HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-18 CorrespondenceI I
. ®4It CITY OF IOWA CITY _
►�'� 2f(1)
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 4, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston; Acting Traffic Engineering Planner OZ—
Re: Item for December 18, 2012 City Council meeting; Prohibit on- street parking on the
east side of Essex Street between Wayne Avenue and the Essex Street cul -de -sac.
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); Install NO PARKING ANY TIME signs on the east side of
Essex Street to prohibit on- street parking between Wayne Avenue and the Essex Street cul -de-
sac. Parking will still be permitted on the west side of Essex Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of neighborhood residents who were experiencing
difficulty maneuvering past vehicles parked on- street. A subsequent neighborhood survey was
administered to gauge support for the request. 70% (7) of respondents approve of said action
while 30% (3) do not support the proposal. The survey response rate was 77 %. Neighborhood
surveys are conducted when staff determines there is not an inherent safety issue related to on-
street parking. When more than 50% of households on a street are in favor of on- street parking
changes, staff will forward the request to City Council for consideration on the consent calendar.
Where safety issues are present, staff will recommend changes without conducting a survey.
November 27, 2012
Re: Essex Street on- street parking survey
Dear Essex Street Resident:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
The City recently received several requests from Essex Street residents to prohibit on- street
parking on the east side of Essex Street (between Wayne Avenue and the cul -de -sac) as they
have been experiencing difficulty maneuvering past vehicles parked on- street. Due to this
request, the City recently surveyed all households with property abutting Essex Street to gauge
support for this action.
The results of the survey show that 70% (7) of respondents approve of the proposed parking
prohibition while 30% (3) do not support the proposal. The survey response rate was 77 %. A
50% majority of those households surveyed must be in favor of the proposed change for the
action to be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Since there was a 70% majority of
households in support of the action, staff will recommend the City Council approve said
changes.
If the City Council approves the recommended changes, the parking prohibition will take effect
in the coming months. On- street parking will remain available on the west side of the street.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. If you have any questions feel free to contact
me at 319 - 356 -5253 or kent- ralstonlc-iowa- city.org.
Sinc rely;
lY'
Kent Ralston
Assistant Transportation Planner
cc: Tom Markus, City Manager
Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Jeff Davidson, Planning & Community Development Director
Bud Stockman, Streets Superintendent
Rick Wyss, Police
Kent Ralston
From: Judy Clark <jlclark626 @earthlink.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 1:59 PM
To: Kent Ralston
Subject: Restrictive parking
Dear Mr. Ralston:
I would like to voice a further complaint regarding the letter I received to restrict parking on Essex Street. I am a
grandmother who is presently raising a special needs child. This child has daily nurses coming to our house. Because
others who do not live on Essex street park on it, it will leave no place for our nursing staff if you restrict the parking. As
I voice on my card, there is a large white van that blocks the entrance to the street most of the time. Also others who
have more cars then drivers and several from Wayne Ave that use this street instead of parking in their driveways. All of
this said, I think it is inappropriate to move forward with your to the city council without first addressing these issues
that seem to be on going. My
nursing staff needs a place to park) 111 Can you guarantee a daily spot
for them to provide care for my granddaughter, Madison? By the way, beside Mrs.Hickman, Mr. Kane (who is not at his
residence), and Mr and Mrs Carpenter, I have lived here for a very long time(since 1985).
Please address correct the current problems as noted above before creating more for the residents.
Thank you,
Judy Clark
Kent Ralston
From: Jenny Wiers <jen nywiers@g mail. com >
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 10:28 AM
To: Kent Ralston
Subject: parking on Essex St.
Mr. Ralston and the City Council,
I had opportunity to express our concerns about limited Essex St. parking on the postcard and in our phone call
yesterday. I'll review those:
1. There are 2 vehicles that are always parked on the west side of the street that belong to Wayne St.
neighbors. One of them, a Chevy Caprice, belongs to a man who's handicapped and has a tricky driveway, and
I think everyone on Essex is glad for him to benefit from a parking spot. The other is a very large van that's
always parked right at the stop sign (and seldom moves) that the neighbor used to use on Sun. mornings for his
church. I don't know if that's still the case, but he has several vehicles in his driveway and surely could find a
way to park the van there and at least park a smaller vehicle on Essex. It's that vehicle that causes the greatest
safety concern as drivers turn onto Essex or turn from Essex onto Wayne in either direction. Ticketing him for
parking too close to the stop sign would at least give more visibility, but we already know he'd simply park
further down the street, making maneuvering more complicated at a different spot. Ticketing him for not
moving it every 48 hrs. would probably have the same results, but at least visibility would increase at the stop
sign. If that van weren't on Essex, I don't believe you would've received complaints in the first place. If he's
ticketed and leaves his van in front of our house (which has happened before), we'll keep daily track ourselves
and will routinely call the police when it's not moved in 48 hrs.
2. There's a toddler on Essex who needs daily nursing care. The large van one of them drives is a problem for
maneuvering.
3. There are a few one -car garages on Essex, so we're the ones who are in the minority in your survey. The
value of our house someday will be affected by limited parking with our small garage, and the troubles we'll
have in the meantime will be difficult to sort out. We'll probably have to park one car in the driveway and
another in front of it sometimes, which will be nuts in the winter. If we pull our 2nd car into the driveway and
block the sidewalk, then we'll be the ones who get ticketed.
4. The cul -de -sac itself makes parking impossible on a significant part of our small street, in addition to a fire
hydrant at a straight spot.
We love democracy, but we also know minority concerns can be taken into account on the governmental
level. Would it be possible to restrict SOME parking, but not all, on both sides? One place that would make a
huge difference would be the west side part -way to the corner where the van currently is (say, at the back of the
van)? That way we could at least see more clearly at the stop sign. I don't believe ticketing him will solve the
problem long -haul unless neighbors are relentless about calling constantly, a nuisance for the police dept., also
causing neighborhood strife. His van has been a problem for years on Essex.
Then, if parking were restricted at the same distance from the corner on the east side, the intersection would be
so much safer. After that short distance, if parking could be restricted overnight (or even after 5 p.m.) on the
east side, maybe that would work. That would give freedom during the day, but not have snowplow problems
in the dark. Just an idea. There must be other options than putting all the parked cars on the west side of the
street all day, every day. The corner is the primary concern, and honestly, if the neighbor on Wayne who parks
that enormous van at the corner is motivated to try something else, we'd ALL be grateful.
Thanks for your consideration.
Mrs. Jenny Wiers
1113 Essex St.
351 -7296
2f(2)
FREE LUNCH PKOC;KX M
providing good food &
P. O. Box 2831 hospitality since 1983
Iowa City, IA 52244 http: //icflp.org/
November 25, 2012
City of Iowa. City
Attn: Aid to Agencies
410 E. Washington st.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the volunteer teams, the diners, and the Free Lunch Program Board of Directors, I would
like to thank you for your generous donation of $1,000.00 to the Free Lunch Program.
