Uptown Newsletter - February 2004

February 1, 2004

Sad News on Central To all our neighbors who live north near Central, please keep your eyes and ears open for trouble with the businesses along Central. On December 29th, the owners of the new Johnson's Candy and Cigarettes (used to be T's) found their front door glass broken in. The police were called and a report made but it is sad that one of our new businesses has had this happen. A few days before that, someone broke a window and got into the Delice Larae beauty shop. They stole some computer equipment. I do not know what, if anything, was stolen from Johnson's. Lori What is the Housing Code? The Housing Code was created to provide minimum standards for residential housing within the City of Wichita, to help ensure decent, safe, and sanitary housing for all its citizens, and to conserve the existing housing stock. What types of maintenance items does the Housing Code cover? • Maintenance of roof, foundations, exterior walls and porches in good repair. • Adequate light and ventilation. • Safe electrical wiring, fixtures and outlets. • Adequate, safe heating facilities. • Adequate water and sewage disposal. • Maintenance of accessory structures. Does the Housing Code apply to all residential structures?Yes, the Housing Code applies to all residential structures within the City, regardless of when they were built, or whether or not they are occupied. There is no "grandfathering" in the Housing Code. What are the Common Residential Zoning Violations? • Parking illegally in required front yard • Parking on unsurfaced or improperly surfaced area • R.V.s, boats and trailers improperly located on private property • Improperly located "stored" autos on private property • Working on cars • Illegal home occupations • Unlicensed garage sales • Signs improperly located (on City right-of-way) How is Residential Zoning enforced? Timeframes vary depending on the type of violation. Violations of illegal auto repair or parking violations are generally required to be corrected the same day the violation occurs. For first time violations, a Zoning Violation Notice is issued. If the violation still exists when the inspector re-inspects, a Zoning Citation will be issued. Other types of violations, e.g. illegal home occupations, may be given up to 30 days to be corrected. To report a violation of codes, first call our neighbor David Franks at 685-2030. He would like to talk with you about ways to resolve your problem without resorting to calling in the authorities. If this doesn't help, you may call one of these numbers: • Existing Housing Problems like: Unsecured houses, broken windows, bad siding, leaking roofs, bad heating, improper electrical systems, improper plumbing, etc. – 268-4481 • Zoning Issues like: cars parked in front yards, auto repair, illegal home occupations – 268-4481 • Zoning Issues like: houses illegally converted to multi-family dwellings – 268-4479 • Health Dept. Environmental Issues like: trash, debris and bulky waste, junk vehicles, tall grass and weeds – 268-8351 • Neighborhood Improvement Programs like: low income loans, paint grants, etc. – 268-4313 • Signs in City Right-of-Way – 268-4479 • Public Works Maintenance: Potholes – 268-4071, Street Cleaning – 268-4026, Damaged or inoperable traffic signs/signals – 268-4029, Flooding or drainage problems – 268-4090 • Animal Control – 268-8473 • Police Issues: To report gang activity or graffiti – 267-SCAT THE CITIZEN REVIEW PROCESS – Guidelines for filing a complaint or a compliment regarding police action and appealing a decision regarding appropriateness of police action. If you feel you were treated unfairly or have any kind of complaint against a police officer, there is a way you can have the issue investigated. First, you need to register your complaint with the Professional Standards Office, c/o Wichita Police Dept., 4th Floor, City Hall, 67202. After 5 PM and on weekends, you can contact the Watch Commander at the East Station at 688-9335. The investigator will ask you to provide as much information as possible about your complaint. Your statements will only be shared with people directly related to the case and will remain confidential. The length of the investigation depends on the complexity of the incident. Should there be a lengthy delay you will be notified. Please feel free to contact the investigator at 268-4256 to check on the status of the investigation weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Following an investigation you will be notified in writing of the findings. If you disagree with the findings you can file an appeal within 10 days of receiving the report. The same contact should be made when you feel you have had a good experience with a police officer. These good reports always are appreciated by men and women who rarely have the thanks of the people they serve. The report will also be beneficial to them in their future with the Wichita Police Dept. More News on Central Pat Kenyon of Nature's Mercantile has decided to retire. The store is closing and may be closed by the time you read this. If you never had a chance to go in there it was a really neat little store. They are also the ones who painted the mural on the side of the building so don't look for that to be redone again. Too bad, they will be missed. Minutes of the Meeting, Jan. 8, 2004 This meeting took place at College Hill United Methodist Church. