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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-09 Info Packet'.~®.~'~ -•~_.~__ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET October 9, 2008 MISCELLANEOUS IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Absence IP3 Email from Steven Newell to the City Manager: Homeless Shelter on Waterfront Drive IP4 Building Permit Information -September 2008 IP5 News Release: Halloween Activities in Iowa City [submitted by the Recreation Division] At a Glance newsletter: October 8, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES IP6 Airport Commission: October 1, 2008 IP7 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 15, 2008 IP8 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 18, 2008 DISTRIBUTED TO COUNCIL OCTOBER 6, 2008 Available in the City Clerk's office or on-line at www.ic ov.org Central District Plan ~ = 1 j~ ~ ' f~ 3, `0 ~~'s •~®~~~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org IP1 IP2 IP3 IP4 IP5 IP6 IP7 IP8 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET October 9, 2008 MISCELLANEOUS Council Meetings and ork Session Agenda Memorandum from the City Jerk: Absence Email from Steven Newell to the ity Manager: Ho Building Permit Information - Se ember 2008 / News Release: Halloween Activities DRAFT Airport Commission: October 1, 2008 Planning and Zoning Commission: S Planning and Zoning Commission: Shelter on Waterfront Drive 'ty [submitted by the Recreation Division] UTES tuber 15; tuber 18, I DISTRIBUTED TO/COUNCIL OCTOBER 6, 2008 Available in the City Cl rk's office or on-line at ~vww.ic ov.or Central District Plan \~ ,,~ ~ ` 10-09-08 City Council Meeting Schedule and CITY Of IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas October 9, Zoos www.icgov.org TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE • MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Council Work Session • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Council Work Session 7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting Continue Special Work Session if necessary • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Veterans' Day -City Offices Closed • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Council Work Session • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Formal Council Meeting • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Thanksgiving -City Offices Closed • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Holiday -City Offices Closed • MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Council Work Session • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Formal Council Meeting • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 North Liberty 4:30p Joint Meeting • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:OOp Formal Council Meeting Continue Special Work Session if necessary ~~~.®~J "-"~`~,~ 1 ~®'~~ ~J/~_ CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P2 MEMORANDUM DATE: October 8, 2008 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~ RE: Absence I will be out of the office next Thursday and Friday, October 16-17, attending the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers meeting in Des Moines. Please contact Sondrae and Kellie with any questions you may have during my absence. cc: Michael Lombardo Eleanor Dilkes U/absence.doc zoW~ - lp~-o~-~-~8 1 a ., /~ r . M, ~ ~-a ~ ( ~ orvl bo(. ~ o Ct v~ ~...oWd. ~~ ~ ~O ~} ~r ~.9 w ~t c ~L -C r i'~T~ p~ ^ ~ ~ -- (, vr, 6a ~ 0 ~p va n Cc `~' , r Sk6 ` ~~. 1 hQ fJa~6r~raw~'- ~r;v~ ~o c~~%d~ s~-- G~ J'1 ~ 4J `IOvh Q ~~SS sh e ~ lam' _ , ~ /~ 0~ a 9'O©o~ ~ c~P.a ~ r~~ c,~ c~~~~;~ ~QS ~o~- ~~~~-S o ~ ~ ~ a~~ ~ w~~r~~o~ t h,~~ cc~ hrUer`~frOn"~" r0 ~Y~ eCphOGn~`cS. T as ~n~~ ~{1,e ~Aul~( ware to;~e~fs able ~ w9r~ ~f Q I~ 0 ~e rf sh ~ r ~~' 0 The c ~ c'a ~~cc; ~ ~ s l s~ not ~ ~ Pre ~h c~ (l h L° - cG r-a n a s7~1 r~ S i ~ ~ ~ , (Ni~~( -~,`hawc~ nOh~OloviOUS CO~~ ~T ~~~i. a -~c,~~,~i 3 tie ia~~ ~~ a. s/h ~~ Lah ~c~`l` ~eS~' ~ee~s h~~~Ies~S ~~s a~ r` ac~ua~ c o~ ~r~io ~ ~ r` h~ a~' `t'he, e~ ~ ~~ ~'~ ~'lo 0 r1,e,. (N i ~~ b ~ Mara vt~~l ~~ ~ ©U~r`-r u~ ~uhned ~~s~ e-~ci~~~ his .-~~~ ~de~ ~~i~rs~ ~~ ~ r, _ ~ - e 9~Zrr f ,, ~~• !I I BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION September 2008 KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS .Type of Improvement ADD -Addition ALT -Alteration REP -Repair FND -Foundation Only NEW-New OTH -Other type of construction Type of Use RSF -Residential Single Family RDF -Residential Duplex RMF -Three or more residential RAC -Residential Accessory Building MIX -Mixed NON -Non-residential OTH -Other . '~ "..,w ___ ... ............ Page : Date : 2 10/2/2008 City of Iowa City Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : From : 9/ 1 /2008 9/30/2008 Census Bureau Report Twe Tune Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD08-00526 JULIE MONSON 7 -9 S LINK ST ADD MIX 2 0 $20,000 EXTERIOR RAMP/DECK AND INTERIOR RESTROOM REMODEL Total ADD/MIX permits : 1 Total Valuation : $20,000 BLD08-00312 U OF I FACILITIES CORPORA 201 S CLINTON ST ADD NON 3 0 $740,000 ADD 3RD FLOOR SHELL SPACE FOR MALL PHASE 3 PACKAGE B BLD08-00398 MERCY HOSPITAL 500 E MARKET ST ADD NON 0 0 $645,000 ELEVATOR ADDITION FOR HOSPITAL BLD08-00369 AL STREB PROPERTIES 2802 INDEPENDENCE RD ADD NON 1 0 $150,000 2,100 SQ FT OFFICE ADDITION TO WAREHOUSE SHELL SPACE Total ADD/NON permits : 3 Total Valuation : $1,535,000 BLD08-00556 NILA K HAUG 517 E WASHINGTON ST ADD RMF 1 0 $3,000 Uncovered wood deck and ramp Total ADD/RMF permits : 1 Total Valuation : $3,000 BLD08-00376 JOHN C & KERSTIN M VAN ~ 330 S SUMMIT ST ADD RSF 1 0 $185,000 One story addition BLD08-00326 SANDY HONG & DAVID NO 209 RICHARDS ST ADD RSF 2 0 $74,000 ADDITION SHELL FOR SFD BLD08-00602 RICHARD & NANCY THUM 14 RAVENCREST DR ADD RSF 1 0 $35,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD08-00559 MICHAEL E KROGH 747 GRANT ST ADD RSF 1 0 $30,000 12' x 16' Bedroom addition BLD08-00578 SCOTT A & JENNIFER E CA 515 OAKLAND AVE ADD RSF 1 0 $30,000 14' x 14' single story addition BLD08-00626 JAMES & NICOLE NISLY 48 GALWAY CIR ADD RSF 2 0 $30,000 ADDITION & ALTERATION FOR SFD BLD08-00576 PATRICIA T & DAVID G RI 521 N VAN BUREN ST ADD RSF 1 0 $26,300 Single story bathroom addition BLD08-00533 GLENN D & MARILYN A NE 3329 TULANE AVE ADD RSF 0 0 $21,000 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD08-00509 DALE & ANNA POWERS 2707 BROOKSIDE DR ADD RSF 0 0 $20,000 GARAGE ADDITION FOR SFD BLD08-00536 GILLIAN FOX 1011 6TH AVE ADD RSF 0 0 $3,000 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD08-00583 STEFFES, SCOTT M 608 CHURCH ST ADD RSF 1 0 $1,500 Construct 8' x 32' uncovered wood deck Total ADD/RSF permits : 11 Total Valuation : $455,800 City of Iowa City Page : 3 Date : 10/2/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/ 1 /2008 Census Bureau Report From : 9/30/2008 Tme Twe Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD08-00322 RED CROSS 201 S CLINTON ST 167 ALT NON 2 0 $201,000 RED CROSS TENANT FINISH OF MALL SPACE BLD08-00580 PROCTER & GAMBLE HAIR 2200 LOWER MUSCATINE ALT NON 0 0 $185,000 Install a 40' x 48' mezzanine in building 61 BLD08-00560 PROCTER & GAMBLE HAIR 2200 LOWER MUSCATINE ALT NON 0 0 $80,000 Relocate control room and enlarge mezzanine BLD08-00541 NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS 2651 ROBERTS RD ALT NON 1 0 $63,420 ENLARGE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN BLD08-00540 TRG DEVELOPMENT, LLC 1934 BOYRUM ST ALT NON 1 0 $25,000 REMODEL AND CHANGE OF USE FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING "M" changed to "B" occupancy BLD08-00448 HY-VEE 812 S 1ST AVE ALT NON 1 0 $11,500 ALTERATION OF CAFETERIA IN GROCERY STORE BLD08-00525 ST WENCESLAUS CHURCH 623 FAIRCHILD ST ALT NON 0 0 $5,000 ALTER ROOF OF CHURCH RECTORY BLD08-00484 THE MOEN GROUP 103 E COLLEGE ST ALT NON 3 0 $4,000 ADD INTERIOR PARTITION IN TENANT SPACE Total ALT/NON permits : 8 Total Valuation : $574,920 BLD08-00557 IOWA BETA RIVERSIDE CO 302 RIDGELAND AVE ALT RMF 0 0 $50,000 Window Replacement/siding on dormers BLD08-00605 CRUM, VELMA R 1557 SOMERSET LN ALT RMF 0 0 $9,963 CONVERT SCREEN PORCH TO 3 SEASON PORCH FOR RMF TOWNHOUSE UNIT Total ALT/RMF permits : 2 Total Valuation : $59,963 BLD08-00549 CORNELIA C LANG 409 BROWN ST ALT RSF 1 0 $25,000 Install front porch BLD08-00546 SHEILA MCCARVILLE 954 WEEBER ST ALT RSF 0 0 $4,000 Fur out wall and install ceiling BLD08-00529 KIM THOMAS 2414 BITTERSWEET CT ALT RSF 0 0 $1,700 ADD BEDROOM TO TOWNHOUSE UNIT BLD08-00554 GREG J & LINDA K ALLEN 730 IOWA AVE ALT RSF 0 0 $1,000 Shorten clothes closet and move washer and dry. Also add outlets to kitchen BLD08-00582 NATHAN W & ELIZABETH P 1626 MORNINGSIDE DR ALT RSF 0 0 $800 Install egress window in unfinished basement Total ALT/RSF permits : 5 Total Valuation : $32,500 BLD08-00152 CITY OF IOWA CITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING 3880 NAPOLEON LANE NEW NON 1 0 $750,000 Total NEW/NON permits : 1 Total Valuation : $750,000' BLD08-00264 AMY E DOBRIAN 613 N VAN BUREN ST NEW RAC 1 0 $43,000 14' x 24' Detached garage Page : 4 City Of Iowa City Date : l 0/2/loos Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/1/2008 .From : 9/30/2008 Census Bureau Report Tune Type Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories BLD08-00538 BRINTON, CONSTANCE J 45 NORWOOD CIR NEW RAC 0 DETACHED STORAGE SHED FOR SFD Units Valuation 0 $6,000 Total NEW/RAC permits : 2 Total Valuation : $49,000' BLD08-00542 ALLEN HOMES INC 440 N SCOTT BLVD NEW RMF 2 4 $685,242 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 440-442-444-446 N SCOTT BLVD Total NEW/RMF permits : 1 Total Valuation : $685,242 BLD08-00584 GARY FRAKES CONSTRUCT 15 WHITE OAK PL NEW RSF S.F.D. with two car garage BLD08-00619 RICHARD ARTHUR 893 MCCOLLISTER CT NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD08-00604 ALLEN HOMES INC 4183 NEWCASTLE NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD08-00505 APEX CONSTRUCTION CO. l 1034 CHAMBERLAIN DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD08-00548 KW DESIGNS LLC 4481 TEMPE PL NEW RSF S.F.D. with three car garage BLD08-00547 KW DESIGNS LLC 4461 TEMPE PL NEW RSF S.F.D. with three car garage BLD08-00586 DAV-ED LTD 610 GALWAY DR NEW RSF S.F.D. with two car garage BLD08-00601 HBA VOCATIONAL TRAIN 1819 CHELSEA CT NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE 2 1 $500,000 2 1 $287,437 1 1 $260,000 2 1 $250,686 2 1 $216,900 1 1 $211,700 1 1 $209,944 1 1 $180,000 Total NEW/RSF permits : 8 Total Valuation : $2,116,667' BLD08-00532 RICHARD LUTZ 2709 -11 MUSCATINE AVE REP MIX 0 0 $4,360 WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR APARTMENTS IN MIXED USE BUILDING Total REP/MIX permits : 1 Total Valuation : $4,360 BLD08-00522 JIM KERB 1800 STEVENS DR FLOOD REPAIR OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING BLD08-00528 GASBY'S 2303 MUSCATINE AVE REPAIR DAMAGED DRIVE-THRU BLD08-00555 WILLIAMSON LLC 217 STEVENS DR Flood repair REP NON 0 0 $30,000 REP NON 0 0 $12,000 REP NON 0 0 $0 Total REP/NON permits : 3 Total Valuation : $42,000' BLD08-00545 BRIAN L & RENE D MOORE 608 NORMANDY DR Flood Repair REP RDF 0 0 $79,386 Page : Date : 5 10/2/2008 City of Iowa City Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : From : 9/ 1 /2008 9/30/2008 Census Bureau Report Permit Number Name Address BLD08-00596 FAST, THOMAS 708 MANOR DR FLOOD REPAIR FOR RDF BLD08-00588 JAMES W & DIANE P NIEB 1019 E BURLINGTON ST Replace west deck and stairs BLD08-00451 JIM NIEBUHR 1034 E BURLINGTON ST REPLACE PORCH STAIRS Total REP/RDF permits : 4 BLD08-00572 ALBERTA KALLAUS 32 CAMBORNE CIR Flood repair BLD08-00574 TERRY GWINN 38 CAMBORNE CIR Flood repair BLD08-00561 HARVEY D & LOIS M MILL 47 COLWYN CT Flood repair BLD08-00563 B & H BUILDERS 47 TREVOSE PL Flood Repair BLD08-00567 GEORGE R & BARBARA E S 27 NEWLYN CIR Flood repair BLD08-00568 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 12 TREVOSE PL Flood repair BLD08-00564 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 21 NEWLYN CIR Flood Repair BLD08-00571 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 18 TREVOSE PL Flood Repair BLD08-00569 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 14 TREVOSE PL Flood Repair BLD08-00566 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 25 NEWLYN CIR- Flood repair BLD08-00565 IDYLLWILD DEV II INC 23 NEWLYN CIR Flood repair BLD08-00592 BRUCE J & MARY K GANTZ 31 TREVOSE PL FLOOD REPAIR OF RMF UNIT -all units BLD08-00573 NANCY C ANDREASEN 36 CAMBORNE CIR Flood repair BLD08-00507 TOM RILEY 727 -29 MICHAEL ST WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR RMF BLD08-00579 OLD GOLD APARTMENTS L 731 MICHAEL ST Reside all Old Gold apartments BLD08-00550 WILLIS V & BEVERLY M JO 23 CAMBORNE CIR Flood Repair BLD08-00543 CYNTHIA PARSONS 702 E WASHINGTON ST Reside multifamily BLD08-00577 FRANK W FLEMING 315 -17 MYRTLE AVE Replace screen porch from tornado of 2006 Tvue Twe Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation REP RDF 0 0 $60,000 REP RDF 1 0 $1,200 REP RDF 0 0 $950 Total Valuation : $141,536 REP RMF 0 0 $127,133 REP RMF 0 0 $126,689 REP RMF 0 0 $114,669 REP RMF 0 0 $82,754 REP RMF 0 0 $80,965 REP RMF 0 0 $75,279 REP RMF 0 0 $75,195 REP RMF 0 0 $72,710 REP RMF 0 0 $72,646 REP RMF 0 0 $69,815 REP RMF 0 0 $69,795 REP RMF 0 0 $38,732 REP RMF 0 0 $33,989 REP RMF 2 0 $20,000 REP RMF 0 0 $20,000 REP RMF 0 0 $4,500 REP RMF 2 0 $4,000 REP RMF 0 0 $1,000 Total REP/RMF permits : 18 Total Valuation : $1,089,871' Page : 6 City of Iowa City Date : 10/2/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/ 1 /2008 From : 9/30/2008 Census Bureau Report Twe Type Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD08-00362 WILLIAM L & SUSAN S JON 930 PARK RD REP RSF 0 0 $234,872 Flood repair of structure BLD08-00464 JAMES J WHITE 121 TAFT SPEEDWAY REP RSF 0 0 $120,210 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00518 JOYE A DAMS MCKUSICK 805 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $72,500 FLOOD REPAIR OF SFD BLD08-00575 MARL D ABBOTT 508 MANOR DR REP RSF 0 0 $70,000 Flood Repair BLD08-00598 GUY SMITH 205 TAFT SPEEDWAY REP RSF 0 0 $70,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00517 STEVE KOCH 708 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $67,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00489 ALBERHASKY, G RODNEY 604 EASTMOOR DR REP RSF 0 0 $60,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00476 RON & LAURA ZIEGLOWSK 613 EASTMOOR DR REP RSF 0 0 $53,475 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00521 JEFF MEHRING 824 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $50,000 FLOOD REPAIR OF SFD BLD08-00591 BERKOWITZ, DANIEL A 612 GRANADA CT REP RSF 0 0 $50,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00562 DONNARAE C MACCANN 717 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $45,000 Flood repair BLD08-00597 ROSE MARIE SCOTT 131 TAFT SPEEDWAY REP RSF 0 0 $40,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00513 CHARLES NEWSOM 839 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $38,500 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00341 MARJORIE W SINGER 709 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $35,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00428 FRANK A STRUB 840 NORMANDY DR REP RSF 0 0 $35,000 Flood repair BLD08-00520 DERRICK ALGER & NILES N 889 PARK PL REP RSF 0 0 $30,900 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00599 CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON 723 EASTMOOR DR REP RSF 0 0 $15,000 FLOOD REPAIR FOR SFD BLD08-00481 ELGIN, TIFFANY 2129 RUSSELL DR REP RSF 0 0 $11,618 WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR SFD BLD08-00606 BEN REINKING 1412 COURT ST REP RSF 0 0 $10,000 STRUCTURAL REPAIR AND ALTERATION FOR SFD BLDOS-00618 GREER, MARTHA C 530 S GOVERNOR ST REP RSF 0 0 $2,000 REPLACE EXTERIOR STEPS BLD08-00531 JODI L SAUNDERS 16 N 7TH AVE REP RSF 0 0 $1,672 BEDROOM WINDOW BLD08-00615 MARY P LALLA 601 OAKLAND AVE REP RSF 0 0 $1,000 REPAIR TERMITE DAMAGE FOR SFD BLD08-00551 NATHALIE CRUDEN 1228 MUSCATINE AVE REP RSF 1 0 $400 Replace guard and treads. Deck is existing Page : 7 City of Iowa City Date : 10/2/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/1/2008 Census Bureau Report From : 9/30/2008 Type Tune Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD08-00544 MARJORIE K RARE 605 MANOR DR REP RSF 0 0 $0 Flood repair Total REP/RSF permits : 24 Total Valuation : $1,114,147 GRAND TOTALS : PERMITS : 93 VALUATION : $8,674,006 IP5 NEWS RELEASE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES IN IOWA CITY The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department invites children of all ages to the annual HALLOWEEN PARADE AND CARNIVAL to be held Friday, October 24. Children and their parents or caregivers should meet, in costume, at the Weatherdance Fountain in downtown Iowa City between 6 and 6:15 pm. The Parade will begin at 6:15 pm with the route heading east on College Street to the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center. Once inside the Recreation Center, children may participate in carnival games, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, a Haunted Hallway and other Halloween festivities. Be sure to bring your camera for a photo opportunity too! There is no fee and pre registration is not required. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled. Carnival activities will be held rain or shine inside the Recreation Center. All children should be accompanied by an adult. Iowa City's TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT is scheduled for Friday, October 31 from dusk until 8 pm. The City of Iowa City and SAFE KIDS Johnson County ask parents and caregivers to assure this is a safe and happy Halloween for all our citizens. Please observe the many safety rules of Halloween keeping in mind that it is always best for children to be accompanied by a responsible adult when Trick or Treating. Use flashlights with fresh batteries. Dress in bright colors, and wear reflective material. Carry emergency identification (name, address, phone #.) Always trick or treat with adult supervision. Walk, do not run. Obey all traffic & pedestrian rules. Do not cross streets between parked cars; cross at street corners and crosswalks. Do not eat any treats until aparent/guardian has inspected them first. Stay on sidewalks; do not cut through yards. Stay within familiar areas and surroundings. Plan your trick or treating route & share it with your family. Approach houses only if they have lights on. Never go into homes. Never talk to strangers or get into strangers' cars. Be cautious of animals and unfamiliar people. Contact the police immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity. HAVE FUN! ! For more information contact the Iowa City Recreation Division, 356-5100 tit a ~ Dear Council members: Here's some need-to-know information for the week... in case you have, or are asked, questions... October 8, 2008 • The Iowa City Police Department has received a $4300 grant from juvenile court for undercover sting operations related to underage drinking and enforcement. The City is in the process of hiring a temporary "Associate Planner -Flood Recovery" in the Community Development Division. The primary focus of this position will be administration of various federal, state and local flood recovery programs, such as Community Development Block Grants for flood relief, State of Iowa Jump Start program funds, and the FEMA flood mitigation residential buyout program. This position will be paid from that portion of program funds designated for administrative costs. This position will be needed for approximately two years. Union wages and benefits will apply. AFSCME Local #183 has agreed to waive certain provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to accommodate a temporary position of this duration. • From time-to-time we exchange information with other "Big 10" cities as they often deal with similar issues. Following is an excerpt from a recent email exchange regarding underage and excessive drinking: "We formed a Responsibility Hospitality Council nearly ten years ago. All of the downtown establishments that have a liquor license are members. Most establishments outside the downtown are also members. Their meetings are well attended. The primary mission of the Council is to reduce underage and irresponsible drinking. Among other programs they: sponsor training put on by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the ELPD, have standards for advertising that limits the promotion of low cost drink specials, and have a phone tree that warns each other of groups of intoxicated individuals attempting to enter establishments. It has influenced behaviors." • FEMA Trailer Update - In addition to the 11 occupied mobile homes in Johnson Co. there are another 9 unoccupied mobile homes at the same park. FEMA will soon start to remove the unoccupied mobile homes but will maintain a reserve of a couple dozen mobile homes at their staging area in case they are needed. ~r~' From the office of the City Manager Michael (~ombardo ~ ~ ~-~~~-~o ~ a michael-lombardo@iowa-city.org -~o=os.os Iowa City Airport Commission 1P6 October 1, 2008 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES DRAFT Iowa City Airport Commission October 1, 2008 Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy Hartwig; Greg Farris; Janelle Rettig; John Staley Members Absent: Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Deb Mansfield Others Present: DETERMINE QUORUM: The meeting was called to order at 5:55 P.M. by Chairperson Farris. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: Budget Work Session -Farris introduced Deb Mansfield and set the meeting schedule. Mansfield presented the commission with information regarding schedules for the budget and how the worksheets are compiled. Mansfield described the different forms and how they were used to put the final numbers into the budget. Members asked questions regarding the schedules to which Mansfield responded. Horan Arrived at 6:10pm Mansfield also discussed the Aviation Commerce park loan, Tharp asked via email regarding the payment of the loan principle. Mansfield responded that in years there are no sales, there was some negative amortization which increased the overall loan cost. Rettig asked questions regarding current hangar loans and Mansfield responded. Rettig asked about how the state grants get put into the books since those only appear on a yearly basis out of the city budget cycle. Members discussed how to plan state grants similar to federal grants which operate on a longer planning cycle. Staley arrived at 6:30pm. Members discussed the possible funding methods and the time frame to use the grant. Members asked about the general levy fund and how some of the changes in the fund levels were being changed after the commission had been submitting it. Mansfield related that some of the grant match funds were coming from the general levy instead of bonds, and that when they did that, those were being reflected in the general levy account to show they were being used for airport project. Those funds were being used primarily for the state grants which were occurring off the normal budget cycle. This then changed the overall summary account which was reflected in the general levy contributions to the airport. Mansfield Iowa City Airport Commission October 1, 2008 Page 2 of 3 discussed the funding issue regarding the proposed corporate hangar. The airport commission received a grant offer for FY2009, however the local share isn't programmed until FY2011. Rettig left meeting at 7:00 Members asked about setting up a reserve fund to help cover major repairs which otherwise aren't being budgeted for. Mansfield described the issues with trying to set up a reserve fund in different scenarios as they related to the city levy accounts. Farris discussed the FY2010 budget that he, Rettig, and Tharp had developed. He stated they had come up with a status quo budget to maintain current levels with the exception of personnel. Farris stated that they were budgeting fora 75% Operations Specialist position. Farris stated that this would make the position exempt to stabilize the budget numbers. Horan moved to approve the FY2010 budget as developed and presented by the Chair, seconded by Hartwig. Motion Approved 4-0 Rettig Absent ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. CHAIRPERSON DATE 2 Iowa City Airport Commission October 1, 2008 Page 3 of 3 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2008 Meetin Dates NAME TERM EXP. 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13 4/10 4/28 5/8 5/22 6/9 6/13 7/10 7/24 Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O/E X X Meeting cancelled Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X X X Meeting cancelled John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X Meeting cancelled Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X --- X X X X X X X X Meeting cancelled Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X X X Meeting cancelled (CONT.) TERM. EXP. 8/14 9/11 10/1 Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X John Staley 3/1/10 X X X Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X X Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X KEY: X =Present O =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member IP7 MINUTES Preliminary PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 - 7:00 PM -INFORMAL CITY HALL, EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Josh Busard, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Elizabeth Koppes, Wally Plahutnik, Michelle Payne, Tim Weitzel MEMBERS EXCUSED: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Karen Howard, Sarah Walz, Sarah Greenwood-Hektoen OTHERS PRESENT: None CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Ann Freerks COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: Discussion to consider adoption of the Central District Plan as an element of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. The Central District extends from the boundary of the Downtown District east to First Avenue and from Dodge Street and Hickory Hill Park on the north to Highway 6 on the south. Staff distributed pages with corrections and additions to the Central District Plan to the Commission members. Freerks asked if any of the additions were a result of new public input. Howard said that the changes were more intended to clarify points and provide better explanation than the direct result of public input. Freerks asked for clarification on a goal that had been added on page 34. Howard said that Staff had received correspondence from Doug Alberhasky asking Staff to take a look at the Market Street/Gilbert Street intersection. Howard said that Alberhasky had specific ideas for improvements, whereas transportation staff had felt that the intersection as a whole should be looked at prior to attempting any specific remedies. Freerks expressed concern that the matter was too specific to warrant being made a goal in the Central District Plan. Howard said that what had actually happened was that a goal that had been broader had been split into two goals in order to be more specific. Miklo stated that the concern raised was that traffic continuing north at the Gilbert and Market Street intersection is fed into a narrowed lane, and all other traffic is filtered through the left turning signal. In reality, however, cars intending to travel north through the intersection often find themselves in the left turning lane and then proceed north endangering the traffic in the right lane which is also proceeding north. Transportation planners did agree with Alberhasky's assessment that this was an issue that should be explored. Freerks asked if it was uncommon to have language about specific intersections addressed in a district plan. Howard noted that the intersection had already been specifically addressed in the plan prior to Alberhasky's correspondence. Howard said that this district plan is in general more detailed than others have been, in part because plans have become more detailed as time goes on, and in part because it is an already developed district. Howard noted that in the Southwest District Plan there was a lot of concern about people being able to cross the street to and from Walden Square. As a result, the plan called for a more thorough evaluation of the situation, and ultimately resulted in greater pedestrian access. Planning and Zoning Commission September 10, 2008 -Informal Page 2 Payne asked if the plans for individual districts get updated on a regular basis. She noted that the purpose of stating a goal is to attain it, and she wondered if plans were evaluated to see if goals had been attained or updated as goals were achieved. Miklo said that this has not yet happened. Plans have been updated when major concepts have changed. Plans have not yet been created for all of the districts, and that needs to be finished before re-evaluating the existing plans. Walz said that at some point the plans would be re-evaluated but that this would likely be a process done every 10-15 years. Miklo said that the oldest plan, the Southwest District Plan, is now nearing ten years old. Miklo said that it would be a good idea to look at that soon because commissions have changed and some goals have been accomplished. Eastham noted that it has taken approximately two years on average to formulate a plan for one district with the present staffing levels. Eastham said that having such long intervals of time between when a plan is finished and when it is reviewed may not be the most effective way of achieving and measuring achievement for stated goals. Koppes noted that Staff has had its hands full with other obligations. Eastham said that he fully agreed but that he hoped City Council would consider hiring additional staff to make the process more streamlined. Payne noted that it was also important to know whether and why goals were or were not achieved. Weitzel asked if it was possible to come up with some sort of timeline outlining the time in which the Commission hoped a given goal would be completed. Howard said this was a valid point and that Staff has talked about the possibility of making plans more time-specific. To date, plans have not really been used in that way. Presently they are a tool for setting priorities for City Council, neighborhood associations, and