The Free Lunch Program provides a hot meal six days a week to over 100 daily diners, served at the
Wesley Center. Each day a different team of volunteers cooks and serves the meal. This involves
hundreds of community - minded and giving individuals. The FLP manages on limited funding and each
donation given is gratefully received.
Thank you for honoring us with your kind donation and for helping feed those less fortunate.
Sincerely,
Jeanette Carter
Member, FLP Board of Directors
The Free Lunch Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your contribution is tax - deductible to the extent allowed by law.
No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.
4)0
A United Way Agency
cm
CA3
CD
f" "r
The Free Lunch Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your contribution is tax - deductible to the extent allowed by law.
No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.
4)0
A United Way Agency
Marian Karr
From: Jason Reichart
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 4:54 PM
To: 'clinesally @cs.com'
Cc: *City Council; David Purdy; Tom Markus; Rick Fosse
Subject: RE: Reference: Future Idyllwild Neighborhood Flood Mitigation Efforts
Sally,
Your email to Council on December 5th concerning future flood mitigation efforts for the Idyllwild neighborhood was
forwarded to me for a response.
Thank you for expressing interest in the ongoing effort to protect the Idyllwild neighborhood and Foster Road from
future flooding. As discussed at the November 27, 2012 Council Meeting, the City has been directed to evaluate the
feasibility of rerouting the drainage from the northwest of Idyllwild to bypass the development and flow directly to the
river. Public input will be an important part of the evaluation process so as we move forward your comments are
appreciated. You bring up many valid points in your December 5th email to Council that will need to be analyzed. A
consultant has not been hired to complete the analysis at this time; however, we will be sure to keep you and the
Idyllwild residents informed as information become available.
This project will most likely be funded by the City. Staff has talked to state officials about using the Taft Speedway funds
for the rerouting effort and the State has said that this project would be too dramatic of an amendment. The state
would like to see the funds transferred to an existing project that meets the CDBG Low to Moderate Income funding
requirements. This project would be treated as a new project and the City would have to apply for additional funding
which is not currently available. As for the temporary measures, the State has informed the City that temporary
mitigation measures would not be funded for any project.
If you have any additional questions or comments please feel free to contact Jason Reichart at 319 - 356 -5416 or jason-
reichart@iowa-city.org.
Thanks,
Jason Reichart
Special Projects Engineer
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: 319.356.5416
iason- reichart@iowa- city.org
From: Sally Cline, licensed Realtor in the State of Iowa,319- 354 -0581, Iowa Realty [mailto:clinesally @cs.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 7:27 PM
To: Council
Cc: Tom Markus; David Purdy
Subject: Reference: Future Idyllwild Neighborhood Flood Mitigation Efforts
Our neighborhood has been following your discussions of possible uses for the $8 million block grant
originally designated for the Taft Speedway levee project to protect Idyllwild, Parkview Church and
access to the Peninsula neighborhoods. While the vote to turn down the project was a huge
disappointment, we want to stay engaged with the City on flood mitigation for our neighborhood. We
offer the following as possible projects the City could help us with both technically and financially.
�. Install a gate valve in the pipe that drains our south pond into the Iowa River. The gate could
be shut during a flood event and prevent water from backing up into the pond. Without a
means to prevent back -flow, we actually have to sandbag the pond's perimeter as part of our
temporary flood mitigation plan. It requires many more sandbags, manpower and man -hours to
do so.
2. Redirect rainwater from the Foster Road storm sewers that currently flows through Idyllwild's
property. Over the years Foster Road has been widened and paved, the additional hard
surfaces has increased water flow into our retention ponds. In extreme rainfall events, the
surge of water overwhelms our north pond and water flows over its sides onto streets.
3. Redirect rainwater runoff from the 83 acres north and west of us that currently flows into the
northwest corner of Idyllwild. As pointed out in our MMS Consulting Flood Emergency Plan,
flood water from this area during extreme rainfall events is as big a risk as that originating from
the river.
4. Install flood proof covers on all storm and sewer manholes within Idyllwild. During flood events,
water can back up through these points that are internal to the perimeter of any temporary
mitigation structure we may employ.
5. Construct new water storage areas, for example ponds, for rainwater currently stored in
Idyllwild's ponds. These could be constructed on property purchased in Taft Speedway
buyouts. This would allow us to reduce the size or perhaps eliminate our ponds, lessening
flooding during extreme rainfall events while reducing or eliminating the need to sandbag
around them.
s. Again consider the purchase of the 3 remaining undeveloped lots within the Idyllwild
condominium regime. The City considered this in Year 2008 but decided at that point to take
no action. New code requirements, instituted after the flood, will result in construction of
buildings that will be very much different than those currently built and will not be attractive or
desirable to the residences Idyllwild was originally conceived to attract. The buildings will have
to be much higher and with many more steps to main floors. It will eliminate 12 additional units
(4 units per building) from future flood risk. Incomplete condominium regimes also create
mortgage and insurance difficulty. Incomplete regimes are frowned on in the lending industry
with the result being higher interest rates to our mortgage holders.
7. When Dubuque Street is raised and the east end of Taft Speedway rebuilt to connect to
Dubuque, perhaps it could be constructed in such a way as to make sure it is not water
permeable so it would act as a sort of levee. By doing this, it would reduce the amount of
temporary mitigation stru ctu res(sa nd bags or barriers) needed to protection of Parkview Church
and Idyllwild development.
s. Examine again whether block grant money could be used for the purchase and storage of
temporary flood protection devices like a Hesco barrier or sandbag tube device.
These are several of the many positive flood mitigation efforts that could reduce future Idyllwild
flooding and provide our residents some hope the City doesn't plan to ignore our situation. The
suggestions also meet what we perceive as a City Council condition for any Idyllwild flood mitigation,
namely they do no harm to our neighbors on Taft Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
Please consider these suggestions when spending the $8 million block grant.
Sally Cline
President, Idyllwild Condominiums Owners Association
4
Marian Karr
From:
dcusick @Wabtec.com
Sent:
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 10:25 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Mediacom Complaint
Iowa City Council,
This is a formal complaint about the quality of service that Mediacom provides me, regarding their cable TV
programming. I would switch to South Slope in a second if the city provided the residents with more than 1 option for
television programming, which unfortunately remains to be Mediacom.
Below is the verbatim text I submitted to Mediacom on December 5, 2012.
Once again I am driven to submit a complain concerning the poor quality of your cable signal which continues to be
unacceptable!
On Tuesday December 4, 2012 we were watching Sons of Anarchy on channel 860 (FX HD) and at 10:00 pm (CST) the
picture froze (not the first time this has happened) and then displayed a solid gray picture. After changing the channel
to other HD channels like ESPN (830) and TNT (835) and also powering off the TV and back on, channel 860 still displayed
a solid gray picture.
