HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-01 CorrespondenceFrom: webmaster@iowa-city.org
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 200'19:'15 AM
To: webcomment@iowa-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Comment
Type : Comment
Problem: Not a problem
Comments : Regarding possible closing of Lexington Avenue:
I favor this proposal. Living on Hutchinson (also a deadend, because of the same dip that
causes the Lexington hazard), I think that the quality of life in the neighborhood would
increase with the decrease in traffic on that street. While I can imagine that some would
complain that this would put more pressure on Ferson and Magowan, I don't believe that it
would be that much more, as Lexington is a poor route through Manville Heights: the
visibility turning onto Park from Lexington is very low, and it's easier to drive on a
flat street than on a very hilly one, so already I drive a few extra blocks to take Ferson
or Magowan instead of Lexington.
Name : Erin Irish
Phone : 339-1024
Email : erin-irish@uiowa.edu
Marian Karr I ~5~
From: City Council
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 10:49 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue traffic
Importance: High
From: ipatiI[SMTP:IPATIL@BLUE.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 10:48:34 PM
To: Iowa City-City Council
Ce: connie_champion@iowa-city.org; dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org; emie_lehman@iowa-city.org; ip~b@avalon.net;
ross_wilburn@iowa-city.org; steve_atkins@iowa-city.org
Su~ect: Lexington Avenue traffic
Importance: High
Autoforwarded bya Rule
In regard to the Lexington Avenue problem caused by drivers speeding on the
"double dips," why haven't speed bumps been considered? West High School uses
them and they are very effective at immediately slowing drivers down.
Furthermore, why haven't sidewalks been installed for pedestrian safety?
Closing off a public street is not a good idea, and especially not such a
charming street as Lexington Avenue. There are few through streets in that
part of Manville Heights as it is, due to the ravines. Maclean Street does
not go through (though it appears to on most maps). Woolf Avenue does not go
through, nor do Lee Street or Mullen. And of course, Hutchinson Avenue is
divided in half by a ravine. That leaves Magowan Avenue and Ferson and Beldon
Avenues to connect Park Road and River Street. Park Road traffic has
inccreased greatly since Coral Ridge Mall opened and closing Lexington would
put more traffic onto Magowan, in particular, the closest one to Lexington.
Why are there parts of Manville Heights without sidewalks? If people
are concerned about the safety of pedestrians, why don't they require
sidewalks to be installed instead of closing the public street?
Closing Lexington Avenue would be a loss to the community at large and
it would place a burden of heavier traffic on adjacent streets. Please
consider the advantages of speed bumps (whose purpose is to stop
speeding--hence the name) and sidewalks as effeective solutions to this
problem.
I apologize for sending off my original message without signing my name. I
wrote recommending implementation of speed bumps, like they have at West High
School, and also sidewalks, the uses and purposes of which we are all
familiar.
Sincerely,
Irene Patil
339 Magowan Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa
From: webrnaster@iows-city.org
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 200'1 '1 ~i:'16 PM
To: webcomment@iow~-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Comment
Type : Comment
Problem: Not a problem
Comments : Re: Proposal to close Lexington Avenue
We oppose the above proposal, because it would make
traversing Manville Heights more difficult, and
there has been no significant increase in traffic.
Life cannot be made perfectly safe without unduly
limiting the freedom of others. In this case the
residents of Lexington need to take personal
responsibility for their own safety.
Name : Hanna B Weston & Charles H Nadler
Phone : (319) 337-7831
Email : icihbw@juno.com chnadle@attglobal.net
' ' ....... I 05-01-01
4g(4) /
April 24, 2001
lows City Council
410 E. Washington Slxeet
Iowa City IA 52240
Re: Lexington Avenne traffic calming measnre
Dear Council Members:
I am writing on behalf of my wife, Becky, and I to support the proposed traffic
calming measure for Lexington Avenue. The measure as is now proposed seems
quite reasonable to help resolve a serious safety problem.
I grew up at 435 Lexington Avenue from 1955 through 1971 and have lived on
the 700 block of McLean Street from 1994 through the present, being a total of
approximately 24 years. I am very aware of the Lexington Avenue safety
concerns and of the efforts spanning the last four decades to resolve them. I was
in junior high when a stop sign was placed in my front yard at the top of the
steep dip. Neither that measure, nor any other measures that have been since
attempted, have been successful in calming the speeding cars and motorcycles.
Even in the late 50's and early 60's Lexington was becoming a significant
problem because of the speeding traffic. However, during those years there were
less than half as many college students at the University, very few college
students had cars, there were less than half as many high school students and
almost none of them had cars. Back then, Iowa City was substantially smaller
and the total vehicle count substantially less. Each of the intervening decades
has brought an exponential growth in the number of vehicles in this community,
particularly in the hands of younger people, those most prone to joy riding. In
good weather there is not a question of whether there will be joy riders, only as
to how many and when. It also seems that the speed at which joy riders are
willing to risk their lives and others has increased both on motorcycles and cars.
While there are certainly other streets and circumstances in Iowa City that have
traffic and safety issues, there is no question that Lexington Avenue and its
"double dips" constitute an extra-hazardous circumstance because of the
ongoing "tradition" of joy riding.
April 24, 2001
Page 2
My wife and I have leamed to use Lexington very defensively. We drive
defensively and walk defensively because we know that it constitutes a serious
safety risk. However, we are enormously concerned about the many children,
from infants through college age, who reside on Lexington and the 700 block of
McLean Street. Each will be walking, riding bicycles and driving on Lexington
and each is at risk. Even my wife and I, when we are walking our dog at night,
feel that every car that turns on either end of Lexington Street is a potential joy
rider and a physical threat. We have had to jump into yards on numerous
occasions. While during the day joy riders are frequent, particularly in good
weather, at night an alarming percentage of the cars going down the street are
joy riders at terrifying speeds. The numerous driveways, absence of sidewalks,
McLean Street intersection and limited visibility due to vegetation all make the
high speeds even more life threatening.
It is time to reasonably solve this safety concem before somebody is seriously
injured or killed. The proposed traffic calming solution, seasonal closure of the
street, is realistically the only effective way to accomplish the task. Opening the
closed section of the street during the winter months is an appropriate
accommodation to those neighbors who correctly indicate the need to have an
option to go north or south because of the adverse driving conditions weather
circumstances can cause on the dips and at the Park Road intersection.
We encourage the Council to approve the proposed traffic calming measures for
Lexington Avenue. Overall the measures are a logical solution to a problem that
has gotten materially worse over time and for which there is no other effective
solution. Your fullest consideration of this matter is much appreciated as is the
City Staff s cooperation in assisting the neighborhood through this process.
Very truly yours,
Thomas H. Gelman
THG:kc
I05-01
Marian Karr 4g(5)
From: City Council
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 8:00 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Ave. - proposal to close
From: Bruce Scheib[SMTP:BSCHEIB@SOLI.INAV. NET]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 8:03:06 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave. - proposal to close
Auto forwarded by a Rule
We oppose the closing of Lexington Avenue. The proposed closing will have an impact on the whole neighborhood - not
just those living on Lexington Ave.
Please consider the following points and questions:
1. The streets on either side of Lexington are dead end streets (WooIf Ave and Hutchinson Ave).
The closing of Lexington would make three dead end streets in a row. We do not think
that is acceptable. Unless there is clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable danger to
personal safety, we think this is more than enough justification to not dose the street.
2. Has the affect on traffic flow been studied?
3. Many fans going to Iowa Hawkeye games and events park on the streets of Manville Heights. Has the affect on traffic going to and from University events been studied?
4. Have any other solutions been explored?
We have ~o proposals for increasing pedestrian safety along Lexington Ave. as follows: 1. Build a sidewalk along Lexington from River St. to Park Rd.
2. Flatten the grade (rebuild the street).
We suggest that rather than closing Lexington Ave., a sidewalk should be built or nothing should be done.
Bruce and Annette Scheib
319 Hutchinson Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52246
4/25/01
J~-01-0~ 11
Marian Karr 4g(6)
From: City Council
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 2:41 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue
From: Kathryn Henry[SMTP:KATHRYNHENRY@HOME.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 2:37:34 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Avenue
Auto forwarded by a Rule
TO: City Council Members
FROM: Kathryn Henry, 1017 Rider St., Iowa City, IA 52246
RE: Proposed closing of Lexington Avenue
I understand there is a proposal to close Lexington Avenue to traffic.
I am writing to oppose that proposal.
Lexington Avenue is a lovely street, as are the other streets in Manville Heights, and Iowa City in general.
The two stop signs on Lexington serve to slow down traffic on the hills.
Closing the street would cause inconvenience to many, and put more traffic on Magowan and Ferson. It is better to have
the traffic shared on these three streets. As it is, there are too many closed streets in Manville Heights.
Thank you,
Kathryn Henry
kathrynhenry@home.com
4/25/01
CITY MANA Efi'
24 April 2001
220 Lexington Ave
Iowa City IA, 52246
Iowa City Council
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City IA
52240
Dear Council Members,
Since you are again confronted with the question of closing L~xington Ave
from River Street to Park Road, I would like to make a few observations from the
standpoint of a long time resident of the area.
1. Lexington Ave has ben in the current configuration for about 70 years.
From the start, it became a favorite destination of kids "out for a ride", doing the
"double dips" Kids have more exciting things to do these days, so I doubt that the
amount of traffic has really increased recently. Individuals who bought property on
this street knew, or should have known, of the entertainment r~putation of the street.
2. To my knowledge, no serious accident or injury has occurred in the area
because of the "entertainment"
3. The traffic to and from the VA. and Medical-Dental Complex to North
and East Iowa City goes via Wolf Avenue, River Street, and thea North on Lexington
or other north-south streets to Park Road. Closing Lexington would shif[ this traffic
to Magowan or Ferson, and you would soon hear d~mands from those residents for
street closure because of the annoyance of this traffic.
4. Closure of Lexington benefits only a few people by removing the nuisance
of traffic. It inconveniences many by an inefficient change in traffic patterns.
5. The access of fire and safety vehicles to an area with a closed strut should
be considered in the decision.
6 There is great demand for daytime on-street parking in this area, and
Lexington is dosed, daytime on-street parking should be permitted there.
7. Why are there no side-walks on this street?
I appreciate your consideration.
April 24, 2001
APR ~ 5 200~
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Dear Council Members, ~ ~,~
It is my understanding that you will soon be discussing a proposal to block
Lexington Ave. as a through street. I am a resident of Manville Heights
learned of your discussions from a neighbor who also opposes /kt°~e~e
the proposal. I have not heard anything from the city or any 4
other group. Those affected should be notified and their
opinions solicited. C~
I have lived for 10 years on Rowland Ct. Rowland is a half block ....
from the T intersection of Bayard and Lexington at the south end
of Lexington. Rowland is the continuation of Bayard. That Rowland o L-
is a dead-end street factored positively into my decision to buy my
hou.se so I can unders!and th.e desires of some of the residents on
i ---""'-"
Every day I see vehicles go down my street only to have to turn ~te( ~ , ~""f~
around to find a way out of Manville. This is made even worse by the fact'T''n
that many maps of the area are inaccurate. For example my street is not od ~..
shown on many of them, even though there are seven houses on the street.
If Lexington were no longer a through street this problem would become
even worse yet.
A further concern I have is the perception of the community. Residents of
Manville Heights are often viewed by nonresidents as the rich, the elite --e~,,~
or even snobs. I don't like this perception and don't want it to grow.
What's next - a gated community?
Blocking Lexington as a through street only benefits a few. It does not
benefit the neighborhood or the City. Thanks for your time in reading
this letter and your great service to our City. If you have any questions
please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
11 Rowland Ct.
Iowa City, IA 52246
354-3272 (H)
335-0763 (O)
I of I 04/24/2001 10:27 AM
~ ~ (] ~] F~ ~ April 24, 2001
/IPR ,~ ,5 2001 ~ james petran
CITY MANAGE! 'S OFFICE Magowan Ave.
iowa Ci~, IA 52246
iowa City Council
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
It has come to my attention that you are ha~ng a work session to
disross the feasibility of closing Lexington Avenue. As a resident of Manville
Heights I would like to express my concern over the precedent that t~s may set in
our community. I don't have to tell you how upset people get when it comes to
~affic thru their neighborhoods. Following the conflicts on First Ave. and Highland
Park, what will the public perception be if a handful of people are allowed to close a
public street for their own benefit?
The notion that this elite neighborhood should receive preferential ~eatment
because they don't like people driving down their street is ridiculous! I too am
concerned for the safety of my children as cars fly down our s~eet, but re-routing
~affic from one street to another is hardly an equitable solution. If the owners of
these grand homes with their enormous front yards are truly concerned with their
personal safety, let them put in sidewalks like every other taxpayer in Manville
Heights.
In addition, I cannot believe that closing Lexington would not impede
emergency vehicle access; how many blocb away is the next thru s~eet when every
mh~ute can coupt? Will the ambulance driver know whether to come down Park
Road or River Street - Magowan or Lee ? Have you ever witnessed the congestion
on these narrow streets during a sports event?
T~s is just a bad idea with a negative effect on a whole bunch of people.
Please do not allow a small, self-serving group to disrupt the character of this
wonderful part of Iowa City.
Thankyou for your efforts to make our town a great place to live.
Sincerely Yours,
05-01-01 I
Marjan Karr 4g(11 )
From: City Council
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 1:10 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Ave on work session schedule for 4/30
From: Southard, Karin[SMTP:KARIN-SOUTHARD@UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 1:09:26 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'; 'connie_champion@iowa-city.org'; 'ernie_lehman@iowa-city.org'; 'mike_odonnell@iowa-
city.org'; 'ip~b@avalon.net'; 'dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org'; 'ross_wilburn@iowa-city.o~'
Su~ect: Lexington Ave on work session schedule ~r 4/30
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council,
We would like to express our strong support for a seasonal closure of our
street. For the last 11 years we have been very concerned about the
combination of the dangerous speeds which the thrill seekers attain combined
with the numerous hidden locations at the bottom of the "dips" which make
for a very dangerous situation. It is impossible for speeding drivers to
see pedestrians and intersections with driveways at a safe distance at
certain locations on this street. Our driveway exits at the very bottom of
one of the dips. Some residents on our street and adjoining neighborhood
streets cannot appreciate the "close calls" that we have witnessed and the
amazing wreckless behavior of drivers on pretty days when people are out
walking. We urge you to help us with this problem. Thank you. Tom and
Harin Southard, 420 Lexington Ave.
