cookie Kickoff Jan. 15, 2019

In addition to catching up with neighbors and friends, attendees were invited to participate in a Bingo game to help introduce themselves and get to know others.  Neighbors completing a Bingo not only learned about each other, but also won prizes donated by WHO Board members.

The only business conducted during the meeting was the selection of 3 people to serve on the temporary Nominating Committee, tasked with presenting the slate of candidates for the WHO Board of Directors election at the March 19, 2019 WHO Annual Meeting.

Toward the end of the evening, Des Moines City Council member, Josh Mandelbaum addressed the gathering.

Ward 3 Des Moines City Council Member, Josh Mandelbaum, encourages neighbors to support the LOSST during the January 2019 Woodland Heights social event

Mandelbaum spoke about recent developments with the city including presenting Des Moines voters the opportunity to pass or fail a 1% Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST).  Mandelbaum spoke in favor of this tax on purchases that will both provide property tax relief and provide Des Moines and new revenue stream to fund city services.  The election will be held Tuesday, March 5. 

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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