We changed to the regular FX channel (35) to continue watching the show but your HD signal quality continues to be
substandard.
I have previously complained about the poor quality of various HD Channels (like ESPN 830) where the picture freezes or
pixelates and obviously you have not improved your quality.
It is frustrating and unfortunate that the city of Iowa City continues to do business with you, as this is my only option in
receiving cable TV programming.
Dave
Thank you,
Dave Cusick
IC Resident
This email and any attachments are only for use by the intended recipient(s) and may contain legally privileged, confidential, proprietary or otherwise private information. Any
unauthorized use, reproduction, dissemination, distribution or other disclosure of the contents of this e-mail or its attachments is strictly prohibited. Ifyou have received this email
in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original.
Marian Karr
From: Bob Hardy
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 11:39 AM
To: dcusick @Wabtec.com
Cc: Tom Markus; Marian Karr
Subject: Re: Complaint to City Council regarding Mediacom service
Mr. Cusick: Thank you for your response to my questions.
1) On the issue of, "...if the city provided the residents with more than 1 option for television
programming, which unfortunately remains to be Mediacom:"
Mediacom is not contracted by Iowa City to provide cable service and possesses no right as an
exclusive provider. Mediacom is the most recent of a long list of cable companies that have owned
the original cable television system in Iowa City. Iowa City has sought other video service providers,
but the cost of a new "start up" is so great that there has been little serious interest by other
companies. This is a common issue in many communities of our size.
Currently satellite television service is the only video service alternative for standard television
programming in Iowa City, although, as I think you know, the Internet is gaining ground as an
additional alternative. In many communities telephone companies are beginning to provide video
service, but unfortunately Century Link shows no interest in doing so in Iowa City.
Federal and State laws do allow Iowa City to have a franchise agreement with Mediacom, as we do
with all utilities, due to Mediacom's use of public land and the current lack of effective competition.
But these laws also limit the amount of control Cities have over the franchised. cable companies, and
are restricted mostly to issues with the "basic" tier. That would be Channels 2 through 22 in Iowa
City. Upper tiers, which include the HD channels, generally remain unregulated by local
governments. Cities also have no right to regulate telephone or Internet services provided by cable
companies.
Though the franchise includes a limited role by the City in mediation of some irresolvable issues
between Mediacom and its customers, it is more frequently the case that we rely on an excellent
informal relationship with the local Mediacom office. Often this allows us to facilitate resolution of the
service complaints or issues that we receive.
2) In your case, I understand why Mediacom has limited their response to checking the signal to the
point where it enters your building. Because you use Tivos, their responsibility for service stops at
the cable entry point on the wall of your residence. It is true that the problems you have described
might be due to a poor Mediacom signal. But they might also be bad cabling between the point of
signal entry and your Tivo units or even the Tivo units. In this case the problem would not be
Mediacom's responsibility. Only by checking the signal to the outside wall can Mediacom determine
the strength of the signal or the location of the problem.
I would suggest that you have Mediacom check the signal to your building. The change in weather
to cold frequently causes connection problems at the pole or at the wall and is often an easy fix.
would also suggest that you let me facilitate the service call. To do this I will need a telephone
number and address. The local Mediacom office will call you to determine a date and time. Finally,
if possible, replacement cards for the Tivos might be requested at the time of the service visit. They
too might cause issues.
Please let me know if you wish for me to contact Mediacom to help resolve this issue.
Bob Hardy
Cable Television Administrator
City of Iowa City
From: "dcusick @Wabtec.com" <dcusick @Wabtec.com>
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 1:19 PM
To: Bob Hardy <Bob- Hardy @iowa- citv.ora>
Subject: RE: Complaint to City Council regarding Mediacom service
Good afternoon Mr. Hardy,
Thank you for the response to my complaint, it is greatly appreciated. For the purpose of this complaint, I will respond
to you via email so that I can include my answers directly below your questions.
Thanks again for the response,
Dave
From: Bob Hardy [mailto :Bob- HardyCaiowa- city.org]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 11:18 AM
To: Cusick, Dave
Subject: Complaint to City Council regarding Mediacom service
Good morning Mr. Cusick. I am Bob Hardy, Cable Television Administrator for the City of Iowa
City. Your complaint submitted to the Iowa City City Council regarding Mediacom's service was
forwarded to my attention for a response. Actions taken will be reported to the City Council and the
City Manager.
It would be helpful if we could talk directly by telephone. You can contact me at 319- 356 -5047. If you
would prefer to continue by email please respond to this email address: bob- hardy(a)iowa- citv.org. It
will also be necessary for me to know the address of the location where the cable service is being
provided.
To get started I do need a few questions answered to deal with the issue
I note that you have complained to Mediacom before about this issue and would like to know
how you contacted them and if there was a follow -up telephone contact or service call to your
residence? Please also include if your initial contact was with the general Mediacom
telephone representatives (i.e. the 800 number) or with the Mediacom service representatives
at the local office?
- My previous complaint was submitted via the www.mediacomcc.com website and I did receive a
phone call response. I remember that they suggested I setup a time for a technician to come to my
house and perform some type of signal check where the cable enters my house.
2. Have you been told either by a Mediacom telephone representative or a service call technician
why they thought you are experiencing these issues with your signal?
No. I informed them that I have an HD TV and use Tivo w/ cable cards provided by
Mediacom. They only suggested I have a technician come to my house to check on the signal.
3. Does this problem occur daily, frequently, or occasionally?
- This problem occurs frequently (- 5 times per month) and on various HD channels. If I change the
channel and return to the affected channel, the issue normally goes away immediately but
sometimes it will take 5 -10 minutes for the picture to be corrected. Our normal viewing times are
weekdays 7:00 - 11:00 pm.
4. Do you have other Mediacom services as part of your package including telephone service
and /or high speed Internet? If yes, have you had issues with these services?
- No. I only have Mediacom as my cable TV provider.
5. Finally, has Mediacom responded to the new letter?
- As of 1:15 pm (12 -6 -2012) 1 have not been contacted by Mediacom aside from the usual 'Thank
you for contacting....." email after I submitted my complaint.
Thank you,
Bob Hardy
Cable Television Administrator
This email and any attachments are only for use by the intended recipient(s) and may contain legally privileged, confidential, proprietary or otherwise private information. Any
unauthorized use, reproduction, dissemination, distribution or other disclosure of the contents of this e-mail or its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
email in error, please not* the sender immediately and delete the original.