Marjan Karr
From: Gily Gouncil
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 7:55 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW:
From: Ste~nac, Stephen[SMTP:STEVE-STEFANAC@UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 7:54:56 AM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'
Auto forwaded by a Rule
City Council Member,
I am a Manville Heights resident and do not support the closure to traffic
of Lexington Avenue. Closure of this road would reduce access in and out
of the neighborhood for residents, commuters, and those attending U of Iowa
events.
Thank you for your consideration.
Stephen J. Stefanac
245 Hutchinson Ave
Marian Karr ~/~
From: Jones, Phyllis [piones@razi.surgery. uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 2:06 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'
Subject: Lexington Avenue
In response to the memo that was left at my house (320 Hutchinson), this is
to state that I am strongly opposed to the closing of Lexington Avenue.
Closing this street would cause more problems than it would solve and is a
needless expense.
Marian Karr I
From: CHARLOTTE A. HARLOW [CAH344@UIHCJES2.UIHC.UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 2:02 PM
To: counciI@IOWA-CITY.ORG
Subject: Lexington Avenue
My name is charlotte harlow and I reside at 259 Wooif Avenue. My house
is one block from Lexington and I am opposed to closing Lexington off.
Marian Karr ~
From: City Council
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 3:48 PM
To: Marjan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Ave closure
From: Ramon Lim[SMTP:RAMON-LIM@UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 3:47:43 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave closure
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Sirs:
We live on 118 Richards St., in Manville Heights, Iowa City. We write to
obiect the proposed closure of Lexington Avenue for the reason that it will
adversely affect the traffic of nearby streets in the neighborhood of
Manville Heights. We will appreciate it if you will take our opinion into
consideration.
Ramon and Victoria Lim
Home phone: (319) 354-7640
(leave message if no one at home)
Marian Karr BI~
From: William T. Talman [wtalman@attglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:49 PM
To: Council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Avenue Closing
Dear Members of the Iowa City Council
The purpose of this note is to add our voice in support of the seasonal
closing of Lexington Avenue, a topic for Council~s discussion on April 30,
2001. We have lived on Lexington Avenue for four years and have witnessed
not only the flagrant disregard for traffic laws by speeders and joy riders
who want to "run the dips" but also the complete inability of the iowa City
Police Department to put an end to the practice. We have repeatedly called
the Police when speeders have been menacing our street, but almost
invariably the Police's arrival comes only after the scofflaws have
disappeared. We have been been the subject of filthy language by speeders
who see us trying to take their license numbers and have had to jump away
from the street when these motorists come at such great speed as to
preclude their steering away from us as pedestrians on the side of the
road. Our daughter, now 13, has had to jump to safety again and again as
she walked home from school. We have seen overturned cars in the yard of
our Park Avenue neighbor and have wondered just when a catastrophe with
loss of life would occur. We understand that neighbors before us have
repeatedly complained to the City and sought some solution to this problem
and we ourselves have sought assistance. Council has obtained speed
records several times since we moved here and has documented the excess
speed used by too many motorists on this neighborhood street. We are
grateful that Council is now considering a seasonal closing of Lexington
Ave. We personally would favor a permanent closing of the street to
through traffic but agree with the great majority of our neighbors that a
seasonal closing would help and would show deference to our neighbors on
the Park Ave. end of Lexington. Those neighbors would face too great a
hazard in having to exit Lexington Ave. onto Park Ave. during snow months
in that the exit to Park is steep and has very poor visibility.
We urge Council to take definitive action to close Lexington Ave and end
the historic use of our street as an amusement park for irresponsible
motorists.
Sincerely,
William T. Talman and Charlotte L. Talman
353 Lexington Ave.
From: PinkyscakeS@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 6:57 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Re: LexingtOn Avenue Closing
In a message dated 4-22-2001 5:44:20 PM, Pinkyscakes writes:
<< Council Members as a resident of Manville Heights I urge you NOT to close
Lexington Avenue for several reasons: Hutchinson is not a through street
which is parallel to
Lexington . If Lexington were closed to drive from River to Normandy one
would have to go all the way around across Wolff
and down the hill past Lincoln around Rocky Shore and then up Park to
Normandy. Or around down Magowan. Either way it will make traffic in this
neighborhood much more
tied up and awkward.
Also the closing of Lexington would ,I feel, would give that section of
Manville Heights with all it's little side streets a feeling of an elite
little subdivision. All the houses in that area are very expensive and with
the street closing they would be set off from the rest of the neighborhood(
as if they are Barrington in Chicago).
Also if there were a fire or an emergency not being able to use Lexington as
a through street would add valuable minutes to the emergency vehicle!!
PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT CLOSE LEXINGTON!!!! >>
Vicky Grube. I live at 117 Richards.
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:07 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue Proposal
From: Law, lan[SMTP:IAN-LAW@UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:08:32 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city,org'
Cc: 'rhys~ones@aoLcom'
Su~ect: Lexington Avenue Proposal
Auto forwa~ed by a Rule
City Council Members,
As Iowa City residents and homeowners on Lexington Avenue we urge you to
support the proposal for seasonal closure of Lexington Avenue.
My wise, three year-old daughter, and I recently moved back to Iowa City
after seven years out of state. We chose Iowa City not only because of the
strong reputation of the University but also because of the excellent public
education, relative safety of the city, and strong sense of community. We
were pleased to find a house within walking distance of Hancher, City Park,
the sports complexes, and my place work at the hospital. Although we had
been warned of some late night speeders, we were shocked to realize that the
occasions were not limited to the evening and were of such high frequency.
While tending to yardwork on any given weekend afternoon, we have witnessed
numerous cars running the stop sign at the end of our driveway and speeding
through the drip at the bottom of the Lexington hill. It is these afternoon
and early evening speeders that are of particular concern to us as our
daughter and other neighborhood children are most likely to be out playing
at these times.
Over the past year, we have noticed that the faster and more reckless a
vehicle drives through the dip, the more likely they will turn around at the
first driveway after the hill and repeat their joyride. On occasion, after
a car has made several runs through the dip, I will politely approach the
vehicle before it begins the next run and ask the driver to consider the
safety of my daughter and others in the neighborhood before making another
trip through. I have never had an angry confrontation from my encounters
and many of the drivers will be considerate enough to make one last slow
trip through the dip, but unfortunately not all. And, of course many cars
never slow down at the stop sign to allow me to explain the neighborhood's
concerns. In the time I have sat here typing this letter (Monday night),
there have already been two cars that were obviously speeding through the
dip. We believe this situation will result in a serious injury or worse,
loss of life, if something is not done to address the problem.
I have attempted to personally address the Lexington hill problem by
explaining our neighborhood's concerns to many of the thrill-seeking
drivers. We have also allowed the Iowa City police to park at the end of
our driveway in effort to curb the reckless behaviour but unfortunately we
have seen no change in this potentially dangerous situation. We now
understand the magnitude of the problem which has frustrated many of our
neighbors who have lived on this street and endured this problem for
decades. Needless to say we are pleased to see that the city council is
considering the plan for the seasonal closure of Lexington Avenue. For the
safety of our family, our neighbors, and the residents of Iowa City, we
strongly urge your support of this proposal.
Ian H. Law and Laura Frey Law
406 Lexington Avenue
FILED
2001 . PR 23 PH 2:50
CllX CLERK
April 22; 2001 IOWA C1' IOWA
City. Council
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Iowa City City Council:
We are writing to strongly support the proposed seasonal closure of Lexington Avenue.
We have resided at 708 McLean St. for the past two years. Our house is on the comer of
Lexington and McLean at the top of the hill between the lwo dips of Lexington Avenue.
Our driveway is one of the hidden driveways that enter Lexington Avenue.
We feel that this intersection may be the most dangerous residential intersection in Iowa
City. At what other residential neighborhood intersection do vehicles routinely speed
through stop signs at 40; 50, 60, and sometimes 70 miles per hour?
Here are just a few examples of what we have observed from our home.
· Cars; trucks, and cycles speed the entire length of the avenue accelerating through the
stop signs, often turning around in driveways and speeding back the other way.
· Lexington is a popular pedestrian walk and bikeway. We've seen children on bikes
forced to the curb by cars speeding the dips. Developmentally disabled children from
Children's Hospital in wheel chairs are often pushed along the street and are at great
risk.
· A popular thrill ride last summer was for yotmg passengers to sit atop cars with
sunroofs, legs through the sunroofs, riding the dips with hand in the air as on roller
coasters.
· At the 2:00AM close of bars, thrill riding in the middle of the night often begins.
East October a petihon si~Ened by 33 residents of the Lexington Avenue impact area was
presented to the City Council (petition is attached). The petition was presented in the
interest of public safety. As the petition stated, many accidents and near accidents have
occurred in the past. We are fearful of fatalities - to occupants of vehicles, to residents
on the street, or to the many perlestrains and bicyclists who use the street. Interrupting
the street will eliminate the need for constant police intervention, prevent further personal
injury. and property. damage, and prevent almost certain ~ture pedesm_'an and vehicular
deaths.
The problem of the lexington dips has been with us for many years. Lexington residents
have kept a file of letters, petitions, and accident documentations dating back to 1987.
The file is three inches thick Why is this the time for City Council action to close the
street?
· The problem has gown worse with the increase in the county's population. One only
needs to travel the steets, roads, and interstates in Johnson County to know that traffic
volume, speed, and risk taking has increased.
· Many new families have moved onto the street. Twenty-one children and adolescents
(with two more on thc ~vay within the month) now live on the two blocks of
Lexington and cul-de-sac of McLean.
*The police have been most t?esponsive bm should not have to me valuable resources
at all hours of the day and night for Manville Heights residential neighborhood.
· The City 's Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program has allowed a systematic
approach to solve the problem. The neighborhhood and the City have followed the
seven step evaluation criteria of the Calming Program and now await Council action.
· The seasonal closure barrier allows the opening of the street during the winter months
when the Park Road and Lexington intersection is icy. This has been a concern of
some residents.
· It will make the street a safe and popular route for the many pedestrians and bicycles.
It w~ll prevent the nccd for police prcscncc and emergency response.
Lexin~on Avenue is a unique problem. The street is not heavily traveled, although the
volume qualifies for traffic calming. Most "rush hour" traffic presently uses alternative
streets through Manville Heights. These are more convenient for the safe driver. Closing
Lexington Avenue will not significantly increase traffic on other streets. The street
brings more traffic to all of Manville Heights The risky thrill seeking drivers make
Manville Heights a destination at all hours of the day and night.
By adapting the seasonal closure proposal, the Council will ensure the safety of our sons
and daughters who live in the neighborhood and the safety of many of the sons and
daughters of other residents of Iowa City and Johnson County who are speeding the dips
of Lexington Avenue.
Thank you,
Valerie L. Chittick
708 McLean St
Iowa City, IA 52246 '~ 'TI
319-351-2144
F"'
The following residems support the petition to close Lexington Avenue:
1, Rhys Jones
2. Valefie Chittick
3 William Talman
4. Charlotte Talman
5 Daniel Kahn
6. Jill
7 WayneBalmer
8. Joseph Zabner
9. Kineret Zabner
,0. h. Law
11, Laora Frey Law
12. Michael Wall
13 Susan Dale Wall
14. Donna Rodnitzky
15. Robert Rodnitzky
16. Anne Sadlet
17, Craig Syrop
18. Mary Kathol (moved)
19 Evelyn Weirlob
20. Frank Weirich
21. John Stamler
22. Virginia Stamler
23. Tom Southard
24. Karin Southard
25. Willard Boyd
26. Susan Boyd
27. Rebecca Gelman
28. Thomas Gelman
29. Peter Densen
30. Ellen Densen
31. Richard Kerber
32. Linda Kerber
33, Michele Morice
34. David Soll
FILED
August and September, 2000 2001 APR 23 PH E: 5 I
CITY CLERK
We, the undersigned residents of the 300 and 400 blocks of Lexing~Wi~iv~'~ t~
block of McLean Street, and 630 Park Road, petition the City of Iowa City to divide
Lexington Avenue. We propose that this be accomplished with a barrier on Lexington
Avenue between the McLean Street and the driveway that serves 420 Lexington Avenue.
This will allow a north and a south entrance into the 300 and 400 blocks of Lexington
Avenue and eliminate through traffic.
We make this request in the interest of public safety. For many years residents have been
tightened by the chronic daytime and nighttime dangerous practice of driven "dipping
the Lexington dips" at extreme speeds. We feel the problem has worsened. It is not
uncommon for them to go as fast as 60 to 70 miles per hour through stop signs in our 25
miles per hour zone.
Many accidents and near accidents have occurred on Lexington Avenue and the Park
Road intersection with Lexington Avenue.
We are fearful of fatalities - to occupants of vehicles, to residents on the street, or to
pedestrians and bicyclists who use the street. Interrupting the street will eliminate the
need for constant police intervention, prevent further personal injury and property
damage, and prevent almost certain future pedestrian and vehicular deaths.
]'IAYREH ~
600 RIVER STREET
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52246, U.S.A,
From: GjW Council
Sent: Tuesdsy, April 24,200'1 '11:02 PIVI
To: Msrisn Ksrr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue
From: weirich5[SMTP:WEIRICH5@HOME.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 10:48:56 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Cc: rhysbjones@aol.com
Subject: Lexington Avenue
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Our family lives on Park Road, at the northern end of Lexington. Ours is the property that
"catches" those speeders who lose control of their vehicles as they race Lexington and come too
fast to its intersection with Park Road. Many of you may have noticed our yew hedge. You can
tell where vehicles have plowed through it; at least 4 times that we know of since 1991. If you
travel north on Lexington and come to the intersection with Park Road, stop a minute and look at
the hedge. Of course, any Lexington Avenue resident will tell you not to stop too long, since you
never know when a speeder will fly over the slope into your car's rear end. So, quickly, look at the
hedge. Notice the large hole off to the left? That's where, in 1997, a Ford Blazer with 4 young
drunk people (the driver was 18), went through the hedge sometime in the wee hours of the
morning. The police never found skid marks, so we know they never hit their brakes. The blazer
hit the curb, went airborne, flipped, and landed upside-down on my children's playhouse. While it
destroyed my children's playhouse, the playhouse (according to the police), most likely saved the
lives of those inside of the blazer. All four crawled out of the crushed blazer. I can still remember
the sound of rending metal, breaking glass, and the terrified screams of the young people; when
you are awoken from a dead sleep to that cacophony, you can't forget it. That was the only time
we have ever heard a car go through our hedge and plunge down into our yard. Usually, we are
made aware of the accident after it happened.