citizens. Plans that included timelines, Howard said, would be plans of a more strategic nature. Howard offered the example of the redevelopment proposed for South Gilbert Street in the plan. That re-development would obviously require extensive strategic planning; the plan outlined in the Central District Plan is not sufficient for implementation. In creating strategic plans, one would set out realistic, specific ways in which to achieve a goal. Miklo pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan set out broad goals for each district. He noted that the district plans are probably most useful when the City is putting together the capital ,improvements program; when the Council sits down to allocate the budget to specific capital improvement projects. Miklo said that each year when the capital improvements program is created, the specific items from each new district plan are considered for funding. The plans also provide some guidance when development decisions are being made. Some of the items in the plans are items that need to be implemented by private citizens, developers, neighborhood associations, the University of Iowa, etc. Miklo said he thought it would be difficult to assign a date to every goal in a plan in any meaningful way. Freerks asked about the addition of another goal on page 34. Howard said that this goal was put in to acknowledge that the easiest and best way to keep traffic off of local streets is to make arterial streets function better. Freerks expressed concern that arterial streets are local streets for those living in the neighborhood and that the effects of changing arterial streets on the neighborhood in which they are located are not adequately addressed by the current language. Freerks asked if language to the effect of "while minimizing the effects on neighborhoods" could be added to that specific goal in order to acknowledge the need for balance and context-sensitive design. Weitzel asked if there were properties on the newest map that were noted as significant that were not actually landmark properties. Miklo said that properties designated as significant were: national register properties, local landmarks, and properties eligible for national register. He said this was done only in the two areas designated as likely for redevelopment, North Marketplace and South Gilbert. Miklo said that the idea was to highlight significant buildings in the event of a zone change due to redevelopment or a proposal for a Tax Increment Financing district, so that the buildings are noted. Miklo said that the hope is that the Central District plan does nothing to hasten their demise in calling for redevelopment. Koppes asked about the open space fee that is called for in the Central District Plan. Miklo said that typically the open space fee applies to a subdivision or a planned development, not a rezoning. This is something Staff is proposing for the Central District, Miklo said. If a property is up-zoned to increase the residential density then an open-space fee would be added. If this fee was charged in the Central District, then the funding would have to be used in the Central District. Koppes said that she really felt like more park land needed to be found in this very densely populated area. Howard said that the plan tries to envision land that has not been developed yet for open space uses. Koppes said she would like language in the plan that indicates that if suitable land opens up the City will investigate it. Walz noted Planning and Zoning Commission September 10, 2008 -Informal Page 3 that the plan states that the City will "pursue opportunities to create pocket parks where lots become available in the district." Miklo said that there is text in the plan identifying two houses on the north side of the Plum Grove property as potential areas to increase that open-space area and make Plum Grove more visible. That area is only open limited hours due to security concerns for the building itself. Walz asked if Koppes would suggest taking out the word "pocket" and simply saying "parks." Koppes said that language encouraging both could be used. Freerks asked if the map concerning the South Gilbert Street area had been shared with property owners in the neighborhood. Miklo said that the map had not, but that a meeting had been held with property owners. A number of the policies and goals for the area came about as a result of that meeting. Miklo said that Staff did get in touch with City Carton because the plan indicates that that property should be redeveloped. Howard said that there seemed to be a general feeling among property owners in the area that they were not sure what was going to happen in the area and so were reluctant to invest a lot of money in their properties. Howard said that there was also a desire to go ahead and rezone the area along Gilbert Street that is more retail/general commercial to Community Commercial right now. There was some concern expressed that the general repair area of the district should be maintained and not pushed out of the area. Miklo said that a concern was voiced that affordable small business space could be displaced by affordable housing, which, Miklo assured the Commission, is not in the plan at all. Miklo noted that the area near Gilbert Court and Highland Court had been identified as an area in which the status quo should be maintained. Eastham said that while he felt that the idea of Transit Oriented Design (TOD) was a bold vision for the area, he questioned whether there were drawbacks to pinning the redevelopment concept on a transportation usage that do not yet exist. Eastham said that the current language seems to say that if the railroad system changes then this is an excellent area for redevelopment. Eastham said that the area could have a lot of redevelopment potential even without any changes to the current rail system. Howard said that the idea behind the current vision is that there needs to be some catalyst to redevelopment. She said that the area had been in its current state of flux for a long time, and that there is no reason to believe that will change without a real catalyst, such as interstate and commuter railroad service. Further, because there is serious discussion at the state and interstate levels for passenger rail service, it seems wise to have a plan in place that addresses that potential change. Howard said that if the change in railroad service does not go through, there is still a plan in place to improve aesthetics for the area in the short-term. In the long-term, Howard said, the market will determine if there is redevelopment of the area. Payne asked if zoning in that area allowed for a parking garage. Howard replied that there is nothing preventing anyone from putting a parking garage in a commercial zone other than the economics of it. Payne said that if the idea is to have rail service, there will need to be parking so that people can get to the rail service. Miklo said that if there were parking facilities, they would likely be city-owned. Howard noted that this would be part of the strategic planning phase. Walz noted that bus lines would also be coordinated with train schedules in order to lessen the need for commuter parking. Miklo said that while he felt that Eastham had made a very good point, he did not feel there was anything in the plan saying that redevelopment could not happen without rail service. Miklo said that two issues that he believed were more critical to redevelopment of the area were the removal of the sewage treatment plant and the relocation of City Carton to a more industrial area; until these two things happen, Miklo does not believe mixed-use residential will be pursued in the area. Eastham asked if Amtrak would require that the old treatment facility be removed prior to considering having a station in that area; Miklo said that he did not believe it would matter. Howard said that from what she understands, the Amtrak project needs state funding in Iowa before it can proceed (Illinois has already committed funding for its portion). Eastham said that another issue that concerns him with this particular area is ensuring that there is proper planning for potential flooding. He said that it should be kept in mind that the flooding reached across Highway 6, and there is no reason to think that it would not do the same again. Freerks noted that Gilbert Street did not flood. Eastham replied that it did get into all of the areas that are marked for redevelopment, such as City Carton. Eastham said that when doing future land-use planning the Commission should take into account the likelihood for future flooding. Eastham asked if the Commission should specifically state on the land-use map that the Commission believes these parcels will flood again and therefore does not want them to be redeveloped. Miklo said this issue was discussed by Staff, and it is one reason the map was left somewhat vague, not showing development all the way to the river, and Planning and Zoning Commission September 10, 2008 -Informal Page 4 leaving the area as potential open space. Miklo said that at this level future flood prediction is difficult as flood mitigation measures have not yet been settled on. Howard noted that there is a warning on page 49 intended to address this issue. Freerks said that in her opinion the warning is sufficient. Walz said that land can be developed in more flood-tolerant ways, both in their design and in their use. Eastham noted that memories can be short when it comes to flooding, and he would be most comfortable if it was clearly stated that this was not an area for residential development. Miklo noted passages already in the plan that could be added to Goal #4 in order to emphasize this point. Howard noted that the area in question is largely City-owned other than the City Carton area. Howard said that it would be best not to make specific prohibitions against uses without further study. Discussion settled on adding language to the effect that any future development in the area must take the floodplain into consideration. Freerks expressed concern for the way the wording in the plan dealt with properties north of Kirkwood Avenue and Gilbert Court which is zoned RS-8. The wording states that mixed-use might provide an appropriate transition between the commercial area and the neighborhood to the east. Freerks pointed out that this is an area of affordable housing for the Longfellow School attendance area. The houses are small and much more affordable for people to purchase than many homes in the area, Freerks said. She expressed her hope that whatever is planned for the area takes that into account. Freerks said that she understood the area could be seen as ripe for redevelopment because the properties need money put back into them; however, she wanted any planning for the area to remember that there are viable neighborhoods there. Miklo said that the line between proposed mixed-use and residential was drawn where it was in order to take these affordable homes into account, because the area is a fairly stable, livable area. Walz noted that some of the area shown as future mixed-use is currently zoned commercial. Freerks expressed a desire to protect the affordable housing presently in the area. Howard noted that the nice thing about amixed-use zone is that it allows single-family homes, duplexes or townhomes. Howard said that she believed the thinking behind this part of the plan came from concerns expressed by neighborhood residents that there is not a good transition from commercial to residential. Howard said the idea was that the more commercial uses would happen along the arterial street, and that the intent was to have that not bleed into the neighborhood. Plahutnik said that it is a nice little neighborhood and a statement protecting it as affordable housing would be a good idea. Howard pointed out a section in Subarea C, on page 18 that she believed addressed Freerks concerns. Miklo suggested adding a section in the goals that perhaps referred back to this section, reminding the reader that the Oak Grove neighborhood should be preserved. Eastham asked what the rationale was for including the area as mixed-use development. Howard said it provided a transition from intensive commercial to residential. Walz said that the zone is very irregular, and some of it is zoned for intensive commercial despite the fact that it is not really appropriate for that due to the small lot sizes. Walz said Staff believed the mixed-use would create a buffer in the neighborhood that had a fair number of restrictions on it but is not going to be intensive in the way that other commercial uses might be. Walz suggested adding a sentence or two to address Freerks concern under Goal #3 in the South Gilbert section of the plan. Eastham noted that there is discussion in subareas B & C regarding trying to encourage rental redevelopment to discourage the dorm-style, four and five bedroom apartments. Eastham asked what mechanisms the City had at its disposal to achieve this goal. Eastham asked if the City had clear authority to limit the number of bedrooms in a unit. Howard said that the City would not have that authority unless it changed the zoning ordinance. Koppes and Plahutnik pointed out that this provision would give the rationale needed to change the zoning code, and could be a sort of first step in that process. Eastham asked if there would be support for adding that kind of a regulation to the zoning code. Freerks stated that there could be for future development but that she did not think they could move backwards. Miklo said that a concern was brought up by property owners and business owners in the North Market area and the South Gilbert area was that they did not want an area that was overdeveloped with large dorm-style apartments as the area just south of Burlington has become. Howard noted that the issue is not always the number of bedrooms in a unit, but is also sometimes the management of the property. Howard said that the idea of the plan is to support having a goal to look at these issues and find creative solutions to make it better. Walz said that one of the interesting things about the housing meeting was the number of students who attended and some of the things they had to say. Walz noted that students expressed dissatisfaction with the options available to them as well, and a healthy discussion resulted. University of Iowa Planning and Zoning Commission September 10, 2008 -Informal Page 5 representatives also noted some dissatisfaction with current options available to students. Miklo said that South Johnson and South Van Buren are both zoned at ahigh-density, RM-44. He noted that it should be made clear that probably the only way these areas could be redeveloped to create a more pleasant, livable environment would be to develop at an even higher density. Miklo said this may seem counter- intuitive, but that it may be the only way to provide financial incentive to get rid of the current buildings and provide something taller with more structured parking and more green space. Miklo said that most of these properties are owned by the Clark family in some form or another and the potential for redevelopment would be entirely dependent on supply and demand; if the incentive is enough then redevelopment may be possible. Miklo said the buildings are aging and the owners have had to put money into them recently to keep them marketable. On another topic, Howard said she wished to give notice that there had been an editorial written in the Press Citizen regarding the Central District Plan. The editorial focused primarily on the issue of bicycle- friendliness, and gave the date and time of the formal Planning and Zoning meeting. Miklo said that the tone of the article is that the plan recognizes the Central District as the most bike-friendly part of the city, and it questioned just how bike-friendly the area really was. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission Attendance Record 2008 CnDMAI MFFTIIJ(: Name Term Ex ires 112 1117 3120 413 4117 511 5115 615 6119 713 7117 817 8121 914 J. Busard 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - --- -- -- -- -- -- -- X 0/E X OIE X X C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X x X X X X X X x x x A. Freerks 05/13 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X E. Ko es 05/12 x x X X x x x x X X x X O/E X M. Pa ne 05/10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- OIE X W Plahutnik 05/10 X x X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X T. Weitzel 05/13 -- -- -- -- -- -- - -- -- -- x x x x x X x x x IIJCnDMAI MFFTI Wf: Name Term Ex ires ~ y21 4/14 5/12 6/2 6/30 7/14 8118 9115 J. Busard 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X X X X A. Freerks 05/13 X X X X X X X X X E. Ko es 05/12 X X X X X X O/E X X M. Pa ne 05/10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X W. Plahutnik 05/10 0/E O/E X X X X O/E X X T. Weitzel 05/13 -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X O/E X Key: X =Present 0 =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused IP8 MINUTES Preliminary PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 - 7:30 PM -FORMAL CITY HALL, EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Josh Busard, Elizabeth Koppes, Michelle Payne, Wally Plahutnik, Tim Weitzel, MEMBERS EXCUSED: None STAFF PRESENT: Karen Howard, Sarah Walz OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Kubby, Wendy Robertson RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: The Commission voted 7-0 to approve the Central District Plan as an element of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. The Central District extends from the boundary of the Downtown District east to First Avenue and from Dodge Street and Hickory Hill Park on the north to Highway 6 on the south. The draft presented to the Commission was approved with the following amendments: • Add color coding symbols to the definition of the terms on pages 62 and 63. • Add language in the "Housing and Quality of Life" section that requires a heightened awareness of rebuilding or redeveloping in all flood-prone areas. • Add language on page 39 to include gardening groups in the community other than Project Green. • Add language on page 21 discouraging dorm-style apartments where appropriate. Define affordable housing to include all.applicable income groups. • Add language in page 19 about maintaining the residential character of the Oak Grove neighborhood in the face of redevelopment. • Revise maps in the plan to make them accurate prior to the final draft. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Ann Freerks. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: A public hearing to consider adoption of the Central District Plan as an element of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. The Central District extends from the boundary of the Downtown District east to First Avenue and from Dodge Street and Hickory Hill Park on the north to Highway 6 on the south. Howard noted that Staff had received an a-mail from Cindy Parsons regarding Project Green and proposed community gardens be somehow included in the Central District Plan. Howard presented a draft of the plan in which language and additions that had been changed as a result of the informal meeting's discussions were underlined. Planning and Zoning Commission September 18, 2008 -Formal Page 2 Howard pointed out language on page 19 intended to make it clearer that the mixed-use zone on Gilbert Court is a transition or buffer between the neighborhood to the east and the more commercial zone to the west. An objective was added on page 20 to support efforts to create opportunities for affordable housing within redevelopment areas. Freerks noted that her concern had been directed at maintaining current affordable housing stock. Howard asked Freerks to take a look at the language that was added and see if it meets her concerns. Freerks asked if "maintain" could be added to the passage. Walz noted that the mixed-use zone is largely dependent on the rail line coming through that area. That being the case, the value of the properties would likely increase and possibly lead to some gentrification of the area with the implementation of a rail line, and may or may not remain "affordable" depending on the market. In that case, Howard said, short of public intervention or non-profits buying the homes to maintain their affordability, there would be no saying what their value might become. Freerks asked if there was anything in the goals which addressed maintaining affordable housing. Howard said she believed there was a lot of language about affordable housing in general. Plahutnik asked if it would work to simply say "protect and maintain the residential character of the neighborhood," and leave out references to affordability. Walz said that even if the zone was kept RS-8 and not changed to mixed-use the affordability of the houses would not necessarily be protected. Koppes noted that a residential feel can be maintained in a commercial area as suggested by Plahutnik. Howard said that in order for this plan to be implemented the area would have to be rezoned to mixed-use and redeveloped. In the redeveloped area, the idea should be to make a concerted effort to ensure that a portion of the housing stock was affordable. Freerks said that her concern was not just the affordability, but also the residential feel and the access to good schools. She said the heart of what she was talking about was not wanting to crowd those kinds of home-owners out of the area. Howard explained that the mixed-use zone is intended as a buffer between intensive commercial areas and residential areas. Freerks reiterated that her concern was in not pushing out existing homeowners. Weitzel said that he feels caught between maintaining the neighborhood as it is now versus making sure new development continues to provide a residential character and affordable housing opportunities. Weitzel said that if the idea was to preserve buildings as they are now then that would be more of a historical district, which could be picked up during the Oak Grove survey. Walz said that Staff had looked into that and there were no houses that were historically significant. Freerks said that it was not a historical nature she was concerned about as much as letting families feel like they can stay in the neighborhood once it is redeveloped. Howard asked if Freerks was concerned about families feeling pushed out due to gentrification. Freerks said that it was more the idea of large-scale commercial development abutting these areas. Koppes asked if the basic concern Freerks had at this point was that the people living there should not feel pressured that their neighborhood is being redeveloped and that they must sell and move. Walz suggested changing wording on page 19 to read: "Careful planning will be necessary to ensure that there is an attractive and functional interface between the redevelopment area and the residential neighborhoods to the east to maintain the current residential character." Freerks stated that she believed that would help. Eastham stated that he had one other issue to address in the "Housing and Quality of Life" section of the plan. Freerks stated that she felt it was best to stick to the specific changes Staff had made and then open public hearing. She said she felt that they had gone deeper into wording things than they had wanted to. She directed Howard to move on. Howard stated that there had been a change on page #34 of "Streets and Transportation." A sentence was added to the section on cut-through traffic on local streets. The sentence states that context- sensitive design will be implemented in addressing this as will creative solutions to increase capacity and improve the roadway for all modes of transportation while minimizing impacts to neighboring properties. Freerks stated that she believed this change captured the essence of what had been discussed at the work session. Howard noted a tweak on the portion concerning creating parks and pocket parks. Additionally, Staff added a piece concerning Plum Grove and the possibility of acquiring neighboring properties to enhance that park. Weitzel suggested noting the possible need for a survey of those properties to ensure that they are not historically significant. Howard stated that she would consult Miklo on this, but that he was very careful to look at existing resources to ensure that the properties were not of historical significance. Howard stated that the section concerning Gilbert Street also included a provision. regarding a transition from commercial to residential. Staff also made sure that one of the objectives was taking into account Planning and Zoning Commission September 18, 2008 -Formal Page 3 flooding along the riverfront area A new map was added to the plan in the Northside Marketplace area and the boundaries were redrawn to match with those on the streetscape plan. The historic survey was also looked at to determine which were the historically significant properties in the area. Howard apologized to any of the public present who had not been present to hear the full presentation at the previous meeting, but stated that Staff would be more than happy to answer any questions they may have about the plan as a whole. Freerks asked if there were questions for Staff on the changes that had been made. There were none. Freerks opened the public hearing. Karen Kubby, Ridge Street, said she came to speak about three things. She said she was present as a member of FAIR!, a group that is concerned with affordable housing and has been talking a lot lately about flood mitigation. She said that one of the things FAIR! is interested in is ensuring that any redevelopment along the Ralston Creek or Iowa River floodplain is flood resilient. She said she felt she needed to ask the question of whether residential rebuilding should be allowed in the floodplain. Kubby said that there was not much of a problem along the Ralston Creek floodplain this year, but that there had been in the 1993 floods. Kubby said that the characterization of commercial property along the floodplain is much different than that of residential property. Kubby said she had appreciated the conversation about affordability that had taken place. Kubby said that she is concerned about gentrification. When commercial development occurs next door to affordable neighborhoods pressure to move is felt. Kubby said that to talk about maintaining the residential character of a neighborhood is not enough because you can retain some parts and lose other essential parts. Kubby said that there is a huge gap in the number of affordable rental and owner-occupied units in this city which has been magnified by the floods. Anything that these district plans can do to really speak to these issues provides momentum to keep our eye on that ball, Kubby said. Kubby noted that pocket parks are sometimes necessary in very densely populated neighborhoods, but that they are very expensive for the City to maintain. Kubby said there are also some advantages to pocket parks, especially when they are turned into community urban gardens to grow flowers or food. Kubby said she did not want to have things in the plan that are so expensive that the parkland is purchased but is not maintained, thereby causing frustration in the neighborhood. Wendy Robertson, 523 Grant Street, also identified herself as a member of FAIR! She said she would like to thank Staff and the Commission for some of the things that have been added to the plan. She said her primary concerns centered on affordable housing and flooding. Robertson said that she appreciated the term affordable housing being used throughout the plan, but that very often when people speak of affordable housing they are talking about home that can be purchased by those making 80-120% of the median income. She said that while this is a type of affordable housing that is needed in Iowa City, attention must also be paid to those who make less than 80% of the median income. In the plan it is not clear to whom the document refers when using the term "affordable housing." She said she wished that was clearer in the plan. Robertson said she was very happy that the plan encouraged traffic on arterial streets and attempted to insulate neighborhoods from excessive traffic. However, she wished to point out that some streets are arterial for a part of its length but not all of it, and that has the effect of dumping traffic into neighborhoods. She listed Court Street, Muscatine, parts of Bowery and the section of Gilbert Street north of Jefferson as examples of this phenomenon. She asked that particular attention be paid to these streets, and suggested bike routes as a possible way of alleviating this problem. No one else wished to address the Commission, and the public hearing was closed. Busard moved to approve the Central District Plan with the changes discussed during the meeting Planning and Zoning Commission September 18, 2008 -Formal Page 4 Eastham seconded Weitzel noted that he wished to make sure that the concerns just raised by the public were also addressed. Eastham stated that a part of the discussion at the informal meeting had begun to focus on limiting the number of bedrooms in a unit to encourage development of housing that is more attractive to everyone. Eastham said that there is language to this effect concerning the Northside Marketplace area on page 16, which states that the goal is to encourage smaller apartments with two or fewer bedrooms to prevent dorm-style apartments that many believe would be detrimental. Eastham said he would like to add a sentence to the same effect as a goal for the "Housing and Quality of Life" section of the plan. Howard said that adding this may prove confining in the future as it is giving a prescription before the matter has been looked at in detail. Freerks said that this has come up before and that she remembers approximately eight times since she has been on the Commission in which people have stepped up and said that there is a problem with redevelopment going toward dorm-style apartment living. She said that this is an open problem in the community and she does not see why the Commission would just pick one particular area in the community to try to remedy it. Howard said she would suggest using the term "dorm-style" apartments, and not putting