4�
Marian Karr
From:
Melvin Kelly <kel lyresearch plan @yahoo. com>
Sent:
Thursday, December 06, 2012 10:02 AM
To:
ctham.AWP @gmail.com ; citymanager @hollister.ca.gov ; council @cityoffullerton.com ;
cityclerk @dalycity.org ; citycommission @salina.org .; cmomail @springfield- or.gov ;
christopherc @cityofwestsacramento.org ; citycouncil @cityoflamirada.org ;
cpucheu @gulfport- ms.gov ; cjackson @cityofdalton- ga.gov; clarissa.rowe @comcast.net ;
council @town.barnstable.ma.us ; constituenttsservice @weymouth.ma.us ; chn @chn.org;
council @suffolkva.us ;Rainbow Coalition; csierra @phenixcityal.us ;
contact @huntsvilleal.gov ; citymgr @johnsoncitytn.org ; croth @kenner.la.us ;
cshaheen @wrga.gov; councilclk @tompsc.com; cityhall @melbourneflorida.org ;
cityhall @westonfl.org ; citycouncil @cityofrichfield.org ; Council; council @altoonapa.gov ;
cshannon @baycitymi.org ; cohmayor @co.hawaii.hi.us ; cityclerk @derrynh.org ; council -
dist12 @brgov.com ;council-distll@brgov.com ;council-distlO@brgov.com ; council -dist9
@brgov.com ;council-dist8@brgov.com ;council-dist7@brgov.com ; council -dist6
@brgov.com ;council-dist5@brgov.com ;council-dist4@brgov.com ; council -dist2
@brgov.com ;council-dist3@brgov.com ;council-distl@brgov.com ;
counciladmin @brgov.com ; clfowlerjr @suddenlink.net ;cjordan@www.greenville.ms.us ;
council @shreveportla.gov ;citymanager@cox-internet.com ;csawyer@cityofpafterson.org
;chmorrell@nola.gov ;CityClerk@quincyil.gov ;chris.mulvaney@chicagowilderness.org ;
ckohler @cantoncityhall.org ;cityhall@valdostacity.com ; contact @gov.state. la. us;
cs @odessa- tx.gov ;council@ci.pearland.tx.us ;chip.beckett @glastonbury- ct.gov ;
chris.lee @mail. house. gov ;cio@ame-church.com ;cliff@wvon.com ;
clee @bellevuewa.gov ;cityclerk@melbourneflorida.org ;Commission@largo.com ;
cjohnson5 @augustaga.gov; cpd—web—mail@hud.gov
Subject:
Building A Better America 2013 -2014 by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments:
2013 -2014 Presidential Letter.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd.
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 796 -3044
Email: kellyresearchplankyahoo.com
To: The President of the United States of America
The Honorable Barack Obama
The United States Cabinet Members
Sub: Crime, Violence, Employment, Housing and Education in America 2013 -2014
Date: January 1, 2013
Cc: US Senators US Senators US Mayors
Us Congressmen US Clergy
Dear Hon. President Barack Obama / Cabinet Members,
I understand and recognize that you and your administration are dealing with some very
serious issues in Washington such as, reducing the budget deficit, homeland security,
securing our boarders from illegal immigrants and the smuggling of drugs into our
country such as cocaine and heroin.
Even though employment creation is very important to Americans, reducing gang and
non -gang related violence is important to Americans also. It has been over 30 years since
the selling of crack cocaine and the strong hold of gang violence have held the innocent
of many urban cities in America victims to brutal killings and violence.
Nobody in America desires to be home sleeping in their bed while a group of individuals
with ski mask on invade their home and rob them. Or sitting in a movie theater or going
to college and someone open fire on you with a gun, or because one might be wearing the
wrong color clothing mistaken for a gang member in a public neighborhood and get
killed.
I give all honor and respect to the men and women in the United States of America's
Armed Forces who travel across the seas to defend America against terrorist and their
evil and wicked behaviors. While at the same time Americans in America are performing
some of the same deadly terroristic acts against one another calling it a means of survival
by any means necessary in the name of the old mighty dollar.
To reduce crime and recidivism in America new doors of opportunity must be opened to
non - violently persuade the reckless to put down their drugs and guns, and submit to a
new way of life with a prosperous future regardless of their educational level or criminal
background.
On the day of Tuesday January 1, 2013 I will begin to campaign for funding to complete
the research process of seven proposed projects to be completed in the form of a proposal
or business plan, to be submitted to United States Government and Corporate America
for implementation.
1. Four Point Homeless to Home Ownership Project
2. Education (The Elimination of Abbott Districts and Drop out Factories)
3. Shelter in the Time of a Storm
4. Violence in Music
5. West Nile Virus
6. Crime Watch
7. Youth Musical Project
Changing the way we live today for the best is very important, regardless of one being
rich, middle class or poor. One hundredth years from now less that .005 % of the people
living today will be alive then. Preparing a better way of survival on the planet Earth for
mankind today will set the stage of survival for those of tomorrow.
Briefly, let me describe the goals and objectives of the proposed projects number land 2.
Four Point Homeless to Homeownership Project
Objective:
The final stages of this proposed project entail hiring 16 professionals, architects
contractors, etc for a period of 8 weeks to complete the final research process.
Goals:
1. Eliminate Homelessness
2. Create Employment
3. Create Employment Training
4. Re -build torn down Urban Neighborhoods
5. Reduce Recidivism
6. Create constructive human activity for impoverish Americans to reduce crime.
Total needed to finish homelessness research process.... $191,118.00
Education Proiect
Objective:
The final stages of this proposed project entail hiring 16 professionals, computer
engineers, school teachers, etc for a period of 8 weeks to complete the final research
process and layout proposal / business plan once patent research is complete.
Goals:
1. To help eliminate Drop -Out Factories
2. To help eliminate Abbott Districts
3. To elevate obtaining a basic education as a top priority within Urban America
4. To introduce a new way of obtaining a basic education in America
5. Create Employment
Total needed to finish educational research process and layout operating plan overall for
implementation of project..... $141,000.00
Overall total for both projects $332,118.00
During the year 1973 I believe a man named Johnnie Taylor sang a song entitled "It is
Cheaper to Keep Her." The true meaning of the song showcased the fact that it was less
expensive if you stayed home with your wife and raise your children, than to abhor your
family.
Here in the year 2012 going into the year 2013 is cheaper to teach a young man or
woman how to stay out of prison, by teaching him a professional trade to skillfully
provide for himself and his family.
Opening new doors of opportunity for the millions of homeless and unemployed
individuals living in America to obtain the basic necessities needed to survive such as;
food, shelter, clothing, employment and education will make a difference in changing the
way people think and operate daily.
You and I both know that it is more than a simple task trying to restore peace in violent
crime ridden neighborhoods across America. Every effort towards changing a negative
action into a positive especially when it is related to human behavior will make a
difference, towards building a better America 20 years from today for everyone.
Please join me in my campaign to complete the research process of the two proposed
projects mentioned in this letter.