If you took ahead, and just to the right, you can still see the faint hole from the time a Honda
Accord, filled with 6 college kids (drunk, if the empty beer cans in the car tell a tale), that ended up
in our side yard. We never heard a thing. The police woke us up to ask us if we knew whose car
was in our side yard. Seems that a neighbor had gotten up in the middle of the night, and heard the
sound of a car crashing through the hedge; she'd heard the sound so many times since she has lived
there that she knew exactly what had happened and called the police. The police had to get out of
their car and look over the hedge with flashlights to find the car. All the young people had fled the
car. I got a call from the driver and car owner a day later. He called to tell me that he had been
drunk, and that he was sorry. It seems that he had been terrified and appalled to find out that he
had landed in a playground, surrounded by the toys of young children. He told me that at that
moment, his life changed. Given the drop from the street down to the playground (some 20 feet),
I thanked God that he was alive to tell me.
4/25/01
Page 2 of 2
These are anecdotal points I make. I guess I could give you the hard facts. But do the dollars spent
on insurance claims, landscaping, rebuilding playgrounds, and all the other time lost "fixing" my
property mean anything when compared to the safety of my children, and all the other children on
Lexington? How do I put a price on the hours I spent washing and scrubbing the blood of young
people off my children's playstructure and off the flagstones? Do you know how many times I
have said prayers of thanks that some parent wasn't going to get that dreaded call at night saying
their son or daughter is dead, because, fortunately, all these young people have survived these
terrible accidents?
i have had people tell me that I shouldn't worry, because all the racing happens at night. Then why
don't my children want to play in the side yard anymore? Racing on Lexington has started earlier
and earlier in the evening. My husband and I don't even include Lexington on our neighborhood
walks anymore, and we never allow our older children to ride their bikes on Lexington after 5pm.
There are so many reasons why closing Lexington would be a good idea: safety of residents; safety
of pedestrians and bicyclists from outside the neighborhood who often don't realize the need to stay
off the street in the early evenings; safety of the drivers and their passengers, who in my
experience, have so far suffered the most injuries; and the safety of motorists traveling on
Park Road and River Street, who are often at risk of getting hit by the speeder fishtailing out of
Lexington (and I've seen it first-hand!). For me, it would also be the peace of mind in knowing
that we've reduced the chances that some young person(s) could be lying, injured and/or dying in
my side yard, unbeknownst to me while I slept at night.
I invite you, as you consider this matter, to visit our property. I can point out the various holes, and
when they were created by vehicles crashing into them and through them. I can show you our
playhouse, now just a shell of what it once was. I'll point out the sand area that can no longer be
played with due to the fine pieces of safety glass that we can never seem to filter out. Come by on
a fine Saturday evening and listen to the motorcycles and cars revving up their motors at the Park
Road intersection, as they prepare to tear down Lexington.
Please allow the seasonal closing of Lexington. For my family's safety, the safety of our neighbors
and their children, and the safety of those drivers and their passengers too drunk or too reckless to
care.
Thank you,
Evelyn Acosta-Weirich
630 W. Park Road
Iowa City, IA 52246
319.354.0941
4/25/01
From: webmaster@iowa-city.org
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 9:24 AM
To: webcomment@iowa-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Problem
Type : Problem
Problem : Other - Explain in Comment Section
Comments : I am a resident of Manville Heights with two young children who are just now
old enough to visit their friends unaccompanied. Unfortunately, some of their friends
live on Lexington Avenue and Mclean St. I am afraid for their lives. I DO NOT SUPPORT
CLOSING LEXINGTON AVENUE, BUT PROPOSE THAT SIDEWALKS BE INSTALLED. If this does not happen
then I would have to insist that Lexington Avenue be closed for the safety of our
children.
Name : Dina Janzen
Phone : 354 6858
Email : dlj@ia.net
From: Robed Sayre [bob-sayre@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:12 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave.
Dear Council Members -- My wife Hutha and I oppose the closing of Lexington
Ave. to through traffic. It is a necessary road. The problem of noise and
speeding could be solved in other ways, such as with speed bumps.
Bob Sayre
416 Hutchinson Ave.
Iowa City 52246
To: www.council@icwa.city.org
Frc~: kevin kopelson <kevin-ko~elson@uiowa.edu> ,
Subject: Lexington Avenue proposal
Co:
,~ril 2~ 2~1
io.a city CgfY .P, IRJ GGII 3)i ;E
Zt hu just cc~.e 'b::> my 8ttention f..bat ~evez:al LeTj.ngton Avenue res';.clents ~,ave ~:~-,t';'~io~ed 'the City
close this public street.
AS a long-tiRe resident of Manville Heights, the neighborhood conreining Lexington, as a tax-payer, as
an attorney, and as one devoted to deTaocracy, I e~n appalled both by the petition and by the prospect
of itd approval. I can only imagine ~he spurious rationalizations the petitioners have presented,
but I Mn certain of their real motivations. They, the motivaticus, are ones ANY private hc~3wner of
this neighborhood, as well ~s of Iowa City, could sympathize with and even -- selfishly -- wish to act
upon. We'd ALL prefer to live on de facto private thoroughfares closed to noisy, "alien" vehicular
traffic, or to troublascme students, sports fans, and other strsagers. And We could all come up with
unselfish-sounding rationalizations. But I reject the idea that Lexington Avenue residents should
have such a wish fulfilled sireply because they live On the most scenic street in the area, end in the
grandest, most expensive hc~es. That fulfilment would be elitist, un~atic, legally
objectionable (X~B: I WILL TAKE THIS TO COURT IF ~CMSSARY), and detrimental in many ways to others in
Manville Heights, including that our own non-privatized streets would beer the burdem of the traffic
-- both vehicular and pedestrian -- excluded frc[n Lexington.
Kindly acknowledge receipt of this Msage, 8xld notify me of any public hearing to be held on this
matter.
Keyin Kopelson
419 Beldon Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 339-4661
Printed for kevin kopelson <kevin-kopelson@uiowa.edu> 1
From: Nina Petran [nina-petran@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 10:09 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave
Dear Council,
Thank you for taking the time to hear my opinion.
As a resident of Manville Heights, I would like to say how much I do not like the idea of closing off Lexington
Avenue.
My main concern is the additional traffic that will be directed onto my street. This is true especially after
Football and Basketball games.
I strongly feel that if people want to use Lexington as a thru street (instead of MY street), they should have that
option.
In fact, I often use Lexington as a thru street, as it is a lovely street and very picturesque.
If a few people who decide to take the dips at a fast speed are going to impact our neighborhood this way, I
really want you to know, as a neighbor in that area, that your suggestion to close it off in the middle is a bad
idea and it will create alot of neighborhood ill will.
If you take this action because of a few joyriders, let's close down Burlington and Riverside as I have seen
people drive past the speed limit on those streets too.
I can understand the Lexington parents who are concerned about their children's safety because I am concerned
about the additional traffic on my street and MY children's safety. And since our street has sidewalks so my
children can walk to school safely, I think there is a very obvious answer to that concern: Lexington street
should have sidewalks too.
I know you are all busy, I will end my comments now.
Thank you.
Nina Petran
410 Magowan Ave.
Iowa City, IA
4/23/01
From: Diana Thomas [ladydi@inav.net]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 10:08 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave proposal
Dear Council members,
The proposal currently before you to close off Lexington Avenue will have a negative impact on all the other streets in this small,
bounded neighborhood of Manville Heights. This action will effect rerouting traffic patterns, home values, emergency vehicle access,
parking for sports events, pedestrian travel and public perception.
My family lives at 350 Magowan Avenue, a street that has a higher concentration of young families with young children than does
Lexington Avenue. I feel that closing the street would be an elitist move and not in the best interest of this small community as a
whole.
Lexington Avenue is not the only street affected by the fraternity and high school drivers. For example, 1 offer last week's incident:
my neighbor and I were out front in the sunshine watching our children play in the front yard when a car came CAREENING down
Magowan Avenue with a high school student (we think) clutching THE HOOD. This was a terrifying event for everyone, especially
our children, to witness.
Perhaps our tax dollars would be better spent asking the council to look into measures that might protect the integrity of Manville
Heights community as a whole, rather than isolating one street.
Sincerely,
Diana Thomas & Family at 350 Magowan Avenue, residents since 1998.
4/23/01
I05-01-01
Marian Karr 4g(29)
From: Richard Kerber [richard-kerber@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, April 19.2001 6:00 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: proposed seasonal closing of Lexington Ave.
Dear Council members- we reside at 425 Lexington Ave, just below the crest
of the "big dip" on Lexington Ave. We strongly support the proposed
seasonal closing of Lexington at the bottom of the dip. At all hours, but
especially at night, we observe cars "dipping the dips"; they roar over
the crest at high speed, ignoring the stop and hidden driveway signs placed
on the crest. As a University Hospital physician I (REK) am frequently
called to back to the hospital at night;every time I back out of my
driveway I'm fearful that I'll be hit by one of these speeding cars, who
cant see me (nor I them) until the very last moment. (if a car does stop at
the sign they can observe our driveway and we can see them}. It's only a
matter of time until a serious injury or death results; the last accident
several years ago left a car in the ravine at the bottom of the dip,
several demolished trees and 3 very lucky coeds.
There are many young children on this street who are endangered.
The speeding and sign-ignoring problem is less during the winter,
while at the same time the terrain makes flexibility in negotiating the
street desirable in the winter. The idea of a seasonal closure is appealing
because it would eliminate the "dipping the dips" thrillseekers during the
warm weather months while allowing drivers to choose the direction they
want in the ice and snow of the cold weather months. Concerns about
emergency access do not seem well founded; the neighboring street,
Hutchinson Ave, is divided by a ravine so that access is either from Park
Road or River Street,not both, similar to what would be the seasonal
situation on Lexington. We dont believe this considered a big problem by
city services such as police, fire or sanitation.
The only arguement against closing Lexington seasonally is the
convenience of a few residents who enjoy the option of traveling on
Lexington to either Park Road or River St. We enjoy that option also, but
consider the safety of the residents and drivers to be far more important.
Please support the seasonal closing of Lexington Ave.
Richard E Kerber,MD
Linda K Kerber
425 Lexington Ave
Richard E. Kerber, MD
Associate Director, Cardiology Division
University of Iowa Hospital
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-2739
Fax (319) 356-4552
From: Daniel Kahn [dkahn@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 2:16 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave
Dear council members:
I write to you to urge your support of the proposal to close
Lexington Ave seasonally to through traffic. I have lived on the
street for several years, and my wife and I have both personally
witnessed the dangerous conditions that exist due to the unique
"dips" of our street. On several occasions, as our daughters grew
up, we had to quickly move then away from the street as a joyrider
flew by. On one occasion I recall the driver, who must of been
moving at about 40-50 mph, yelling at me from his car "you better get
your kid away from the street our we'll kill her." My older daughter
still will only walk on the grass, fearing the cars that can overtake
her in an instant, the car unseen or unheard because it is down in
the dip beginning its ascent toward our home.
Please help us. It's time for the council to take the lead. Having
been through this before, I know that many city departments (fire,
ambulance, sanitary, etc.) will have reasons or objections to this
plan. They will claim it is not ideal for them to carry out their
services. This is probably true. But, you must weigh this against
the danger tha~ ALREADY exists in the current situation. In my
families opinion, their concerns pale when compared to the dangers
which exist now. Please use your own good judgment, weigh all the
evidence, and do what is right. If you do this, I am confident that
a long-overdue solution to this problem will finally be found.
Thank you,
Daniel and Jill Kahn
333 Lexington Ave
337-4080
From: Ellie Densen [edensen@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 8:29 AM
To: Council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Avenue
Hayor Lehman and council members,
Please be advised that we strongly support the
seasonal closing of Lexington Avenue. We appreciate
your cooperation in this matter and your attention to
making Iowa City streets safer.
Ellie and Peter Densen
436 Lexington Avenue
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
From: webmaster@iowa-city.org
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 12:56 PM
To: webcomment@iowa-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Comment
Type : Comment
Problem : Not a problem
Comments : This communication is in regard to the council's consideration of closing
Lexington Street. Please allow me to explain how this would impact our lives as neighbors
in the Manville Heights area. My family and I live on Rowland Ct., which is a one block
street near the south end of Lexington. We use Lexington Street an average of 6 times per
day. It is the only direct route to our home from the north side of Iowa City. It is
already difficult to give directions to our home to family and friends who visit, due to
the nature of street layouts and name changes unique to our neighborhood. The intent Of
the very small group of neighbors to close this street to thru traffic is selfish and
narrow minded, Traffic on this road has been proven to be light and safe. If this minority
opinion group wants changes to Lexington Street then they should spend their own money on
sidewalks and such. My wife has lived her entire life in this 4 block area and finds it
hard to believe that this closure is being given serious consideration. Having Hutchinson
Street shut down years ago closed this neighborhood off to easy access and only heightened
the traffic on other nearby roads, like River. Imagine the confusion when the next street
over is closed, simply to appease the highest income home owners in Manville Heights. Not
to mention the animosity.
Speed bumps have proved successful in slowing traffic and the young thrill seekers who
want to challenge "Thrill Hill" or "The Double Dips".
Emergency vehicles shouldn't have to be re-routed because of the self-indulgence of the
few, Nor should game day traffic, which is already a nightmare for any of us living in
Manville Heights. This proposed closure would only make that bad situation worse.
Lexington is a beautiful street with beautiful vistas that should be open to any and all
who come this way.
The will of the few should not cloud the perceptions of the council. This is a bad idea
grounded in selfishness and elitism. Put this idea to rest once and for all.
