WPD urges city council to make it easier to shut down buildings tied to repeated crime
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan is asking the city council to evaluate its ordinance governing the closure of buildings the place crime is a recurring downside, following a deadly capturing Tuesday at a North Broadway residence constructing.
“We need to do more than make an arrest, we need to be able to shut these places down,” Sullivan mentioned.
Sullivan and different WPD management attended Tuesday’s city council assembly to request adjustments to the present ordinance. Under the present guidelines, the division requires three strikes earlier than it can take motion. Sullivan mentioned Tuesday’s capturing would rely as two of these three strikes on the North Broadway constructing.
North Broadway constructing cited repeatedly
Sullivan mentioned the North Broadway constructing has been an issue for the neighborhood for a while and has obtained quite a few citations.
“We’re going to continue to either have this building have those citations rectified, or have this building shut down, but it has been a problem for this community for quite some time,” Sullivan mentioned.
West Kellogg demolition cited as instance of optimistic change
On West Kellogg, the demolition of the previous Regency Inn — a vacant constructing that close by enterprise homeowners mentioned was inhabited by squatters and was a relentless hotspot for felony exercise — has led to noticeable adjustments for neighboring companies.
Jake Thomas, supervisor of Rayer’s Bearden Stained Glass on West Kellogg, has labored on the location for 10 years. He mentioned the closure and demolition of the motel made a distinction.
“Since that motel closed down we’ve noticed a change — fewer shopping carts left out in the parking lot, picking up trash and loitering,” Thomas mentioned. “We’re able to focus more on just doing the stained glass work and helping customers that we’re known for.”
Business proprietor says space feels safer
Thomas mentioned employees now not want to spend time submitting police experiences, and that night lessons on the enterprise really feel safer than earlier than.
“We teach classes on Tuesday nights that would get out late and sometimes, you know, it would be nighttime, and it just feels safer,” he mentioned.
Thomas mentioned he’s optimistic about what comes subsequent for the world.
“The area has cleaned up and I’m looking forward to seeing what businesses can move next door,” Thomas mentioned.
