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Citizen advisory council recommends Topeka DREAMS neighborhood allocations; council to weigh sidewalk consent requirement
Summary
The city’s citizen advisory council recommended funding allocations for the 2025 Topeka DREAMS neighborhood initiative, including $1.5 million for Historic Old Town infrastructure and a contested proposal to require property‑owner consent for new sidewalks in several neighborhoods.
City staff presented the citizen advisory council’s recommended funding for the 2025 Topeka DREAMS Neighborhood Investment Partnership program on March 4, outlining allocations and a contested requirement that property owners consent to sidewalk projects where the city lacks public right of way.
Bianca Burnett, senior community engagement coordinator, said the DREAMS program channels capital and HUD CDBG priorities to Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs) through three tracks: DREAMS 1 (biennial infrastructure for one active NIA, up to $1.5 million), DREAMS 2 (housing rehabilitation and larger infrastructure projects), and DREAMS 3 (annual mini‑grants from $1,000 to $50,000).
The citizen advisory council recommended Historic Old Town receive the DREAMS 1 allocation (up to $1,500,000 infrastructure, $150,000 utilities and up to $330,000 for housing investments). Highcrest was the only applicant for the DREAMS 2 housing‑rehab pot and would receive up to $330,000.
For DREAMS 2 major infrastructure, the CAC reviewed $2.4 million in requests and proposed two options to fit the $1.5 million available: - Option 1 (CAC recommendation): fund sidewalk projects in Highcrest, Historic Holiday Park and North Topeka West (contingent on property‑owner consent where the city lacks right of way), and fully fund East Topeka North Street and Valley Park Chunga Drive mill/overlay projects. - Option 2: if sidewalk projects are not approved, direct funds to East Topeka North Street and three Valley Park street projects.
Burnett explained that the city’s public‑works review found some sidewalk replacements sit in public right of way (Holiday Park) while others will require permanent public easements or owner consent (Highcrest, North Topeka West). The Historic Holiday Park NIA proposed a third option to waive preliminary owner signatures on the grounds that the sidewalks are public‑safety and community improvements.
Council members and CAC volunteers discussed the practicalities. Councilwoman Hiller said she supported allowing staff and neighborhoods to proceed where sidewalks are public‑right‑of‑way and favored the Holiday Park waiver for brick‑to‑concrete replacements if the city will take on replacement in the public interest. Burnett clarified that property owner consent remains required for brick‑sidewalk replacements and where permanent easements are needed.
Timeline: DREAMS 1 is planned for design in 2025 with funding beginning in 2026 and final completion expected by 2028. DREAMS 2 design begins 2025 with final completion by 2027. DREAMS 3 mini‑grant funding starts in 2025 and completes in 2026.
Ending: The CAC’s recommendations will return to the governing body for final action; council members asked staff to continue outreach and clarified the consent process for sidewalk easements.