Name : Paul Keller
Phone : 338=4556
Email : hawkeyedirk@home.com
From: webmaster@iowa-city.org
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 3:37 PM
To: webcomrnent@iowa-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Comment
T~pe : Comment
Problem: Not a problem
Comments : Just a quick note on the Lexington Avenue Proposal- We recently moved to Ferson
Avenue from a much less traveled street. I have noticed that cars on Ferson drive fast
and are numerous at 0730-0830 and 1600-1730 Monday through Friday. Since we have a young
child and dog we are very aware of the traffic and speed of the cars trying to get to work
or go home. If Lexington Avenue is closed due to the request solely of the residents on
that street, then the rest of us in the Manville Heights neighborhood will experience even
more traffic on our streets. I would like to request that Lexington NOT be closed due to
a selected fews request. In addition, I would really like to see some sort of speed
control measure be taken in that area. Ferson is already a street that is used as a cut
through street. I would hate to have it more traveled than it is now. Thnk you for your
consideration- Annemarie Carter, 346 Ferson Avenue
Name
Phone
Email
05-01-01
Marian Karr 4g(34)
From: Moacyr Ribeiro de Oliveira [mozone4@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 1:29 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: closing Lexington Avenue
As a resident of Manville Heights, I'd like to voice my very strong opposition to this possibility.. After
speaking to many other residents and neighbors and trying to get both sides, I feel more strongly than
ever that it would be an elitist move, bene~ting few and leaving many worse off than before. While I
agree that the avenue is problcmatic, I do not see that it is much worse than any other street in our
beloved neighborhood.
I live on Magowan Avenue. AT LEAST three times a week I holier or honk to tell someone to slow
down. Another three or four times a week I don't make it out of my house in time to get the holier out.
One week ago, a teen aged neighbor went weaving down the entire street at an unsafi~ speed with a friend
of his ON TOP of his car, clutching the hood. I mention this in particular, because this stunt was recently
mentioned (in a local newspaper) as one of the arguments for closing down Lexington. They just are not
that special. Idiots drive down every road, everyone is at risk, every day.
I have a five year old and a four year old. The woman next door has three young boys, and the family
next to her, a preschooler and a first grader. What is it saying to us to divert the already too-heavy
traffic right on over to our street, to our children, our families. We may not have a roller coaster, but
diminishing their problem only SLIGHTLY will increase ours at least twofold. We can't accept that.
PLEASE reconsider your options.
Thanks for your attention and understanding!
Dr. Moacyr Ribeiro de Oliveira and Family
PS: 1 would appreciate a response
4/18/0 1
210 Green Mt. Drive
Iowa City, la. 52245
April 10, 2001 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .~
Iowa City City Council ~PR t 3 ?f]01
Civic Center CITY OFFICE
Iowa City la 52240
To the Council:
Recently I collected signatures on a petition in favor of the proposal that
would ban smoking in Iowa City restaurants. I was able to collect many
dozens of signatures. The interesting thing about talking with so many
people about this issue was how enthusiastic people are. 99% of people I
talked to were thrilled to sign the petition and wanted to tell me how much
they are in support of the council banning smoking in restaurants. I
wanted to report this to you, and to let you know how wholeheartedly I
think this community is in favor of the smoking ban.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Loni Parrott
J05-01-01
Marian Karr 4g(36)
From: Wilhelm, Rosemary [WilhelmR@uihc.uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2001 12:08 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'
Subject: FW: Discussion on Smoking Ban in Restaurants
My initial email did not work. Here goes. Thanks
> ..... Original Message .....
> From: Wilhelm, Rosemary
> Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2001 10:13 PM
> To: 'ernie '; 'irvin '; 'ross '; 'dee_'; 'mike_'; 'connie '
> Cc: Wilhelm, Rosemary
> Subject: Discusson on Smoking Ban in Restaurants
>
> I am contacting you with my reconmendations as you direct your attention
> to the decision regarding a smoking ban in restaurants. First, the harsh
> facts include:
> * The number of smokers in Iowa has outpaced the national average.
> * 23.5% of Iowa adults were smokers in 1999.
> * There are 3 million deaths per year due to smoking.
> * Smoking is now the leading cause of death in American women.
> * Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is the third leading
> cause of preventable death in the U.S.
> ~ Non-smokers exposed to ETS develop lung cancer 19% more than those
> not exposed.
>
> According to the Surgeon General David Satcher, "Passing and enforcing
clean-indoor-air regulations can protect the health of non-smokers and
help to change social norms that contribute to tobacco use."
If iowa City is the progressive community we profess it to be, then please
ban smoking in all restaurants to promote wellness and change lifestyles.
> On a personal level, I lost a cousin last year to lung cancer. What began
> 3 years ago as difficulty breathing progressed into radiation to the lung,
> tumor resection surgery, chemotherapy and finally a painful death. My
> cousin was unable to work for 3 years before his death, he received
> Supplemental Security Income Disability and Iowa Medicaid. Health care
> expenses exceeded $100,000. In addition to the emotional devastation,
> the financial cost of his life of smoking was shocking.
>
> Whe will be able to financially afford the results of similar lifestyles?
> Health care costs are soaring, Social Security is straining to survive and
> individuals have a choice. It is our responsibility as a proactive
> com~unity to promote healthy lifestyles so our ancestors won't be
> financially and environmentally burdened.
>
> Professionally, as a medical social worker, I frequently receive calls
> from individuals who cannot afford insurance and whose lifestyles have
> created a severe medical contition that they can no longer ignore. Thus,
> I urge you and Iowa City to be leaders in banning smoking. As Dr. Satcher
> said, "Statewide comprehensive approaches combining community involvement,
> mass media campaigns and program policy and regulation, can have dramatic
> effects in changing social norms and reducing tobacco use." Thank
> you
05-01-01
Marian Karr ~
From: Ferman Milster [fmilster@home.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 7:32 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Dangerous Intersection
Dear Mayor and Councilors,
ONce again we would like to request the placement at the intersection of Mormon Trek and Cameron Way on the west
side of IOwa City. During the time we have lived at thiws intersection, motorized and pedestrian traffic has increased
dramatically, especially since the building of the Fareway grocery, the strip mall, and the University of Iowa Community
Credit Union. We have witnessed many acidents on this street. Pedestrians (often children) must dart through traffic to
get across, and cars must also race against traffic to cross Mormon Trek. Often traffic backs up from the commercial
businesses and cars must play "chicken" to turn left from the center.
This is one of the only commercial areas on the west side. If you can check police and road statistics, they will bear out
our observations. Last night, a potentially deadly accident occurred. Fortunately, everyone was al~ right, but only
because air bags were deployed.
We requested action a year ago, but to no avail. We will be calling each of you individually to speak with you about this
concern. Please consider this request for a stoplight, and tell us what we must do to get one. We will be sending an
identical email to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this deadly problem. We are trying to avoid a fatality!
Respectfully,
P. Ferman and Kathryn J. Milster
2351 Cameron Way
iowa City, IA 52246
354-9060
4/16/01
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Ferman Milster [fmilster@home.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 7:46 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Copy of email sent to Iowa Dept. of Transportation
Comments=We are concerned about a deadly intersection in Iowa City at the corner of Mormon Trek and Cameron Way
streets. There have been numerous traffic acidents and near fatalities. Pedestrians must run acroos the street and dart
between cars. Cars must play **chicken" to cross the intersection. The intersection consists of one of the only
commercialized areas on the west side and is extremely busy.
We have requested a traffic light from the city council, but no action has been taken to date. What steps should be taken
to get a stoplight installed?
PLease advise where to go from here. We understand that this is a municipal matter, but we have gotten no response to
our requests for the light. Thank you for your advice or assistance.
Name=Kathryn Milster
Email=fmilster@home~com
Company=
Address= 2351 Cameron Way
City=Iowa City
State=lA
Zip_Code=5246
Te lephone=319-354-9060
Fax=
DL#=
4/16/01
April 16, 2001
P. Ferman and Kathryn J. Milster
2351 Cameron Way
Iowa City, IA 52246
Re: Your email of April 14, 2001; intersection of Mormon Trek Boulevard and Cameron Way
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Milster:
Your email of April 14 was forwarded to me for response. You will be happy to know that during
the months of April and May we will be conducting a study on the need for a traffic signal on
Mormon Trek Boulevard at either the Cameron Way or Westwinds Drive intersection. It is
necessary for us to evaluate both of these intersections; one or the other may be signalized, but
not both. We would expect a traffic signal at one of these intersections to benefit the intersection
that ends up not being signalized, because the signalized intersection will create breaks in the
Mormon Trek Boulevard traffic stream.
We hope to have our study completed and a recommendation for the City Council regarding this
matter by June. Feel free to contact me at 356-5252 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeff Davidson, Assistant Director
Dept. of Planning and Community Development
cc: City Council
City Manager
jccogadm/Itrs/jd-milster doc
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 359 5009
From: City Council
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 3:43 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: my opinion re: Press Citizen coverage
From: Robynn Shrader[SMTP:ROBYNNSHRADER@MINDSPRING.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 3:39:29 PM
To: Council@iowa-city.org
Subject: my opinion re: Press Citizen coverage
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Should we be looking at a lawsuit? The facts surrounding the controversy in the Weeber-Harlocke
neighborhood over a proposed development by Southgate Development point me in a different
direction.
The City Council denied an application by Southgate to build a 39-unit apartment complex on
Harlocke St., as non-compliant with the Sensitive Areas Ordinance in effect. The attorney for the
Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association indicated legal reasons and precedent for why the
Council could deny the application. Southgate's legal council argued differently, as did the City
Attorney. Reasonable minds can disagree, as they often do in questions of the interpretation of law.
If this goes to court a judge will have to decide who was right. If everything were perfectly black and
white, there would be no need for a public process, or decision-making by elected officials who
represent the will of the people. The spirit and intent of law is often clouded in gray, yet remains in
my view the most important issue.
City Attorney Dilkes is now in a tough position. Does she defend the action of the City Council as a
whole, or does she selectively represent only the majority of Councilors who claimed legal necessity
as the reason for their vote and cry "no contest"? Dilkes represents the entire City Council as a body,
not the individuals who serve on it, and the Council made a legitimate decision, according to its own
rules. The public interest and process should be upheld at all costs, and the City should do the right
thing in all situations, despite threats of lawsuits.
The Weeber-Harlocke neighborhood sits in a district that has the largest parkland deficit of any other
district, according to the Neighborhood Open Space Plan (NOSP). The parcel of land in question,
despite having enormous access and safety concerns for multi-family development, is one of the few
open spaces remaining. The City established the NOSP for a reason, and they ought to follow the
plan for this district on the southwest side of Iowa City as earnestly as for any other district. Land
once developed is permanently lost, and I believe the neighborhood has shown why increasing
population density on Harlocke St. is not in the public interest. The aggregate of taxpayers pay for
new parkland in every district of the city, and the southwest side's turn has come. It is time for the
deficit of open space in this densely populated area to be corrected. Southgate owns four acres that
could decrease that deficit.
To the credit of Southgate Development and the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association, both
have looked at alternative solutions to the problem, including a downsized development with a portion
of the land purchased as a park. As it turns out, this mixed bag approach is not likely. The lay of the
4/24/01
Page 2 of 2
land is such that only ravines would be left after buildings and parking, which is not suitable for city
park needs, according to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Interestingly enough, the City had an appraisal of the entire four acres performed on January 19,
1996 by East Iowa Commercial Real Estate Appraisers, who determined the market value of the land
at that time to be $155,000. According public records, C.F.O. Partners owned the land at that time.
In a letter dated June 15, 1999, The Iowa City Director of Parks and Recreation expressed an interest
to purchase the land and requested C.F.O. Partner's asking price. A reply received from C.F.O.
Partners on June 22, 1999 indicated a willingness to sell the land to the City for $400,000. Naturally,
the City did not pursue the offer. Public records show that Southgate Development next purchased
the property on April 18, 2000 for $176,000. So, the question becomes: is Southgate interested in
selling their land to the City for a park, or do they prefer to sue the City for the right to build apartment
buildings? If willing to sell, what amount would Southgate expect to be paid for this land purchased
last year?
I believe the neighborhood has provided ample proof as to why this particular parcel of land is
unsuitable for dense development, in addition to the fact that the area is deficient in park land by the
City's own standards. Southgate, of course, should earn a suitable return on their investment. That
return should be reasonable, and account for the safety and interests of the surrounding community
and Southgate's neighbors.
Should we be looking at a lawsuit? I think reasonable minds ought to be able to look at the facts and
determine a much better outcome for everyone involved.
Robynn Shrader
Robynn Shrader
Executive Director
National Cooperative Grocers Association
Phone/fax: (319) 466-9029
email: robynnshrader~mindspring.com
1104 Weeber Circle
Iowa City, IA 52246
4/24/01
From: Katie [katiej@avalon.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 7:53 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Two Concerns
While I realize you are all busy dealing with the alcohol and smoking
crisis in Iowa City, I would like to mention two other small problems
that perhaps have escaped your notice. The first, why is the Free
Shuttle (the large, oddly painted orange bus) allowed to stop not once,
not twice, but three times on Dodge Street, between Burlington and
Bowery? It's a huge traffic obstacle, and if it's a free shuttle, don't
you think people (students] would walk a block or two to the stop? It
stops at the corner of Bowery and Gilbert and hogs both lanes, so no one
oan get around it. Couldn't this stop be moved? Even if just during
the rush hour - 8-9 in the morning, 4-6 or so in the evening.
The other issue I'm concerned with is the complete lack of lines painted
on streets in Iowa City, one being at the intersection mentioned above,
the corner of Bowery and Gilbert. The City made the effort to restrict
parking on that corner, and did originally paint lines on the street, so
there would be three lanes there: one to turn left onto Bowery, and two
other lanes that could be used to proceed straight onto Dodge, or the
right lane could also be used as a turning lane onto Bowery (to the
right). The lines have faded, and I don't know how many times in the
past few weeks I've waited in a long stretch of traffic while people sit
in the middle and block anyone from trying to use the two lanes. If you
drove home this way, you'd realize it was a problem. There are many
other intersections that lack painted lines, and it seems to me this is
a problem (no matter how expensive the paint) that would, if solved, be
of benefit to everyone in Iowa City.
Katherine Johnson
From: Mekhahn@aol,com
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 10:25 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Rezoning
Hello.
I want to thank In/in Pfab and Steven Canher for voting no last night at City
Council. It really meant a lot to our family and neighborhood. Thanks again
for your show of support. We appreciate it.
