For consideration

Hello All,

An important historical preservation issue will be discussed by the Topeka City Council in a few weeks. Please consider being an advocate for the RIGHT thing, which is to preserve our registered historical sites within Topeka and protect our green space. The issue is described below. You may sign a petition to prevent this parking lot at the following URL:

http://www.upetitions.com/petitions/index.php?id=191,

The Episcopalian Diocese has proposed to destroy Bethany Place at 701 SW 8th Street in order to build a parking lot on the historic property. Bethany Place was listed on the State Register of Historic Places by Topekan Bishop Turner in 1976. The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and the City of Topeka Landmarks Commission have both voted 'NO' to this proposal, and rightfully pointed out alternative feasible alternatives for placing the parking lot elsewhere. In essence, these two parties voted to continue to preserve this prominent historical property that is listed on the State Historical Registry.

Bethany Place was the first women's college in the state of Kansas , and graduated a number of noted Kansans, including Georgia Neese Gray. Additionally, the grounds of Bethany Place are the only real greenspace in the Historic Old Town Neighborhood since our NIA region does not have a city park.

The SCOPE of the council vote will be to determine if there are feasible alternatives to placing the parking lot. If there are feasible alternatives, they are then should to vote against this plan, according to SHPO guidelines.

Thank You.
Regards,
Barb Quaney
785.232.4735

Barbara Quaney, PT, PhD
Research Assistant Professor
University of Kansas Medical Center
260J Landon Center on Aging
Mail Stop 1005
3599 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, Kansas 66160

Phone: 913-588-0634
Fax: 913-588-1201