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the meetings on November 6, 2003, and December 4, 2003, were accepted. Treasurer's Report: Beginning Balance = $1,893.64. Credits = $20.00 (Julian Property). Debits = $49.17 (meatballs for potluck) and $50.00 (WIN dues and donation, $25.00 each). Ending Balance = $1,814.47. Neighborhood Police Officer's Report: Officers Shirkey and Nixon were present. Valerie Shirkey, Beat Coordinator for Beat 31, reported that the Uptown Neighborhood has been very quiet, especially for the Holiday Season. She did mention, however, that people, especially the elderly, should be on the lookout for a suspicious man offering handiman services. Other neighborhood problems were discussed, such as vehicle vandalism and commercial robberies and break-ins. Officer Shirkey's phone number is 688-9331. Her email address is vshirkey@wichita.gov. Old Business: The status of the Uptown Neighborhood Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation was discussed. Large donations to the neighborhood association can be collected through WIN, which has 501(c)3 status. We could get this status under WIN's umbrella. We need to find out about getting a tax identification number (Employee Identification Number or EIN) in order to protect the Uptown officers. Though WIN could handle donations for us, it would be important to pursue non-profit status for ourselves if we were going to own property like the little store on Chautauqua. Treasurer Lynn Wasinger and others will continue researching this matter. The old store on Chautauqua was discussed. Greg Kite of the Historic Preservation Commission envisions it as a kind of museum like Fire Station No. 6, but we don't have that focus at this time. Storage is a major neighborhood association need; perhaps the front part of the store could be set up as a museum with storage in the back. Paul Oberg will talk to Kathy Morgan the City Preservation Office. The city has allocated $40,000 in its 2004 budget to create a left turn lane from Grove onto First Street. Mike Barushok is to be congratulated for his efforts in making this happen. New Business: The Spring Clean-Up will be held on April 24, 2004, with May 1 and May 22 serving as alternate dates. Lori Lawrence will put an article in the newsletter regarding how to deal with old tires. It was suggested that the new pizza place on Douglas, Papa Giorgio's, be approached for pizza donation. Paul Oberg encouraged people to take advantage of the Heartland Share program in our neighborhood. A long discussion ensued regarding traffic problems on 1st and 2nd Streets. Neighbors are encouraged to contribute suggestions that might keep motorists from speeding and driving in non-existent lanes. Though the police realize that there is a traffic problem in our neighborhood, the city has been slow in acknowledging it. The next UNA meeting will be held on February 5, 2004, at College Hill United Methodist Church. Calendar of Events Feb. 1st, 7 p.m.: Uptown Monthly Meeting March 4, 7 p.m.: Uptown Monthly Meeting April or May: Uptown Rummage Sale June 5, all day: Uptown Summer Picnic Uptown Rummage Sale Now is the time to be thinking about cleaning out your closets and basements and attics and donating good used items to Uptown for our bi-annual sale. We will be setting the date soon and putting our plans together. It has been a good fund raiser for us in the past and we hope to make it a GREAT one this year. If you have items to donate or need more information, call Lori at 688-1484. We'll keep everyone informed once we have a date. Uptown's Resident Artist has Show at City Arts Uptown resident Dan Beck has an art show currently hanging at Wichita's City Arts. The exhibit includes 28 paintings by Mr. Beck as well as ceramics works by one of America's most respected potters, Marko Fields. Beck's paintings include his most recent works as well as favorites from as long ago as 1988. Dan has been an uptown resident for 25 years and is best known here for his landscaped gardens featuring local limestone. The show is open for viewing every weekday from 8 am to 5 a.m. at 225 West Lewis (near the boathouse). Any uptown resident is also invited to the closing reception on Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m. In an interview Mr. Beck noted, "bring your sunglasses because I'm painting more colorfully and brighter than ever before." Check out Dan's story that was in the Wichita Eagle on Jan. 16th by looking at http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/entertainment/events/7720464.htm. Uptown Trivia Watch out … …around Second