Melissa Ruhlow
911 Weebet St.
341-6570
4/18/0 1
Rpr 18 O1 ll:~r5p uESTrlRR IPiC 90356~7367
Mark O. Westerman ..... F/LEE)
498 Bo~ Cha~ R~
APR 18 PH 3:
CLERK
CWA
Earnest W Lehman RE: Landfdl Gas Collection System Project
Mayor Notice of Default
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Lehman:
This is to inform you and the City of Iowa City that the City is in Default of the contract dated March 8,
2000 between the City of Iowa City and WestMar, he. for the c4mstruction of the Landfdl Gas Collection
System Project located on the City of Iowa City Sanitary Landfill.
On February 22, 200 ], the Owner was presented with the final documentation for the Final Payment as
provided for in pathgraph 12.07 A 2 of the General Conditions of the contract. There has been no notice
issued by the City as per paragraph 12.07 B 1 tha~ the work is not accepted. As per paragraph ]2.07 C 1,
the Owner shall pay to the Contractor within 30 days of receipt... and paragraph SGC-14.07.C ofd~e
Supplemental Oene~al Conditioris, this amount was due not sooner daan thirty one days after presentation
to the Owner.
WestMar hereby demands full and complete payment of the Final Payment due March 23, 2001 and
intcrb-'st for the delinquent paymeats at the highest rate as allowed by the State of Iowa.
Furthermore, the City has been delinquent with all of the partial payments to date as specified in paragraph
12.02 C 1. and demand is hereby made for interest to be paid for all of the past due invoices paid in an'ears
to date, WestMar also demands full payment for the interest due on the late partial payments made during
the term of the contract.
Sincot, ely,
WestMar, Inc.
Mark D. Westerman
Vice President
MDW
CC: Howard R Green Company.
April 17, 2001
Mr, Mark Westerman
Westmar, Inc.
464 Bones Chapel Rd.
Whitesboro, TX 76273-9450
Re: Iowa City Landfill Gas Collection System Project
Dear Mr. Westerman:
The purpose of this letter is to summarize our telephone conversation from yesterday. The
Landfill Gas Collection System Project is scheduled to be accepted by the Iowa City City Council
on Tuesday, May 1,2001.
In accordance with Iowa State laws, thirty one days after the City Council acceptance and
assuming there are no more liens filed against the project, the project retainage amount will be
released and mailed to you. This is a standard procedure in accordance with Iowa State law
regarding public construction projects, which the City of Iowa City must abide.
There is also the issue of the State of Iowa sales tax refund. After the project is accepted, the tax
refund request will be submitted to the State. When the City of Iowa City receives the approved
refund, that mount will also be sent to you. I can not offer a time table for this process because
it is entirely up the State.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact me at 319-356-5140 or the
City Attorney's office at 319-356-5030.
Sincerely,
Daniel Scott
Project Engineer
Cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Chuck Schmadeke, Public Works Director
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
Apt ~1 O1 02:16a WESTMRR INC 9035G47367 p.1
Fax
TO: Dan ScoR
Of: City of Iov~a, City
Fax: 319-356-5009
Pages: 1, including tiffs cover sheet.
Date: April 20, 2001
Dan,
Received your letter dated April 17, 2001 this date. You are stating that the May 1" counc'll
meeting is the first opportunity since Februa~J 22, 2~)1.
Your contention that Iowa Law prevented you ~om abiding by the terms of the contract is not
accepted. You have failed to perform by failing to submit the documents to the council in a
timely manner. You have consistently advocated that the documents are complete, but that you
failed to have the time to complete the paperwork required to get on the council docket. Failure
to perform in a timely matter is not covered under the terms of the contract.
If you would care to document a reasonable excuse for not going to the council for all of the
prevjously scheduled meetings on March 6e and 20ea, April 3~ and April 17~, we would listen.
However, your same excuse for the past 57 days that you have been traveling and too busy to
take care of business is not going to be acceptable.
Copy: Steve Atldns, City Manager
Chuck Schmadeke, Public Works Director
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
FrmnthedrakoL.,
464 Bones Chapel Read
Wnltesiooro. TX 762T3-73OT
903*564-6302
Fax: 903-564.-'T'~'7
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 24, 2001 ~
TO: Steve Atkins, City Manager /
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney ~.~
FROM: Daniel Scott, Sr. Civil Engineer E~2<~
re: Landfill Gas Collection System Project,
Westmar, Inc. construction contract
The contractor hired for construction of the Iowa City Landfill Gas Collection System
Project, Westmar, Inc., from Whitesboro, Texas, has recently sent notification claiming
the City to be in default of this construction contract. I have the following information to
offer at this point.
Their claim consists primarily of three arguments. They are listed below:
The first is that the City was provided with all the necessary lien waivers and the final
pay request in February. Their argument is that the project should nave been accepted
by the City Council at that time. In March the contractor made some necessary minor
repairs and adjustments to the system and the system was started and officially put in
operation. To make sure the system was going to work correctly, I wanted to give the
system some time before having it accepted by the City Council. Therefore, I did not
schedule the project acceptance until May 1, 2001.
The second claim is that the City should be responsible for interest payments to the
contractor for this period of operation. No interest payments should be made because
the City was not required to accept the project immediately as requested by the
Contractor.
The third is that the City should be responsible for interest payments for each monthly
payment that was delayed throughout the project. There were two monthly payments
that were delayed due to the timing of the pay request submittals. The City makes
payments twice each month and since the first submittal deadline was missed each of
those two months, the check request was submitted for the second deadline two weeks
later.
cc: Chuck Schmadeke, Public Works Director
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Mitch Behr, Asst. City Attorney
To: Mayor Ernie Lehman /IPR 2 5 2001 ~]
From: Northside Neighborhood Association CItY MitNAI ER'S OFFICE
Date: April 25, 2001
Re: Problem properties on Northside Iowa City
Dear Mayor Lehman,
We are writing you on behalf of the Northside Neighborhood Association, a voluntary
organization of homeowners on Iowa City' s northside, to enlist your aid and that of city
administrators and City Council members to find solutions for severe and increasing
problems with the management of certain rental properties in our area.
In these selected properties, there appears to be a lack of appreciation of and adherence to
city-wide ordinances and customs regarding property upkeep and other matters:
· The number of tenants in some of the properties appears excessive
· There is a lack of adherence to ordinances regarding snow removal, grass
mowing, garbage containment and other maintenance responsibilities
· Frequent use of soft recliners, sofas and other inappropriate furniture on front
porches and front lawns
· Lack of attention to parking ordinances (including parking on lawns)
The overall effect of these problems is to greatly degrade the appearance and atmosphere
of our historic northside neighborhoods and, indirectly, all of Iowa City.
In order to better inform you about the details of the issues and their severity and to
garner your advice, counsel and direct help in developing solutions, we would like to
invite you, appropriate city administrative staff, and Council members on a brief (one-
hour) walking tour of selected areas in our neighborhood. If you are willing to do this,
please contact Robin Davisson at 335-8094 (work) or 338-7507 (home).
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.
Robin L. Davisson Tim Walker
511 N. Gilbert St. 621 N. Johnson St.
Iowa City Iowa City
Housing/Historic Preservation Committee Safety/Tranquility Committee
cc: Steve Atkins
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA . /IPR 2 8 2001 . ril 19~
Dear Honorable Members of The Iowa City City Council:CiTY MANAGER'S OFfiCE
1 am writing to you to introduce both my Vice President and myself. My name is Nick
Klenske and I am the newly elected UI Student Government President. I am originally
from Dubuque Iowa and am majo~ng in political science, English, and education. Dan
Rossi is the newly elected ~SG Vice President. He is a management and political
science major from Peoria, Illinois. Our philosophy for our administration is to create a
community through coalition building with v~ous student organizations, community
members, and school/community leaders. We hope that by wor~ng together we will all
succeed in making the UI and Iowa City community a better place for all.
We feel that an essential element in reaching this goal is to create a close wor~ng
relationship with the Iowa City City council. We feel that the ~ and the Iowa City
community have many overlapping issues that need to be approached from all angles.
Dan and myself would like to briefly list some of the issues we would like to work with
you on during this upcoming year.
1. Alcohol related issues:
First off, I would like to thank you for your reconsideration of the cu~cnt alcohol
ordinance. We agree that underage and hinge drinking ~e problems at the University
of Iowa and both need to be worked on. We would like to work with you in the
rewriting of the ordinance to make sure that we can find a true solution to these
problems without causing new problems. We feel the first step taken should be to
look for creating alternative oppo~unities for students. Pe,'haps this will solve the
initial problem before the city has to move to closing the b~s to minors or, if the bars
are closed to minors, this will work to prevent the new problem of binge/underage
drinkrig in private homes. This issue directly effects students and as representatives
of the student body, we hope to continue our dialog and work with you to move
to~vards a true and workable solution.
2. Recycling in Apa~ments:
Cu~ently there have been numerous complaints from students about the lack of
recycling available in apa~ments. Perhaps we could work together in creating
recycling guidelines for the apartments to fo]low.
3. Transportation and Parking:
Again, we would like to thank you for your wise decision on keeping the downtown
shuttle free for students. We would also like to work with you on perhaps
coordinating city/campus bus routes, along with wor~ng on late night parking in the
downtown as a way of preventing drunk driving.
Student Government 48 Iowa Memorial Union 3 ] 9/335-3860 www.uiowa.edu/-uisg
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1317 FAX 319/335-3577 E-mall: uisg@uiowa.edu
4. Student Profiling:
This is another issue that many students have voiced concern about. Many students
feel that they are being targeted as a specific criminal population. It needs to be
realized that the majority of students are not causing the problems (vandalism, fights,
etc) yet are still being targeted. We feel that this violates many students' rights and is
a problem that needs to be addressed.
These are only a few of the issues that we feel need to be collaborated on by UISG and
the city council in order to reach success. Our hope is for UISG and the city council to
create a close working relationship this year. We plan on reaching this goal by keeping
continued contact with the council through one on one meetings, by attending appropriate
work sessions, attending council meetings, and any other ideas that you may have.
We look forward to a year long effort towards collaboration, communication and success.
Sincerely,
Nick Klenske Dan Rossi
UISG, President UISG, Vice President
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 4, 2001
TO: City Clerk ~i'~'
FROM: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
RE: Item for April 17, 2001 City Council Meeting: Designation of a NO
PARKING ANY TIME zone on the east side of Union Road between the
driveway at 2008 Union Road and Arizona Avenue
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City
Council of the following action,
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), signage indicating NO PARKING ANY TIME will be
erected on the east side of Union Road between the driveway of the residence at 2008
Union Road and Arizona Avenue.
Comment:
This portion of Union Road is a relatively tight curve on a 25-feet wide street. The Police
Department and Streets Division have requested a No Parking Any Time zone be
established in this area because of visibility problems and maintenance problems due to
parked cars. On-street parking will continue to be allowed on the remainder of one side
of Union Road and the bulb-out portion of Union Road.
jccogtp/mem/bp-unionrd ,doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 2, 2001
TO: City Clerk
FROM: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner~
RE: Item for April 17, 2001 City Council meeting: Designation of a NO
PARKING ANY TIME zone on the east side of Willow Street between
Muscatine Avenue and Pinecrest Road
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City
Council of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), signage indicating NO PARKING ANY TIME will be
erected on the east side of Willow Street between Muscatine Avenue and Pinecrest
Road.
Comment:
This block of Willow Street is on a vertical curve with parking permitted on the east side
of the street. Northbound traffic must pull into the oncoming lane in order to get around
parked cars, with visibility restricted because of the hill. This action will eliminate the
necessity of pulling into the oncoming lane of traffic. This action will also increase
visibility for the Lucas Elementary School pedestrian crossing which is located near the
crest of the hill. On street parking will remain on the east side of Willow Street between
Pinecrest Road and Brookside Drive.
jccogtp/mem/willowstdoc
Madan Karr
From: redwriter@webtv.net
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 8:50 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Cc: betterways@webtv. net; comconcas@webtv.net; jcnews@yosemite.leepfrog.com
Subject: JCNEWS: The CDBG funding allocations
Greetings to the City Council-- for the public record:
I would like to voice objections to 4 different funding allocation
recommendations by the Housing and Community Development Comission:
1. The baffling and seemingly irresponsible choice of Ruby's Pearl for
$20,000 . This is a tiny retail shop, a very high risk venture.
2. The slush fund of $105,000 for Aid to Human Services. Those funds
would be too easily hidden from public view. Each recipient for those
funds should be identified clearly.
3. The increase (above the recommended amount) that is being requested
by city staff for the Peninsula project.
4. The denial of the request by the Salvation Army.
I have many other questions and objections which I will prepare for the
CAPER report.
Charlotte Walker
Looking for Better Ways
PO box 324
Iowa City, IA 52244
(319) 338-2776
BetterWays@webtv.net
Page 1 of 2
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27. 2001 2:06 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: PCRB
From: Bob Thompson[SMTP:THOMPBOBSON@HOME.COM]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 2:06:48 PM
To: City Council
Subject: PCRB
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Council members:
I am very encouraged that you have stated your commitment to renewing the PCRB. I attended the forum on Wednesday, April 18,
prior to your decision. I was encouraged by the ICPD's stated commitment to the concept of conununity policing; actually pulling it
off is going to be the challenge. Part of the ideal of community policing is a greater level of interaction between police and "civilians",
as the police subculture sometimes tends to call the rest of us. I find the militarization of police tactics to be a disturbing trend. I
believe that more interaction and dialog between the police and the various factions of the community is a key goal in reducing
tensions, and it would behoove the council to do everything in its power to facilitate that. Captain Johnson acknowledged that some
officers possess greater social skills than others: that seems a bit of an understatement. Many of our officers seem quite at home with
the diverse groups in this community, and others don't seem to see a need for understanding at all. Simply put, I feel that a lot of police
officers feel aloof from the rest of us, and tend to retreat into their own social faction. The net loss is an intimacy with certain social
elements of the community, and perhaps even alienation from the community as a whole. This seems to have resulted in a significant
number of officers who lack basic respect for others, unless they fall within certain arbitrary and narrow social standards.