Let's Build a Better America
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Marian Karr
From:
Mark T. Seabold <mseabold @shive- hattery.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 3:10 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Iowa City's East Side Recycling Center.
Iowa City Council,
Iowa City's East Side Recycling Center has been featured in Iowa Architect magazine's Fall 2012 "Green Issue ". We
have uploaded the article to our website at the address below for you to take a look.
httD: / /www. sh ive- hatterv.com /News /N ews- Releases /2012121.2/44/lowa -Arch itect- Magazine - Features -Sh ive- Hattery-
Design.aspx
Shive - Hattery is very proud to have worked with the City of Iowa City on the East Side Recycling Center and happy to
have fulfilled the goal of promoting sustainability and landfill diversion.
Marian Karr
From:
mark < markpatton22@g mail. com>
Sent:
Saturday, December 15, 2012 8:41 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Open House for Jackie Blank/Jane McCune Women Build 4 Habitat home
This correspondence will become a public record.
Dear Council Members,
You are invited to an open house and dedication of the Jackie Blank/Jane McCune Women Build 4 home at 316
4th Ave., Iowa City, to take place Tuesday, December 18th. The open house will run from 3:30 p.m. -5 p.m. and
the formal dedication will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity has built this Energy Star + home with financial assistance from City HOME
and Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County funds.
Elizabeth Bernal and her five children will be moving from a mobile home into a super insulated home which
should cost no more than $50 per month to heat and cool. Elizabeth is a worker at the West High School
cafeteria and her five children are deeply involved in school activities including City High cross country and
girls basketball.
The home is fully handicap accessible, blends into the neighborhood and replaced a dilapidated home which
was torn down. Elizabeth will be paying for the home with a $120,000 zero interest mortgage from Habitat and
she will be paying full property taxes. This year, the 34 Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity homes in Iowa City
altogether are paying roughly $85,000 in property taxes.
Please call or e -mail with any questions.
Peace,
Mark Patton
Executive Director
319 - 337 -8949
Marian Karr
From:
Christine Olney
Sent:
Monday, December 17, 2012 8:13 AM
To:
Marian Karr
Cc:
Shannon McMahon; Kiosha Miller
Subject:
FW: Online Contact Form Submission
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: pephgrave @oaknoll.com [mailto:pephgrave @oaknoll.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 5:28 PM
To: *Contact
Subject: Online Contact Form Submission
From: James & Patricia Ephgrave
Phone: 319 - 466 -3057
Email: pephgrave @oaknoll.com
Dear Councilors,
Like many citizens who are shocked at the latest outrage of gun violence on innocent victims in Connecticut, we
remember our community's sorrow at the November 1, 1991 attack at the University of Iowa. And of so many massacres
before and since that date.
Many of us do not want our country to accept these attacks as part of our culture or of the times.
Can we take some steps to change attitudes and conditions to say, "This is not what Americans are. This is not what
Iowa Citians are. We do not condone the use of automatic /assault weapons and want them and the carrying of
concealed weapons forbidden on city property in the City of Iowa City., with the exception of duly constituted police
officers."
Will you consider such an ordinance?
Let us begin to face the problems of unlimited access to weapons of war in our cities. Iowa City can help the discussion
by passing an ordinance limiting the possession of these weapons in our community.
Let us light candles for these dead Americans. Let us also honor their memory by beginning the work of preventing more
massacres of our citizens.
- email sent from 108.178.215.158
� Z.-4
M.
CITY OF IOWA C 1 TY
MEMORANDUM '3
Date: December 10, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: John Yapp, Transportation Planner %-,< y -r --
Re: Selection of a preferred proposal for the private redevelopment of the northeast corner of
College St / Gilbert St
Background
On August 31St, the City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the
northeast corner of College St / Gilbert St. The properties on this corner have been assembled by the
City over time, and formerly included an auto repair shop, bus depot, sporting goods store, and other
uses. MidAmerican Energy owns a portion of the property proposed for redevelopment which is
occupied by an electric substation; this substation is proposed to be relocated in all the development
proposals.
We received nine proposals in response to the RFP. A review committee consisting of representatives
from the City Council, City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, Dept. of Planning and Community
Development, and Dept. of Public Works and Engineering recommended five finalist proposals. The
five finalists gave presentations to the City Council at its November 26 work session. The five finalists
are listed below in alphabetical order (not ranked). A more detailed matrix of comparable information is
attached.
Name
Primary
Floors
First Floor -
Office
Resident
Dwelling
Commercial
Building
(alphabetical
Contact
tenant
Floors
Floors
Units
G.S.F.
Gross
order)
identified
S.F.
4 Zero 4
Jake
8
Bike Library;
2
5
57 units
69,727
138,728
Christensen &
New
Tim Dwight
Pioneer Co-
op
The Chauncey
Steve
20
Movie
3
15 inc.
35 hotel
127,032
283,322
Rohrbach
theaters /
hotel
units / 69
Bowling
floors
residence
alley
Chauncey
Jesse Allen
18
New
2
14
78 units
58,972
182,301
Gardens
Pioneer Co-
op
Sherman
George
13
New
1
11
132 units
52,624
199,223
Associates
Sherman
Pioneer Co-
Option #1
op
Ryan / Iceberg
Marc
5
New
0
4
59 units
24,800
69,100
Gullickson
Pioneer Co-
and Jim
op
Bergman
December 12, 2012
Page 2
Presentation of finalist proposals and public input
Each development team gave a presentation to the City Council at the November 26 work session, and
had some discussion with the City Council about their proposal. The November 26 presentations have
been replayed on City Channel 4, and are available for video streaming via the City Channel website.
We have also placed all five proposals on the City website for public review at www.icgov.org /cgproiect,
and have designated an email address to which public comments to the City Council may be addressed
at cgproiectinput(a%iowa- city.orq.
The City Council received verbal public input for the December 4 formal Council meeting. All written
input has been collected as correspondence -to- Council and forwarded to Council in formal meeting
packets over the next several weeks. By my count, we have received over 80 emails from the public to
date; the variety of opinions makes it difficult to provide a summary of public comments.
Financial information
Each proposal is different in terms of size, scale, number of commercial and /or office floors, and
number of residential units. Similarly, each proposal has identified differing degrees of financial
participation by the City, and each proposal has different implications in terms of taxable value.
We have asked staff from the National Development Council (the City's financial consultant) to review
the proposals in terms of financial implications, and provide an apples -to- apples comparison (attached).
Again, once a preferred concept and developer is selected, analysis and negotiations will begin in
earnest on a development agreement including any financial arrangements with the City.
We have been asked why the Request for Proposals asked for information regarding workforce housing
in the proposed projects. Workforce housing is defined as rental or owner - occupied housing affordable
to households between 80% and 150% of area median income [area median income for a household of
two is $64,300]. Because the downtown housing market largely consists of student - oriented housing
and, to a lesser degree, high -end housing, it is a stated goal of the City's economic development policy
to encourage workforce housing affordable and attractive to households in the 80% to 150% area
median income range.