a number on it. Howard said that it should be kept in mind that a lot of these goals and objectives have not been examined in such detail that real, workable solutions have been deeply considered. She recommended keeping the goals general enough that they do not prevent Staff from developing creative solutions in the future. She did think adding language discouraging dorm- style apartments would not be prohibitive. Weitzel said that he would like to see the topics discussed that had been brought up by the public. Specifically, he wished to have the stronger language regarding floodplain development and flood resilient building added to the plan. Weitzel said that he was not trying to prohibit development in the areas discussed; rather he was trying to promote sensible development. Koppes suggested adding "resilient" to goal #4. Busard asked if the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would not be instructing the City as to what could be built in floodplain areas. Weitzel said he believed FEMA only advised whether flood insurance could be purchased in a given area and did not advise on a specific type of construction. Koppes said FEMA has requirements on what can be built in an area if the area is bought out by FEMA, but that the area in question is not abuy-out area. Busard pointed out that for a given area no development at all may be more appropriate than flood resilient development. Howard said that the problem is that it is not yet possible to figure out what the most appropriate use for that specific area might be: a parking lot, parkland, stilted non-residential buildings. Eastham said that what he heard from Kubby was 1) pay attention to flood risk when planning redevelopment and 2) to consider prohibiting residential uses at all in flood-prone areas. Eastham said he is in favor of both of those concepts. Plahutnik said that one piece of language that should go into the plan is the phrase "and other flood-prone areas" in addition to discussions of the riverfront. Howard said that should be added to the plan in a section that would apply to the whole district, rather than just fhe section on the South Gilbert Street area. Walz noted that this language would include areas near Ralston Creek which would affect a much larger section of town. Eastham said that he personally felt that it should be a modification of the Comprehensive Plan itself because that language applies to the whole community; although he noted, Comprehensive Plan changes are for another day. Howard noted that most of the Central District is already built out, and that it was originally brought up in the South Gilbert area because it was an area with the greatest potential for redevelopment. She said that something could be added to the "Housing and Quality of Life" section to create more awareness of the issue outside of the immediate riverfront. The language concerning Project GREEN, community gardens, and other organizations which was suggested by Robertson and Kubby could be added somewhere in the section on Parks to relay the general idea that the community has a lot of partners to work with on these issues, Howard suggested. Koppes noted that there is an issue with community gardens and the amount of work involved unless there is a very organized group and strong partnerships focused on each specific garden. Eastham said that another comment he heard from the public hearing was to make sure that the word "affordable" as it pertains to housing includes all applicable income groups, and is defined at some point in the document. Planning and Zoning Commission September 18, 2008 -Formal Page 5 Weitzel asked if there was a need to put something in the plan about avoiding gentrification of the Oak Grove neighborhood area with redevelopment. Howard said that she was concerned with putting something in the plan about which there was nothing the City could do. Gentrification is amarket-driven phenomenon, and while there are certain things that can be done to work with affordable housing producers to keep housing affordable, short of price-controls there is nothing the City can do to avoid the phenomenon altogether. Freerks said she was not comfortable putting something that specific in the plan over which the Commission had no control. Payne, who returned after having to excuse herself, asked if the issue of arterial streets not being arterial for their full lengths had been discussed. She was advised that it had not. Payne asked if there were signs indicating where bike trails are and which roads bikes should or should not be on. Howard said that Iowa City is working on a bike-way plan which would supersede anything in this plan concerning bikes. The idea with bike-ways, Howard said, is to create known routes that are safer for bikes, while not prohibiting bikes on other roadways. Plahutnik said that higher traffic levels are something that one must simply accept when living at the end of an arterial street as he does. He noted that there is a procedure citizens can go through to request traffic-calming measures if the issue is of concern to the neighborhood. Freerks said she believed the plan was a very solid piece of work and she thanked everyone involved in putting it together, and in accepting so much public input. Weitzel said that he was really excited by the Transit Oriented Development in the plan, and that it would have a transformative effect on the South Gilbert area and potentially on the city as a whole. Eastham said that he agreed with the comments that had been made and that he was also very pleased to see a set of ideas for redeveloping some areas that have very high-density student housing. He said that he hoped having these ideas in the plan will eventually result in some redevelopment of that area which would improve the quality of life for many people. Greenwood-Hektoen advised that before a vote was taken, the record should be made clear exactly what changes were taking place. She noted that Busard's motion was to accept all of Staff's changes that resulted in the latest version of the Central District plan. Greenwood-Hektoen said she believed that friendly amendments could be made to Busard's motion and then be voted on. Greenwood-Hektoen outlined the amendments as follows: • Add color coding symbols to the definition of the terms on pages 62 and 63. • Add language in the "Housing and Quality of Life" section that requires a heightened awareness of rebuilding or redeveloping in all flood-prone areas. • Add language on page 39 to include gardening groups in the community other than Project GREEN. • Add language on page 21 discouraging dorm-style apartments where appropriate. • Define affordable housing to include all applicable income groups. • Add language in page 19 about maintaining the residential character of the Oak Grove neighborhood in the face of redevelopment. • Revise maps in the plan to make them accurate prior to the final draft. Weitzel moved to accept the amendments. Plahutnik seconded Freerks called for a vote. The motion carried 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 4, 2008: Eastham motioned to accept the minutes. Payne seconded. The minutes were approved on a vote of 7- 0. OTHER: None. ADJOURNMENT: Eastham motioned to adjourn. Weitzel seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 7-0 vote at 8:37 p.m. Iowa City Planning 8 Zoning Commission Attendance Record 2008 n~ iu~cnr~n Name Term Ex ires 112 1117 3120 4/3 4117 511 5115 615 6119 713 7117 817 8121 914 9118 J. Busard 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- - - -- - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X O/E X O/E X X X C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X A. Freerks 05/13 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X E. Ko es 05/12 X X X X X X X X X X X X o/E X x M. Pa ne 05/10 -- -- -- -- - -- - -- -- -- - -- -- -- -- -- - - -- -- -- - -- -- 0/E X X W Plahutnik 05/10 X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X T. Weitzel 05/13 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - - X X X X x X X X X X INFr1RMAl MFFTINr Name Term Ex ires 217 2/21 4/14 5/12 6/2 6/30 7/14 8/18 9/15 J. Busard 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X X X X A. Freerks 05/13 X X X X X X X X X E. Ko es 05/12 X X X X X X O/E X X M. Pa ne 05/10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X W. Plahutnik 05/10 O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X T. Weitzel 05!13 -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X O/E X Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 ~.. - i ' Iowa City ~e~,~,e ..... Central District Plan DEPARTMENT O F PLANNING AND COMMUNITY D E V E L O P M E N T Central District Plan City of Iowa City, Iowa 2008 City Council Regenia Bailey Connie Champion Amy Correia Matt Hayek Mike O'Donnell Ross Wilburn Michael Wright Planning and Zoning Commission Joshua Busard Charles Eastham Ann Freerks Elizabeth Koppes Michelle Payne Wally Plahutnik Tim Weitzel City Manager Michael Lombardo Department of Planning and Community Development Jeff Davidson, Director Robert Miklo, Senior Planner Karen Howard, Associate Planner Sarah Walz, Associate Planner, Christina Kuecker, Associate Planner Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services Kay Irelan, Mapping Doug Ongie, Planning Intern Robert Anderson, Planning Intern Adam Ralston, Planning Intern Table of Contents Introduction 1 Housing and Quality of Life 11 Street and Transportation 23 Parks, Open Space, and Public Ways 37 Commercial Areas 45 South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor 46 Northside Marketplace 55 Introduction The Central District is one of ten planning districts in Iowa City. As elements of the Compre- hensive Plan, district plans are intended to promote patterns of land use, urban design, infra- structure, and services that encourage and contribute to the livability of Iowa City and its neighborhoods. These plans are advisory documents for directing and managing change over time and serve to guide decision-making, public deliberation, and investment. The Central District Plan establishes planning principles, goals and objectives that relate spe- cifically to the history and existing conditions of the Central District. The plan addresses issues of housing and quality of life, transportation, commercial development, and parks, trails and open space. Public Participation Public input is vital to any comprehensive planning effort. Residents, property owners, area businesses, community organizations, public service agencies, and other interested citizens helped formulate the goals and objectives for the Central District Plan through their participa- tion in a series of community planning workshops and public forums. To initiate the process a community workshop was held at City High School in October of 2006 to gather information on what makes the Central District attractive and livable as well as what is most challenging about living, working, or doing business here. Workshop participants dis- cussed how to build on the assets of the area and brainstormed solutions to problems. To cre- ate acomfortable forum for discussion, workshop participants were divided into small groups. Each of these groups discussed topics ranging from housing and neighborhood livability to streets, transportation and parks. Those who were interested in discussing topics in more de- tail were encouraged to attend a series of smaller focus group discussions held at City Hall and the Public Library. The six focus group sessions were well-attended and discussion was lively. Topics included: • Housing and Quality of Life • Streets and Transportation Central Planning District Boundary SCOTT BLVD ~_ Z ~ Y ~ Z ~ o ~ U Z ~~ ~- e- E DAVENPORT ST w CC'S E JEFFERSON ST m w o ~ ~ Q Z Z 0 z 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~_. Z w ,- j m 1 IOWAINTERSTATE Z RAILROAD N - ~_ I i w Rai Rq ~NrF o ~q~ RSTgTF a U r Nw~sF ~ ~, ~ N ~CPD Boundary Iowa R~~e, • Parks, Trails and Open Space The Central Planning District excludes Downtown, • Northside Marketplace (2 sessions) which forms its own planning district, but otherwise South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor extends from the Iowa River east to First Avenue. ~ The district's northern boundary follows the north- From these workshops and community forums, common themes emerged, and a final commu- ern boundary of Hickory Hill Park and portions of N. nity-wide workshop in October 2007 drew together the vision, goals, and objectives for the Dodge Street. It is bounded on the south by High- way 6, but excludes the commercial and industrial Central District Plan. areas near the Sycamore Mall. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 2 Plan Implementation The Central District Plan will be used as a general guide to future development or redevelopment within the district and for preserving valuable assets already present within established neighbor- hoods. It will take the efforts of City officials, area residents, businesses, and community organi- zations to achieve the goals and objectives in the plan. Planning staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, and the City Council will use the plan as a guide when re- viewing development and rezoning requests. It will serve as a tool for neighborhood groups, com- munity organizations, and other interested parties to advocate for improvements and form part- nerships to make elements of the plan a reality. The City will refer to the plan when setting fund- ing priorities for public projects, improvements to existing infrastructure, and public services. Property owners, business owners, and developers who are thinking of investing in the Central District will find the plan useful as a framework for their plans. The plan will also serve as a benchmark over time and continued input from the public will ensure that the plan works equita- blyand reliably. Iowa City Comprehensive Plan Any effective planning effort must be grounded in reality-it must take into account the existing local conditions and any community-wide goals and policies that have already been agreed upon. The Iowa City Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1997 presents a vision for Iowa City, provides strategies for realizing that vision, and sets policies for the development and growth of the City. While each district plan addresses the unique characteristics of a specific area of the City, it must also meet the goals and policies adopted as a part of the larger Comprehensive Plan. Following is a set of general principles from the Comprehensive Plan for maintaining and building healthy neighborhoods. Most of the neighborhoods within the Central District have been built ac- cording to these principles. New development or redevelopment should adhere to these principles as well. Preserve Historic Resources and Reinvest in ®I~er Neighborhoot~s -Adopting strategies to assure the stability and livability of Iowa City's older neighborhoods helps to preserve the culture, history, and identity of Iowa City. Investing in the neighborhoods that are closest to the University and other major employers in the city provides options for people to live close to work, school and shopping, promotes walking and bicycling, and reduces vehicle miles traveled. In addition, older neighborhoods contain many affordable housing options where City services and infrastructure are already in place. ®iversity o$ Housing Types - A mix of housing types within a neighborhood provides residential opportunities for a variety of people, including singles, couples, young families, large families, and P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Residents, property owners, area businesses, commu- nity organizations, public service agencies, and other interested citizens participated in a series of eight community planning workshops and public forums that took place over the course of twelve months. elderly persons. When diverse housing sizes and types are well-dispersed throughout the commu- nity, it becomes easier for people to live in the same neighborhood through a variety of life stages. A rich mix of housing within a neighborhood may include single-family homes on small lots, town- houses, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and zero-lot-line housing as well as large-lot, single- family residential development. A$$®rdlable H®t~sirug - By allowing for a mix of housing types, moderately priced housing can be in- corporated into a neighborhood, not segregated in one or two areas of the community. Small multi- family buildings can be incorporated on corner lots adjacent to arterial streets, and townhouses and duplex units can be mixed with single-family homes within a neighborhood. Apartments located above commercial businesses provide needed housing while increasing the revenue stream for commercial establishments. Neigf~b®rYu®®dl C®r~urttuercial Areas -Neighborhood commercial areas can provide a focal point and gathering place for a neighborhood. The businesses within a neighborhood commercial center should provide shopping opportunities within convenient walking distance for the residents in the immediate area. The design of the neighborhood commercial center should have a pedestrian ori- entation with the stores placed close to the street, but with sufficient open space to allow for out- door cafes and patios or landscaping. Parking should be located to the rear and sides of stores with additional parking on the street. Incorporating apartments above shops and public open space may foster additional activity and vitality in a neighborhood commercial area. Iruterc®ruruectee~ Street System -Grid street systems help to reduce congestion by dispersing traffic, since there are multiple routes to get from point A to point B. In addition, by providing more direct routes, interconnected streets can reduce the vehicle miles traveled each day within a neighbor- hood, provide more direct walking routes to neighborhood destinations, and reduce the cost of pro- viding City services. Streets as M®re tYuaru Pavertt~erut -Streets and the adjacent parkways and sidewalks can be en- hanced and planned to encourage pedestrian activity. Street trees, benches, sidewalks, and attrac- tive lighting along the street help create pleasant and safe public spaces for walking to neighbor- hood destinations and for socializing with neighbors. Streetscape amenities help give a sense of distinction, identity, and security within a neighborhood. Narrower street pavement widths slow traf- fic, reduce infrastructure costs, and allow for a more complete tree canopy over the street. Redlt~ce~ Fr®rut Yardl Setbacks -Reduced setbacks allow homes to be placed closer to the street, which provides for more back yard space and room for garages and utilities if there is also an alley located behind the home. Reduced setbacks, combined with narrower street pavements, create a more intimate pedestrian-scaled public space along the street, which encourages walking and so- cializing. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 The Comprehensive Plan encourages a mix of housing to provide opportunities for a variety of people at vari- ous stages of life to live within a neighborhood. Recent changes to design standards for multiifamily housing and duplexes help to ensure that a mix of housing can fit into any neighborhood. 4 Many of the planning principles included in the Com- prehensive Plan are characteristics exemplified in Iowa City's older neighborhoods. For example, the interconnected street system, sidewalks, narrow frontages, use of alleys, and diversity of housing type and affordability may all be found in the Longfellow District. Narr®wer L®t Fr®rutages -More compact development consumes less land and makes it possible to provide public improvements, such as streets, sewers and water lines more efficiently. This fac- tor combined with building on smaller lots allows the construction of more moderately priced hous- ing. Use ®$ Alleys - In neighborhoods with narrower lot frontages, providing an opportunity for parking off an alley is particularly advantageous. An alley or private rear lane allows utilities and the garage or parking area to be located behind the home, making it possible to achieve an appealing and pedestrian-friendly residential street even with the narrowest of home lots. Without the need for driveways and curb cuts along the street, there is more room for front yard landscaping, fewer in- terruptions to the sidewalk network, and more on-street parking available for visitors. In addition, when garages are accessed from alleys vehicular traffic and congestion on residential streets is reduced. Pe~estriaru/Bikeway C®ruruecti®rus -Important neighborhood destinations, such as parks, schools, bus stops, and neighborhood shopping centers should be accessible by pedestrians and bicyclists. A pleasant streetscape, continuous sidewalk system, and strategically located trails and bicycle routes make walking and biking easy and comfortable for neighborhood residents. Pedestrian and bike paths that intersect with key neighborhood destinations can be aligned along a grid street system, located along drainageways and constructed within major sanitary sewer easements. Parks, Trails arudl OperD Space -Ideally, neighborhood parks are small, three to seven acre open spaces that provide a focal point for informal gatherings and recreation within easy walking dis- tance from homes in a neighborhood. Neighborhood parks are often located in the middle of a residential area, or situated adjacent to a school or a neighborhood shopping center. Neighbor- hood parks should be designed as an integral part of an interconnected system of open space. Ideally, trails or wide sidewalks should connect neighborhood parks with larger community and regional parks. Preservation of sensitive areas, such as wetlands, woodlands, and stream corridors and their buff- ers, provides an opportunity to shape and enhance a neighborhood, while maintaining scenic and natural resources and wildlife habitat. Wherever possible, natural features, such as waterways, knolls and woodlands, should be incorporated as key amenities within parks and along trail sys- tems. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 History of Central Iowa City The Central Planning District is the city's oldest and most diverse district. Much of the district, in- cluding the Northside, parts of Goosetown, College Hill, and College Green were included in the Original Town Plat of 1839. The Original Town Plat included 100 square blocks measuring 320 feet by 320 feet. These blocks were divided into lots measuring 80 feet by 150 feet and most were served by alleys that ran east to west through the center. Space was set aside for public markets, such as North Market Square, and for parks, such as College Green. Though locations were also reserved for churches on Church Street, none were ever built on the street. Iowa Avenue was platted as a wide boulevard with the Capitol Square on the west and Governors Square on the east end. However, the State Capitol moved to Des Moines prior to the construction of the Governor's house. The original 80-foot lot width was generous enough that many lots were later divided into two 40- foot wide lots. Many of the corner lots were divided so that houses were built to face east and west Constructed in the 1850s, this sandstone cottage at 614 North Johnson Street is one of Iowa City's oldest as well as north and south. This early increase housing density was a foreshadowing of the develop- buildings. ment that has occurred since the 1960's to house the growing student population attracted by the University. Early Growth Early additions to the city included a number of small subdivisions located south of Court and east of Summit Street. Initial growth within the Original Town and its early additions was slow, as most building occurred Downtown near the Capitol building, and later the University. There was scattered residential development in parts of Northside and Goosetown from the 1840's through the 1850's. Stone and wood frame buildings, such as the native sandstone cottage at 614 North Johnson Street, exemplify the early settlers' use of local materials including stone, wood and brick produced from locally mined clay. Constructed around 1840, this is one of the oldest standing buildings in Iowa City. The complete development of lots within the Original Town Plat took several decades, with building occurring in spurts that coincided with major historical events such as the railroad reaching the city in 1856 (population grew 102.9% between 1854 and 1860), the end of the Civil War (population grew 43.7% between 1863 and 1869), a wave of immigrants from Germany and Bohemia (population grew 17.2% in the late 1870's), and in the 1920's as University enrollment increased. This pattern of periodic development booms is reflected in the many styles of historic architecture evident throughout the Central Planning District, including Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Mission, Tudor Revival, Bungalow, and American Foursquare. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Much of the Central Planning District, including the Northside, parts of Goosetown, College Hill, and Col- lege Green were included in the Original Town Plat of 1839. 6 Neighborhoods in the Central Planning District span the entire history of Iowa City's residential develop- ment, from the historic neighborhoods surrounding the Downtown to the ranch-style housing of the Post- war 1950s and 1960s to the curvilinear streets and spacious lots of more contemporary neighborhoods built after the 1970's . Growth After 1900 By 1900, Iowa City's residential neighborhoods fanned out from the University campus and down- town past the boundaries of the Original Town Plat. East Iowa City, located generally east of Sev- enth Avenue and south of Court Street, was platted in 1898 by W.F. Main who planned the area as a factory town. He built his jewelry factory adjacent to the railway located at the southern boundary of East Iowa City and his personal mansion on Friendship Street. The jewelry manufacturer went bankrupt, and the area, which was only sparsely developed when annexed into Iowa City around the time of World War I, eventually became the Creekside Neighborhood. The neighborhood is characterized by a variety of small houses on fairly large lots (generally 80 feet wide by 150 feet deep), creating an open spacious feeling when compared to other older Iowa City neighborhoods. In 1908, the construction of the city's first streetcar line, the Rundell line, led to rapid residential development in much of the Longfellow Neighborhood, which at the time was on the far southeast side of Iowa City. The construction of Longfellow School in 1917 and expanding enrollment at the University spurred further development. The population of the old 5t" Ward, which included the present Longfellow Neighborhood, doubled between 1920 and 1930. The pattern of development differed from other areas of the city in that blocks were much longer and lots sizes were smaller (generally 60 feet wide by 125 feet deep). Much of the housing constructed in this era was built for the middle and working classes and thus tended to be more modest than the housing built for the merchant and professional classes along Summit Street, College Hill, and parts of the North- side. Around this same time apartment buildings, such as the Summit Street Apartments (1914) and Woodlawn at 20 Evans Street (1926), were built to meet the demand for non-student luxury apartments. Aesthetics of housing changed as well. The fanciful and asymmetric Victorian era designs gave way to simple, functional floor plans. Popular styles included Bungalow, Arts and Crafts, Four- square and Period Revival such as Colonial and Tudor. In addition, a large number of unique Euro- pean cottage-style houses were built throughout the Longfellow and Kirkwood Place Additions (Yewell and Pickard Streets) by Howard Moffitt, a colorful local builder known for his use of sal- vaged building materials. Instead of carriage houses and barns, the new houses were built with garages to accommodate widespread automobile ownership. Early garages were generally small and accessed from an alley at the back of the lot. Newer Developments In addition to these historic areas, the Central District includes neighborhoods that were platted and developed after 1950, such as the Plum Grove, Highland, and Mark Twain Additions, located south of Kirkwood Avenue; and the Bel Air Additions, located south of Rochester Avenue. The most recently developed neighborhoods in the district include the Windsor Heights and Hickory Hill P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Ridge subdivisions located adjacent to Hickory Hill Park, which were built after 1970. These late 20t" century neighborhoods have a different development pattern than those established during the first 100 years of the city's history. Rather than a grid street pattern with alleys, these newer neighborhoods often have curvilinear streets with driveways entering directly onto the street. Lots are generally larger than those found in older neighborhoods. Single story ranch style houses were popular in these neighborhoods through the 1970's when two story houses again became a com- mon house style. City High When it was built on the far eastern edge of the city in 1939, City High drew criticism from some residents for being too far from the student population. But within a few decades residential growth surrounded the school and began to spread to the east side of First Avenue beyond the Central Planning District. Just to the west of City High, property that had been the Johnson County Fairgrounds until the 1920s was subdivided into small residential lots. Part of the fairgrounds race track was used for the construction of Wilson Street and Morningside Drive. University Influence Prior to 1900, University enrollment was relatively small compared to the city's population, and students lived in boarding houses or rented rooms in family homes close to the campus. Rapid growth in University enrollment during the first decades of the 20t" century spurred the develop- ment of student housing, and several fraternity and sorority houses were built along Dubuque Street and in the College Hill neighborhood. The University attempted to address the housing shortage by building Currier Hall (1912-13) for female students and the Quadrangle (1919-20) for male students. However, African American students were excluded from the dormitories until 1946, so private homes and rooming houses continued to be their only option. The house at 914 S. Dubuque Street still stands as a reminder of this era. In 1940, Elizabeth "Bettye" and Junious Tate purchased the home and began operating it as the "Tate Arms," a rooming house for African American students. Other African American families boarded black students, but the Tate Arms was the largest and most formal in its operations. Bettye Tate operated the rooming house until 1963 and continued to live in the home until 1978. Over the first half of the 20t" century the University built several additional dormitories with the last, Rienow Hall, being completed in 1968. Enrollment continued to grow during the 1970's. The private housing market responded to the demand resulting in the construction of apartment build- ings and the conversion of houses to multi-unit buildings in neighborhoods where single-family housing had originally predominated. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Built in 1939, Iowa City High is located along the far eastern border of the district. Demand for student rental housing has changed the density and character of many neighborhoods sur- rounding the Downtown. 8 Commercial Development Prior to 1950, most commercial development occurred downtown where residents from the entire city were able to purchase a wide variety of goods and services. Commercial development within the Central District included a number of small grocery stores situated within residential neighbor- hoods. Most of these "mom and pop" stores were located on corner lots and catered to nearby residents. As ownership of automobiles became more widespread, larger "supermarkets" became popular and located on the edges of the district along arterial streets. A few of the buildings that housed small grocers still remain and continue to function as commercial businesses. Examples include the Design Ranch on Dodge Street, the former Sexton's Meat Market and Watt's grocery store on Muscatine Avenue, which are now antique stores, and the Deluxe Bakery located on Sum- mit Street. South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor From the early days of the city, factories, including a flour mill, linseed oil works, glass works, and foundry and machine shops, were located south of downtown along South Gilbert Street. The con- struction of the railroad yards and train depot near Ralston Creek in the 1870's reinforced the pri- marily industrial character of the area. As the city grew southward, the land between the Iowa River and Highland Court all the way to the new location of Highway 6 developed into a large indus- trial zone. As industries grew, they relocated to other parts of the city where larger lots were avail- able,and the area evolved into a commercial corridor. Northside Marketplace The Northside Marketplace is one of Iowa City's most historic areas, reflecting early commercial practices and the influence of immigrant settlement. At the height of local brewing in America, from the 1850's through the 1870's, it was the center of the beer-brewing industry in Iowa City. There were at least four local breweries operating, and while only the Union Brewery Building at 127-131 N. Linn Street remains extant, several historic buildings associated with the brewing in- dustry remain. Common to the practice of the Northside commercial area, proprietors built homes near their busi- nesses. The Conrad and Anna Graf House at 319 East Bloomington Street was erected by Conrad Graf half a block east and one block north of the Union Brewery. The Anton Geiger House at 213 East Market Street, which is currently owned by the Wesley Foundation, was the home of Anton Geiger, who was a partner with Simeon Hotz in the Union Brewery located to the immediate east. Joseph Hervert, saloon keeper, built his house at 204 North Gilbert in 1892 next to his saloon at 402 East Market Street (the Fox Head). P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Buildings that one served as neighborhood groceries have been readapted for other commercial uses. The Anton Geiger House at 213 East Market Street is a significant historic structure from Iowa City's brewery era. Z®ruirug Hist®ry The City first enacted zoning in 1925. The early zoning for most of the district was for single-family residential development, with industrial development located in the Gilbert Street corridor and along the railroad. In the early 1960's, the City drafted a new comprehensive plan with help from an out-of-town con- sulting firm, which advised the City to up-zone many of the close-in neighborhoods to encourage redevelopment with higher densities and modern buildings. In response to the resulting up-zonings, rising University enrollment, and a University policy to build no new dormitories, widespread redevelopment of older neighborhoods began to take place in the 1970's in the form of the "mansard-plexes" (generally 12-unit apartment buildings that were nick- named for the simplified mansard roofs). In addition, the higher densities allowed in the new zones permitted the large single-family homes typical of the area to be split into apartments and rooming houses. Given that the older neighborhoods were built with streets, yards, and parking to support single-family homes, the increasing densities put a strain on the neighborhood infrastructure. Back yards were turned into parking lots, on-street parking became more congested, and apartment buildings were constructed that were out of character with the neighborhood. Many residents ob- jected to the unchecked transformation in neighborhood character and petitioned the City to down-zone areas to preserve the single-family residential character that remained. In response, the City Council down-zoned some of the City's older neighborhoods by adopting two new zoning designations, beginning with the RNC-20 zone adopted in 1983 and followed by the RNC-12 zone in 1992.* These new zones acknowledged the mix of uses that had already resulted from the re- zonings of the 1960s while preserving the character of the older neighborhoods by preventing fur- ther densification. In addition, the Central District Multi-family Residential Design Standards, adopted in 2000, ensure that new multi-family structures built in the Central District are compati- ble with the surrounding neighborhood. The City has also been successful in protecting historic resources in the Central District through the adoption of historic district and conservation district overlay zones, and by bestowing historic landmark status on the area's most significant buildings and properties. * In 2005, the names of these zones were changed from Neighborhood Conservation Residential (RNC-12 and RNC-20) to Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-12 and RNS-20) to prevent confusion between these zones and the historic conserva- tion overlay zones. The designation of historic districts and guidelines has led to the preservation and rehabilitation of many buildings in the district. This was particularly true in the aftermath of the tornado in 2006. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 10 Central Planning District: Existing Land Use Map (2008) ,~.. o ~ ~ d a,N?'" ~ ~ z ~ ~~ o..n,u,. h~ ~~E~a~ .~ , 3~~ ~. 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N OI N O K~ U' - d S K~ O ouu,~re. t aooE,.,PO.~ dojo:a~ h„~ ~ ~ ; s s s oAO~.aos. i ~ W 1 \ 11 1 1 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Housing and Quality of Life Existing Conditions People value the neighborhoods within the Central District for the variety, charm, and affordability of the homes, the tree-lined streets, quality schools, and easy access to the University and employment cen- ters. Neighborhoods within the district are fairly compact, with schools, commercial areas, and churches integrated into residential areas or within walking distance of the majority of homes. The grid-like street pattern of short connected blocks makes it easy for area residents to walk to school and work. Many parents feel comfortable allowing children to walk or bike to school. Horace Mann, Longfellow, Hoover, and Mark Twain elementary schools are all located within the district, with City High, Southeast Junior High, and Regina Schools situated along the edges of the Central District. Much of the older housing stock still exists within the Central District. To preserve historic areas, the City has adopted a number of Historic and Conservation Districts and designated the most significant properties as historic landmarks. When property owners wish to make modifications to the exterior of buildings in these areas, they must adhere to guidelines that ensure that the historic character is not compromised. Neighborhood associations are active in the Central District, providing a social network and a means of advocating for neighborhood improvements and keeping people informed about matters that affect their neighborhoods. Neighborhood associations in the Central District include Northside, Goosetown, College Green, Longfellow, Glendale/Morningside, Creekside, and Oak Grove. These associations have been instrumental in gathering support and implementing neighborhood art projects and other improve- ments that give each neighborhood its distinct identity. Neighborhoods within the Central District contain a wider variety of housing types than most other areas of the city. The Existing Land Use Map on page 10 illustrates this mix. While much of the original single- family housing stock remains, many homes have been converted into duplexes or apartments and now serve as rental properties rather than owner-occupied dwellings, particularly in areas close to the Down- town and the University where a large number of students live. The district is also home to a number of fraternities and sororities. The single-family homes in the district vary widely in size from large historic mansions and contemporary houses to smaller cottages and ranch-style homes. The significant number of smaller houses in the district provides affordable options for singles, the elderly, and young families. The City's Zoning Map reflects this diversity through the various residential zoning districts. While most of the residential areas are zoned for single-family (RS-5, RS-8), there are a number of multi-family zones as well, including the RM-12, RM-20, RM-44, and PRM Zones. Note that the higher density multi- family zones (RM-44 and PRM) are located closest to the University and Downtown. As mentioned in the history section of the plan, the neighborhood stabilization zones (RNS-12 and RNS-20) were created to help balance the needs of neighborhoods that were once predominantly single-family but redeveloped over time to include duplex and multi-family buildings. ~ ~ ~'' Central~`~s~R~~T NEIGHBO1Hi00ll ASSOCL~1L10NS 11 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 There are many active neighborhood associations within the Central District, the boundaries of which are illustrated on this map. 12 U.a„,~.~ T~_ o„a Z ~, s ,.., s m ~ o .,, o d o e~ ow~ - L ~a,a~,~.~~. w .~, ~ ~.,~., ~ .~ ~o N,9 _ ~ ~ P.~MEn~~~ _ ~ti.,or,.o. ~ ,~_,~ u~~a.~~ ~,~a e, -t,~~d, ~~`, e~~,o,o~ ~ ,~_~,. ,~„o~.,. ._._, ~ 'c ~ s 3~ ,.. _ t ~w.9. .~,e, N p ' C d oa~,~ o~ = - ~ o.~~.~..E ~ V ++ a .F„3M~ c s,_.~ .,.~.< ~ ,ra,~_„ , 3 ~ ~ G ~ .w .r=.~~~.~ ._.. ~ .~1~~~ a ~ = ~ ~~F ti . ,. m . ~ ~ ~.~~~.3d, ~ ~ ~. e a.w~.~~o..~a , ~ ~ ~~..3 ~ . ~~~ ...v ~, .,.0,~3~~.. ~ ~ p v,_~,. L .,~~ ~'` ~ ~ ~ ~~ a~. ~ ~, ,.a~, ~ =~,m. ~ s.,~~s ., , << ~ g a ~ w „3~0~.. ~ ,30~~0~ ~ ~ .. _ C N w a d ~,,,~d _ m .~.oz.~a,. .«o,..o,° ~ .~.o~.~o, ~ ,. .o~.o~F ~ .,. ~,~ ~...a ~ ~ .~,. u~o C ~ y ., 'a+s+V ~ .,,~e,,..„ .~~o ,. ,r.,,,~.~... .,~,a „..~ ~ ~ ~ Z U +~+ A ~ ~ O y d ICI ~ a n, y V~ ~ .. , w ,~.a,w,~s ~ ~ ~ ° ,~.o<~,.,, _ u.orww, .~,o. ~~a~ _ .~. d ~ ~ .,.~,~ U s 3 = ,~.~. ~ ~ c - °~,9 ~.~ ~ adN~„~~ ~ aoo~..a ~~E do,o ~~d~~E 3 __. s `~_ ~,~..wos. ~ w P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Planning for the Future While many of the housing and quality of life issues identified by plan participants pertain district- wide, certain issues are more easily discussed based on location. For purposes of discussing hous- ing and quality of life issues, the district is divided into three subareas that are illustrated on the map on page 12. The boundaries of these subareas do not represent a rigid line, but rather a means to characterize various areas of the district and to emphasize issues that are of particular impor- tance or relevance to those locations. However, the goals and objectives at the end of this section apply to all areas of the Central District wherever they are relevant. Subarea A encompasses the older neighborhoods that surround downtown Iowa City and the Univer- sity campus. This area has the greatest diversity of housing types and the widest range of zoning designations, from medium density single-family to high density multi-family. This is the only area of the City where the stabilization zoning designations (RNS-12 and RNS-20) are used and includes the majority of the current historic and conservation overlay districts. Subarea B includes the area east of Subarea A and extends to 1St Avenue, which is the boundary of the Central District. This area is predominately single-family homes with a number of duplexes scat- tered throughout. While many neighborhoods within Subarea B were built prior to WWII, a number were built more recently. Subarea C is the area of the Central District between the Iowa Interstate Railway and Highway 6. It includes mostly single-family homes ranging from the stately Victorian-era homes along Kirkwood Avenue to smaller ranch-style homes built in the 1950's and 60's. Subarea /~ There is a steady demand for housing in the neighborhoods closest to Downtown and the University campus, and the market is quite complex. The University has approximately 6,000 on-campus hous- ing units, while student enrollment is now over 30,000, making the private housing market the pri- mary provider of student housing. Over the years, many single-family homes in neighborhoods clos- est to the university have been split into apartments and rooming houses or have been replaced with apartment buildings. The demand for student housing in Subarea A keeps apartment rents higher than in the rest of the Iowa City metropolitan area. Homeowners also compete for the charm- ing historic homes that are conveniently located close to employment centers. While there area con- siderable number of smaller, modest homes in Subarea A, the competition from student renters, who often live together and pool their resources, keeps these homes out of the financial reach of many singles or families looking for affordable homes to rent or own. While this mix creates a vibrant and interesting living environment, it has been an ongoing challenge 13 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 In the Central Planning District, would-be homeown- ers compete with renters for housing, especially in the older historic neighborhoods close to the Univer- sity and the Downtown. 14 .` ~ ~ -' s ~I Public art projects, such as these street sign markers in the Goosetown neighborhood, help to create a sense of neighborhood identity and pride. to maintain a balance between the different housing types and mix of residents within Subarea A. With absentee landlords and a large number of inexperienced young renters, problems with property maintenance, loud and disorderly conduct, yard upkeep, and snow removal are more prevalent. In an effort to identify and address ongoing nuisance issues in older neighborhoods, the City formed a Neighborhood Relations Task Force in 2001, which included representatives from neighborhood associations, landlord interest groups, tenant interest groups, the Association of Realtors, and vari- ous City departments, including Neighborhood Services, Housing Inspections, the City Attorney's Of- fice, and the Police Department. Based on the recommendations from this task force, the City adopted the Neighborhood Nuisance Ordinance in 2003. This ordinance defines neighborhood nuisances and establishes rules for pre- venting such nuisances. To make it easier for area residents to understand and use this ordinance, the City recently published a "Neighborhood Calming Guide" that describes how to best resolve neighborhood issues and report problem properties to the City. An important goal of the Central District Plan is to continue to monitor and enforce the Neighborhood Nuisance Ordinance and to identify any additional quality of life issues that surface so that they can be addressed in a timely fashion through targeted code enforcement, mediation, education, or addi- tional regulation. Neighborhood associations play a critical role in monitoring neighborhood condi- tions, advocating for services and neighborhood amenities, and disseminating information to area residents. Neighborhood Associations should continue their efforts to be inclusive and effective part- ners in maintaining quality of life in the Central District. The City should continue to support these organizations and encourage formation of new associations where needed. The City should also partner with the University to find ways to ensure that young University students have access to-and maintain-safe and healthy off-campus living environments. Many Central District workshop partici- pants asked why the University wasn't taking a more active role in providing or partnering with pri- vate developers to provide better housing options for students. A second important element of stabilizing older neighborhoods in the district is to provide incentives or programs to maintain, improve, and generally reinvest in the older housing stock and in neighbor- hood infrastructure, such as parks, streets, alleys, and other shared public spaces. Possible sources of funding and human resources include historic preservation programs, the City's housing rehabili- tation program, neighborhood PIN (Program for Improving Neighborhoods) grants, the City's capital improvements program, and through collaborations with area schools and the University. The City should continue to partner with neighborhood associations to monitor and improve neighborhoods, to promote good neighbor relations, and foster neighborhood identity through events, festivals, pub- lic art, and shared spaces such as community gardens. In addition, the City and the University should continue to explore a variety of means to increase public awareness of the policies, pro- grams, and funding opportunities available for neighborhood or property improvements. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Finding an appropriate balance between different housing types has been a challenge in the Central Planning District. While many of the older neighborhoods close to Downtown and the University contain a mixture of housing types, there are a few areas that are zoned exclusively for higher density multi-family. These areas include properties along Dubuque Street north of Downtown, along Iowa Avenue and Burling- ton Street, and a concentration of apartment buildings along Johnson and Van Buren Streets south of Burlington. Older single-family housing stock in these areas has been replaced over the years with apartment buildings that largely serve University students. Adoption of the Planned High Density Multi-Family (PRM) Zone and multi-family infill standards in the mid- to late 1990's has helped to improve multi-family building and site design. However, large con- centrations of higher density student housing with little on-site management, combined with a lack of pedestrian-scale lighting, recreational opportunities, and open space, have become problem in certain areas. Most frequently cited in the planning workshops was the concentration of apartments along South Johnson and South Van Buren Streets south of Burlington Street. This land was origi- nally platted for single-family houses and thus the lots are small and narrow. Properties that once contained single-family homes with rear yards and small garages located off the alley were replaced in the 1970's and 1980's by apartment buildings with parking lots taking the place of back yard green space. A number of student residents from this area attended the Central District planning workshops and expressed concerns about pedestrian safety along South Johnson and South Van Buren, particularly during the late evening hours, as well as the lack of privacy and usable open space. Concerns were also expressed about the lack of on-site management in what have been characterized as "unmanaged dorms." One goal of the plan is to foster partnerships between the City, the University, and area developers and landlords to develop strategies to improve living conditions in multi-family areas. One objective might be to encourage large-scale redevelopment in areas like S. Johnson and S. Van Buren to im- prove public safety and living conditions and create usable green space. Ideas include developing various incentives and new zoning designations to encourage redevelopment through a master plan- ning process that would cluster higher density apartment buildings around usable green space with parking located in shared lots or structures, requirements for 24-hour on-site management of resi- dential buildings, safe bicycle and pedestrian routes and facilities. Another pocket of multi-family development in the northern part of the district along Dodge Street is zoned R3B, which is an obsolete zoning designation no longer used in the City Code. This area should be rezoned to a valid designation such as RM-20, which acknowledges the density of the ex- istingmulti-family development on the property. The Northside Marketplace, a small concentration of mainstreet-style commercial buildings located along Market Street, Linn Street, and Bloomington Street, provide a lively mix of restaurants, retail shops, and a small neighborhood grocery store. These businesses are within walking distance of the 15 Zoning standards were put in place to ensure that multi-family buildings include features that define a safe and attractive streetscape, including front doors and windows. Top: This apartment building was con- structed prior to adoption of the Central Planning District multi-family site development standards. Bot- tom: In contrast, this apartment building located on North Dodge Street was built according to the new standards. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 16 Northside and Goosetown neighborhoods and to Downtown. Some redevelopment in this area is likely, however there is a strong desire to maintain the historic mainstreet character. If properties are redeveloped, apartments located above commercial storefronts would help to support businesses in the area, but the goal is to encourage smaller apartments with two or fewer bedrooms to prevent dorm-style apartments that many believe would be detrimental to the mix of businesses that cur- rently serve a broader clientele. More detailed analysis of the Northside Marketplace is provided in the Commercial Development section of the plan. Another quality of life issue in this subarea is the relative lack of parks and open space. College Green Park, North Market Square Park, and Reno Park provide gathering space for nearby residents, but offer limited space for recreation. City Park is nearby, but is not easily accessed due to a missing sidewalk segment and steep terrain along the east side of Dubuque Street. Filling in sidewalk gaps where feasible and enhancement and creative use of the parkways and medians along area streets would add to the livability of these neighborhoods. In addition, the City should explore opportunities to use public streets for festivals and gatherings and create incentives for commercial property own- ers to include plazas and outdoor seating areas, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities that will in- crease the vitality of commercial areas, such as the Northside Marketplace. See the Parks and Open Space section of the plan for a more detailed discussion of open space goals and objectives. Subarea B Traveling east across the Central District toward 1St Avenue, the density of development gradually decreases. Multi-family and stabilization zones give way to medium and low density single-family zoning (RS-8 and RS-5 ). Other than a few multi-family buildings located along 1St Avenue and near the Iowa Interstate Railway, the housing in this subarea consists mainly of single-family homes with a few duplexes scattered throughout. Distance from the University and lower occupancy standards (fewer persons allowed per dwelling unit) result in lower demand for housing for University under- graduates, and thus conflicts between long-term residents and student renters are infrequent. The neighborhoods located west and south of City High School contain houses built in the late 19t" century and early part of the 20t" century, and include the Summit Street and Longfellow Historic Districts and the Clark Street and Dearborn Street Conservation Districts. The Longfellow, Creekside, and Morningside neighborhoods provide a rich variety of smaller affordable bungalows and cottages mixed in with larger Victorian, Craftsman and American Foursquare-style homes. The grid-like street pattern in this area is similar to the neighborhoods in Subarea A, with homes located on short blocks with rear alleys. Most streets have sidewalks, although there are gaps, particularly in the Creekside neighborhood. Families seeking livable neighborhoods in close proximity to quality schools keep de- mand for housing in these neighborhoods high. One of the goals of the Central District Plan is to en- courage maintenance, rehabilitation, and continued reinvestment in this affordable housing stock P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 College Green Park is one example of a park that provides a social and geographic focal point for the surrounding neighborhoods in the district. and to explore ways to ensure that this housing stock remains affordable to all income groups. In addition, filling in sidewalk gaps and improving alleys are of interest to residents in these neighbor- hoods. Ongoing support of neighborhood association activities, historic preservation, and partner- ships with local schools will help keep these neighborhoods healthy. The neighborhoods located north of City High School and south of Hickory Hill Park were developed later in the century from the 1950's to the 1990's. Ranch-style, split-level, and neo-colonial style homes predominate. Home lots are larger, blocks longer, and streets more curvilinear. In contrast to the older neighborhoods south of City High, these neighborhoods were not developed with rear al- leys and a number of the local residential streets do not have sidewalks. Nevertheless, homes are within easy walking distance to City High, Hoover Elementary, Regina School, and Hickory Hill Park. Generous front yard landscaping combined with a beautiful canopy of overstory trees create a pleas- ant environment for walking and biking despite the gaps in the sidewalk network. Filling in sidewalk gaps over time would further enhance these neighborhoods and provide safe routes to area schools and parks. With two high school campuses and two elementary schools in this subarea, and a junior high school located just outside the Central District along 1St Avenue, providing safe routes to school is a high priority. Residents, school and City officials should continue to monitor traffic and pedestrian safety and work to improve transit and alternative transportation options for students and teachers. Improvements and access to parks is another issue of importance to residents of this area of the Central District. Many participants spoke fondly of Ralston Creek, how their children play there, walk- ing on the ice in the winter time, watching ducklings in the spring, and hearing the sound of owls on summer nights. A goal of the plan is to find creative ways to provide access to the creek and capital- ize on educational opportunities that it may provide. Ideas include simple measures such as install- ing educational signage at bridge crossings, to more ambitious undertakings like acquiring land or easements along the creek to provide trail connections between parks in the area. A small segment of trail has already been built along the creek and planted with native prairie in the Longfellow Neighborhood and the Court Hill Trail is currently under construction, which will provide a connection between Creekside Park and Court Hill Park. The City should also take advantage of any opportuni- ties to acquire land for parks to help reduce the parkland deficit in this area. The property located at the intersection of Friendship Street and Fourth Avenue, currently owned by the Chadek family, is one that planning participants mentioned as a possibility for future park land if the Chadek family were to discontinue the current commercial use. Residents in Subarea B have good access to commercial goods and services. The commercial areas at 1St and Muscatine, 1St and Rochester, and the nearby Sycamore Mall include grocery stores, drug- stores, banks, gas stations, movie theaters, and restaurants, along with host of other unique goods 17 Subarea B contains a mix of houses and neighbor- hoods that reflect old and new styles. Top: Cottage- style houses located on smaller lots along a tradi- tional grid street (7th Avenue). Bottom: The neighbor- hood along Glendale Avenue (east of 7th Avnue) re- flect amore contemporary style of housing located on curving roads and cul-de-sacs. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 18 Aerial view of the walking trail located along Ralston Creek in the Longfellow Neighborhood. Participants in the planning workshop expressed a strong desire to find ways to create more physical and visual ac- cess to Ralston Creek as a way to maximize the sense of nature in a district that is short on public open space. and services. Making these areas attractive and accessible for nearby residents will ensure that the commercial areas remain economically healthy over time and that adjacent residential properties maintain their value. Subarea C Housing from several different periods mesh to create a patchwork of housing styles in Subarea C. From a street lined with small ranch houses, one might turn the corner to find a row of homes built in the early 1900's. Traveling east along Kirkwood Avenue, grand Victorian-era houses stand along- side more modest early 20th-century styles. South of Kirkwood, eclectic stone cottages built by How- ard Moffit add to the charm of the area. Small affordable starter homes predominate, particularly along the streets developed in the 1950's and later. Long-term maintenance and rehabilitation of housing is an important objective for what is one of the more affordable areas in the Central District. The Oak Grove Neighborhood Association is the only active association in Subarea C. The City should support and encourage the formation of new neighborhood associations that would help create so- cial networks and advocate for physical improvements that would foster a sense of neighborhood identity and pride for area residents. Community gathering places are important to the formation of informal and formal social networks. Only two small parks exist in Subarea C: Oak Grove Park and the tiny Highland Park. An active neighborhood association could partner with Mark Twain Elemen- tary School for mutual benefit. Plum Grove, a State Historical Site, is a hidden gem that might be better utilized if it was more visible from surrounding streets. If properties along the west side of Car- roll Street become available for sale, the City or the State Historical Society should consider acquir- ing them for a small park, which would create an open green entranceway for the Plum Grove site, and could also be used for neighborhood gatherings. The Iowa Interstate Railway and U.S. Highway 6 are physical barriers that define Subarea C and re- sult in limited street connections between the neighborhoods in this subarea the residential neighborhoods to the north and the commercial area along U.S. Highway 6 to the south. The bridges at Dodge Street and Summit Street extend over the rail line and create prime viewing areas for train lovers of all ages. Commercial areas to the east and the west form a different type of boundary to the residential neighborhoods in Subarea C. The Sycamore Mall, Proctor and Gamble, and Kirkwood Community College abut the eastern edge of Subarea C, and a mix of retail and intensive commer- cial uses along Gilbert Street, Gilbert Court, Highland Court. and Kirkwood Avenue make up the west- ern third of Subarea C. A majority of this westernmost area is zoned Intensive Commercial, which does not currently allow residential uses, although there are a number of "grandfathered" apartments located on the upper floors of commercial buildings scattered throughout the area. As mentioned in other parts of this P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 plan, there is potential for redevelopment in the Gilbert Street commercial corridor, espe- cially if passenger rail is established in the future. Passenger rail could be the catalyst for high-density residential development and a different mix of retail businesses and ser- vices. In flood-prone areas along the Iowa River and Ralston Creek, any proposed resi- dential development should be carefully considered and, if allowed, should be designed to be flood resistant. In addition, careful planning will be necessary to ensure that there is an attractive and functional interface between the redevelopment area and the resi- dential neighborhoods to the east. For example, the "mixed use" designation along South Gilbert Court as illustrated on the plan map on p. 51 is intended to provide a transition from the higher intensity commercial uses that are likely to locate along Gilbert Street and along the rail lines if passenger rail or other catalysts for redevelopment occur in the future. If rezonings are requested to accommodate redevelopment, the City should con- sider appropriate conditions to ensure that the scale and intensity of new development does not threaten the integrity and character of the existing residential neighborhood to the east. In residential areas near the Sycamore Mall, Kirkwood Community College, and next to commercial uses at the west end of Kirkwood Avenue, there is a concern about parking and traffic congestion, obtrusive commercial lighting, noise, and late-night activities that may reduce the livability of nearby residential areas. To preserve the integrity of the resi- dential areas, commercial zoning should not be extended further east along Kirkwood Avenue. As commercial properties develop or redevelop, the City should enforce regula- tions regarding screening and landscaping of parking areas and outdoor storage areas, encourage businesses to redirect or change out obtrusive outdoor lighting, and work with Kirkwood Community College to implement transportation demand strategies for stu- dents and staff that result in workable solutions to parking and traffic congestion along Lower Muscatine Avenue. Highland Avenue is ideally located to provide a link between the employment centers in the Sycamore Mall area and the Gilbert Street commercial corridor. Traffic calming may be necessary or desirable in the future to ensure that the street remains safe and com- fortable for bicyclists, pedestrians, and nearby residents. U.S. Highway 6, Lower Muscatine Avenue, Kirkwood Avenue, and Keokuk Street are the arterials that are in- tended to carry through-traffic. Planning for any future improvements to these streets should give priority to improving facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians and maintaining adequate traffic flow to prevent cut-through traffic on local streets, but will also need to be accomplished in a manner that is sensitive to the residents that live along these arte- rial streets. 19 Subarea C contains smaller homes from many different eras, from 1950's ranch-style homes near Mark Twain Elementary School to eclectic stone cottages built in the early part of the 20th century. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 20 Historic Preservation for the Central District Section V. Neighborhood Strategies (page 73-98) of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan outlines the objectives for Iowa City Historic Areas and Neighbor- hoods. Many historic areas lie within the Central Dis- trict. The objectives of the Historic Preservation Plan include: • Retention of Historic District and Conserva- tion District status of the already designated areas • Reevaluating districts to determine if boundaries or integrity change • Encouragement of local Historic District status of the Gilbert-Linn Street and Jeffer- son Street National Register Historic Dis- tricts • Beginning the process of designating Goose- town as a local conservation district • Completing surveys of several neighbor- hoods to determine the historic quality and district eligibility. These neighborhoods in- clude: Oak Grove -Kirkwood Avenue Corridor Lucas Farms Neighborhood Morningside -City High Neighborhood Rochester Avenue Neighborhood These objectives and goals help protect and maintain Iowa City's historic resources, which contribute to the quality of life of Central District neighborhoods. H®using and Quality ®f Life - G®als and ®bjectives The following goals and objectives for Housing and Quality of Life were formulated with the help of citizens who participated in the Central Planning District meetings and focus groups. G®al 9L: Pr®rttu®te the Central ®istrict as an attractive place t® live by enc®uraging reinvestrttuent in residential pr®perties thr®ugh®ut the district and by supp®rting new h®using ®pp®rtunities. a. Improve public outreach to increase awareness of existing programs available through the City and other agencies to assist with the purchase and/or rehabilitation of older homes. b. Investigate incentives for property improvement and rehabilitation of the existing housing stock, both for homeowners and investment property owners. c. Encourage neighborhood associations and smaller ad hoc neighborhood groups to advocate for specific improvements, provide mediation for neighborhood disputes, and act as neighborhood watchdog organizations. d. Support the goals and objectives proposed in the Historic Preservation Plan (see sidebar). e. Support efforts of neighborhood associations, local schools, and other community organiza- tions to create a sense of identity and neighborhood pride through art, festivals, shared community spaces, distinctive physical improvements, and development of neighborhood communication networks. $. Explore opportunities and plan actively for the creation of new transit-oriented residential areas between the Iowa River and Gilbert Street in concert with efforts to establish a com- muter rail line and Amtrak station in this area. g. Support efforts to create affordable workforce housing within redevelopment areas. G®al 2: W®rk t® achieve a healthy balance ®f rental and ®wner-®ccupied h®using in the district's ®Ider neighb®rh®®ds t® pr®rttu®te I®ng-terrttu investrttuent, aff®rdable h®using ®pp®rtunities, and preser- vati®n ®f hilt®ric h®rttues and neighb®rh®®ds. a. Work to bring over-occupied properties into compliance with current zoning requirements. b. Encourage the University and other area employers to establish programs and financing in- centives to promote the purchase of homes in older neighborhoods to their employees. c. Work to improve conditions or encourage redevelopment in areas that have a concentration of apartments with few amenities and little usable open space. d. In higher density multi-family zones, ensure that adequate infrastructure and open space is provided to create a livable environment for residents. e. Explore ways to discourage inappropriate conversion of historic single-family homes into rooming houses and apartments. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 f. Explore ways to make more of the existing and future rental housing in the Central District avail- able to families and other non-student populations in need of affordable housing, e.g. revisiting occupancy rules and housing code provisions to discourage or prevent unmanaged dorm-style apartments, supporting efforts by non-profit housing developers to rehabilitate older housing stock, partnerships between historic preservation organizations and affordable housing devel- opers, etc. g. Examine existing zoning rules to ensure that they support housing goals and neighborhood sta- bilization efforts. G®al 3: Rerttu®ve ®bstacles t® reiruvestrttuer~t iru r~eighb®rNu®®~s. a. Enforce regulations that prohibit permanent "for rent" signs on investment properties, which detract from the residential character of the neighborhood. b. Do more to educate the public about nuisance ordinances and encourage residents to report problem properties. c. Implement targeted code enforcement for areas that receive a higher level of complaints re- garding zoning code violations, snow and weed removal, and trash control that affect neighbor- hood quality of life. d. Work actively with the University and other organizations to change the culture of alcohol use among the student population. e. Maintain and improve public alleys. f. Create incentives or policies that encourage or require landlords to preserve or create outdoor recreation/green space for renters. g. Investigate means of encouraging or requiring on-site property management for large multi- familydevelopments. G®al ~: Eruc®ora~e bevel®prroerut ®f bt~siruesses, irustitt~~®rus, aru~ public erotities that pr®vidle g®®dls, ser- vices, aru~ arm~eruities that st~pp®rie YuealtYuy rueigYub®rNu®®dls. a. Encourage a diverse range of businesses that provide essential services in the Downtown area-grocery, clothing, household items, etc. b. Encourage investment and reinvestment in existing commercial areas that provide goods and services for Central District neighborhoods. c. Provide for an attractive and functional transition between residential areas and adjacent com- mercial areas through management of traffic, landscape buffering and screening, outdoor light- ingthat provides for safety but avoids over-lighting and glare, effective management of outdoor service, work and storage areas, etc. 21 Targeted code enforcement in areas that receive more nuisance complaints could help to improve quality of life and encourage investment in neighborhoods. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 22 Pedestrian scale lighting is one way to improve public safety in neighborhoods. Above: lighting in the North- side Marketplace has been widely praised for its ef- fectiveness in illuminating pedestrian areas. d. Provide functional connections between commercial areas and surrounding neighborhoods to ensure good access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. e. Take advantage of opportunities to create more parks and open space within the district. G®al 5: Irttupr®ve pobllc sa~ety tYur®t~gYu®t~t the dlistrict. a. Install pedestrian-scale lighting where needed to create safe travel corridors for pedestrians. b. Continue to fill in gaps in the existing sidewalk network. c. Provide for walkable/bikable routes to and through commercial areas d. Improve pedestrian crossings at major intersections. e. Ensure that any new development proposed for flood prone areas along the Iowa River and Ralston Creek is carefully considered and, if allowed, is designed to be flood resistant. G®al 6: W®rk c®®peratively witYu tf~e University adlrm~iruistrati®ru, sta$$, $~Ct~lty, stl~~erut gr®l~ps, arudl ®tNuer ®rganizati®ns t® irttupr®ve relati®ns between University stt~t~ents anti I®n~-terrttu residents ®f Central ®istriet neighb®r~u®®~s. a. Market Central District neighborhoods to University staff and faculty to encourage home ownership and re-investment. b. Encourage the University to create incentives and funding opportunities for faculty and staff to own homes or rehabilitate homes close to campus. c. Work with the University to include rules for off-campus behavior in the student code of con- d uct. d. Facilitate partnerships between private developers of student housing and the University to provide effective on-site property management, amenities and recreational opportunities for students, and alternative transportation options. e. Work with the University, neighborhood groups, and landlords to educate student renters about their rights and responsibilities as they transition to living off-campus. f. Establish a "Community Council" of representatives from the City, the University, neighbor- hood associations, and student organizations as a vehicle for timely communication on im- portant issues of community concern. g. Work with the University to educate students about the diversity of housing options available off-campus. h. Encourage young renters to get involved in the neighborhood and encourage neighborhood associations and groups to welcome and provide information to help young students be good neighbors. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Streets and Transportation Existing Conditions The majority of the Central District is designed with agrid-like, interconnected street network. The benefit of this type of street network is that there are multiple routes to any one location, which disperses traffic and provides for more direct routes to destina- tions. The ease of movement and lower traffic volumes in a grid street network make it efficient and comfortable for walking and bicycling. Having multiple routes available allows public services such as garbage pick-up, snow removal, and emergency services to be provided more efficiently and more cost-effectively. Arterial streets are the main traffic arteries of the city. Maintaining and improving traf- fic flow on arterial streets helps to keep local streets free of cut-through traffic. Arterial streets facilitate traffic flow through the strategic placement of traffic control (signals and stop signs), limiting on-street parking, and incorporating turn lanes where possible. Due to historical development patterns and the proximity of the Downtown and Univer- sity of Iowa, the Central District is well-served by arterial streets. Arterial streets circu- late traffic between residences and employment and commercial areas. Highway 1 and Highway 6 carry regional traffic through the community. With eight different transit routes running through the district, including the free Down- town Shuttle, the Central District is well-served by public transit. The bus system is de- signed with the Downtown and the main employment areas on the University of Iowa campus and University Hospitals serving as hubs. Street Improvements Continued reinvestment in the City's infrastructure in older neighborhoods is important to the livability and economic health of the community. Street improvements will occa- sionally be necessary to safely accommodate changing traffic patterns. One of the best ways to minimize the amount of cut-through traffic on local residential streets is to make it easier and safer for motorists to use the arterial street system. In developed neighborhoods, context sensitive design and implementation is an important consid- eration when implementing street improvement projects. Creative solutions that in- crease capacity and improve the roadway for all modes of transportation while minimiz- ing impacts to neighboring properties should be the priority. In some instances, bus pull-outs and center turn lanes may be sufficient to keep traffic flowing, making it un- necessary to add travel lanes. However, in other instances, traffic volumes may have increased to the point where additional lanes are needed to prevent frustrated drivers 23 Arterial street network in the Central Planning District ^ I-80 ~~~ G ~ ~ FOSTER R8 ~~ ~ G Q~ o ~ B L ~ c ~~ ~~ z ~o~~ ~ z < RD ~, CHURCH sT w Y 6 ROC ~ HESTER MARKET ST REF IowA ~ w vE ~ ~ Q SAND HWY 1 ~JRLI~IGTON ST COURT w ~ ~' 4D ~ ~ ~ ~ BOW 0 0 ERY ~ ,~ vii ~ ~ m ~ ~ CSC ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~T ~F KIR KWOOD AVE AVE ~ O ~F ~ ~ tiw e ~ ~ ~~s ~ ~ o W 9 ~ ,~ P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 24 Participants in the planning workshop called for more facilities to safely accommodate bikes and pedestri- ans, especially along arterial streets. from cutting through neighborhoods to avoid congested situations. Arterial street improvement projects that will be considered in the near future include the conversion of Lower Muscatine Avenue west of First Avenue from afour-lane street to a three-lane street to provide more room for turning traffic, to improve sidewalk connections to the Sycamore Mall area, and construction of a railroad overpass over First Avenue to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety along this corridor. The reconstruction of the Gilbert Street and Highway 6 intersection to add additional turn lanes and improve capacity has been postponed indefinitely due to opposition from some property owners in the area. It is unlikely that the City Council will place this project back in the capital improvements budget without advocacy from area property owners. Iowa City has adopted a "complete streets" policy. A complete street is a street that serves all potential road users: motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. Balancing the needs of all users is not always easy. What is beneficial for one mode of transportation may not be ideal for another. For instance, bicycle commuters often view on-street parking as a potential danger, while for pedestrians, cars parked along the street help to slow traffic and create a buffer between moving vehicles and the sidewalk. To help balance these interests, particularly in older parts of town where roadway and right-of-way widths are already established, it may be helpful to identify specific streets and routes where bicyclists would be given priority. In addi- tion, street improvement projects should include elements such as new sidewalks, street trees, landscaped medians, appropriate lighting, and carefully located utilities to enhance pedestrian access and safety. /~Ileys Many of the neighborhoods in the Central District were designed with service alleys. Streets de- signed with rear alleys have many advantages: • Alleys allow utilities and garages to be located away from the street. The view along the street is one of homes rather than garages; • Alleys improve traffic circulation and safety along neighborhood streets. Traffic is re- duced and there are fewer conflict points, because cars back into the alley rather than into the street; • Alleys minimize the need for driveways from the street, which allows for a safer, more continuous sidewalk system, preserves on-street parking, and leaves more space for front yard landscaping and street trees. The alley infrastructure is aging and in need of maintenance in many parts of the Central District. The City should consider establishing a program to evaluate the condition of alleys and provide ap- P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 propriate maintenance, such as grading and spreading new gravel on unpaved alleys and repairing or resurFacing deteriorated pavement. Traffic Calming Program One way to reduce cut-through traffic on local residential streets is through the City's Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. Traffic calming is the practice of managing speeds and/or volumes of traf- fic using one or more of the following approaches: targeted police enforcement; education; or physi- cal changes to the roadway. Traffic calming is only used on local or collector streets, which must meet certain thresholds for speed and volume of traffic to qualify. With limited police resources, con- tinuous speed enforcement on all streets is not possible, however, targeted enforcement during spe- cific problem times (such as the end of the school day) can be an effective deterrent to speeders. Educating drivers is another means of calming traffic. Education methods include the "Share the Road" signs, "Check Your Speed" signs, and the radar-speed trailer that shows motorists how fast they are driving. When there is evidence of ongoing problems with speeding along a particular resi- dential street, making physical changes to the roadway, such as installing traffic circles or speed humps, may be warranted. Examples include the speed humps installed on local residential streets around City High School and traffic circles on segments of College Street and Washington Street. Physical changes to the roadway must be requested by the neighborhood and have the support of property owners along the affected street. Parking on Residential Street In most Central District neighborhoods, there is ample on-street parking available for residents and visitors. It can also double as a traffic calming device, because it helps to slow traffic along local streets. However, there are places in the district where demand for parking exceeds the supply- around the University of Iowa campus, Mercy Hospital, Kirkwood Community College, and City High School. College students, high school students and commuters that work Downtown, at the Univer- sity, and Mercy Hospital compete with residents for on-street parking spaces. In addition, many of the single-family homes in the older parts of town were built before the widespread use of automo- biles, when there was not a need for parking lots and large garages. Since there is more demand for on-street parking than space available in some neighborhoods, residents are sometimes unable to park in front of their house or even within the same block. This is typical in many cities that have residential neighborhoods near colleges, hospitals, and high schools. Restricting where and when parking is allowed are tools that can be used to control parking conges- tion. If a majority of the neighborhood requests it, City transportation planning staff can evaluate various options for establishing parking restrictions. Some potential pitfalls to parking restrictions 25 Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, have helped to control traffic speeds in problem areas, such as the neighborhoods surrounding City High. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Even gravel alleys can be maintained in a way that provided efficient and attractive access for neighbor- hoods. f -- . 26 Parking is allowed along most streets in the Central Planning District. In areas close to the Downtown and campus, residents and commuters sometimes com- pete for on-street parking. include the fact that they apply to all parkers, including residents and their visitors; the need for en- forcement; and the potential for the parking congestion to be shifted to neighboring streets. One possible solution in the most congested areas would be to establish a residential on-street park- ing permit system, in which area residents would be sold a parking permit that would allow them to park on the street. Those parking without a permit would be ticketed. While an on-street parking per- mit system may benefit neighborhood residents by reducing the commuter vehicles parked on street, there can be some negative spill-over impacts to adjacent neighborhoods. To date, it has been difficult for area property owners and residents to agree on such a system for the following rea- sons: • Having an on-street parking permit does not guarantee a resident a spot in front of their house, since on-street parking is first-come, first-serve; • Enforcement will bean ongoing expense, and may not be covered by permit revenue; • Commuter parking may simply shift to another neighborhood; and • A system of issuing and enforcing visitor permits would need to be developed. If residents and property owners in specific areas of the Central District agree that the benefits of a parking permit system outweigh the disadvantages, the City will investigate the feasibility and cost of establishing a parking permit system for the more congested areas. Pedestrian Facilities The pedestrian-friendly character of neighborhood streets is cited frequently by residents as a rea- son they enjoy living in the Central District. The gridded street pattern with rear alleys and short blocks lined with generally uninterrupted sidewalks make the Central District one of the most walk- ableareas of the city. However, there is still room for improvement. While fairly rare, some streets in the Central District were built without sidewalks. The City Council has recently established and funded a sidewalk infill program to address the gaps in the sidewalk system. Priority is given to ma- jor pedestrian routes along arterial and collector streets, and walking routes to major neighborhood destinations such as schools, parks, and commercial areas. While it is relatively easy to walk safely and comfortably along residential streets, crossing arterial streets can be more difficult, especially on long blocks where there are no traffic signals or marked crosswalks. Marked crosswalks are typically painted at intersections with signals, at official school route crossings, and at high-volume pedestrian crossings. Appropriate warning signs for motorists, traffic signal timing, raised crosswalks, and wayfinding signage to direct pedestrians to safe crossing locations are all techniques that can be used to improve safety for pedestrians. The City should con- P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 tinue to explore opportunities to improve pedestrian routes and evaluate proposed crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety. Some participants in the Central Planning District workshops expressed concern about the lack of adequate pedestrian-scaled lighting along neighborhood streets. Street lights are located at each street intersection, which typically provides adequate lighting when blocks are short. However, on long blocks, or where trees, buildings, or other features block light from reaching the interior of the block, walking at night may be uncomfortable or unsafe. The City is exploring the possibility of adding pedestrian-scaled lighting along major pedestrian routes, in higher density multi-family areas, and in areas that have been identified as poorly lit. Care should be taken to ensure that light fixtures are downcast, shielded, and located to avoid spillover light and glare that would disturb the residential character of the neighborhood. Bicycle Facilities Improving facilities for bicyclists was a major topic of discussion at the Central District planning workshops and focus group meetings. This interest is understandable, since cycling is a popular means of transportation in Iowa City. A study conducted by the University of Iowa estimated 10 per- cent of commuters ride bicycles, at least on streets near the downtown campus. Participants at the Central Planning District workshops listed characteristics that make streets un- comfortable or unsafe for bicyclists. Sand and debris along street edges, areas with congested on- street parking, and streets with high traffic volumes and speeds were mentioned as deterrents to cycling. Citizens also stressed the need for more bicycle parking, particularly sheltered bicycle park- ing at convenient locations. In general, participants emphasized the need to make cycling a means of transportation that is comfortable, safe, and convenient for a larger segment of the population, including programs and on-street accommodations targeted toward at less experienced cyclists, and cyclists who currently do not feel safe riding on area streets. At present, Iowa City provides several types of on- and off-street accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. These include: multi-use paths/trails, wide sidewalks, wide travel lanes on new arterial streets, "share the road" signs, and bike parking at most major destinations. When streets are recon- structed, the Complete Streets Policy ensures that necessary bicycle and pedestrian accommoda- tions are incorporated into the project. Since the street network in the Central District is largely es- tablished, agoal of this plan is to explore and implement new techniques, such as those described on the following pages, for encouraging and accommodating cycling on existing streets. Decisions on which technique to use in a particular location will have to be balanced with the need for safe and comfortable pedestrian facilities and for adequate on-street parking. ,. Providing an on-street environment that is safe for bicyclists was a high priority for participants in the planning process. 