One solution Matt Johnson offered was the idea of greater interaction of police and citizens: police could attend community meetings
to answer questions, go to neighborhood meetings, etc. I think that police should be invited to attend not only as speakers and
representatives of the police force, but should be invited into more informal interactions with the community, so as to come to a
greater mutual understanding. One of the valuable functions of the current version of the PCRB is to serve as a vehicle for interaction
in a public forum. The meeting the other night was a good example of this. I would be saddened to see this aspect of the PCRB be
removed from its duties; 1 would prefer that the Board, and the Council as well, would take a more active role in mixing the police
force with the community. There were a great deal of misgivings with police expressed at this meeting, and I feeI that a lot of these
problems could be alleviated somewhat if the powers that be took a more active role in helping law enforcement personnel to
understand the community, and vice versa.
To be sure, Matt Johnson was probably not thrilled at being the only one there to take the heat from the tough questions that were
asked; some more appropriate than others. Many legitimate issues in regard to possible violations of 4th Amendment rights were
brought up. 1 felt very sorry for him, because it is obvious to me that he is a very intelligent, conscientious person, and that he was
taking the pressure meant for other personnel that I would not compliment quite so highly. The community cannot be expected to
respect law enforcement unconditionally, particularly when that respect is not reciprocated, and especially when there are so many
questions pertaining to violations of the law by law enforcement itself. These forums serve as a vital source of feedback from the
community to police; since police serve us, they need to know what we expect from them.
I have a small remodeling business; if I remodel several rooms in a home beautifully, but leave one uninhabitable, I have no right to
expect the customer to ignore the part I performed unsatisthctorily, and only compliment me on the work 1 did correctly. Neither
should the police expect to avoid criticism on aspects of their work that their constituents feel need improvement. The police perform
the vast majority of their work quite well, but they cannot be allowed to violate the rights of citizens and receive no reproof. Where are
they receiving the message that it is okay, for example, to deny a public intox suspect his 4th Amendment right to refuse a
breathalyzer without further consequences? Some officers apparently capitalize on the widespread ignorance of this right,and many
others; they should rather insist that it be upheld, and inform the citizen that he/she has the right to refuse, rather than merely stuffing a
4/27/01
Page 2 of 2
breathalyzer in his/her face,and then falsifying the police report. There is simply no need to arrest someone for public intox, when
there is no visible probable cause to suspect intoxication. Police cannot expect respect from the community, and the community
cannot expect widespread respect for the law, when law enforcement itself has no such respect. I believe that the PCRB should be
given the power to influence, even enforce, such respect of basic rights of citizens. Citizens, in turn, would enjoy greater trust of the
police.
This is not some wild-eyed declaration of some sort of vast plague of police abuse; I don't go downtown enough to evaluate this, and
I've never been arrested, so I have no personal grudge to bear. But I do hear of a great many instances of such abuse, and I find this
disturbing. The result has been that I have progressively lost confidence in the police in recent years, whereas I used to be quite happy
with them. I've been told of instances of excessive force, not publicized, said to have caused even some longtime Iowa City cops to
resign in disgust. Victims of excessive force are often afraid to file a grievance, for fear of further retribution, sometimes fearing even
vindictiveness from pmsecuters. Clearly, a lot of things need fixing.
Further contributing to this problem is a vindictive willingness expressed by some people to marginalize large segments of the
population. The students obviously feel that they are being unfairly targeted by police, and that no one seems to care. A very
intelligent opinion piece by a student writer for the DI a day or two after the alcohol vote expressed disgust with the relatively small
contingent of several hundred incorrigible college drunkards that had screwed things up for everyone. lt's tree that staggering, alcohol-
poisoned miscreants need some "education"; but I'm hearing of a lot of peacefal pedestrians that are being targeted as well. I see no
need for this; police need to be able to distinguish the difference between a dangerous drunk and a harmless, slightly inebriated
pedestrian. They used to have discretion to do this. Who told them to do otherwise?
In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision to allow police to arrest anyone for even the most trivial of offenses, the need for
trust and respect between police and the rest of us has never been greater. Your decision to keep the PCRB was a wise one, which may
well have averted a great deal of hostility toward the city government. I urge you to follow the PCRB's recommendation, and expand
its powers. This will serve to calm citizen unrest and reverse the public's widespread dish'ust and dissatisfaction with the ICPD.
Sincerely,
Bob Thompson
4/2 7/0 1
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 2:57 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Ave
From: James F Luth II[SMTP:JAMESLUTH@JUNO.COM]
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 3:06:28 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Su~ect: Lexington Ave
Au~ ~rwarded by a Rule
I totally oppose closing Lex.Ave
There's not that much traffic,it's a beautiful street, it would put a
large burden on the only other two streets that go thru in Manville
Heights and the only people that want to close it wish to do so out of
some sense of entitlement as opposed to some real community good. Parents
need to teach their children not to play in the streets, and drivers to
stay off the parkland. Enforce drunken behavior laws and excessive speed
laws and stop bowing to vocal minority pressure to try and ordinance
reasonable behavior.
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 2:11 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue closing
From: Shields, Shari[SMTP:SHARI-SHIELDS@UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 2:10:50 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'
Su~ect: Lexington Avenue closin9
Auto ~rwarded by a Rule
Council members,
As a resident of Manville Heights, I do not agree that closing Lexington
Avenue to traffic is a good idea. I use the street as the most direct route
from Park Road to my home; I rarely meet another car on the street. If "the
dip" is the concern, could speed bumps, a stop sign at the bottom of the
dip, or some other method to slow traffic be implemented before the street
is permanently closed to traffic? With other options available, it seems to
me that this decision will only positively affect the Lexington Avenue
homeowners but will be a big negative to all others in Manville Heights.
While we would all love slow or no traffic in front of our homes, closing
Lexington will just increase traffic on all surrounding (already narrow)
streets. Please don't let the desires of a few be a detriment to us all.
Shari Shields
702 Bayard Street
Iowa City
Marjan Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 1:50 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Ave.
From: Eugene Spaziani[SMTP:EUGENE-SPAZIANI@UIOWA. EDU]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 1:51:51 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Ave.
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Councilpersons:
There are only 15 residences on Lexington Ave., yet these
high-profile folks earlier managed to get a stop sign placed mid-way for
reasons no traffic engineer would accept. Now they want to close the
street. Outrageous. There already is a closed (discontinuous) street
between River and Park (Hutchinson). Lexington would make it two,
further
limiting mobility and options for travel in Manville Hts. Why not just
increase police patrols occasionally; nothing like a few expensive tickets
to dampen speeding. Eugene and Susan Spaziani.
1029 Rider St.
4/2 7/0 1
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27.2001 12:32 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue Closing: NO!
From: Kara FelIows[SMTP:KARA@FELLOWSCO.COM]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 12:33:55 PM
To: city council
Su~ect: Lexington Avenue Closing: NO!
Auto ~rwa~ed by a Rule
Dear Council Members,
I'm writing in regard to the proposed closing of Lexington Avenue
between Park Avenue and River Street. My family and I are a few blocks
away on Rider Street, across the street from Lincoln Elementary School.
Traffic was noticeably increased on Rider Street, a school zone,
last summer when part of River Street was closed for sewer work. In
such an enclosed neighborhood as Manville Heights there is a real ripple
effect when a street is closed. Closing Lexington could have a
permanent effect on traffic flow through our neighborhood.
Lexington is currently not used as a shortcut through the
nieghborhood as much as other streets like Ferson and Magowan are, due
to it's legendary "double dips". It is an important option to have
open, however, in the event of road construction like we had last summer
or dewned trees like in the summer of 1997.
Closing Lexington would affect traffic flow, EMS access, parking for
sports events, and pedestrian travel. Please don't do it without first
comparing it's traffic rate to that of neighboring streets, looking into
enforcing the traffic signs on the double dips, and thoroughly
canvassing the neighborhood!
Thank you,
Kara Fellows
319-337-9571
901 Rider Street
IC, IA 52246
Madan Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 11:41 AM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington Avenue Closure Proposal
From: Rick Dehn[SMTP:RDEHN@BLUE.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 11:40:20AM
To: council@iowa-ci~.org
Cc: rdehn@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu
Su~ect: Lexington Avenue Closure Proposal
Auto forwa~ed by a Rule
Dear Iowa City Council Member,
I am a resident of and property owner in Manville Heights, and my family
lives near the intersection of Beldon and Grove Avenues. I have a
heightened interest in the proposal to close nearby Lexington Avenue to
through traffic for two reasons: the precedent issue, and the impact on
nearby neighborhoods issue.
I am well aware that residents of Lexington Avenue have occasionally had to
endure unusual traffic incidents due to the uniqueness of that street~s
topography. I also understand Lexingtonls residentsI frustration in coping
with law-breaking drivers. This experience is not unlike my own experience
living near the intersection of Beldon and Grove Streets. On my street a
large traffic volume of cars from the Ellis Street area (many whose drivers
are young and often intoxicated) speed down our street to proceed down the
one-way Grove Street the wrong way. Similar to the Lexington Avenue
experience, we have found this traffic to be a safety risk, and a few times
every year we experience wayward cars landing in our yard. However, I have
simply considered this to be one of the "unique characteristics" of our
neighborhood, and have always rationalized that if I felt strongly enough
about it, my family could move somewhere else.
Instead, the residents of Lexington Avenue have responded to traffic
annoyances by proposing to close their street. This will certainly solve
the traffic problems, but at the expense of their neighbors living on
adjacent streets that will have to cope with the traffic previously using
Lexington Avenue as well as reduced access by emergency vehicles. Also one
can't help but note that closing Lexington Avenue will create a private cu
de sac, making the highly-valued houses on Lexington Avenue even more
valuable.
Therefore, in the interest of safety /although the safety risk on Lexington
is no more dangerous overall than my street, Beldon Avenue), LexinGton
Avenue residents would shift their traffic to my street and others, as well
as substantially increase the value of their properties in the process!
Amazing!
Manville Heights already has a lack of through streets that go from River
Street to Park Road. Closing one more will make the few remaining streets
more dangerous and compromise the neighborhoodws access to emergency
vehicles. I recall after the June 1998 wind storm that several north-south
Manville Heights streets were blocked by trees, and back streets such as
Lexington were at times the only traversable routes in and out of parts of
Manville Heights. We need more access in and out of this area of Iowa City,
not less.
Far more concerning to me, however is the precedent that closing Lexington
1
Avenue would set. You don't like an irritating traffic characteristic of
your neighborhood? No problem, just get the city to close your street, and
boost your property values at the same time. If it effects neighboring
streets, well too bad for them.
If Lexington Avenue residents are successful at this process, I would be
interested in pursuing it on my street. Beldon Avenue would certainly be a
"nicer" environment if all the law-breaking traffic were eliminated {and
exported to other nearby streets), and the exclusive character created by
having the street closed would certainly make the value of my property
soar. Silly me for assuming that the irritating traffic on my street was
one of my neighborhood's characteristics that I was aware of when I moved
there instead of a tool that could be used to improve my property and line
my pockets.
There must be many creative ways to limit traffic violations on Lexington's
double dips short of closing the street. How about a video camera and
recording device to monitor the area (possibly one that only records when a
car approaches from either direction), or an internet cam? A monitoring
system would likely stop most drivers from breaking the law. Pedestrian
safety could be improved by installing sidewalks, however my guess would be
that's not what residents want since that would cost them instead of
provide them with a free street-sized sidewalk they would get for free if
the street were closed.
In conclusion, I find it hard to believe that the traffic hazards of
Lexington Avenue are serious enough to justify closing the street, and that
all options short of closing the street have been adequately explored. The
precedent of closing a street for this degree of public safety risk is
problematic, and it will be hard to say no to future similar attempts
without having the decision questioned on favoritism grounds. I think the
Council would best serve the interests of all Iowa City by denying the
request to close Lexington Avenue.
If you would like to discuss this issue further with me, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Rick Dehn
436 Beldon Avenue
Iowa City, IA 42246
354-2786
Rick Dehn, MPA, PA-C
Clinical Professor and Assistant Director
University of Iowa PA Program
College of Medicine
5167 Westlawn
Iowa City, IA 52252-1100
(V) 319-335-8925
(F) 319-335-8923
rdehn~blue.weeg.uiowa.edu
or
dehnr@mail.medicine.uiowa.edu
http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/pa
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 9:31 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: lexington
From: Jenni~r I Wagner[SMTP:JSETER@IOWACITY.NE~
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 9:31:27 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Su~ect: lexington
Auto forwa~ed by a Rule
Dear City Council Members -
This letter is in response to the idea to close Lexington Avenue for safety
reasons. While I'm sympathetic to the Lex Ave resident's safety concerns,
what about an alternative, such as speed bumps?
I'd be very wary about cutting off yet another street that connects River
with Park. Obviously, Manville is small and contained. The amount of traffic
that would be rerouted to other already busy roads would increase. And
that's not fair to those neighbors, is it?
Wouldn't installing speed bumps be a viable option?
Thank you for your time -
Jen Wagner,
Iowa City
Marian Karr
From: marycoburn@webtv.net
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 6:05 PM
To: marycoburn@webtv. net
Subject: Re: Speeding on A Street
I would like for the City Council to be
aware of the problem here at the
corner of 4th avenue and A Street.
I have spoken to the City Engineer's Office . It isn't just about the
accident
on Tuesday around 3:00 p.m. The
driver was obviously going too fast
to make the corner,drove up on to
the lawn, then struck a curb causing the airbags to explode, in turn
shattering
the windshield. Luckily the driver and
rider weren't hurt. I don't remember
the exact year or date but one afternoon
my son was here doing some work for me and he said what is that noise
and I told
him that I thought it was the wind blowing
the exhaust over the stove. Pretty soon
a young man came to the door sayng
he was sorry...and then I saw he had
hit Keith's pickup and pushed it out onto
the lawn and his car ws parked against
my car causing about $500 damage to
it and Keith was without the use of his
truck for about 5 weeks due to over
$4,000 damage being repaired. I've
heard in the meantime that the kid got
a new car out of it. I can't remember
the kid's first name but his last one is
McMahon and I know there is a report
on file. Officer Dan Moore investigated
that day. The kid's car was totalled. I
have put up a fence of sorts to protect
my garden (not only from rabbits) but
cars as it was driven over one time.
Dave Harris came out that time. I have
readily adjusted to no parking on my side
of A Street. If I know I am going to have
company I park on the other side of the
street so my driveway is clear for guests
to park. One of those times someone
smeared a sticky substance on the wind-
shield (driver's side) that had to take off
with a razor blade. I called the police then
but didn't help me keep my appointment.