Market the property with no option for financial participation
Councilman Throgmorton has asked what the private market would probably produce if the city rezoned
the site to (say) CB -5, put it up for sale, and let a private developer build whatever the market
demanded (without any public subsidy) ... what would the private market be most likely to produce in
terms of uses and size? What kind of control could we exert over its physical design? How much would
it generate annually in property taxes (assuming that taxes would be allocated to the city, the county,
and the school district, etc.)?
One of the initial proposals received was for a structure consistent with CB -5 zoning, requested no
public subsidy, and offered to purchase the property. This proposal included commercial space on the
first floor, with 64 condo /apartment units above, a total of 5 floors. Consistent with this proposal, staff
feels the most likely result of simply selling the property would be a student - oriented rental building with
unspecified commercial space on the first floor, and no office space. The City could exert some control
over the design through conditions associated with the sale of the property; however, any conditions
which result in more cost would devalue the price of the property. This proposal was not selected as a
finalist as it did not meet other goals of the RFP.
December 12, 2012
Page 3
To address this question, staff developed a comparison table showing estimated property tax revenue
for a five -story, 64 -unit apartment building over 10, 20 and 30 years and compared it to estimated tax
revenue for the five finalist proposals. Please note these are round estimates based on general
information we have available today, and assume consistent tax rates and valuations. As a project is
refined from concept to designed, we will have more certainty about valuations.
Property
Tax
Projection
404
The
Chauncey
Chauncey
Gardens
Ryan/
Iceberg
Sherman
Private CB -5
Building
Per year
$680,000
$1,195,000
$905,000
$290,000
$713,000
$389,000
Est. time to
retire TIF*
10 years
14 years
16.5 years
16.7 years
11.8 years
0 years
10- ear total
0
0
0
0
0
$3,890,000
20-year total
$6,800,000
$7,170,000
1 $3,167,500
$957,000
$5,846,600
$7,780,000
30-year total
$13,600,000
$19,120,000
1 $12,217,500
$3,857,000
1 $12,976,600
$11,670,000
`Time estimated to retire TIF financing is based on National Development Council (NDC) Dec 10, 2012 memo, attached.
As shown in the table above, selling the property for a market -drive development would certainly
produce more property tax revenue in the short-term, but not necessarily in the long term. While
taxable value is certainly a part of the consideration process, the other goals of the RFP (projects which
include /encourage downtown destinations, workforce housing, Class A office, arts and entertainment
venues, downtown grocery, add to the variety of housing types in downtown, etc.) are just as important
considerations.
Redevelopment of current Chauncey Swan Park
We have been asked by a member of Council if there is any legal reason the City could not solicit
development proposals for the current Chauncey Swan Park north of the proposed development site.
Staff is not aware of a legal reason the park site could not be redeveloped instead of the current site -
the City is not obligated to accept any of the current proposals. It should be noted, however, that there
are site development constraints that would need to be addressed due to the Park and adjacent
Washington Street being within the Ralston Creek flood plain; and staff would recommend seeking
comment from the Parks and Recreation Director and Commission if this is the direction Council wishes
to proceed. The Parks and Recreation Director has previously stated he would not be in favor of
Chauncey Swan Park being developed, but has not discussed this with the full Parks Commission.
The RFP was based on the northeast corner of College St and Gilbert St. One advantage of the
current site is that because College St and Gilbert St are elevated above the flood plain, the
commercial space may be constructed at street level with parking below. On the current Swan Park
site, the floodplain regulations would result in the first floor of a building needing to be elevated above
the identified flood plain level, and the Washington St sidewalk would likely need to be elevated or
ramped to meet the first floor of the commercial area.
If there is a majority of Council members who desire to seek redevelopment proposals for the
Chauncey Swan Park in lieu of redevelopment of the current site, Council would need to reject the
current proposals and direct staff to issue a new RFP for the new site to allow for a competitive process
consistent with the current process. Staff notes that the proposers to the RFP for the College St /
Gilbert St site have gone to considerable time and expense in creating proposals for the City and the
public to evaluate.
December 12, 2012
Page 4
Council action
At this stage in the process, Council should determine whether it would like to select one or more
preferred proposals so that Staff can begin negotiating a developer's agreement with the preferred
developer. Ideally, Council would designate and rank more than one preferred proposal in the event
that negotiations are unsuccessful with the developer responsible for the most preferred proposal.
Ranking of the top preferred proposals does not limit Council or Staff to accepting the proposal in its
current form. Should Council desire to see building features included or omitted from the development,
they may also direct staff to negotiate for such uses or features in the course of negotiating a
developer's agreement.
The criteria Council should use in determining a preferred proposal include the criteria outlined in the
RFP document, consideration of public comment, consideration of the merits of each proposal,
consideration of initial financial information and other factors deemed to be in the best interest of the
City. The criteria outlined in the RFP include:
• Increasing the taxable valuation of property
• Redevelopment of blighted property
• Encouragement of desirable projects such as downtown hotels, workforce housing, arts and
entertainment venues, downtown grocery, class A office space, and similar uses
• Encouragement of projects which result in increasing downtown destination points to continue to
draw people downtown
• Providing a safe and inviting downtown for residents and visitors
• Encouragement of housing opportunities for residents from a variety of age groups and income
levels
Following selection of a preferred proposal(s) by the City Council, staff will begin negotiating a
development agreement with the preferred developer. At that point, staff will be able to delve into more
detail regarding developer commitments for the project, potential City financial participation, and
present a recommendation on the development agreement to Council after review by the Economic
Development Committee per normal process.
There will be additional stages in the development process for Council and the public to address
specific issues or conditions including rezoning of the property (currently the property is zoned P,
Public), and sale /conveyance of the property to the preferred development entity. We anticipate these
processes will take several months.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council select and make a motion to designate and rank its top two or three
preferred development proposals and direct staff to negotiate a developer's agreement with the
developer of the most favorable proposal. It is further recommended that Council direct Staff to
negotiate with the second, and then third development team should such negotiations fail.
If the City Council is not prepared at this time to select a preferred proposal, staff recommends that
Council nonetheless narrow down the number of finalists by two or three, and identify any additional
information, data or criteria that would aid in the selection process. Staff would take 6 — 8 weeks to
discuss options with the finalist proposers, collect and summarize this information to bring back to
Council in February after budget discussions are largely completed.
Comparison Matrix of Elements of Development Proposals for the North East
Corner of College St Gilbert St
.... . . . . ............... ... . . ... . . . . ..................................... . . . .. ......... . .............. . . ..... . .................
.................................................... e-
m Zero 4 1[ The 11 Chauncey Ryan/ Sherman
11 1 Iceberg
Na 1!
