NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Adam Stewart, Neighborhood Development Coordinator for Hutch Rec, believes the neighborhood work that has been done in SW Bricktown since its establishment helped them know how to navigate the city process to make their voices heard on the solution to the Woodie Seat Freeway.
Southwest Bricktown, as we've already noted, is doing a lot of their own work in advocacy," Stewart said. "Grace Arbor, there's some work going on there, the neighborhood is really taking the reins on. I really do think the program is good for getting residents of the neighborhood in a position where they can be empowered to speak for themselves."
As we have already noted, the Lincoln Elementary neighborhood is the next one that Stewart would like to start with. In a separate story, Hutch Post reported earlier this year that remodeling Lincoln is one of the projects recommended by RSP in their facilities study of USD 308.
It would seem to follow, then, that the organization that would come from being involved in the neighborhood establishment process could create some of the relationships necessary to be able to successfully advocate before the USD 308 school board and, if necessary, before the entire community to see that the Lincoln remodel actually happens.
"Currently, we have six neighborhoods that have received proclamations from city council officially recognizing them," Stewart said. "In order from oldest to newest, in terms of being in the program, that's SW Bricktown, College Grove, Farmington Park, Creekside, Grace Arbor and Midtown. With the work starting up around Lincoln Elementary School, that will make seven."
SW Bricktown was established in 2016 and the Woodie Seat issue appears to be one where advocates have had at least some success, as opposed to the change in Avenue A's building from an elementary center to currently the center for the alternative school. However, the USD 308 school board is having the building appraised for possible sale.