and Erie for Curtis Jones looking super-groovy! That's cuz he won the $10 gift certificate to California Dreamin' 2618 E Douglas by being the first to correctly answer last month's UT. Curtis immediately knew that Uptown's only ever pedestrian overpass was on Third Street between Poplar and Grove. The wood and metal structure served primarily to carry Lowell Elementary School children safely across the sometimes flooded Third Street. Richard Holmes came in a close second, just 35 minutes after Curtis. Didjano…? …any Uptown business would be welcome to donate a prize for Uptown Trivia! Uptown residents like the convenience of supporting Uptown businesses. A small $5.00 giveaway on your part may result in a new permanent customer! Please call Leonard Jochems at 685-4850. …nowUdo! New Question: What independent grocery store previously occupied the Food For Thought building at 2929 E Central at Chautauqua? You may have to use your memory muscles on this one, but the winner will bag a $ 5 GIFT CERTIFICATE for FOOD FOR THOUGHT the complete natural foods market So call Leonard at 685 4850 right now! (Unless you're reading this in the wee hours of the morning!) News from Officer Shirkey Hello Friends. Well, I hope everyone had good and safe holiday. There have been a few incidents that have happen in the area that we the police department would like for you to be aware of. Nothing that should get anyone alarmed. We have a few individuals that have been going up to residents later in the evenings asking for money because their car has run out of gas. These are ways that these individuals are getting free money feeding off good people trying to help. If they really need assistance, call 911 for them or a taxi. Also, there was a report that I made awhile back regarding a male coming around to elderly residents asking them if they had any work for them and ultimately taking their money and not doing the work. I suggest that if you are going to have anyone do any work for you, you make sure that the work is done first or least 75% of the work before paying them. I'm not saying that everyone that comes up to see if you have work to be done is trying to scam you, I'm just asking that you make sure that the are legitimate. If anyone ever has any questions for me or just needs to talk to me feel free to call me at 688-9331 or you can e-mail me at vshirkey@Wichita.gov. Editor's note: If you should make a report or a crime by calling the patrol station, please be sure to call or email Officer Shirkey and let her know of it. She does not get a report on phoned in calls but she would like to keep track of possible crimes occurring in Uptown. - Lori Kwik Shop Crook The Kwik Shop on Douglas has been robbed several times by the same man. If this description is familiar to you please call Off. Shirkey as soon as possible. The man is 5'6" to 5'9" tall and is either a black man with a light complexion or a Hispanic man. His distinguishing feature is that he has VERY noticeable freckles on his face. He is believed to live near the Kwik Shop so he could be one of your neighbors. If you know this man, please call! -Lori Shannon's Grocery Store We are working again on purchasing the grocery store on the 300 block of Chautauqua. We know there are funds out there to use for restoration of historic properties but we don't have anyone with expertise in writing grants. If there is anyone in Uptown who has writing grants skills, please call our president, Paul Oberg and help us try to find some funds to rehabilitate the store. Thanks for the help! Lori Trash Polycarts At a recent District Advisory Board meeting, the question was asked whether there are any rules about keeping your polycart out by the road for days at a time. The answer was "Yes!" Since they know that most are picked up early in the morning, polycarts can be put out by the curb the night before your pick up day. They must be taken back next to or behind the house by the following evening. That means only about 24 hours!! PLEASE don't leave your trash out by the street for all of us to enjoy for days and days. Your neighbors don't like it and it is against city law! Chipotle Update The new restaurant at the corner of Hillside and Central has a grand opening date of February 27th. I spoke with the new manager, Gary, and he said they would have a fund raiser at that time but he did not know who the beneficiary would be of that. An interesting tidbit: A chipotle is a smoked jalapeño pepper. The restaurant will serve only burritos and tacos and nothing else. And the report earlier was an error, Chipotle is NOT affiliated with Boston Market (Boston Market is owned by McDonald's!!). Keep your eye on that site for the grand opening this month and enjoy your eating! Gary Carlson, 45, of the 200 block of N. Poplar died on Sun., Jan. 4, 2004. He maintained many rental properties in the area. He left Jennie, his wife, six children (one still in high school) and several grandchildren. Gary will be missed by all who knew him.