(alphabetical Chauncey Gardens Associates
order) if Option #1
Contact Jake
Primary Steve Jesse Allen j Marc iF-George
Christensen & Rohrbach Gu Ilickson Sherman
Tim Dwight 1! and Jim
if
Bergman 11
. ..... ... . .......................... . .... ............ .... . .......... .......... . ..... . ......................
......... . ..... .. . ......... .............. . ..... ... . ........
...........
8.__._. 20 11 18 13
Floors
......... . ... I ......... . ...
................................................................ . ... . . ...... .......................... I . ..... . ............. ............ .... . ...... L ....... . .....
..... ... ...
. . ..... . ................................ .......... . ................... ................. . ...... . ...... . . ....... . . .. ...... ............................................. j ----N-e-w-- Pioneer . . - - ---- . ..... New -'Pioneer " '-
First Floor - New Pioneer Filmscene *'*I,! New Pioneer
j
Tenant Co Op I I Co 0 Co Op Co Op
theaters / 12- p
Identified lane bowling
alley /Cafe
e
....... . . . . ....... ....................... . ....... ................................................................... . ....... J� �1 . . . .............. . .............. ..............
......... . . ................. ..... .... ....... .............. ................................ .... . ...... . ............... . ........... .................... .... .. . ... . ......... . ................
Commercial/ 2'
- - - - - - -------- - ................ ................. . ....... .................. ji 2 0
if
Office I II
.. ............. . .. . ...... . ... ........... ..................................... . .......... .. ............................................................................ .............................................................................. J
I ........ . ................. I . ... . . ..... ...... . ............... . ......... ors
............................................ .......... ............. .................................... . .. . .................... . . I ...... . .. . . .... . ......................
. . .. ......... . . ........ if I r .......... . ...................................... . ...... ................ .................. 0 0
Rental 42,698 11 84,403 i
H 37,270
..... . ..........
Office/Comif SF 1� Ji ............ ............. � ......................................... ............ .... . ....... ...............
............ . .................................. ....... ... . ...... .......... ............ . .. . .............................. ....... ...... .. ........ . ......
i
For Sale Office i 22,768 11 17,425 24,631 24,800 52,624
Comm S
............... ........... .... . ......... . . ........................... J� ........................ . ................... .. ......... . . ..................... .............................. ...................... . ... ........................................ . . ...........................
............. ......... .... .................... . ....... ..... . .............. . ................... . ... .......... . ...... . ... . .............. . ..... . .. . . ... . ................. ........................ . ........... .......................
.r ......... . .. ............ . . . ............ .... . . ............... -.1- .... . ......
H
55 rental 34 rental i:
1 Dwelling 55 rental 60 rental 132 rental
9
based on :2 for sale 36 for sale 24 for sale
financial info 35 hotel
- -:::! -.1 ................ . ..... .... . ..... ....... . .. . I . . ..................
.......................... . ............. . . ...................... ............ .............. . . ................ .... .... . .. . .................... . ................ . .. . .... . ..... . . ......... ............. ........... .......... .......... ...
....... .... ..... . .... ___ ... . ....................... .................... . ...... . ..........
i 2 rental
Workforce Units 55 rental 7 rental 25 rental 60 rental 13
7 sale
............. ... .................. - .... . . . ...................... .. . .. . .... ................................ . .......... . ... . . ................................................. . ......................... ................................................................... U ... . ......................................
.......... . .... . . ......... ... . .............. . . ... . .... . . . ....................... 11 .... . ................................................... . .............. .......................................... . ............. . ................... ............. . . . . . . . . ....... . ................ . ...............
......... . ....................................... .....................
Building -dross 138,728 1 283,322 182,301 69,100 11 199,223
S.F.
............................ . .................. .................................. ............................ .................................................. ii .............
...... . ....... . . . ......... . .... . ... . ............. ........ . . ... ...................... ....... .. . . ...................... I ............................ ...........
.. . . ....... ............ . .. . .................................. ........... ............. ....... . ........... ...... .... .................................................................... ........................... . .................................
69
On-Site Parking 43 52 52 i
.............. .............................................................................. ................................... .. . ...........
...... ... . . ........ . .................. ................ .
... . ............................... ............... .......... . ..... . .. .............. . ................. if-
.... . ............. ................... ....................... . ............. ............ ..................................
............. .......... ............ ........ . . ............. .......... - ................................................................
Other Identified Bike library 11 Art &
Caf&; outdoor Exterior patio; Rooftop
terrace;
sculpture seating; residential
Uses (lower level); i
exterior dining
gallery; resident amenities; resident
H
area; rooftop I, rooftop patio; amenities; rooftop 1 amenities
garden/plaza Rohrbach roof wine garden/patio (Club room &
Assoc. one garden; fitness)
floor Of office; unspecified
35-unit hotel theater
... ........................................................... ......... ... . . ............... .. ................. .. ........... . ................ ....... . ....... ... ....... . . . ....
........ . t ! ........................... -- - ...... ............ ...
. . ... , ... ................ .......... ...... . . ....... . . . . ..... .......... . .. ...................
............................... . . . .... . ...... .. . ..... . ...... . . ............ . ...... ....... ................ . . . .................. 1.... . .... . . ................ . ... . . .... . .. .. ..
Miscellaneous LEE D Commitmen t ferrace Proposal 1 .
This proposer
N
H,
Notes Platinum for one floor gardens indicates desires to sell
building li of office
integrated into LEED office space
if
proposed; ii (Rohrbach & building; 11 strategies will j to the City.
net-zero 11 Assoc.); outdoor 11 be pursued, li Enterprise
energy Transparent amphitheater including a j Zone Tax
residential,- exterior wall proposed; green roof, i Credits,
potential for 1 11 1' & 2 nd floor; energy- stormwater CDBG, 1
additional 11 16-floor efficient/LEED collection for j HOME, and I
floor has been alternative
design irrigation, and 1 New Market
discussed by discussed by discussed by solar panels. j tax credits will
applicant. i applicant. applicant 11 Additional be pursued I
LEED floor LEED
ii discussed. 1,1 discussed. if discussed.
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 10, 2012
To: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning & Community Development, City of Iowa City
From: Raquel Favela, Director, National Development Council
Tom Jackson, Director, National Development Council
CC: John Yapp, Steve Long, Wendy Ford, Planning and Community Development
RE: Evaluation of Estimated Property Tax Increment, Requested Tax Increment Financing
Support and Other Project Financing Issues — College & Gilbert Development Site
Finalists
Following the presentations to City Council on Monday, November 26 by the five finalist teams
for the College & Gilbert development site, City staff requested on Friday, November 30, that
each team complete a spreadsheet form prepared by NDC. This was done to obtain financial
information for each proposal in a consistent format to generate a comparison table. The
spreadsheet asked each team to:
• Divide their estimated total project costs (TPC) into subproject estimates for each of
their project's major components (e.g., Rental Residential, Rental Retail /Commercial,
For Sale Residential and For Sale Retail /Commercial).