27 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 While most areas in the Central Planning District are well-designed for pedestrian travel, clearly marked pedestrian crossings at busy intersections and pedes- trian scale lighting are two elements that could help to make walking safer and more appealing. 28 Multi-lase PatYu: A multi-use path (often called a trail or off-street path) is separated from motor vehi- cle traffic. These paths may exist within the street right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way or easement. Multi-use paths are typically open to bicyclists and pedestrians and accommodate two- way traffic. Multi-use paths are often appropriate in corridors not well-served by the street system, to create short-cuts, to link destination points, or as elements of a recreational trail plan. For example, the Iowa River Corridor Trail is a regional multi-use path that provides links to area destinations, as well as access to and views of the Iowa River. Central District planning participants discussed the possibility of developing a trail network along Ralston Creek. Given the existing density of development and private property surrounding the creek, a new trail is unlikely in the near future. However, the City should consider acquiring ease- ments that could one day be developed into a "Ralston Creek Trail." The current development of the Court Hill Trail, for example, was set into motion by this approach. Way-$irudlirug Sigrus: Distance and directional signs help casual and inexperienced cyclists choose streets suitable for their ability. Visiting bicyclists and new residents unfamiliar with the area use signs to navigate. Way-finding signs would help bicyclists and pedestrians find convenient routes to and from destina- tions (i.e., schools, hospitals, parks, Downtown, etc.) throughout Iowa City and could improve the ability of cyclists to navigate our community. This could be especially useful in Iowa City where the change in student population means a high percentage of new residents every year. In 2006, way- finding signs were installed on the metropolitan trail system through a coordinated effort between Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. Similar signs could be placed along designated on-street bikeways in Iowa City before and after turns, at major signalized intersections, and when bikeways intersect. Way-finding signs should include information on direction, distance and destination, and could also include directions to historic or cultural sites, schools, parks or emergency services. In addition to signs, more detailed information about routes and destinations could be posted on ki- osks or similar structures strategically located in heavily trafficked areas of town. SNuare~ Larne Markirvg: Roadways are often too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side by cyclists and motorists. On these routes, cyclists wishing to stay out of the way of drivers often ride too close to parked cars and risk being struck by a suddenly opened car door. To avoid this, experienced cy- clists position themselves closer to the center of narrow lanes. A shared lane marking, also known as a "sharrow," does not connote a separated bicycle lane, but instead directs the bicyclist to travel outside the car-door zone and encourages safe co-existence with vehicles. A recent study in San Francisco found that when passing vehicles were present, the markings caused an increase of three to four inches in the distance between cyclists and parked P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Multi-use paths or trails are separated from motor vehicle traffic. Cyclists of all abilities feel comfortable on multi-use paths. Wayfinding signage is integral to establishing a bicycle friendly community. cars and an increase of over two feet in the distance between cyclists and passing vehicles. Marking certain streets in the Central District with signs and sharrows would encourage bicycling and alert motorists of bicyclists on these streets. Bike Larose: A bike lane is a portion of the roadway exclusively designated for use by bicyclists. Bike lanes are most often used on urban arterial and major collector streets. Typically, the bike lane is separated from other travel lanes by a painted stripe and uses a combination of lane markings and signage to clarify its use. Bike lanes are acost-effective way to delineate a segment of the roadway exclusively for bicycles. Bike lane markings decrease the likelihood that motorists swerve out of their lane to avoid cyclists on their right. Many streets in the Central District, particularly those with on-street parking, are not wide enough for bike lanes to be marked without widening the street. In these situations, sharrows may be a better alternative. Market and Jefferson Streets from Governor Street to Madison Street are wide enough to accommo- date bicycle lanes and, in fact, had bicycle lanes in the past. Staff finds these streets are logical loca- tions for bike lanes or "sharrows" due to their ample width, one-way status, and connectivity to the north side of Downtown and University of Iowa campus. If bike lanes are implemented, the bike lane should be dashed or discontinued near intersections to allow bikes and vehicles to merge before turning. Bikeways, Bike R®I~tes, arudl Bike B®t~levardls: The terms "bikeway," "bike route," and "bike boulevard" have all been used to describe a street where bicycling is encouraged through a combination of signs, markings, and traffic calming techniques. Bicycle boulevards are becoming a popular choice for cities that are serious about promoting bicy- cling as an alternative to the automobile. A bicycle boulevard is a shared roadway that has been en- hanced in order to encourage bicycle traffic. The purpose of a bicycle boulevard is to improve bicycle safety and circulation by having or creating one or more of the following conditions: • low traffic volumes; • discouragement of non-local motor vehicle traffic; • free-flow travel for bikes by assigning the right-of-way to the bicycle boulevard at inter- sections wherever possible; • traffic control to help bicycles cross major arterial streets; and • a distinctive look and/or ambiance such that cyclists become aware of the existence of the bike boulevard and motorists are alerted that the roadway is a priority route for bicy- clists. 29 rr. ~. ~ --- -- h ~`~-- -~, J~_ - .. fr _ _ r r l'~ ~ ~ - , ice'; ICI-_-_ 44k~ rq ~. Bicycle lanes make bicycle travel safer along heavily trafficked streets. Bike lanes can also make less ex- perienced cyclists feel more comfortable on the road as they travel through busy areas. 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Some cities have had success implementing traffic calming in a broader area rather than just on isolated streets, which ensures that through-traffic gets displaced to arterial streets designed to handle it and not simply shifted from one residential street to another. Such a strategy would have benefits for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Bicycle Facilities Map: The map on page 30 illustrates existing bicycle facilities and streets that may be appropriate for signs, sharrows, and/or bikeways (bike routes, bike boulevards or bike lanes) based on their connectivity and traffic volume. Further analysis may reveal other streets or routes that might also be suitable for such bicycle accommodations. Public Transit Transit service in the Central District is among the most comprehensive in Iowa City. Public transit in the district is primarily provided by Iowa City Transit, which operates on chub-and-spoke route sys- tem with its hub located in the Downtown area. Due to the setup of this system, many routes serving other areas of the city pass through the Central District, enhancing the availability of transit service within the district. There are many University students living within the Central District. Services that cater to this group include the University of Iowa's CAMBUS system, which offers an additional transit service option to those in the northwest segment of the district. Additionally, Iowa City Transit has recognized that many University students were driving short distances to campus, occupying valuable downtown parking space, and adding to street congestion. To alleviate these issues, it now runs a free shuttle serving the areas of the Central District nearest the Downtown. Expansion of the free shuttle service could be explored as a means to further reduce demand for parking and congestion of streets. Neighborhoods in close proximity to the Downtown and University, experience on-street parking shortages as commuters seek free parking. Potential solutions for the problem could include the use of commuter lots located outside the Central District in combination with shuttle service to and from the Downtown area. In addition, the City should explore opportunities to partner with area em- ployers, including the University, to increase ridership and better meet the transit needs of employ- eesand students. 31 With its system of interconnected streets and side- walks, the Central Planning District has many of the necessary components to make bike and pedestrian travel safe for residents of all ages. Enhancements such as wayfinding signage, designated bikeways or lanes, and crosswalks encourage people to use the system and to feel more secure doing so. Planning participants viewed education and information as key elements in an im- proved transit system. Improved signage and the availability of bus route schedules and maps at bus stops may encourage more rider- ship. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 32 All Iowa City transit buses are now equipped with lifts or low floors to allow access to a greater number of patrons. Johnson County SEATS and the University of Iowa's Bionic Bus provide ser- vice to those with disabilities. Other efforts to encourage greater accessibility and ridership should be explored through public outreach to schools, businesses, and area employers. Addi- tional items that could be investigated include improved bus stop signage, posted schedules at each stop, and the possibility of locating additional shelters at stops with high usage. Passenger Rail Passenger rail is an exciting idea being considered for the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridor. According to the recently released Cedar-Iowa River Rail Transit Project Feasibility Study, the existing CRANDIC rail line is ideally located to serve commuters traveling from Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, and Coralville to Iowa City's Downtown and the University of Iowa. With the sharp increase in gas prices in recent years, alternative modes of transportation are becoming more attractive. In addition, comparison of the costs of adding an additional travel lane to I-380 be- tween Cedar Rapids and Coralville (approximately $400 million) to the cost of upgrading infra- structure to accommodate high-speed commuter rail between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (approximately $70 million) are promising as well. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation is working with Amtrak to initiate a regional inter-city passenger rail link from Chicago through the Quad Cities to Iowa City and on to Des Moines, utilizing the Iowa Interstate Rail line. Annual ridership between Chicago and Iowa City is estimated to be about 187,000 passengers, based on two daily round-trips. If Amtrak service is extended to Iowa City, the 1898 landmark Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Passen- ger Station located at 115 Wright Street would be ideally located to once again serve travelers to Iowa City. Since the CRANDIC rail line and the Iowa Interstate Rail line both extend through the South Gil- bert Street Commercial Corridor, this area has been identified as a prime location for "transit- oriented development," often abbreviated to "TO D." The following page contains a definition and brief explanation of the benefits of TOD and the idea is discussed further in the Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor section of the plan (see page 50). P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 A local landmark, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pa- cific Railroad Passenger Station, could serve passen- gers again in the future if Amtrak service is extended to Iowa City. The existing CRANDIC rail line is ideally located to serve commuters traveling from Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, and Coralville to Iowa City's Downtown and the University of Iowa, raising hopes and additional consideration for the reintroduction of passenger rail service to Iowa City. Transit Oriented Development The term transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to high-density, mixed-use residential and commercial districts designed to facilitate transit use and maximize access to public transit systems. TOD's generally consist of a town center featuring a rail or bus station, sur- rounded by high-density, mixed-use development. High-density development is essential for generating the level of ridership needed to justify frequent service. Higher densities also help create an active street life to support commercial activity within convenient walking distance of homes and worksites. The goal of TOD is to create situations in which people do not require cars in order to live a quality life. TOD's typically extend out one-quarter to one- half mile-a distance that is walkable for most people. The primary benefits of TOD's include: • Reduced sprawl and protection of existing neighborhoods • Reduced commute times and traffic congestion • Improved environmental quality and open space preservation • Reduce automobile dependency • Reduced household spending on transportation, resulting in more affordable housing • Healthier lifestyle with more walking and less stress • Increased foot traffic and customers for area businesses • Reduced public expense for roads and other infrastructure • Enhanced ability to maintain economic competitiveness 33 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 The ultimate success of passenger rail or other mass transit depends on the design and density of develop- ment that surrounds it. Additional information on the components of transit oriented design is presented on page 50. 34 While gravel alleys function well in many areas of the district, there are high-volume alleys, particularly in the higher density zones, that need improvements such as paving and storm sewer drainage. Transportation Goals and ®bjectives Goal 9L. Street irttuproverttuents -balance traffic circulation needs, preserve neigNuborYuood character, and public safety issues a. Minimize the amount of cut-through traffic on local residential streets by making it easier and safer for motorists to use the arterial street system. Context sensitive design is impor- tant in developed neighborhoods. Creative solutions that increase capacity and improve the roadway for all modes of transportation while minimizing impacts to neighboring properties should be the priority. b. When planning for street improvements, give consideration to all modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling, and driving. Balance these needs with desirability of on-street parking and street trees. c. Evaluate options for funding improvements to public alleys, giving priority to alleys that serve higher density developments. d. In areas where redevelopment may spur the need for better vehicular access, encourage or require improvements to alleys rather than allowing new driveways in areas where loss of pedestrian facilities, on-street parking or mature street trees is a concern. Goal 2. Identify on-street parking issues witYuin varioos areas of tNue district and work witNu neigf~bor- hoods to provide solutions where needed. a. Compare the costs and benefits of free on-street parking versus paid parking in neighbor- hoods close to Downtown and other areas with high demand for on-street parking spaces. b. Explore feasibility of implementing an on-street parking permit system in neighborhoods that have a shortage of on-street parking or where on-street parking is a concern. c. Balance the need for on-street parking with the space needs for safe bike travel within the district. Goal 3. ®evelop a plan to forrttualize safe bicycle and pedestrian connections between the rttuajor des- tinations in the district, including ®owntown Iowa Clty, neighborhood cor~ur~uercial areas, the UI car~u- pus, parks, and elementary and secondary schools. a. Identify major pedestrian and bike routes within the district, i.e. routes between major desti- nations such as the Downtown area, University campus, schools, and neighborhood com- mercial areas. Continue to work with schools to evaluate and improve their programs for safe, accessible bike and pedestrian routes for children. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 c. Organize promotional, educational, and wayfinding programs to improve public aware- ness of safe and efficient ways to travel by foot or by bike to schools, employment cen- ters, and parks. d. Continue to explore options such as high-visibility crosswalks to improve pedestrian crossings where major pedestrian routes intersect with arterial streets. e. Explore the viability of alternative routes for bikes or pedestrians along Ralston Creek, recognizing the difficulties posed by private ownership of the creek, access, and flood- ing. f. Investigate improvements or other modifications that could make use of existing streets or alleys as safe and efficient bike routes (e.g. bike boulevards, bike lanes, way- finding programs, etc.) g. Educate bikers and motorists on how to share the road. h. Continue to fill in gaps in the sidewalk network on all public streets within the district. i. Insure that sidewalks in all areas of the district are maintained and kept clear of snow, debris, and overgrown vegetation during all times of year. j. Identify ways to make Burlington Street safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. G®~I ~. C®rutirut~e t® irttupr®ve pt~blie tr~rvsit t® rttu~ke it rttu®re user-frierv~ly ~r~~ t® erne®I~r~ge irv- creasedl ridlersf~ip withiru tl~e district. a. Make bus schedules more widely available and post schedules and maps at all stops. b. Make bus stops more visible, attractive, and protected from the elements. c. Explore ways to improve schedules, routes, and route connections. d. Explore new ways to increase ridership within the district through better public educa- tion and incentives. e. Investigate feasibility of park-and-ride commuter lots and shuttle service for people who work or go to school in Downtown Iowa City to help reduce congestion downtown and reduce the number of cars parked in the residential neighborhoods that surround the Downtown and the University campus. f. Continue to evaluate the need for off-peak transit service for those working second or third shifts. g. Investigate costs and benefits of expanding the free Downtown shuttle. r 35 +~; .~ ~~ ~..~ Educating bikers and motorists to safely share the road is an impor- tant component in making Iowa City a truly bike-friendly community. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Making bus stops more visible and attractive may be one way to make commuters aware of the bus system. 36 1 G®al 5. F~cpl®re ®pp®rt~rultles t® establlsNu passenger call servlce ~tlllzlrug the CRAN®IC rall Ilr~e aru~ ®wa Interstate Rallr®ad. a. Investigate the feasibility of relocating the North Wastewater Treatment Plant and City Car- ton to provide land to support transit-oriented land uses near future passenger rail stations in the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor. b. Conduct a public visioning process to determine the density, type, and location of develop- ment that would support passenger rail service in the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corri- dor. c. Develop funding sources, development agreements, and implementation tools to make the vision a reality. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Parks, Open Space, and Public Ways Existing Conditions The most significant park in the Central Planning District is Hickory Hill Park, a 185-acre passive rec- reation park located in the northeast corner of the district. Founded in 1967, Hickory Hill Park is val- ued as a regional wilderness area within the city that offers soft-surface hiking/jogging trails. The district also contains several small neighborhood parks, some of which are the oldest public parks in Iowa City. These include College Green Park and North Market Square Park (both established in 1839), Happy Hollow Park and Reno Street Park located on the district's north side, Glendale Park and Creekside Park located to the east, and Oak Grove Park and Highland Park located in the south- east part of the district. Most of these parks consist of 2.5 acres of land or less, and while many pro- vide picnic shelters and playground equipment for small children, they have limited space and facili- ties for active recreation, such as playing fields or courts, which are highly desired in the district. De- spite their limited size, these smaller parks are valued by residents of the district as a community gathering space. Four public elementary schools-Mann, Longfellow, Hoover and Twain-and one public high school, City High, are located within the district. While the Neighborhood Open Space Plan considers play- grounds, courts, and fields associated with public schools as usable recreation space for the district, these facilities receive only partial credit toward the open space need because they are not available for public use during the school day and are not controlled by the City. In addition, Oakland Ceme- tery, apublic cemetery managed by the City's Parks and Recreation Department and located adja- cent to Hickory Hill Park, and Plum Grove, a state historical site, contribute to open space within the district. The Central District is served by two regional trails located at the perimeter of the district: the Iowa River Corridor (IRC) Trail and the Highway 6 Trail. The IRC Trail is part of a nine-mile trail system from Napoleon Park in south Iowa City to West Overlook Road in north Johnson County. The IRC Trail is a recreation route connecting many parks, including City Park and Waterworks Park, which also serves as a commuter route for people working on or near the University of Iowa campus. While the High- way 6 Trail is located just south of the Central District along Highway 6, it provides a means of ac- cess from the surrounding neighborhoods to the businesses along Highway 6 and another connec- tion to the IRC Trail. Because the Central District is almost completely developed, it is difficult to establish new trails. In order to do so, land must be donated to or purchased by the City, or existing property owners would need to grant public access easements across their private property. However, there are a few re- cent successes. A short neighborhood trail in the Longfellow District showcases native prairie plant- ings and provides a tunnel under the railroad tracks connecting neighborhoods that were previously cut off from one another. Area residents located north of the railroad tracks can now easily bike or 37 ,~~,. - Above: Despite its small size, College Green park pro- vides opportunities for active play, relaxation, and social gatherings. It also serves as a focal point for the neighborhood that surrounds it and is the site of many public events, including rallies, protests, pa- rades and community celebrations. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 38 walk to the commercial areas near the Sycamore Mall. The Longfellow Trail also provides a new con- nection for bicyclists wanting to ride from these neighborhoods south to the Sycamore Greenway trail system located south of Highway 6. The Court Hill Trail is currently being built along Ralston Creek between Creekside Park and Court Hill Park. This trail will be part of a larger trail and sidewalk network connecting Creekside Park to Scott Park, and will include a connection to the sidewalk net- work around the Towncrest commercial area. Open Space Needs The Neighborhood Open Space Plan (adopted 1993) promotes parkland for active recreation and play space, relaxation and passive pleasure, and as a focal point for neighborhood activity and social interaction. The plan divides the Central Planning District into eight open space districts and has a goal of providing public park space within a walkable distance (one-quarter mile or less) of all resi- dences. All but one of the open space districts in the Central Planning District are at a significant deficit in terms of the recommended public open space-the exception being the Hickory Hill District. While three of the open space districts-North Side, College Green, and City High-have less than half of the recommended open space, the Bowery and Near Southside Districts have no parks or open space within their boundaries. Large concentrations of multi-family housing in these areas, along with the expansion of parking lots to support larger numbers of residents, has exacerbated the situation by reducing the availability of private open space. While the construction of the University's new student recreation facility on the east campus will provide new opportunities for organized rec- reation and exercise, the lack of outdoor open space for more informal recreation or social gather- ings will remain an issue in these areas of the district. Addressing the parkland shortage will require a concerted effort by the City. As more high-density residential uses are developed south of Burlington Street-and especially if plans for a passenger rail system are pursued-there will likely be an even greater demand for open space in the areas sur- roundingthe Downtown. Aside from the handful of undeveloped properties scattered throughout the Central District which could be acquired or redeveloped for park use (see map on page 40), the greatest opportunity to provide park space and trail connections on a large scale is if industrial and public property located west of Gilbert Street and south of Prentiss Street are relocated to make room for riverfront redevelopment, particularly if passenger rail service is re-established in the area. Many of the properties along the river were impacted by the 2008 flood. As the City and property owners in this area reevaluate land uses along the riverfront, there may be a singular opportunity to create highly desirable public park and trail space along the Iowa River. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 The tunnel that connects the Longfellow Trail to Kirk- wood Avenue provides a vital pedestrian and bike connection between two neighborhoods once cut off by the railroad. In some areas of the district, private open space has been displaced by apartment buildings and parking lots. This creates greater demand on existing public parks and sometimes leads to conflicts when renters use rights-of-way for gathering or play space. 39 Access aru~ Awareruess Because there is very little undeveloped land in the Central District, there is no quick fix for creating new public park space. It is therefore critical that the City make the most of the limited park space it has by creating better public access to and greater awareness of existing parks in the district and improving the infrastructure and facilities that will help make these parks more usable. While there are plans to create a bike trail between Creekside and Scott Parks, there are no other trail connec- tions between parks within the district and limited signage directing people to parks. Several parks are lacking in the amenities needed to make them fully usable-amenities such as drinking foun- tains and restrooms are absent in all but three parks in the district. Many residents are simply un- aware of the public parks that do exist within the district. Participants in the planning process sug- gested asystem of directional signage, including maps, to raise awareness of parks in the district. Additional wayfinding methods, such as streetscape enhancements and landscaping along rights-of- way that provide access to parks, would help direct people to smaller, less visible parks in the dis- trict, such as North Market Square and Creekside Park. Alterrvative Spaces Though there are a handful of undeveloped properties in the district that might be acquired to create new parks or to expand existing parks, it is unlikely that sufficient land will become available to bring the district in line with the goals of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. Despite the significant short- age of public park space, a strong community tradition of gardening, a mature tree canopy, and close proximity to Ralston Creek and the Iowa River lend a distinct green character to the district. These green resources, which exist largely on private property or in public rights-of-way, help to sof- ten an otherwise fully developed environment. Given the anticipated growth in density in the areas of the district surrounding the Downtown, a fo- cus on alternative or creative ways to expand and improve the sense of open or green space is im- portant for preserving and enhancing the quality of life in this western portion of the district. Partici- pants in the planning forums pointed to public rights-of-way (both streets and alleys) as substitutes for traditional open space or trails. Also, landscaping in the public right-of-way (parkways, boule- vards, traffic triangles) provides an opportunity not only to mitigate or soften more densely devel- oped areas, but would also provide a clearer separation between sidewalks and vehicle traffic. Land- scaping can provide a visual edge to the street, which not only helps to guide motorists but also makes pedestrians feel safer and discourages pedestrians from crossing the street mid-block. There is significant potential to enhance and expand these alternative spaces through public-private part- nerships, including relevant neighborhood associations and advocacy groups such as Project GREEN, and the Johnson County Master Gardeners. Participants in the planning workshop called for a system of directional signage to help residents find local parks, especially Hickory Hill Park, the largest park in the district but one whose entrance is located at the end of a residential street. Creative use of public streets and rights-of-way, such as creation of "festival streets" as shown in this illustra- tion, would provide additional space for community gatherings and create a sense of neighborhood identity. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 4o Central planning ®istrict: darks, ®pen space, and public Ways N U ^~ I..L W U C6 Q Cn Q N ~~ U .~ ~i ~_ ^~~ W U ~~ z~ z~ z~ a~ J - d ~ a~ 0 ~ Q ~ m m ' ~ m a~ ~ ~ ~ c~ ~ N tq `~ Ip - ~ . U .L-~ to Y Y N N ~ ~ ~ N ~ U_ ~ ~ ~ U U ~ a in in ~ ~ i 1 Y f6 d N U ~ ~ (Q ~ ~ ~ ~ O Q ~ ~ ~ Q ~ ~ ~ [1 (6 ~ Y ~' ._ ~ ~ ~ ~ d m 0 ~ ~ ~ N U ~ ~ _ ~ L Y to ~ ~ U ~ ~ L ~ ~ 7 LL C1 ~ ~ 0 ~, !~'~~ P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Qpen Space Goals and ®bjectives The following goals and objectives for parks, trails, and public ways were de- veloped from a series of public workshops, including a special focus session on the topic. Goal 9L. Investigate and pt~rst~e opporft~nities to acq~oire land for tYue develop- rttuent of new or expanded parks (see open space rttuap on pale 40). a. Pursue opportunities to create a public park and trails along the Iowa River as part of the City's response to the 2008 flood, or with any re- development of industrial and public property west of Gilbert Street. b. Work proactively to acquire the Chadek property as a public park space. The undeveloped property located along Friendship Street be- tween Third and Fifth Avenue consists of five acres of undeveloped land. The parcel is ideal for a public parkland, as three sides of the property front onto streets or right-of-way, and there is sufficient space for active recreation use. c. Investigate the potential for creating or expanding parks or trails on undeveloped land throughout the district, including: • Undeveloped land adjacent to Happy Hollow Park. Additional space for Happy Hollow Park could provide opportunities for ac- tive recreation space (courts or fields). • Undeveloped lots near Creekside Park (.41 acres) and Glendale Park (.33 acres +). • Possible trail connection running from the intersection of College Street and College Court extending northwest to Glendale Court and across the creek to Parsons Avenue or through property east of Woodlawn that is currently owned by the Alberhasky family. d. Explore the possibility of a dog park or trail to serve the neighbor- hoods in the Central Planning District. e. Pursue opportunities to create parks, including small pocket parks and community gardens, where lots become available within the dis- trict. Consider lots adjacent to Plum Grove Historic Site on the west side of Carroll Street. .~~,~. ~~ . 41 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 The Chadek property was identified as an ideal location for a future public park in an area of the district that lacks sufficient public park space. 42 f. Investigate the feasibility of requiring a neighborhood open space fee when property within the district is rezoned for development at higher residential density. Fees would be used for acquisition of new parkland or improvements to existing parks within the area of rezoning. G®al 2. F®ster public awareness ®~ arDd access t® parks that serve the Central District. a. Create a system of bike- and pedestrian-connections to parks via trails or public rights-of-way that are bike and pedestrian friendly. b. Promote parks through public events such as history walks, tree walks, and movie nights or other social events in parks. c. Develop auser-friendly system of signage, maps, and other wayfinding techniques to guide people to parks and connecting trails. Some communities are now using wireless zones as park amenities. Goal 3. Improve the amenities offered in existing parks or other open spaees. a. Wherever feasible, provide public restrooms and drinking water in public parks (especially at south Hickory Hill Park), including drinking water for dogs and fountains that allow hikers and bikers to refill water containers. b. Design and develop small parks that keep kids safe from vehicle traffic through the use of low fencing, landscape barriers and other appropriate methods. c. Investigate opportunities to provide recreational amenities on other pub- lic property (i.e. adaptive uses for parking lots during non-business hours), especially near higher density apartments. d. Investigate the possibility of making some parks "wireless" zones. e. Explore options for passive recreational uses on other public properties that are not designated parks ,such as along the Iowa Avenue median or other street rights-of-way. g. Expand the sense of space for small parks by improving and enhancing the landscaping along streets leading into parks. h. Provide more and better opportunities for active recreation (i.e. basket- ball courts, skateboarding) within appropriate parks in the district, espe- cially those close to multi-family and student housing. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 A system of wayfinding signage and maps will help make residents more aware of those parks and trails that serve the district. G®al ~. Eruhar~ee arut~ exparv~ greeru spaees, b®tNu large arv~ srttuall, ®ru public arv~ private properly. a. Identify public spaces that can be enhanced with landscaping, furniture, cultural or historical signage, or public art (i.e. street medians, rights-of-way, public park- ingfacilities). b. Include and emphasize green (landscaping) components in all street improve- ment projects and minimize the use of paving and hard surfaces wherever possi- ble (i.e. medians, traffic triangles, etc.), especially between sidewalks and streets. c. Create and promote a set of guidelines for private property owners who wish to landscape in the right-of-way (parkway). d. Explore creative uses of the Iowa Avenue median for some forms of passive rec- reation (such as seating space). e. Enhance the district's sense of green space through events such as garden walks and other public education campaigns that encourage private property owners to plant trees and undertake other landscaping projects. f. Consider designation of "festival streets"- streets that are designed similar to public squares (without a raised curb) but are open to traffic - to provide space for block parties, public gatherings, festivals, etc. These streets can be easily closed to allow festivals or other social gatherings or community events. Linn Street, between Market and Bloomington, might be an appropriate candidate for a festival street. g. Pursue opportunities for green rooftops as usable green space on public and privately owned buildings in the district, especially for projects that receive public funding or TIF designation. h. Investigate changes to the zoning code that would create opportunities for pri- vate, usable green space in multi-family developments. 43 Landscaping within the right-of-way is one way to make street- scapes and other heavily paved areas more attractive, which con- tributes to the district's sense of green space. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 ~- ~_.- -- ..~ __ 44 Particpants in the planning workshops identified Ralston Creek as an important natural feature for the district and one that helps to create a sense of open natural space. Enhancing views and access to the creek wherever possible and educat- ing residents about the creek and its role as a natural corridor will help to encourage a sense of steward- ship for this important district asset. Goal 5. Irm~pr®ve awareruess ®~ arDdl access t® tNue I®wa River aru~ Ralst®ru Creek. a. Develop plans for improving visual and physical access to Ralston Creek and for restoration of the stream along both public and privately owned sections of the creek. b. Encourage community stewardship of the creek by educating property owners and residents about public and other funding opportunities for creek restoration and improvement along privately owned sections of the creek. c. Identify opportunities to acquire land or access rights to the creek, in- cluding apossible connection between Glendale Park and Hickory Hill Park. d. Foster the creation of new advocacy and volunteer groups (e.g. a "Friends of Ralston Creek") within neighborhoods to help maintain and improve the creek. e. Develop wayfinding methods for directing people to points of public ac- cess along Ralston Creek and the Iowa River. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 45 Commercial Areas There are a number of commercial areas that provide goods and services to the residents of the Central District. While largely located in the Southeast Planning District, the Sycamore Mall /First Avenue Commercial Area and the retail commercial node at First and Muscatine provide for most daily household needs. Groceries, gas and vehicle servicing, clothing, pharmaceuticals, restaurants, movie theaters, and medical and dental services are all readily available. District residents also en- joy good access to Downtown Iowa City and all its unique retail shops, government and professional services, restaurants and entertainment venues. Workshop participants cited proximity to employ- ment centers -Downtown, University of Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, Mercy Hospital, and Proctor and Gamble - as a positive aspect of living in the Central District. There are two small neighborhood commercial nodes, one on Dodge Street near Horace Mann Elementary School and the other at the corner of 1st Avenue and Rochester Avenue.While limited in size, local residents appreciate the convenience of shopping close to home. There are two significant commercial areas located within the boundaries of the Central District. These areas are examined in more detail in the following sections of the plan.The South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor contains a mix of intensive commercial uses, industrial uses, and a num- ber of retail, office, and business service establishments. Many of these largely locally owned estab- lishments have been in business for a long time, providing needed goods and services to city resi- dents. The Northside Marketplace, with its charming mainstreet character, contains many local busi- nesses and restaurants enjoyed by area residents. Good street and sidewalk connections make it possible for people to walk or bike to these areas. This area was originally included in the Downtown Planning District, but due to its neighborhood commercial character and its connection and direct effect on the surrounding neighborhoods, it is more appropriate to include it in the Central Planning District. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 46 Current zoning map (2008) for the area defined as the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor. South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor For the purpose of the Central District Plan, the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor is defined as the area bounded by the Iowa River, Highway 6, Highland Court and the Iowa Interstate Railroad. A large portion of the area is zoned for in- dustrial an intensive commercial uses, which often require outdoor storage space, and as well as public uses, which include the Johnson County Administrative Office, Iowa City's Waste Water Treatment Facility, and the Iowa City Animal Care Center. Three arterial streets -Kirkwood Avenue, Benton Street and South Gilbert Street - converge in the area and serve as major travel corridors between downtown Iowa City and Highway 6. Business and property owners cite high visibility along Gilbert Street and Kirkwood Avenue along with lower rents (compared to Downtown) and opportunities for on-site parking as positive factors that influenced their decisions to locate in the area. A mix of retail, personal service, and office uses predominate along Kirkwood Avenue and South Gilbert Street, while the remainder of the area is characterized by a mix of industrial and intensive commercial uses, residential apartments, and public uses. Traffic congestion, particularly at the Highway 6 and South Gilbert Street intersec- tion, and driver confusion related to the one-way direction on Benton Street east of Kirkwood Avenue, are concerns for businesses and property owners. Due to opposi- tion from some property owners, the City Council has placed improvements to the Highway 6 and Gilbert Street intersection on hold indefinitely and it is unlikely that the Council will place the project back in the capital improvements budget without advocacy from area property owners. As noted in the history section at the beginning of this plan, the early development of much of the area was industrial. Properties south of Kirkwood Avenue, on High- land and Gilbert Courts, continue to provide a vital niche for automobile repair and and other intensive commercial uses in close proximity to Downtown. City Carton, a recycling processing facility, and the City's Wastewater Treatment Facility occupy nearly all of the riverFront area. While the remainder of the district is gradually tran- sitioningtoward amix of retail commercial, office, and apartments, an inconsistent development pattern and a lack of aesthetic cohesion were identified as obstacles to more significant reinvestment in the area. The consolidation of the Johnson County administration offices in a new facility between Clinton and Dubuque Streets, along with the potential for passenger rail service and the close proximity to P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 an expanding downtown and university campus, may provide a catalyst for major redevelopment in the area. Most recently, the flood of 2008 has prompted a reconsideration of development and land uses along the Iowa River. S®t~tYu Gilbert Street South Gilbert Street serves as an important entryway to Iowa City's Downtown, but one that lacks aesthetic appeal. The character and scale of commercial development along South Gilbert Street is auto-oriented, with parking lots located at the front of the lots and buildings set back from the street. Property owners and businesses alike expressed a desire for a more attractive and pedestrian- friendly streetscape as well as a welcoming commercial identity to attract nearby residents and shoppers. In general, the properties along Gilbert Street have been transitioning away from intensive commercial uses toward retail commercial uses, although quite a number are the type that require outdoor storage and display. In the short term, screening parking lots with landscaping creating better connectivity between lots by providing cross-access for pedestrians and cars, and consolidating curb cuts would help to allevi- atesome of the traffic congestion and aesthetic issues along Gilbert Street. In the long term, major commercial redevelopment along Gilbert Street is likely if the City and the State pursue development of passenger rail service between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and Amtrak service between Chicago and Iowa City. Both the CRANDIC rail line and the Iowa Interstate Rail line extend though the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor, making it an ideal location for high den- sity transit-oriented development around the train depot and around transit stops. Adoption of an overlay zoning district tailored to this important commercial corridor could help to create a more uni- form and attractive streetscape as redevelopment occurs, and will ensure that it redevelops with a pedestrian orientation to serve nearby residents and train passengers. Future development scenarios for South Gilbert Street should take into account the potential for higher density residential neighborhoods located to take advantage of rail service and the type of commercial businesses that this concentration of new residents would support. A more in-depth study of appropriate land uses, open space, building and parking area designs, the residential den- sity needed to support rail service, and strategies to improve connections to surrounding neighbor- hoodsand commercial areas will be necessary. 47 Participants in the focus group session believe that the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor lacks aesthetic appeal as well as an identity to attract cus- tomersand investment to the neighborhood. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 48 Portions of Kirkwood Avenue have the elements of amore traditional mainstreet commercial area in terms of scale and pedestrian orientation. Property north of Kirk- wood Avenue on Gilbert Court and Maiden Lane are zoned RS-8 and CI- 1. Mixed use zoning might provide a more appropriate transition between the commer- cial area and the neighborhood to the east. Kirkw®®dl ,~veruoe Slower moving traffic and the availability of on-street parking have attracted small-scale retail and personal service uses to Kirkwood Avenue, east of Gilbert Street. This area includes some of the elements of a more traditional mainstreet commercial zone in terms of scale and pedestrian orientation. There is a strong desire among the residential neighbors to prevent the commercial area from encroaching further to the east, and recent attempts to rezone residential property for commercial uses have failed. Maintaining the current boundary for the commercial uses along Kirkwood Avenue is desirable. However, as existing commercial properties along Kirkwood Ave- nue redevelop, there is also an opportunity for this area to become a neighborhood asset in much the way that the Northside Marketplace com- plements the residential neighborhood north of the Downtown. North of Kirkwood Avenue, properties along Gilbert Court and Maiden Lane are currently zoned CI-1 and RS-8. While this area can appropriately serve both residential and commercial uses, the small size of the lots zoned for intensive commercial do not provide an ideal transition between the two uses. The CRANDIC rail line runs along Maiden Lane. Early discussions have identified Maiden Lane north of Kirkwood Avenue as a potential location for the terminus of passenger rail service between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. A mixed-use zone west of Van Buren Street would provide an opportunity for small, low-intensity businesses as well as residential development, and pro- vide amore appropriate transition between the commercial and residential zones. Some commercial property owners along Kirkwood Avenue have expressed interest in developing residential units above storefronts to help support the commercial area and to provide a better transition between the commercial zone and the residential neighborhood to the east. Most indicated a desire to create residential uses that are different from what is offered in the Downtown and student markets. Mixed-use redevelopment reflecting the scale and character of the adjacent neighborhood, and streetscape im- provements that link the commercial zone to the residential by emphasizing the history of the neighborhood, could help foster a stronger connection between business owners and residents. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 River~r®rut Area Like many other communities across the nation, Iowa City is rethinking its relationship to urban rivers and streams and recognizing the benefits of public access and com- munity open space along the waterFront. Participants in the Central Planning Process expressed a strong desire to reclaim the riverFront for public use and to provide an attractive resource to spur redevelopment in the South Gilbert Street Commercial Cor- ridorand the Near Southside Neighborhood. Although the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor has experienced a gradual transition away from industrial uses, there are two significant industrial uses that re- main along the riverfront -the North Wastewater Treatment Plant and City Carton, a recycling processing facility. While these facilities provide an essential function in the community, they are a deterrent to retail and residential redevelopment and effec- tively cut off any public access to the Iowa River. Because a rail spur and convenient highway access for trucks are essential to City Carton's business, it is unlikely they will relocate unless an appropriate alternative location is found to serve their needs. The strategy for the North Wastewater Treatment Facility is to eventually relocate those functions to the South Wastewater Treatment Facility. This transition will be depend- ent on available funding. The flooding of 2008, which affected properties north of Highway 6 and west of South Dubuque Street, has provided an impetus to reassess the risks to development within the floodplain and to minimize the impacts of future floods. Any future development or redevelopment, particularly residential development, in these areas must take the floodplain and its inherent risks into account. Properties at high flood risk could pro- vide much needed open space. Development of trails and attractive park space along the river may encourage redevelopment and reinvestment in the area. In addition, if passenger rail is reintroduced into the community, usable open space along the river will be an important element in the transit-oriented development planned for this area. Any redevelopment proposed for the riverFront area should also relate to the Near Southside Neighborhood, which is located just north of the Iowa Interstate Rail- road. The redevelopment of areas west of Gilbert Street will likely depend on a substantial public-private effort to acquire and improve large tracts of property. Participants in the Central District Planning process were invited to generate ideas for how the riverFront area should redevelop if such an opportunity comes about. These ideas are incorpo- rated into the goals and objectives at the end of this section. 49 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 The flood of 2008 impacted many properties in the South Gilbert Com- mercial Corridor. This photo shows an aerial view of the flooded Iowa River looking west from the intersection of S. Gilbert Street and Highway 6. The North Wastewater Treatment Plant is in the upper right corner. 50 Developing a rail or other public transit system does not in itself constitute a transit oriented development (TOD). The components of TOD have as much to do with the type and density of development around the rail or bus station as they do with the form of public transit itself. The compo- nents of TODs are: • Walkable design with pedestrians as the focus. • Train station as the central feature. • A town center containing a mixture of uses in close proximity including office, residential, retail, and civic uses. • High density (20-50 dwelling units per acre), high- quality development within a quarter to half mile surrounding the station. • Efficient connections with other transit systems, such as buses, bike trails, etc. • Streets with good connectivity and traffic calming features that slow vehicle speeds. • Parking management to reduce the amount of land devoted to vehicle parking. Passeruger Rail Service The area west of South Gilbert Street has become a focal point in discussions regarding long-term planning for the reintroduction of passenger rail service to the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor Area. The CRANDIC rail line is ideally located to provide service from this area to the University campus, downtown Iowa City, and the University and Veterans Hos- pitals, and would provide a connection to Coralville's River Landing development, North Liberty and along the I-380 corridor to Cedar Rapids. If funding is secured from the State Legislature, Amtrak could initiate passenger service from Chicago to Iowa City, utilizing the Iowa Interstate Rail Line. Alternatives to automobile travel will become more attractive as gas prices escalate. With such convenient and cost-effective transportation links to local employment centers and to larger cities in the region, the Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor and the Near South- side will become an ideal location for higher density housing, which would in turn support retail and personal service businesses, entertainment venues, and restaurants along Gil- bert Street and Kirkwood Avenue. Because development of a density and character to support mass transit is an essential component in planning for rail service, a proactive approach to development will be necessary for this area. Guidelines, regulations, and in- centivesshould be adopted to support the long-term vision for this area. While in the short term, community commercial zoning may be appropriate along Gilbert Street, if passenger rail is introduced it will be necessary to create new zoning categories or a special overlay zone to ensure that the commercial area is integrated into a strategic vision for transit- oriented development. That vision should include a more pedestrian-oriented focus sup- ported by a captive customer base in the new high-density residential areas to the west and from visitors arriving by rail. A shift away from auto-centric site design toward active, pedestrian-oriented street frontages will be key to making this vision a reality. Reclaiming open space along the Iowa River and providing bicycle and pedestrian links to area desti- nations will be important factors in making this an attractive place to live. The plan map of the Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor on the following page illustrates the location of the existing rail lines and the proposed riverfront redevelopment area, com- mercial redevelopment area, and an urban mixed-use area. While all of these areas could include medium- to high- density residential uses, creating a new zoning category for "urban mixed use" that is intended primarily for high-density residential development along with businesses that provide goods and services essential for everyday living, will provide an environment where it is possible for residents to reduce or eliminate reliance on the automobile. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 51 5~ Ls NOSNNOrs\ `` p W `3h \\\\ i ` z \\\ m \ o \\\`` i ~~ ~ z^ Z ~ Z h Q ~ J - ao A~ V LS N( LS a31593M \ I -fir ~~. .~~. .•~~ 0 ..r ~• Ls wna,~os 1J aNtlIH~IH ~ i i \\,~ea \\ \~1\ \\~ .. r i ~I m o a~ ~ m o `o m ~ D ~ C ~ ~ O ~ 'O N U a ~ ~ ~ ~ U N Q ~ T Q ~ d O X E O ~ m a O N O ~ ~ U ~ N y C ~ U N y ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ O T ~N ~ ~ U N N ._ ~ U C~ ~ (0 ~ ~ N U N > ~ ~ C ~ Sl .C O C !C N ~ E M ~ C U .t C ~ ~ I ~~ ka \ \ . ®\ % . E E U U`o 3 d o ~ ~o P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 52 South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor Goals and Qbjectives The following goals and objectives for the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor were developed from a series of public workshops, including a special focus session with business and property own- ers from the area. ~_-- F Goal ~: Improve tra$$ic flow through the area. a. Improve the intersections at Highway 6 and Gilbert Street and Gilbert Street and Kirkwood Avenue to minimize congestion at peak travel times. b. Investigate adding turn lanes on Gilbert Street to allow easier access to businesses. c. Study the desirability/feasibility of direct east-west access between Benton and Gilbert Streets. Any improvements or changes should discourage cut-through traffic along the resi- dential portion of Benton Street east of Maiden Lane (see map). d. Explore possibilities for better access to the Downtown from Benton Street via Clinton Street. e. Work to ensure safe bicycle and pedestrian access to the area. Goal 2. Support the economic vitality o~ this commercial area. a. Preserve on-street parking along Kirkwood Avenue in order to slow traffic and support sales- oriented retail uses and personal service businesses. b. Consider economic incentives to encourage appropriate reinvestment and redevelopment. c. Maintain Gilbert Court, Highland Court and Highland Avenue east of the rail line and south of Kirkwood Avenue as an important niche for repair and other quasi-industrial uses close to the center of the city (see map). d. Provide guidelines to improve the appearance and function of the Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor, e.g. improve signage, lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping, consolidate curb cuts and provide cross-access connections, etc. e. Work to establish an identity for the commercial area as an important entryway to Iowa City. f. Investigate design guidelines to promote a consistent and attractive pattern of redevelop- mentalong Kirkwood Avenue that complements the adjacent residential neighborhood. g. Encourage formation of a business association to foster stronger relationships between busi- ness owners. h. Undertake streetscape improvements for Kirkwood Avenue and Gilbert Street in order to im- prove the aesthetic appeal and identity of the commercial area. i. Improve the safety of the area through better pedestrian level lighting and crossings. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Traffic congestion at the intersection of South Gilbert Street and Highway 6 was a problem cited by many area business owners, however opposition from some property owners has placed improvements to the in- tersection on hold indefinitely. Streetscape improvements could help to create a commercial identity for the area and provide safer and more pleasant pedestrian areas. G®al 3. Irutro~uce residlerutial uses t® tf~e area t® supp®rt c®r~ur~ercial Dees aru~ to exparudl opp®r- turuities ~®r livirug CI®se t® empl®yrttuerut aro~ trarusit. a. Encourage redevelopment of commercial properties to include mixed-use buildings with 2-3 stories of apartments above commercial storefronts. b. Establish policies and regulations that encourage mixed-use buildings with one- to two- bedroomapartments above commercial storefronts. c. Work to create a unique and diverse style of residential development in the area - focusing on a mix of housing, including affordable housing, for those who wish to live close to Downtown and major employment centers such as the University and the John- son County Administrative offices. d. Explore new zoning designations for high-density residential in concert with transit- oriented development associated with introduction of passenger rail to the area. e. Provide a buffer between commercial zones and the residential neighborhood to the east by transitioning the current CI-1 area north of Kirkwood and east of Gilbert to a mixed-use zone, which would allow a mix of small retail and office uses and single fam- ily homes, duplexes, and low density multi-family housing. If rezonings are requested to accommodate redevelopment, the City should consider appropriate conditions to ensure that the scale and intensity of new development does not threaten the integrity and character of the existing residential neighborhood to the east. G®al ~. Eruc®urage riverffr®rut re~evel®prmoerut iru a rm~aruruer tYuat supp®rles tYue ec®ru®rmoic vitality arDe~ quality ®f life f®r tNue district as a wNu®le. a. Take inherent flood risks into account when planning for redevelopment along the river- front. b. Preserve riverfront property for public access and open space and provide improved bi- cycle and pedestrian trail connections through the area. c. Enhance views of the river by cleaning up the riverbank and planting appropriate natural landscaping. d. Encourage development that supports passenger rail or other public transit and that minimizes the need for additional vehicles and parking in the area. e. Given the proximity to the Downtown and potential for rail or other transit service, en- courage higher-density residential development and transit-oriented commercial devel- opment. f. Identify and preserve historic properties in the area, such as the Tate House and Rock Island Railroad Depot. 53 P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Any long-term redevelopment scenario for the South Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor should consider the potential for high-density urban de- velopment necessary to support rail service. 54 g. Provide a mix of housing opportunities with an emphasis on providing diverse, accessible, and affordable housing for people who wish to live and work in the Downtown area. h. Encourage local start-ups and independent businesses. i. As much as possible, work to encourage a mix of uses to meet the basic needs of people living in the area with open space and play structures, trail and pedestrian connections, gen- eral retail such as grocery and drugstores, daycare, and civic uses. i. Work to promote sustainable development, including Leadership in Energy and Environ- mental Design (LEED) certification and other green elements. G®al 5. Eruc®orage reiruvestr~erot arudl redlevel®pr~uerut where appr®priate. Short term a. Explore and implement initiatives to create aesthetic improvements to the commercial streetscape along Kirkwood Avenue, Benton Street, and Gilbert Street. Along Kirkwood Ave- nue, streetscape improvements should help establish a distinct character and identity con- nected with the historic neighborhood to the east. b. Organize a business association to advocate for improvements and reinvestment in the area. c. Establish an Urban Mixed-Use zoning designation to support redevelopment in areas border- ingthe Near Southside Neighborhood in order to support passenger rail service in the area. Long term a. Work with industrial and quasi-industrial uses west of Gilbert Street to explore opportunities for relocation in order to free up the riverfront for redevelopment. b. Take advantage of the riverfront and existing rail facilities to create transit-oriented redevel- opment in the area. c. Determine the appropriate mix of housing, commercial, open space and public amenities to support successful redevelopment efforts. d. Actively promote and expand bike trails, bus service, and rail service in this area to support higher density housing. e. Create incentives or regulations to ensure the development of affordable housing for people who work in the area. f. Explore opportunities to create much-needed public open space and trails within the Iowa River floodplain. Participants in the planning workshop stressed the importance of public open space along the riverfront, including trail connections. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 55 Northside Marketplace The Northside Marketplace is defined as the historic commercial neighborhood bounded by Bloom- ington and Jefferson Streets and North Gilbert and Dubuque Streets. Located just to the north of the Downtown, it is considered an important commercial area that serves the Central Planning District. Despite its close proximity to the Downtown, the Northside Marketplace maintains a distinct identity and scale. Locally owned businesses that have become institutions in the community, such as John's Grocery, Pagliai's Pizza, and the Hamburg Inn, serve as commercial anchors for the neighbor- hood, which is defined by an eclectic mix of small-scale, locally owned specialty shops and restau- rants. Many participants describe the area as "Old Iowa City"- an urban commercial district that is not dominated by the undergraduate student market. A two-block section of University campus running from North Dubuque to Gilbert Street cuts off through-traffic on North Linn, creating the slower, pedestrian pace that helps define the area. How- ever, this disconnection from the Downtown is also viewed as something of an obstacle to attracting more customers. Participants indicated that many people, even long-time residents of Iowa City, are simply not aware of Northside Marketplace. While a number of recommendations from the Northside Marketplace Streetscape Master Plan (2000) have been implemented in order to improve the identity and safety of the area -including pedestrian-scale lighting, decorative paving, and streetscape amenities -participants agreed that more work is needed to direct people to the area from the Downtown and Dubuque Street. Partici- pantsalso indicated that the Northside Marketplace Business Association, which has in recent years become somewhat dormant, should play a more active role in promoting the area, working with busi- nesses to maintain and improve the district, and planning special events to attract new customers to the area. Business owners cite the availability of on-street and surface parking in addition to affordable rents and pedestrian traffic as reasons for locating in the area. However, finding and maintaining the right balance of parking is critical as most of the surface parking in the area is privately owned and could be developed. While underground parking may be cost prohibitive to construct, there was some sup- port for creating structured parking above the street level, similar to the ramps at Iowa Avenue and Court Street. However, creating structured parking in an area of small lots may be difficult without more significant redevelopment. Meanwhile, much of the metered parking is long-term (more than one hour), which allows non-shoppers to park during classes, work, or other events not related to the commercial center. Discouraging this sort of commuter parking through shorter time limits on me- ters will help to preserve parking for customers. Participants also expressed a particular interest in Its mainstreet character and eclectic mix of small, lo- cally owned business are what residents find appealing in the Northside Marketplace. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 Zoning map for the Northside Marketplace. 56 The Foxhead is one of several buildings in the area that serve as reminder of the area's brewing history. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 attracting bicycle commuters to the area through the use bike lanes or bikeways, as well as ex- panded or enhanced bicycle parking, such as covered bike parking. While parking is an important asset for the commercial district, business owners and residents alike place a high value on pedestrian traffic. Along with wayfinding enhancements, participants called for safety improvements to the Gilbert and Linn and Linn and Market Street intersections. Most see these intersections as unsafe due to turning vehicle traffic that often does not yield to pedestrians. Additional bump-outs, decorative pavement, and modifications to the traffic signal timing were sug- gested as potential solutions to the problem. Participants indicated that the historic character of the Northside Marketplace is one of its greatest assets. Development that is sensitive to the neighborhood's history and architectural significance should be encouraged. The Conrad and Anna Graf House at 319 Bloomington Street and the Anton Geiger House at 213 Market Street are both individually eligible for listing on the National Register for their association with significant events and the lives of significant persons, and are important examples of Italianate and simplified Italianate buildings in Iowa City. Other properties in the neighborhood, such as the Foxhead tavern, have likewise contributed to the overall history and char- acter of the neighborhood. In addition to being the oldest bar in Iowa City. The Foxhead has been a popular gathering place for many famous writers who passed through the Iowa Writers' Workshop. The plan map on page 58 shows the location of significant historic buildings within the Northside Marketplace. While many participants welcomed the new mixed-use residential development in the CB-5 zone at the corner of Linn and Market, there is concern that too much redevelopment or redevelopment at too large a scale or density could threaten the character of the neighborhood. Most participants want to encourage development of one and two-bedroom apartments that will be attractive to longer-term residents rather than the dorm-style apartments typical near Downtown. Properties within the area are currently zoned Central Business Service (CB-2) and Central Business Support (CB-5). During the zoning code revision process in 2006, the CB-2 zone was to be phased out. However, due to some confusion and concern about the implications of the zoning changes pro- posed, the City Council decided to keep the CB-2 zone in the code. Council directed the Planning Department to re-examine the CB-2 zone as part of the Central District Planning process and make recommendations for changes that will ensure that future development in these areas is compatible with the existing mainstreet character. A goal of the plan is to adopt development standards in the CB-2 zone that are similar to the standards in the CB-5 and CB-10 Zone that require storefront win- dows, entrances at grade, buildings located close to the sidewalk, with parking located behind build- ings. Development guidelines for residential densities and occupancy standards should also reflect the desired mix of apartments. Future changes to the CB-2 zone must take into account parking de- mand as well as the desire to preserve the character and scale of the commercial area. New mixed-use development in the CB-5 zone at the corner of Linn and Market Streets. While most partici- pantsare supportive of the introduction of more resi- dential units into the area, there are concerns about the scale and style of potential future redevelopment in the area. Mercy Hospital is a large employer that borders the commercial district. Employees and visitors to the hospital support the economic vitality of the Northside Marketplace. However, there is concern about expansion of the hospital and associated medical offices and facilities and the potential dis- placement of retail commercial uses and erosion of the surrounding residential neighborhood. While hospital growth is not recommended west of Gilbert Street there may be opportunity for the hospital to grow south of Market Street and to the east as far as Dodge Street. Northside Marketplace Goals and Qbjectives The following goals and objectives for the Northside Marketplace were developed from a series of public workshops, including two special focus sessions with business and property owners from the area. G®al 9L. Preserve andl pr®rttu®te the t~nigt~e aspects ®f the N®rthsit~e Marketplace. a. Establish policies and regulations that will preserve the existing scale and mainstreet com- mercial character of the Northside Marketplace. b. Protect historic buildings as an integral part of the Northside Marketplace. c. Adopt zoning rules that ensure that redevelopment occurs in a manner that promotes pe- destrian-oriented street frontages. d. Explore and implement initiatives for storefront improvements and property maintenance. e. Explore and implement initiatives to clean up, maintain and improve service alleys and to enhance screening of the utility substation on Linn Street. G®al 2. Enc®~rage activities anti physical irttupr®verttuents that create a sense ®f identity f®r the N®rth- si~e Marketplace. a. Use signage or other way finding techniques to attract visitors and customers to the area, particularly from Downtown Iowa City and Dubuque Street. b. Improve the pedestrian passage from Iowa Avenue through University property to Linn Street with improved signage, public art, decorative pavement treatments, and/or similar ele- ments. c. Extend and improve on the adopted streetscape plan for the area, including decorative pavement, benches, landscaping, pedestrian lighting, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. d. Encourage seasonal festivals and activities that draw people to the area. 57 Wayfinding methods such as better signage, public art, or decorative paving in the Linn Street pedestrian passage (above) were all suggestions for providing a more visible connection between the Downtown and the Northside Marketplace. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 58 Northside Marketplace Plan Map t.. _.~.. _ _ ~° ww,~ 310 ~ ~Y313 A 1 404 r 220-232 ~ ~ ': E BLOOMINGTON ~T i ~ ~ ; I i 230 w ~ 214 ~~ ~ i 2,0 ~~ i m i 'Zoo ~ 1 y Z ! ~ ~ W 1 ~ E MARKET ST m ~ i ~ z i i :.. _ Z ~ ._. ~.I. _ _.._.._~~ 302 306 ~~°~Nodhside PAarketplace Boundary ~~ '_rr-rr-r._r.-..--_--~~-~r-~r- OSingle-family Residential Stabilization ~ Hign Density nwlti-ramify E JEFFERSON ST lotrcecommercial - Urban Commercial _ _ ' mil, nnixed use - Private Instltutlonal ~ Pubuo mstltononal N ~ National Register Properties ~~ Other SigniScant Historic Properties City of Irnva City Department of Planning and Community Development September 2008 G®al 3. Stipp®rt the ec®ru®rmoic vitality ®~ the N®rthsidle Marketplace a. Encourage area businesses and residents to participate in events, ac- tivities, and associations that foster a sense of identity and create a vibrant level of commercial activity. b. Support promotional activities of the local business association. c. Encourage partnerships between local businesses, institutions, and neighborhood associations. G®al ~: Eric®t~ra~e t~evel®prttuervt arv~ re~evel®prttuervt that will rttuairvtair~ the character arucll ec®ro®r~ic vitality ®f the N®rthsi~e Marketplace a. Adopt zoning regulations to ensure that new development is consistent with the existing mainstreet commercial character of the area and compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, i.e. encourage 2- to 3-story buildings located close to the street, storefront windows, accessible and attractive building entrances and parking located be- hind or beneath buildings. b. Establish policies and regulations that encourage mixed-use buildings with 1- to 3-bedroom apartments above commercial storefronts in or- der to provide opportunities for a variety of tenants. Discourage 4 and 5-bedroom dorm-style apartments. c. Explore regulations as to limit the size, number, or hours of operation of businesses that sell alcohol in order to create an appropriate transi- tion to the residential neighborhood and to preserve the variety of uses in the area. G®al 5. A~a~ress the parkirDg arut~ tra$$ic issues irv the N®rthsi~e Marketplace. a. Establish short term metered parking adjacent to businesses to re- serve parking for business patrons and discourage commuter parking. b. As new development and redevelopment occurs explore options for shared parking to preserve land for active building uses. c. Explore feasibility of allowing parking on both sides of Market Street between Gilbert and Linn Streets. d. Explore feasibility of a structured parking area for the public lot on Market Street. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 e. Work with the Pagliai family or subsequent owner to explore future develop- ment scenarios for the private parking lot at the corner of Bloomington and Linn Street. G®al 6. Stipp®rt tYue lase ®~ alternative rttu®~es ®~ trarDSp®rtati®ru a. Install more bicycle parking, including covered bicycle parking. b. Explore options for bicycle lanes or designated routes to and through the area. c. Continue to promote improvements to the streetscape to create a comfortable and attractive environment for pedestrians. G®al 7. Ir~upr®ve public safety a. Study traffic circulation and signal timing at the intersection of Gilbert and Mar- ket Streets and implement changes that will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. 59 b. Study pedestrian activity at the intersection of Linn and Market Streets and implement providing amenities such as covered bike racks Changes that will improve safety for pedestrians. for bicyclists is one way to support alternative modes C. Explore and implement initiatives to prevent Crime. of transportation and attract new visitors to the area. d. Install additional pedestrian-scale lighting where needed. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 60 Central District Plan Maa rmap 1~ -Railroad _ .~w~~~oa ~,ao~~u g Iowa River -_ : Future Land Use m ~~~ o Single-family & Duplex Residential Single-family Residential Stabilization - ~. ~ _ _ ~^e<~o Low to Medium Density Multi-family Stabilization CentralP L A N N I N G A'Vap Vs _ y oooae s.n D I S T R I C T Low to Medium Density Multi-family High Density Multi-family High Density Multi-family Redevelopment Office Commercial General Commercial Neighborhood Commercial ~,~ p~ ~j Commercial Redevelopment _ - ^Urban Commercial - -' Intensive Commercial ~~ Mixed Use 9 ~~ Urban Mixed Use °'"°a° Private Institutional ~ Happy ollowPark Public Institutional wN aAOw ~~ Riverfront Redevelopment ~~ _ ~~~kory ~~~~ Pa,r I. Open Space , a m M~_~~,. RaN~. sar ~ o a ~ ~ ~~ a~~aa~a. - = i U, r r pay~~a Hlgn s~nooi Hor-e Mann SCt,oo~z Unlve siry of Iowa , z ~ ~ sniac,u..rs, cEODU Si z , • _--~ ~~ i 3 3 woavwvoars. H~ ~ onvErvaor„s* ^ u oa s wiwo u ~ ^ r - a.ix orv sr n a.oo v. z ~ ~ F - - e acn[sr[an aacr[sreanv _~ I . ~ - aacrv[sr[a ~r M~Ea,a.s. ~_:~ ~h~. E,EF~Fa ~.~, ~.,A~E ~ 4 aoaFwa~aa wo~a.~a~E~ ~ Ev~o~Eao a ,_N ~arra.~t ~~ ~~~oan ~~a,~~,a,~. ~A~, ~~~,~asaE, p m _ o _ _ f ~ C,LY Hi9M1 ScM1OOI P H ~ rar N^~ r ~~~~.s The Central District Plan Maps are intended to be used as a general guide to future land use and development in the Central District. The maps are color-coded to indicate the type of land use or type of development or redevelopment appropriate for specific areas of the District. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 61 Central District Plan Maa rmap 2) I j I Central DLI S T R I C T iw ~Aaa~ad ar£ E~~a~ad~s. caervnss si svaE~+nss s. M~e.LEavE °r a~aee,aFe. o ~~__ --, ~-: \~~ ~% ~ ~~ a j/ vu - - Johnson / Goonty e ~~ Adminis(radon ~~ 1~ R Railroatl ~ owa Rrver F W L tl U u re an se Slagle-family 8 Duplex Resldenllel Single-family Residen~ial5tabilization Low tc Metlium Density MultFfamily Stabilizaticn Low to Medium Denslry MultHamily ^ High Density Multi-family High Dansiry Mulo-family Redevelopment ORlce Commercial General Commercial 'I'' v. COmmergal Redevelopment ^ Urban Commemial ^ Imensive Commercial ~~ Mixetl Use / ~~ Urban Mixed Use I ^ Private Institutional Public lnstitudonal ®Rlverfroni Retlevelopmeni Open Space tw _E ECollege~Park ~ ~ scou~at sr ~(s Ciry High Schocl ^ ~ cq~oEe mcns~ = urvvie~n ac ceu ~ V _ r Hoover School uH~ ~ ~ ~ scouat sr rr ~ ~ Prsi / ~~/U/ • c~aartcl unt oo hcOOO -~ N n /i ~;~~ ~ rarer ~ ~` ' ~s, ~~ ~ Longfellow School ..~~~/ ~ -_ % , aEa,A~~v~ F ~ ea..q _ Oak~Grov Park a~s[s. m Creeksi rncrcspN nvt •n ~® rsr ware ~ ~ oar ~ .a^ ~~~ ,a~„nnaAVe p ~ ^'~ ~e. ~ rLnaE~ee,. xakwnoae. o Plum Grove o r F u cirvr[n nv~ e~ ,sr c oL` .~^ J n~cMUnonvE ear reou* h'o sr corTOrvwooo nvt corouw onv[ co~*ovwooon - < ~ wacsrnv LL orr~cOOSr vo sr V e„crionvs Mark Twain Sehoole. M s o i srevErvs on ~ `}oR waucec.r m a N oivmnic cr o«rwooeaivo m ssoouwooo ca nwves o P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 62 Central District Plan Map Designations Siru~le-F~rnuily/Duplex Re~idleruti~l ~ Low Der~eityto Medli~or~u Dero~ity M~olti-Far~uily ® Nei~huborl~oo~ Cor~r~ercial Intended primarily for single family and duplex resi- Intended for low to medium density multi-family Areas intended for retail and personal service uses dential development. Lower density zoning designa- housing. Suitable for areas with good access to all that meet the day-to-day needs of the surrounding tions are suitable for areas with sensitive environ- city services and facilities. Higher density zoning residential neighborhood. A grocery store or grocery mental features, topographical constraints, limited designations may not be suitable for areas with to- store/drug store combination is preferred as the street access, or where compatibility with historical pographical constraints or limited street access. For primary tenant in a Neighborhood Commercial (CN-1) development patterns is important. Higher densities infill sites compatibility with the surrounding zone although a variety of commercial uses are gl- are more appropriate for areas with good access to neighborhood is important. lowed. Specific site development standards will ap- all city services and facilities. For infill sites compati- Development Density: 8 -24 dwelling units/acre ply in these areas to ensure that commercial devel- bilitywith surrounding neighborhood is important. opment is pedestrian-friendly and compatible with Development Density: 2-13 dwelling units/acre ^ Hi~b-Derueity Multi-Far~uily Reeidlerutial surrounding residential development. Intended for high-density multi-family housing lo- Siru~le-F~rnuily Re~idleruti~l St~biliz~tioru Gated in proximity to downtown, the University, or ~ IrDterusive Cornurriroerci~l Intended for older areas of the city where single fam- other employment centers. Suitable for areas with Areas intended for those sales and service functions ily homes originally predominated, but due to subse- good access to all city services and facilities. Higher and businesses whose operations are typically char- quent changes in zoning have experienced an in- density zoning designations may not be suitable for acterized by outdoor display and storage of merchan- crease in housing density and some conversion to areas with topographical constraints or limited street dise, by repair businesses, quasi-industrial uses, and multi-family and group living uses has occurred. The access. for sales of large equipment or motor vehicles, or by intent of this designation is to preserve the single- Development Density: 16-49 dwelling units/acre activities or operations conducted in buildings or family residential character that remains by prevent- structure not completely enclosed. Retail uses are ing further densification and conversion of single ®Hi~ho-Derusity Multi-Farpoily Redleveloprpoerot restricted in order to provide opportunities for more family residences to multi-family. Development Den- Designates an area of high density multi-family resi- land-intensive or quasi-industrial commercial opera- sity: varies depending on mix of single family and dential development where living conditions are less tions and also to prevent conflicts between retail and conforming and nonconforming multi-family and than ideal due to lack of adequate pedestrian ameni- industrial truck traffic. Special attention must be group living uses ties and crowded conditions with little usable open directed toward buffering the negative aspects of space for residents. Assessment of possible redevel- allowed uses from any adjacent lower intensity com- Low Derueityto Medliur~ Derosity Multi-Family opment scenarios will be necessary to encourage mercial areas or residential areas. Stabilizatioru private redevelopment. Intended for older areas of the city where single fam- ^ Urbaro Corporpoercial ily homes originally predominated, but due to subse- ~ Office Cor~r~ercial Central business service and support zones intended quent changes in zoning have experienced an in- Areas intended for office uses and compatible busi- for compact, pedestrian-oriented shopping, office, crease in housing density and a significant conver- nesses. In some cases these areas may serve as a service and entertainment uses. Residential apart- sion to multi-family and group living uses has oc- buffer between residential areas and more intensive ments above commercial uses are encouraged to curred. The intent is to prevent further densification commercial or industrial uses. create an active street life and support commercial that may overtax existing land and infrastructure in and service uses. Specific site development stan- older neighborhoods that were originally platted and Gerueral Cor~or~oercial dards will apply in these areas to maintain or create designed for lower density residential uses. Areas intended to provide the opportunity for a large pedestrian-oriented storefront commercial develop- Development Density: varies depending on mix of variety of commercial uses, particularly retail com- ment, with parking areas located behind, under, or single family and conforming and nonconforming mercial uses which serve a major segment of the within buildings and the ground level floor area along multi-family and group living uses. , street frontages reserved for active building uses. community. Residential density, building bulk and height should gradually decrease the further these areas are from the Central Business District in order to provide a transition to lower density residential areas that sur- P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008 round the downtown. 63 ® Mixedl Use Intended for low to medium density residential uses, including single family, duplexes, townhouses, and multi-family; and small-scale retail commercial uses, offices, personal services, and other uses that serve residents of and visitors to the area. Buildings can be mixed use or single use buildings. An area may be primarily commercial in nature or may be primarily residential depending on the market. Development is intended to be pedestrian-oriented with buildings oriented to the street with sidewalks, street trees and other pedestrian amenities. Residential build- ings should be designed to ensure a comfortable and functional environment for urban living in close proximity to commercial uses. The mix of uses al- lowed requires special consideration of building and site design. Cor~r~ercial Re~e~elop~roerut ~ Private Irostit~otioroal / P~oblic Irostit~otioroal Area where there is good possibility for commercial Areas intended for civic, cultural, or historical institu- redevelopment to occur due to changing conditions tions; public schools; and places of assembly or wor- in the area. This designation is used in the South ship. Iowa City does not have a zone that designates Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor to indicate where institutional uses as the primary, preferred land use. a transition away from intensive commercial uses However, there are a number of zones where these may occur as the market responds to the demand uses are permitted or provisional uses. Develop- for adifferent mix of retail goods and services. Po- ment proposals are subject to the requirements of tential catalysts for change in the area include: com- the underlying zoning designation. Land that is mencement of light rail or regional passenger rail owned by a public entity is typically zoned Public (P). service along the existing rail lines in the area; rede- velopment along the Iowa River; and/or additional ~ Operu Space high density residential development in the Near Indicates existing or potential open space that is Southside. Strategic planning initiatives will be nec- important for the protection of sensitive natural fea- essary so that changes occur in a complementary tures and/or to provide for recreational opportunities and orderly fashion to support and ensure the suc- and/or to protect the aesthetic values of the commu- cess of public and private investment. nity. An open space designation on private land may indicate that an area is largely unsuitable for devel- ® UrbarD Mixedl Use Ri~erffrorut Re~e~elopr~erot Intended for medium to high density residential uses Area where there is a good possibility for redevelop- in combination with retail, restaurants, personal ser- ment due to changing conditions in the area. This vice, office, and entertainment uses that serve resi- designation is used in the South Gilbert Street Com- dents of and visitors to the area. Buildings can be mercial Corridor to indicate where a transition away mixed use or single use buildings. Development is from industrial and public uses may make it possible intended to be pedestrian-oriented with buildings to rethink use of the waterfront along the Iowa River, oriented to the street with sidewalks, street trees including planning for future flood events, and en- and other pedestrian amenities. Residential build- couraging green space, passive or active recrea- ings should be designed to ensure a comfortable tional elements and other uses that will complement and functional environment for urban living in close redevelopment efforts in the larger commercial corri- proximity to commercial uses, transit and other city dor. services. The mix of uses allowed required special consideration of building and site design. A new zon- ing designation will need to be created to achieve the desired vision. opment due to environmental or topographical con- straints or may indicate that an opportunity to ac- quire needed open space is possible if current land uses are discontinued. While these areas are best reserved or acquired for open space, development may occur on privately held land if a proposal meets the underlying zoning requirements and the require- ments of the Iowa City Sensitive Areas Ordinance. P&Z RECOMMENDED DRAFT 9.18.2008