WPD Urges City Council to Simplify Process for Closing Crime-Linked Buildings Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan is calling on the city council to update its regulations for closing buildings associated with persistent criminal activity, following a fatal shooting at a North Broadway apartment complex. Sullivan emphasized the need for a more proactive approach to address recurring safety concerns. During a city council meeting on Tuesday, Sullivan and other WPD leaders presented their case for revising the current ordinance, which requires three separate incidents before authorities can initiate closure proceedings. The recent shooting at the North Broadway building would count as the second strike under the existing policy, Sullivan explained. He highlighted the building’s long history of issues, noting that it has been a source of community frustration for years. “We’re going to continue to either have this building have those citations rectified, or have this building shut down,” Sullivan said, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The chief argued that the current system is insufficient to protect residents and hold problematic properties accountable. The case of the former Regency Inn on West Kellogg Street serves as a positive example of how demolishing vacant, crime-prone buildings can improve neighborhood safety. The site, once a haven for squatters and criminal activity, was demolished, leading to noticeable improvements for nearby businesses. Jake Thomas, manager of Rayer’s Bearden Stained Glass, described the change as transformative. “Since that motel closed down, we’ve noticed a change—fewer shopping carts left out in the parking lot, picking up trash, and less loitering,” Thomas said.#joe_sullivan #regency_inn #wichita_police_department #city_council #north_broadway_apartment_complex