February 1, 2004

Sad News on Central

To all our neighbors who live north near Central, please keep your eyes and ears open for trouble with the businesses along Central. On December 29th, the owners of the new Johnson's Candy and Cigarettes (used to be T's) found their front door glass broken in. The police were called and a report made but it is sad that one of our new businesses has had this happen. A few days before that, someone broke a window and got into the Delice Larae beauty shop. They stole some computer equipment. I do not know what, if anything, was stolen from Johnson's.

Lori

What is the Housing Code? The Housing Code was created to provide minimum standards for residential housing within the City of Wichita, to help ensure decent, safe, and sanitary housing for all its citizens, and to conserve the existing housing stock. What types of maintenance items does the Housing Code cover? • Maintenance of roof, foundations, exterior walls and porches in good repair. • Adequate light and ventilation. • Safe electrical wiring, fixtures and outlets. • Adequate, safe heating facilities. • Adequate water and sewage disposal. • Maintenance of accessory structures. Does the Housing Code apply to all residential structures?Yes, the Housing Code applies to all residential structures within the City, regardless of when they were built, or whether or not they are occupied. There is no "grandfathering" in the Housing Code. What are the Common Residential Zoning Violations? • Parking illegally in required front yard

• Parking on unsurfaced or improperly surfaced area

• R.V.s, boats and trailers improperly located on private property

• Improperly located "stored" autos on private property

• Working on cars

• Illegal home occupations

• Unlicensed garage sales

• Signs improperly located (on City right-of-way) How is Residential Zoning enforced?

Timeframes vary depending on the type of violation. Violations of illegal auto repair or parking violations are generally required to be corrected the same day the violation occurs. For first time violations, a Zoning Violation Notice is issued. If the violation still exists when the inspector re-inspects, a Zoning Citation will be issued. Other types of violations, e.g. illegal home occupations, may be given up to 30 days to be corrected. To report a violation of codes, first call our neighbor David Franks at 685-2030. He would like to talk with you about ways to resolve your problem without resorting to calling in the authorities. If this doesn't help, you may call one of these numbers: • Existing Housing Problems like: Unsecured houses, broken windows, bad siding, leaking roofs, bad heating, improper electrical systems, improper plumbing, etc. – 268-4481

• Zoning Issues like: cars parked in front yards, auto repair, illegal home occupations – 268-4481

• Zoning Issues like: houses illegally converted to multi-family dwellings – 268-4479

• Health Dept. Environmental Issues like: trash, debris and bulky waste, junk vehicles, tall grass and weeds – 268-8351

• Neighborhood Improvement Programs like: low income loans, paint grants, etc. – 268-4313

• Signs in City Right-of-Way – 268-4479

• Public Works Maintenance: Potholes – 268-4071, Street Cleaning – 268-4026, Damaged or inoperable traffic signs/signals – 268-4029, Flooding or drainage problems – 268-4090

• Animal Control – 268-8473

• Police Issues: To report gang activity or graffiti – 267-SCAT

*THE CITIZEN REVIEW PROCESS – Guidelines for filing a complaint* or a compliment regarding police action and appealing a decision regarding appropriateness of police action.

If you feel you were treated unfairly or have any kind of complaint against a police officer, there is a way you can have the issue investigated. First, you need to register your complaint with the Professional Standards Office, c/o Wichita Police Dept., 4th Floor, City Hall, 67202. After 5 PM and on weekends, you can contact the Watch Commander at the East Station at 688-9335.

The investigator will ask you to provide as much information as possible about your complaint. Your statements will only be shared with people directly related to the case and will remain confidential. The length of the investigation depends on the complexity of the incident. Should there be a lengthy delay you will be notified. Please feel free to contact the investigator at 268-4256 to check on the status of the investigation weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Following an investigation you will be notified in writing of the findings. If you disagree with the findings you can file an appeal within 10 days of receiving the report.

The same contact should be made when you feel you have had a good experience with a police officer. These good reports always are appreciated by men and women who rarely have the thanks of the people they serve. The report will also be beneficial to them in their future with the Wichita Police Dept.

More News on Central

Pat Kenyon of Nature's Mercantile has decided to retire. The store is closing and may be closed by the time you read this. If you never had a chance to go in there it was a really neat little store. They are also the ones who painted the mural on the side of the building so don't look for that to be redone again.

