Topeka launches ambitious neighborhood revitalization plan

During a recent government meeting, Shawnee County officials discussed the upcoming renewal of the City of Topeka's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP), which is set to expire at the end of the year. Dan Warner from the city's planning and development department presented an update on the NRP, highlighting its significant impact since its inception in 1995. The program has seen 912 applications, with 647 approved, resulting in over $515 million invested in both residential and commercial properties. Notably, for every dollar rebated by taxing entities, property owners have invested $8, primarily in at-risk neighborhoods.

The meeting also addressed the need for interlocal agreements among taxing entities to facilitate the plan's renewal. Warner emphasized the importance of the NRP in revitalizing neighborhoods and generating new tax revenue, which has amounted to $34 million since 2006.

In addition to the NRP discussions, the county clerk presented voucher payments totaling over $8 million, including significant debt service payments and infrastructure projects. The commissioners unanimously approved these payments, which included a notable bond payment of over $6 million.

The meeting also covered various infrastructure projects, including a request for professional design services for high-risk rural roads and the installation of new lighting fixtures funded by a federal grant. The commissioners expressed their commitment to improving road safety and energy efficiency in county facilities.

As the meeting progressed, discussions turned to the renovation of restrooms in the Shawnee County Courthouse. The director of facilities management proposed contracting HTK for schematic design and preliminary budgeting, but the commissioners raised concerns about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this approach. Ultimately, they decided to defer action on this item for further consideration.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, with several new members being approved. The commissioners also planned to address budget discussions in a subsequent session, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage county resources effectively.