Withinthe past 2 or 3 weeks I have witnessed two cars going down A St.
with kids sprawled out on top of the
cars, (I might note that they were speeding) Had either of them had
fallen off there could have been a fatality.
Also, I might note that due to some be-
havior problems with some that insisted
on playing ball in Carl Chadeks vacant
lot and having to crawl over the fence into my garden to retrieve their
ball I asked Carl
if they had permission and he said no be-
cause his insurance doesn't cover anyone
getting hurt on his property so he told them to not play there and as t
1
hey were
walking away I heard one of them say(I'll
get even). That night a firecracker was
exploded between my bedroom window
and screen. Don Strand investigated
that time. That was a classic example of
retaliation. And I am sure that will happen again if word gets out that
I would like for
the City to remedy this speeding problem.
I can't see why A Street can't be made into a one-way going west but I
suppose
that would be too simple. Most of the
problems occur in the afternoon. You
would have to compensate for those people that would like a one-way
going east and I can understand that. There
are some short streets such as C street.
I only hope that something is done to
stop this problem before someone gets
killed
I would appreciate some response. I
have already spoken to Dale Helling and
I would request that a copy of this e-mail
be given to Dale and also to the Traffic Engineers' Office.
Thank you.
Mary Coburn
2015 A St.
Iowa City, IA 52245-4626
Page 1 of 1
From: City Council
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 9:22 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW:
From: Tom Mentz[SMTP:TMENTZ@HOME.COM]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2001 9:21:01 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Auto fonvarded by a Rule
Dear Council,
It has come to my attention that you will be considering closing Lexington Avenue to thru traffic.
I can understand why the residents along this road would like it to be dosed but I am unsure if I can support it.
Yes, the cars go to fast, yes there is a danger here, but unfortunately, this is true of many streets in our city.
I'm sure many residents would like to have the their street closed to traffic for similar reasons.
I urge you to proceed with caution.
I ask the following questions:
Would closing the street set a bad precedent?
How would it alter traffic in the neighborhood?
What are the costs? Doing it cheaply will look bad, doing it nicely will be expensive.
How about pedestrian and bicycle traffic? Will accommodations be made for them?
Will the proposed barrier be a hazard for those who don't know it was put there?
Thank you for your time,
Tom Mentz
419 W Park Rd
4/2 7/0 1
Lisa Mollenhauer
From: webmaster@iowa-city.org
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 1:49 PM
To: webcomment@iowa-city.org
Subject: WEB COMMENT - Comment
Type : Comment
Problem : Other - Explain in Comment Section
Comments : Proposal to close Lexington Avenue
As residents of Manville Heights, we object to closing Lexington Avenue to traffic. It is
definitely not in the best interest of the rest of the neightborhood nor of our tax
dollars.
John and Marcy Albright
Name : John and Marcy Albright
Phone 356-3471
Email john-albright@uiowa.edu
PHELAN TUCKER MULLEN
WALKER TUCKER GELMAN LLP
S21East Market E'7"~"'(b""~""~"'E Y s A T L A W , APR ~ 6 2001
CiTY MANAG[R'S OffiCE
Iowa Ci~, Iowa 52244
Phone: (319) 35~I104 Apdl 24, 2001
Fax: (319) 35~6962
E marl addresses:
a~orney's last name [OW~ City Council
~ptmlawcom 4]0 E. Was~n~on Street
Iowa Ci~ IA 52240
~.ptmlaw.com
Re: Lexington Avenue traffic calming measure
Wilham V Phelan
De~ Council Members:
Bruce k Walker
I m ~ting on beh~f of my ~fe, Beck, ~d I to suppoa the proposed tr~c
Richard M Tucker calming measure for Le~n~on Avenue. The measure as is now proposed seems
quite reasonable to help resolve a serious safety problem.
Thomas H Gelman
I grew up at 435 Le~n~on Avenue from 1955 t~ough 1971 and have lived on
the 700 block of McLe~ Street from 1994 through the present, being a tot~ of
carv J Schmit approximately 24 ye~s. I ~ ve~ aw~e of the Le~n~on Avenue sgety
concerns ~d of the efforts sp~ning the last four decades to resolve them. I was
Margaret P Winegarden in junior ~gh when a stop sign was placed in my front yard at the top of the
steep dip. Neither that measure, nor any other measures that have been since
Julie L. Pulkrabek attempted, have been success~l in c~ming the speeding cars and motorcycles.
John E Beas~ey Even in the late 50's and early 60's Lexington was becoming a signi~c~t
problem because of the speeding traffic. However, during those ye~s there were
less th~ h~f as many college students at the University, ve~ few college
MichadJ Pugh* students had cars, there were less than half as m~y high school students ~d
~most none of them had c~s. Back then, Iowa City was substantially smaller
Dean D Camn~on ~d the total ve~cle count substanti~ly less. Each of the inte~ening decades has
brought an exponenti~ gro~h in the number of vehicles in t~s commu~ty,
paaicul~ly in the hands of younger people, those most prone to joy riding. In
good weather there is not a question of whether there will be joy riders, only as
Dan,e~ w Boy~ tO how m~y and when. It also seems that the speed at which joy riders are
willing to risk their lives ~d others has increased both on motorcycles and cars.
~ile there ~e cen~ffiy other streets and circumstances in Iowa City that have
tr~c ~d sgety issues, there is no question that Lexin~on Avenue and its
"double dips" constitute an extra-h~ardous circumstance because of the
w,ma,~ u Tucker Ongoing "tradition" of joy riding.
0f Counsel
Charles A Mul[en
Retired
*Also admitted in Illinois
April 24, 2001
Page 2
My wife and I have learned to use Lexington very defensively. We drive
defensively and walk defensively because we know that it constitutes a serious
safety risk. However, we are enormously concerned about the many children,
from infants through college age, who reside on Lexington and the 700 block of
McLean Street. Each will be walking, riding bicycles and driving on Lexington
and each is at risk. Even my wife and I, when we are walking our dog at night,
feel that every car that turns on either end of Lexington Street is a potential joy
rider and a physical threat. We have had to jump into yards on numerous
occasions. While during the day joy riders are frequent, particularly in good
weather, at night an alarming percentage of the cars going down the street are
joy riders at terrifying speeds. The numerous driveways, absence of sidewalks,
McLean Street intersection and limited visibility due to vegetation all make the
high speeds even more life threatening.
It is time to reasonably solve this safety concern before somebody is seriously
injured or killed. The proposed traffic calming solution, seasonal closure of the
street, is realistically the only effective way to accomplish the task. Opening the
closed section of the street during the winter months is an appropriate
accommodation to those neighbors who correctly indicate the need to have an
option to go north or south because of the adverse driving conditions weather
circumstances can cause on the dips and at the Park Road intersection.
We encourage the Council to approve the proposed traffic calming measures for
Lexington Avenue. Overall the measures are a logical solution to a problem that
has gotten materially worse over time and for which there is no other effective
solution. Your fullest consideration of this matter is much appreciated as is the
City Staff s cooperation in assisting the neighborhood through this process.
THG:kc !~
Marian Karr
From: City Council
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 1:53 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: lexington street
From: Oetting-Thomas[SMTP:OETFINGT@HORUS.OPHTH.UIOWA.EDU]
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 1:44:17 PM
To: 'council@iowa-city.org'
Subject: FW: lexington street
Auto fonNarded by a Rule
To the ic council
I live on ferson ave and oppose the closure of lexington street.
Already ferson street is too busy with speeding undergraduate traffic,
city buses, and commuters to the univ and VA. Closing down lexington
will certainly redistribute the traffic flow and make ferson even worse.
I would like to close ferson. why lexington. i'll bet ferson has more
traffic and just as many children on the street.
in st louis where i lived once neighberhoods would alternate which
streets were closed to discourage through traffic. only the people in
the neighborhood know which streets were open when which greatly
discouraged fast and random traffic cutting through neighborhoods. why
don't we do something similar in manville heights. alternately close
streets to discourage through traffic.
another approach used in st louis was barriers that went half way across
the street. these greatly slowed traffic and discouraged speeding and
through traffic.
However unless you have a plan to help the other streets in the
neighborhood it hardly seems fair to close lexington and make the
problem worse for those living on ferson and other through streets. I
already worry about my 4 year old with the current high traffic flow on
ferson.
thank you for your consideration
tom octring
419 ferson ave
John Kammermeyer, M.D.
Allergist
404 I~. Bloomington Phone (319) 354-7014
Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Fax (319) 354-3196
April
Iowa City Council
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council Member:
I am sending you this letter to express my strong opposition to the
proposal to close off Lexington Avenue in Manville Heights. Closing off
Lexington Avenue will have a significant negative impact and affect the
entire regional neighborhood in many aspects, including re-routing of
traffic, emergency vehicle access, parking for sports events and in
other ways.
Closing off Lexington Avenue is not in the best interest of Manville
Heights. Closing a street just because some residents on the street are
not happy with the amount of traffic is a very bad precedent to set.
The closing of a street is a major step and can have long term negative
impact. Over the five years that I was on the Planning and Zoning
Commission in the late 1970's and early 1980's there were several
instances where it became apparent that a past closing off of a street
by the council years earl i er caused unforeseen problems and 1 i mited
options years later when new issues came in front of the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
There is already a stop sign halfway between River Street and Park road
on Lexington to help slow and reduce traffic. In addition, it may be
desirable to post a low speed limit and do some enforcing of that
low speed limit. However, as mentioned above, I am strongly opposed to
the closing of Lexington Avenue and would urge that you not do so.
Sincerely yours,
John Kammermeyer, M.D.
JK:kv
Page 1 of 1
From: OibJ Council
Sent: Thursday, April 2B, 2001 12:28 PM
To: Madan Karr
Subject: FW: Lexington closing
From: Frank Judisch[SMTP:FJUDISCH@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 12:24:56 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington closing
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Dear Council Members:
As our response to the "Dear Neighbor" flier we recently received
apprising us for the first time about the proposed closing of
Lexington, please know that we have lived on the corner of River
and Hutchinson since the fall of 1971. Until compelling reasons of
community wide benefit are presented, we see little justification for
closing Lexington. We do appreciate several disadvantages to
creating another non-through street to Park Road such as
Hutchinson is now. For now, we are not in favor of closing
Lexington.
Thank you for your consideration of our opinion on this matter.
Best wishes,
Dr. G.Frank and Susan Judisch
4/2 6/0 1
Marjan Karr
From: roberto ampuero [ampuero_roberto@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 9:06 AM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Re: closing of Lexington Avenue
>To the City Council:
>As residents of 420 Magowan Avenue in Mainville Heights we strongly oppose
>the proposed closing of Lexington Avenue. It is not fair to transfer the
>problem of traffic from one street to another.
Such a measure would certainly increase the value of the properties on
Lexington Avenue but at the same time certainly affect negatively the value
of the properties on our street.
We purchased our house on this street because we like the neighbourhood and
our street just like it is. Please, do not change the rules.
Best regards,
Ana and Roberto Ampuero
420 Magowan Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52246
tel: (319) 8871923
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
FOXBORO RIDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
319 EAST WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE I I 1
P. O. BOX 1226
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244
319-338-7600
FAX 319-337-2430
April 30, 2001
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members ~ ..~
City of Iowa City Council
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 ~ o r"
RE: HOME/CDBG Funding
Foxboro Ridge Limited Partnership
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
We respectfully urge you to fund HCDC recommendations as they have been put forth by
HCDC.
If you choose to provide additional funds to GICHF, we suggest that other revenue sources
be used such as; Affordable Housing Funding Pool, HCDC projects that will not proceed,
loan repayments to HCDC and other City general funds.
It is not fair to any applicant for the City Council to take funds from another project that
has been recommended for funding by HCDC. Any deviation from the rules set up by the
City Council for awarding HOME/CDBG funds would be arbitrary and capricious.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely Yours,
FOXBORO RIDGE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BURNS & BURNS, L.C., General Partner
Robert P. Burns, Manager
RPB/KEL
STEVEN B. ROBBINS, PH.D.
440 LEXINGTON AVE
IOWA CITY, IA 52246
(319) 358-0555
April 30, 2001
Iowa City Council
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Esteemed Council:
We are opposed to the dosing of Lexington Ave as it reduces fire, safety, and
ambulance response, creates potential traffic overflow in neighboring streets, and
forces our reliance on Park avenue which is also a dangerous access.
The facts of this controversy remain unclear, and puzzling. The city traffic engineer
presented a study last fall that did not identify either an unusual traffic flow, or
extreme speeding outliers. The premise that Lexington Ave is unsafe is based on
anecdotal information without substantiation. Any street can experience speeders,
and car and pedestrian accidents. Has anyone determined that the incidence of
problems is greater on Lexington Ave than on any other similar through street in
Manville Heights?
Has anyone addressed the unintended effects of closing Lexington Ave? For
example, will the increased traffic on Ferson or Magowan (the dosest through
streets) result in an increase in traffic problems resulting in accidents? If we believe
there is a causal relationship between the Lexington Ave "dips" and safety,
shouldn't we use the same logic when determining what w~l happen with increased
traffic on adjoining streets?
This is a situation where neighbors of good will simply disagree. Those of us with
Park street access are worried. We find no compelling evidence to adopt street
blocking strategies as many streets experience heavier traffic flow at higher average
rates of speed. How does the city justify this decision given the competition for._.
scarce resources and our sense of a greater Manville Heights community?
Thank you for you consideration,
and
Marjan Karr
From: William T. Talman [wtalman@attglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 11:05 PM
To: Council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Avenue Closing
Dear Members of Council:
The purpose of this note is to thank each men~ber of Council for the careful
consideration that was given to the issue of traffic calming on Lexington
Avenue at your work session tonight. It was a great comfort hearing the
thoughts that each member of Council expressed and had clearly considered
on the topic.
Sincerely,
William T. Talman
353 Lexington Ave.
To the Council Ap l 25, 2001
I will not be able to attend the upcoming City Council meeting where the proposed
closure of Lexington Avenue will be discussed but I wanted to take the opportunity to express
my concern and strong opposition to the proposed closure.
I am opposed to the proposed closure for two reasons
. I do not believe that the claims that safety will be improved are sufficiently strong to warrant
closing the street. The city's own analysis showed, I believe, that measured traffic levels on
Lexington were not high. Of course, any street can be made safer by closing it since the
traffic level will drop. Basically, the remaining safety argument is based on the very
occasional, almost apocryphal, speeding car which does not appear to be a frequent enough
occurrence (I have lived in the neighborhood for 10 years, albeit not on Lexington, and not
noticed any problems) to dictate closing the road. I suspect the accident rate on Lexington
relative to the traffic load is not high.