Too bad, they will be missed.

Minutes of the Meeting, Jan. 8, 2004

This meeting took place at College Hill United Methodist Church.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the meetings on November 6, 2003, and December 4, 2003, were accepted.

Treasurer's Report: Beginning Balance = $1,893.64. Credits = $20.00 (Julian Property). Debits = $49.17 (meatballs for potluck) and $50.00 (WIN dues and donation, $25.00 each). Ending Balance = $1,814.47.

Neighborhood Police Officer's Report: Officers Shirkey and Nixon were present. Valerie Shirkey, Beat Coordinator for Beat 31, reported that the Uptown Neighborhood has been very quiet, especially for the Holiday Season. She did mention, however, that people, especially the elderly, should be on the lookout for a suspicious man offering handiman services. Other neighborhood problems were discussed, such as vehicle vandalism and commercial robberies and break-ins. Officer Shirkey's phone number is 688-9331. Her email address is vshirkey@wichita.gov.

Old Business:

The status of the Uptown Neighborhood Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation was discussed. Large donations to the neighborhood association can be collected through WIN, which has 501(c)3 status. We could get this status under WIN's umbrella. We need to find out about getting a tax identification number (Employee Identification Number or EIN) in order to protect the Uptown officers. Though WIN could handle donations for us, it would be important to pursue non-profit status for ourselves if we were going to own property like the little store on Chautauqua. Treasurer Lynn Wasinger and others will continue researching this matter.

The old store on Chautauqua was discussed. Greg Kite of the Historic Preservation Commission envisions it as a kind of museum like Fire Station No. 6, but we don't have that focus at this time. Storage is a major neighborhood association need; perhaps the front part of the store could be set up as a museum with storage in the back. Paul Oberg will talk to Kathy Morgan the City Preservation Office.

The city has allocated $40,000 in its 2004 budget to create a left turn lane from Grove onto First Street. Mike Barushok is to be congratulated for his efforts in making this happen.

New Business:

The Spring Clean-Up will be held on April 24, 2004, with May 1 and May 22 serving as alternate dates. Lori Lawrence will put an article in the newsletter regarding how to deal with old tires. It was suggested that the new pizza place on Douglas, Papa Giorgio's, be approached for pizza donation.

Paul Oberg encouraged people to take advantage of the Heartland Share program in our neighborhood.

A long discussion ensued regarding traffic problems on 1st and 2nd Streets. Neighbors are encouraged to contribute suggestions that might keep motorists from speeding and driving in non-existent lanes. Though the police realize that there is a traffic problem in our neighborhood, the city has been slow in acknowledging it.

The next UNA meeting will be held on February 5, 2004, at College Hill United Methodist Church.

Calendar of Events

Feb. 1st, 7 p.m.: Uptown Monthly Meeting

March 4, 7 p.m.: Uptown Monthly Meeting

April or May: Uptown Rummage Sale

June 5, all day: Uptown Summer Picnic

Uptown Rummage Sale

Now is the time to be thinking about cleaning out your closets and basements and attics and donating good used items to Uptown for our bi-annual sale. We will be setting the date soon and putting our plans together. It has been a good fund raiser for us in the past and we hope to make it a GREAT one this year.

If you have items to donate or need more information, call Lori at 688-1484. We'll keep everyone informed once we have a date.

Uptown's Resident Artist has Show at City Arts

Uptown resident Dan Beck has an art show currently hanging at Wichita's City Arts. The exhibit includes 28 paintings by Mr. Beck as well as ceramics works by one of America's most respected potters, Marko Fields. Beck's paintings include his most recent works as well as favorites from as long ago as 1988.

Dan has been an uptown resident for 25 years and is best known here for his landscaped gardens featuring local limestone. The show is open for viewing every weekday from 8 am to 5 a.m. at 225 West Lewis (near the boathouse). Any uptown resident is also invited to the closing reception on Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m. In an interview Mr. Beck noted, "bring your sunglasses because I'm painting more colorfully and brighter than ever before."

Check out Dan's story that was in the Wichita Eagle on Jan. 16th by looking at http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/entertainment/events/7720464.htm.

