Residents give city leaders better picture of downtown

Last Update: 12/04/2009 6:25 pm

Print Story |

< Previous

Next >

Play Video

All Video

Residents give city leaders better picture of downtown

WICHITA, Kansas – No one knows Wichita like those who live here and that‘s why the city began to hear from residents about what could improve downtown in an event called Walk Shop Friday. Their thoughts will play a role in a master plan being drawn up for the further development of the area.

"Take pictures of things they like, things they see as opportunities, things they see as challenges, so through their eyes, we begin to see what downtown looks like,” said Jeff Fluhr, president of Downtown Development Corp.

"What would be great, actually, is a grocery store,” said Carl Palmer, Wichita resident.

Palmer lives downtown and is very optimistic about its future, especially because he sees more and more people wanting to live in the area.

"When I first was looking for an apartment back here in Wichita after school, downtown was my preferred place and I was surprised that so many places I called were basically full,” Palmer said.

Still, he thinks a grocery store is the key to getting more people to call downtown home.

"The closest one is the Dillons at Hillside and Douglas, which isn't a huge stretch, but it would still be nice because there's nothing really north or south of us,” Palmer said.

While public comments are helpful, city leaders believe it’s the pictures that residents take that will prove to be most beneficial to improving downtown.

"This is an opportunity for people to show us what they are seeing, because in each person's eyes they see downtown differently,” Fluhr said.

There will be another Walk Shop event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 523 E. Douglas. Participants are urged to bring their digital cameras or cell phones to take pictures. There will be a Walk Shop discussion afterward from 12:30 to 3:30.

Print Story |

Add a Comment

(1) Comments

To Email:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Message:
	Send a copy to my email