· I don't believe the city has prope~y taken into account the effect of traffic being diverted
from Lexington onto the few remaining through streets in the Manville Heights area,
specifically Ferson and Magowan. In addition, I think a real problem will develop as a result
of football games and the multitude of events at Carver. During these times the area is filled
with out-of-towners, unfamiliar with the area, looking for parking and trying to exit the area
to Park Road. Many of these people, perhaps in frustration, end up driving fast and making
hurried turns on the many dead end roads. We try and keep our children out of the front yard
during these periods. It appears to me that the gain for Lexington residents is a loss for the
many more residents of Fenon, Magowan and the surrounding streets.
For these reasons, I urge the Council to not act on the whims of a very few area residents
to unnecessarily close a street that has been open since the very beginnings of the Manville
Heights area.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
. Sincerely,
350 Hutchinson enue
Iowa City, IA 52246
phone: 351-5877 .~C'~ --
Marian Karr
From: Liebig, Chris [chris-liebig@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 11:42 AM
To: ernie_lehman@iowa-city.org; connie_champion@iowa-city.org; dee_vanderhoef@iowa-
city.org; ross_wilburn@iowa-city.org; council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Lexington Avenue gate
Hey, do I get to have a gate on my street, too? Why not? Because I'm not
rich?
Will my taxes continue to pay for maintenance, garbage pick-up, and snow
plowing in this new "gated community" that I will not be allowed to drive
through?
Submitted by Robynn Shrader for
Harlocke Weeber Neighborhood
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeher-Hariocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped propeay on liarlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research ~mding sources in addition to fimds which
may he available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
ensely
~ Prim name Address
Signature Prim name
Signallife Prim name Address Date
,~ ., ,-- ,, ,.--_. , ,,. ,~ c
~ ,i, ,. !. ri }. 1.'?. ;.., (--!.~...i., ,, .ct.~ ,
; [ 7 i / t Print name., Address Date
Prim name Address Da~e
";~,--- ~--, ~ -,.-, ~- :. '-.. \.~.'-
Print ~am~ '~ A&h~
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgem consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
V~aereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater tb~.n the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Perks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Hatlocke Street as parkland that will be used 'and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely popuhted area,
~.t~/~... ~ ~f.,~nl,,,..,,'T~lle ql'~ H~4;ck~ 5 -t-24-ol
Si " 7 Pri name 2 Address Date
Signature ~ Print m~rne 3 Addr~s Date
,7 FF/¢ Y5' / 24'/,4(,/ff_/q
S Print name , Addt~,s ~ Date
, . : /; /
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits fur urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street.
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
W'hereas. the City oflowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue erealive and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence. due to the developees proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-ltarlocke residents' desire to end thi~ decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to ~mds which
may be available in the Department of parks and Recreation hodget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land. and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
~ta'e ~re~ D~t~
... ..'. ........,
5i~i~~ . ,~ : Pri..nt. name . Addrc, s ' Date
Print ~ame ~dr~
Si~natt~e "U ' Print nanae Address Date
si2X~ '('.,~;2'~,~------- ~ ,~'
Si [ F' \ Print name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully subraks for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space plan; and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Y~rhereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres ofttndeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which SouthMgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
lVhereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Wecber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic iracrests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant apphcations and other
activities;
V~nereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peacerid
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the axxtuisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Departmere of parks and Recreation budget to purcl~se Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Somhgate Developmeut in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
propen'y on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
densely populated area.
Si ttrre Prim zmme Address D"at
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits fur urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Wecber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to f'mance the purchase of this land by the City, through grara applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the deveioper's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of lowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
~~_~_./~k~/ Print name ~ddr~s~ Da~
gn Prim nan~ Address Date
~"~prir~ name ~dr~ss
Print nam~ ~Are~ D~
Print name dres I}at~
Si Prim name Address I)ate
Addrt~s Date
,ff~ /~ c,, e /-t~
Prim name Address Date
Signate Prim name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfUlly submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surroanding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of lowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeb~r-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, du~ to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long straggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Coancil of lowa City immediately begin to research fUnding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Departmere of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Soethgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on liarlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Print nmne Address ~
Si ature Pri~tkL2 Brute
gn. ,,~_..y Address
7.,,t,4,-v'~' .5~bh~.~l-t- kTa-Lyt, ql4-'To,~/b'o-ve4- 4-2_3--oi
Address Date
~24 Z( Print name / LJ Address Date
,Y Address Date
Signatuze Prim name Addre~ Date
St/g~ature Print name Address Date
Signat~e Print name Address Date
Signature Print rmme Address
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkhnd deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Hatlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighhorhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
iawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of lowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage South_gate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
densely populated area.
b C ' Print name Address Date
Si t~ , . ~int name Address Date
,, /
Pr'nt name
' ! " .~ /
'~'[F""fL Primname
' ;._-./4,1,'.t.,
( ' { Addmss~
S~c/~ Print name Date
!'i:-;,,
Print name: ' '
Sf ature , ~,, 7 -./' ' A
-'
:t .z.'---:2, .,::,- ',,//,,.,
Prim name Address Datc
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped properly on Harloeke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Wttereas, the City of towa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests hi this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long straggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Sl~ aure Pit name Addr~s Date
Prim name Address
Prim name Address Date
ure Prim name Address
Signature Prim name Address Date
Print name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits fur urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Hurlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Departmere of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Sweet as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
:5(/,i-( /,f.~ ~,,::cC ''i ;~z-tL
Signature ' Print name Address Date
'--,Z/,;,l,,'//: Lc,',i,c,.~' .t'bAkt IUq(I~.t,L' ~ L C
Signature t Print ~ ,a, ddress Date
" " , , ,;. :, , ,,c~ ~ :,z%,' -c~9/ i
· ,'i, ', ~I; i.:, ,:.,'! 'i' .... ;
Signoture Prim nam~ Address Date
;~: Print name Address Date
Si~nt~fl, ~ ' Print ~ Date
Print mm~ 'i
Address Date
"..,,...,'"--'&.,, ,. -,--<':,', ,-,,:-,:-.' N,, 2 .4,...,qhq
Signature Print name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Strew,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City oflowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purebase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
VCnereas, time is of the essence, dug to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decadesalong struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our bornes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of lowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council &Iowa City immediately begin to research fuming sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Parks and Reereafion budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
~ and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
~'C~ ~C~ ,I,I Print nam~(~ Address Date
~nt ~ A~r~
S~ ~c im ~c Ad&~ Date
~int n~ Ad~ ~tg
Prim ~ ~ ate
~ n A~ Date
Pairion
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Hartocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developers proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decadesalong struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa Cky immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Soulhgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Hariocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Signature Prim name Addr~s Date
Signa Prim name Address Date
'-~ Prim name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respoctfuHy submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighhors:
VChereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighhorhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Hatlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of lowa City, Southgate Developmere, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke resideins' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
progeny on Harlocke Street as paddand that will be used and enjoyed by the hun&eds of residents in this very
d.;2ulated area.
I c Print ~ane' Address ate
S'gn i ame Address {"'~D~at//'~
'' '- ...."".-,7, ..q-.
S Prim name 'A.ddrts~ Dat~
Address Date
P~int name
Si Print name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit of parklind,
according to the requiremems of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parklind deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on liarlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, them is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of lowa City, Southgate Development, and WeebebHarlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-tong struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of lowa City to make the acquisition of this parklind a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Departmere of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Developmere in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parklind that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
densely popuhted area.
Si Prim name Address Date
//0,31
ignatare '
Signature Print name Addre'~s Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Sps~e Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parHand deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of andeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weel~er-Hariocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Wecher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long straggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will he used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
ense u e area.
Sign~ur¢ Print name Addr ate
Prim tmme Address
T {Ll,'f7
si Print nmme Address 7 Date
~~ ~ Prim name Address Date
Si~?7,~ Print name Address D/?C~ /
Signature Prim name Address
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeher-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkld deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the deveiope~'s proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Hariocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constntctive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will he used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
F
i um ' name A, ddr~s Date
Print r~me Address Date
Signature
Prim name Address Date
Prlat nam~ Address
Print aam~ ~ddr~ I)at~
.-,, i, ,, ,'- i : ::'i ':U"'4o/'-:,
c name Address Date
Addr~s
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeher-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkhnd deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres oftmdeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Haslocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
There/bre, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of Patios and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Haslocke Street as parkland that will he used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Signattn'c Print name Address Date
Signature Prim nan'~ Address Date
Prim name Address
at name Addre
Date
i Print name Address Daw
S Prim name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic respor~sibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in fottr acres of undeveioped propeay on Hariocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of lowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council oflowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of parks and Recreation budget to parchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage South~te Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will he used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
I)at~
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, mad that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of lowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition oftl~ parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purehaw the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
Address
Signmute Print name Ad~ess e
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council oflowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrotmding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit of parkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southl~at¢ Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Hariocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Venereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association ks prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
properly on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
· Signat~ -~ Prim ~ime Address Date
00P4 16PFM T/'1 Fo/0 Pr,
Prim name Address Date
__~.~C~o; Address Date
Print nan~ Address Date
Print name Address Dat~
¢.. etc c
I~ ~ Address
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Hartocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Cot.fftc, il of!own City the ibllowing petition, signed by its members and surrounding neig/~bors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Har}ocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland~
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, anti that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
~Chereas, Southgate Development owns a~ interest in fbur acres of tindeveloped property on Hartocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Wherea& there is scarce avafiable land fbr sake uathin this distnct that is suitable tBr a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and W~ber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue~
Whereas, the Weeber-HadoCke 'Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creaLive and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, lhrough grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas. time is of the essence. due to the developer*s proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsmrs, and Weeber-Harlocke residents~ desire to end this decades-long struggle and remm to peatcleat
enjoyment of our homes and out' neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the C. ay Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City ~mmediately begin to research funding sources in adclition to funds which
may be available in ~e Department of Parks and Recreation bridget to purchase Sot~thgate's ti~ur acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in conmuctive negotiations to purchase the fotL~ acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parktad that wilt be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residems m this very
densely populated area.
<Try.,-'--,-- ' do,,,,,, C
._.~j',.ature ~) .~ Prira nan~ Act&ass
,/"'Z '- l~riltt .rune Addre~ D~tl~
,, mture % "' ' *%' ~'~ml name Address Date
Stature Pri~ utme' A&It~ Da~e
Fret na~ ~rcss Dale
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Hafiocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Cotmcil of Iowa City the tbllowing petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the d/strict within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparktand,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parklad deficit in any other district;
W'hereas, Southgate Development o~s an interest in four acres of undeveloped property. on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the Ci~' of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Hafiocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this ~ssue;
Wt~ereas, the Weebel'-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
actiw.ties;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construcUon schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peace&tl
enjoyment of our homes and our nei ghborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in ajdition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the foux acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Prin~ name ess Date
S .e"-" Print name Aftdress Ds3e
Signature Pnnt name Ad;iress Da~e
SignaPace Print name Address Date
Sign~ure Print nam~ Address Date
Petition
in the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Wccber-Harlecke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of lowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Hadocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City oflowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher~Harlocke Neighborhood A~ssociatlon
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harleckc Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoymere of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council oflowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of lowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
densely populated area.
~'~ ~t Date
Si Print name
Signature Prim nan~ Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighhors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weebcr-Harlocke Neighborbood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the reqtdrements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Hariocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, them is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeber-Hurlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic hatcrests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared m actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeber-Harlocke residems' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkld a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Department of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Hatlocke Street as parkland that will bo used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
Signa ~ f Print name Address
C? "~") Primname Address Date
Signature: . I/
Print ~ Address Date
Signature Prim nmne Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
SiSn~ture Prim name Address Date
Signature Print nam~ Address Date
Signature Prim name Address D~e
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Pe~~oa
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeber-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Cour~il oflowa City the following petition, signed by ks members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the Weeber-Harlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open 8pace Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Southgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harloeke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of lowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may he available in the Department of parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Street as parkland that will he used and enjoyed by the hundreds of residents in this very
densely populated area.
~8na~re Prim ~m~e Ad6~ss
~8~tur~ Print ~ae A~dre~s D~e
Signature Prim ~ Addr~s Date
Signate Print name Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim nan~ Address Date
~iSnature Prim name Address Dine
Signature Prim name Address Date
Petition
In the spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility, the Weeher-Harlocke
Neighborhood Association respectfully submits for urgent consideration to the
City Council of Iowa City the following petition, signed by its members and surrounding neighbors:
Whereas, the district within which the WeehebHarlocke Neighborhood is situated has a deficit ofparkland,
according to the requirements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan, and that deficit is greater than the
parkland deficit in any other district;
Whereas, Sotahgate Development owns an interest in four acres of undeveloped property on Harlocke Street,
which Southgate has expressed a possible willingness to sell to the City;
Whereas, there is scarce available land for sale within this district that is suitable for a park;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City, Southgate Development, and Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association
members all have financial and civic interests in this issue;
Whereas, the Weeher-Harlocke Neighborhood Association is prepared to actively pursue creative and
alternative means to finance the purchase of this land by the City, through grant applications and other
activities;
Whereas, time is of the essence, due to the developer's proposed construction schedule, possible impending
lawsuits, and Weeher-Harlocke residents' desire to end this decades-long struggle and return to peaceful
enjoyment of our homes and our neighborhood;
Therefore, we ask the City Council of Iowa City to make the acquisition of this parkland a top priority. We ask
that the City Council of Iowa City immediately begin to research funding sources in addition to funds which
may be available in the Departmere of Parks and Recreation budget to purchase Southgate's four acres as park
land, and to promptly engage Southgate Development in constructive negotiations to purchase the four acres of
property on Harlocke Sweet as parkland that will be used and enjoyed by the hundreds ofresidems in this very
densely populated area.
SignScute Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signmute Prim name Address D~te
Signature Prim name Address Date
Signature Prim name Add~ss Date
Signature Prim name Address Date
Si8~atta~ Prim nara~ Address Date
Signature Prim name Addr~s Date
Signature Prim nmne Address Date
Signature Prim nam~ Addr~s Date