Uptown Trivia

*Watch out …*

…around Second and Erie for Curtis Jones looking super-groovy! That's cuz he won the $10 gift certificate to California Dreamin' 2618 E Douglas by being the first to correctly answer last month's UT. Curtis immediately knew that Uptown's only ever pedestrian overpass was on Third Street between Poplar and Grove. The wood and metal structure served primarily to carry Lowell Elementary School children safely across the sometimes flooded Third Street. Richard Holmes came in a close second, just 35 minutes after Curtis.

*Didjano…?*

…any Uptown business would be welcome to donate a prize for Uptown Trivia! Uptown residents like the convenience of supporting Uptown businesses. A small $5.00 giveaway on your part may result in a new permanent customer! Please call Leonard Jochems at 685-4850. *…nowUdo! New Question:*

What independent grocery store previously occupied the Food For Thought building at 2929 E Central at Chautauqua? You may have to use your memory muscles on this one, but the winner will bag a

$ 5 GIFT CERTIFICATE for FOOD FOR THOUGHT the complete natural foods market

So call Leonard at 685 4850 right now! (Unless you're reading this in the wee hours of the morning!)

News from Officer Shirkey

Hello Friends. Well, I hope everyone had good and safe holiday. There have been a few incidents that have happen in the area that we the police department would like for you to be aware of. Nothing that should get anyone alarmed.

We have a few individuals that have been going up to residents later in the evenings asking for money because their car has run out of gas. These are ways that these individuals are getting free money feeding off good people trying to help. If they really need assistance, call 911 for them or a taxi.

Also, there was a report that I made awhile back regarding a male coming around to elderly residents asking them if they had any work for them and ultimately taking their money and not doing the work. I suggest that if you are going to have anyone do any work for you, you make sure that the work is done first or least 75% of the work before paying them. I'm not saying that everyone that comes up to see if you have work to be done is trying to scam you, I'm just asking that you make sure that the are legitimate.

If anyone ever has any questions for me or just needs to talk to me feel free to call me at 688-9331 or you can e-mail me at vshirkey@Wichita.gov.

Editor's note: If you should make a report or a crime by calling the patrol station, please be sure to call or email Officer Shirkey and let her know of it. She does not get a report on phoned in calls but she would like to keep track of possible crimes occurring in Uptown. - Lori

Kwik Shop Crook

The Kwik Shop on Douglas has been robbed several times by the same man. If this description is familiar to you please call Off. Shirkey as soon as possible. The man is 5'6" to 5'9" tall and is either a black man with a light complexion or a Hispanic man. His distinguishing feature is that he has VERY noticeable freckles on his face. He is believed to live near the Kwik Shop so he could be one of your neighbors. If you know this man, please call!

-Lori

Shannon's Grocery Store

We are working again on purchasing the grocery store on the 300 block of Chautauqua. We know there are funds out there to use for restoration of historic properties but we don't have anyone with expertise in writing grants. If there is anyone in Uptown who has writing grants skills, please call our president, Paul Oberg and help us try to find some funds to rehabilitate the store.

Thanks for the help!

Lori

Trash Polycarts

At a recent District Advisory Board meeting, the question was asked whether there are any rules about keeping your polycart out by the road for days at a time. The answer was "Yes!" Since they know that most are picked up early in the morning, polycarts can be put out by the curb the night before your pick up day. They must be taken back next to or behind the house by the following evening. That means only about 24 hours!! PLEASE don't leave your trash out by the street for all of us to enjoy for days and days. Your neighbors don't like it and it is against city law!

Chipotle Update

The new restaurant at the corner of Hillside and Central has a grand opening date of February 27th. I spoke with the new manager, Gary, and he said they would have a fund raiser at that time but he did not know who the beneficiary would be of that.

An interesting tidbit: A chipotle is a smoked jalapeño pepper. The restaurant will serve only burritos and tacos and nothing else. And the report earlier was an error, Chipotle is NOT affiliated with Boston Market (Boston Market is owned by McDonald's!!).

Keep your eye on that site for the grand opening this month and enjoy your eating!

Gary Carlson, 45, of the 200 block of N. Poplar died on Sun., Jan. 4, 2004. He maintained many rental properties in the area. He left Jennie, his wife, six children (one still in high school) and several grandchildren. Gary will be missed by all who knew him.