WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan is asking the city council to revise its ordinance governing the closure of buildings where crime is a recurring problem, following a fatal shooting Tuesday at a North Broadway apartment building.
“We need to do more than make an arrest, we need to be able to shut these places down,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan and other WPD leadership attended Tuesday’s city council meeting to request changes to the current ordinance. Under the existing rules, the department requires three strikes before it can take action. Sullivan said Tuesday’s shooting would count as two of those three strikes at the North Broadway building.
North Broadway building cited repeatedly
Sullivan said the North Broadway building has been a problem for the community for some time and has received numerous 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 said.
West Kellogg demolition cited as example of positive change
On West Kellogg, the demolition of the former Regency Inn — a vacant building that nearby business owners said was inhabited by squatters and was a constant hotspot for criminal activity — has led to noticeable changes for neighboring businesses.
Jake Thomas, manager of Rayer’s Bearden Stained Glass on West Kellogg, has worked at the location for 10 years. He said the closure and demolition of the motel made a difference.
“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 said. “We’re able to focus more on just doing the stained glass work and helping customers that we’re known for.”
Business owner says area feels safer
Thomas said staff no longer need to spend time filing police reports, and that evening classes at the business feel safer than before.
“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 said.
Thomas said he is optimistic about what comes next for the area.
“The area has cleaned up and I’m looking forward to seeing what businesses can move next door,” Thomas said.
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