The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-09-11
A LOOK AT OURSELVES.

An article in a recent issue of the
''Kiwanian," the official organ of the
local Kiwan:s club, wherein men,
some of the things about Topeka
which should be remedied, is worthy
the thoughtful consideration of all our
citizens.
His complaints as regards property
owners-and not all of them are nom
residents-and the obstacles which
they present to progress and improve
ment, are pertinent. He points out
several shortcomings of the city.
Among these is a habit of Topekans
owning property which is needed for
Industrial development, either abse-
lutely to refuse to part with it or to
hold up" the would-be purchasers
until all the good intentions of the lat
ter are completely out of mind.
The article in part follows:
A part of the trouble in the matter
of improving the appearance of some
OF the properties on our main street
is that they are owned by parties not
now citizens of Topeka, who care
nothing about the city's appearance.
and who are Interested only in the
rental of the properties and avoidance
of any additional expense in their up
keep. We contend, however, that
those parties could insure for them
selves a much more profitable invest
ment and a surer moro dependable
income by spending a little money on
improvements.
Recently we heard of an attempt on
the part of progressive business firm
to purchase a couple of lots between
ard and 4th on Kansas Avenue. On
these lots there are a couple of tum-
ble-dowh -shaeks built when Topeka
was first laid out. This firm proposed
to erect on the lots large, brick bust
ness building that would be a. credit
to the block and to the town and
which, in our judgment would posi-
bly, serve as an example to other prop
erty owners in the block.
When we were informed of this pro-
posal by the firm desiring to make the
purchase, and that this firm was pre-
pared to offer $4,000 more than had
ever been offered for the property
before, we had visions of a consider
ably improved main street block in
the not-far-distant future. However
when the owners became certain that
this firm really wanted to purchase,
1t was apparently the signal for their
hiking the ante to a point which the
firm in question didn't feel that they
COulu TGdCn- 30 Ine SnackS Will re-
main on the lots perhaps another fifty
years. We have heard of previous
attempts of others to purchase in
the block with a view Of rebuilding
and with similar result. AS long as
owners will neither improve nor sell
at a good price, the hope of better
looking block in the heart of town
seems slim.
AS regards the condition of some of
fha
Maybe we're not supposed to know
but, if we are, will someone kindly tell
us why the Midland Trail is still
marked from Long Oil Station to Kan
sas Avenue via Tenth Street? We have
many times watched somewhat heav-
fly-laden tourist autos trying to find a
smooth spot on the stretch of road
north of the cemetery, so as to avoid
breaking a spring. But it's hard to do.
These tourists had doubtless followed
the Midland for some distance and, not
wanting to lose it. continued to follow
it on Tenth to the Avenue. Drive out
and look it over. Everything of that
big corporation-the City of Topeka
The patch of road Cor street, as it's
within the city Iimits) should be fixed
at once or the route changed.
Serious criticism is directed toward
the delapidated Union Pacific station,
but that is a matter which the city is
powerless to remedy unless possibly,
by a boycott of the road. However,
judging by the way in which the I'm
ion Pacific always has neglected To-
peka, it does not greatly value our
business.
The writer also devotes some at
tention to the disreputable looking
state heating plant, but that is another
matter beyond control of the CITY. Tit
| state admits 1t could purchase heat
from the Edison company and save
money by so doing. If this change
could be brought about the old heating
! plant could be removed. An addition
al reason for pursuing such a course
is the fact-that the state needs the site
for Its proposed Temple of Justice to
house its legal department.,