• Identify operating revenues and expenses for rental components and projected sales
revenue for residential and commercial condominiums.
• Identify the number of rental and for -sale residential units qualified as workforce
housing and associated rents, sale prices and units sizes.
• Provide, and break out by project component, sources of project financing, including the
estimated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) support required to fill the project's financing
gap.
All of the finalists responded by the deadline, 2:OOpm on Friday, December 7, set by City staff to
complete the spreadsheet form and most provided all of the requested details. This
information provides a much better basis for comparing important financial aspects of each
finalist project, especially as regards estimated property tax increments and the number of
years it will take each project to repay estimated TIF financing given these increments. It
should be emphasized these are estimates based on the conceptual stage of the proposals. The
following chart summarizes these estimates:
College /Gilbert Development RFP Financial Comparisons
December 10, 2012
Page 2
Project / Development
The
Chauncey
Ryan/
Sherman
Team
4 Zero 4
Chauncey
Gardens
Iceberg
Associates
Total Project Cost of
Components
$29,041,062
$53,830,112
$48,500,000
$17,151,606
$50,115,746
Total Area of All Project
Components
125,706
184,828
138,356
63,200
189,519
$ /SF - Average Cost for All
Reported Components
$231.02
$291.24
$372.13
$271.39
$264.44
Total Project Cost - RFP
Submission
$29,041,061
$53,830,350
$38,021,889
$16,518,406
$50,115,746
Added
Added
developer
Notes on Differences
movie
fee which is
between Component
theater as
deferred as
Reporting Form and RFP
for -sale
a source of
Submission
n/a
n/a
component.
funds.
n/a
Calculated Assessed
Valuation with Residential
Rollback (see discussion)
$17,010,588
$29,890,806
$22,641,683
$7,316,981
$17,835,646
Calculated Annual Property
Tax Increment @ 3.2%
$544,339
$956,506
$724,534
$234,143
$570,741
Requested TIF Support —
Component Reporting
$5,500,001
$13,450,000
$12,000,000
$3,914,129
$6,744,115
Est. Years t Repa TIF
Given Calculated Increment
10.10
14.06
16.56
16.72
11.82
Requested TIF Support - RFP
Response
$5,500,000
$13,450,000
$12,000,000
$3,914,129
$5,600,000
Est. Years to epay F
Given Calculated Increment
per RFP Proposal
10.10
14.06
16.56
16.72
9.81
Provided
parking
costs,
revenues
and
Notes on difference in
associated
requested TIF support:
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
TIF support
College /Gilbert Development RFP Financial Comparisons
December 10, 2012
Page 3
While the finalists were asked to estimate the assessed value of their projects by component
and in total, it was determined that a standard valuation methodology should be used across all
of the projects for comparison purposes. Assessed valuations were calculated as follows:
• Rental residential space was valued at the estimated Fair Market Value (FMV) given the
income approach where the Net Operating Income (provided by finalists) was divided by
an estimated Market Capitalization Rate of 7.5 %. All units were assumed to be condos
and the FMV was adjusted by the residential rollback.
• All rental retail /commercial space was valued at $185/sf.
• For sale residential and commercial units were valued at the respondent's estimated
sales price. Residential values were adjusted by the residential rollback.
• It should be noted that no value was assigned to areas that the finalists did not assign to
building components. These areas may include: lobbies, hallways and other circulation;
parking areas; and mechanical and storage areas.
Several of the finalists provided numbers that are well outside the ranges provided for other
projects and, in some cases, these responses adjusted the calculated valuation in ways that
might not be sustained in Iowa City's marketplace. For example, the square foot sale prices for
the residential condominiums in both the 4 Zero 4 and Chauncey Gardens responses at $980.39
and $410.14 per square foot, respectively are significantly above observed sales. The addition
of a movie theater component with a projected sale price of $1,533,110 in the Chauncey
Gardens project without identification of a prospective buyer also adds to the calculated
valuation for this project, as do high average rents for all retail /commercial components of
$31.35/sf.
On the other side of the spectrum, the $1.06 average residential rents for the 4 Zero 4 project
are substantially below current market rents and are near the lower limit of the City's definition
of workforce housing as being affordable to households making between 60 and 150 percent of
the area median income. It's worth noting that for all of the projects, sale prices and lease and
vacancy rates are speculative at this point, but the current market supports some of the
projections more than others.
Other details provided in the cost by component form submissions regarding the number of
residential units, workforce units and average rents and sale prices are summarized on page 4
of this memorandum. Please let us know if you have questions regarding this summary of
project financial information prior to our next scheduled visit on December 17th.
College /Gilbert Development RFP Financial Comparisons
December 10, 2012
Page 4
Project / Development
Team
4 Zero 4
The
Chauncey
Chauncey
Gardens
Ryan/
Iceberg
Sherman
Associates
Component Analysis
Rental Residential
Total Units
55
34
55
60
132
Workforce Units
55
7
25
60
132
Area - SF
56,160
39,450
36,370
38,400
112,200
Gross Annual Rent
$712,476
$946,800
$741,090
$807,120
$2,019,600
Average Rent /SF /Month
$1.06
$2.00
$1.70
$1.75
$1.50
Rental Retail / Commercial
Office - SF
42,698
34,850
20,235
0
0
Other - Hotel - SF
0
20,900
0
0
0
Other - Bowling Alley &
Cinema - SF
0
24,853
0
0
0
Other - Cafe /Restaurant /Bar
-SF
0
3,800
10,041
0
0
Other - Fitness Center - SF
0
6,994
0
0
Subtotal Rental
Retail /Comm. Area - SF
42,698
84,403
37,270
0
0
Gross Annual Rent
$688,292
$1,507,525
$1,168,305
$0
$0
Average Rent /SF /Year
$16.12
$17.86
$31.35
$0.00
$0.00
For Sale Residential
Units
2
36
24
0
0
Workforce Units
0
7
0
0
0
Area - SF
4,080
43,550
32,016
0
0
Average Price / SF
$980.39
$300.00
$410.14
$0.00
$0.00
Total Projected Sales
Revenue
$4,000,000
$13,065,000
$13,131,042
$0
$0
For Sale Retail / Commercial
Retail - SF
22,768
0
24,631
24,800
28,054
Office - SF
0
17,425
0
0
24,570
Theater - SF
8,069
Subtotal For Sale
Retail /Comm. Area - SF
22,768
17,425
32,700
24,800
52,624
Average Price / SF
$213.02
$250.00
188.57
$177.59
$191.93
Total Projected Sales
Revenue
$4,850,000
$4,356,250
$6,166,110
$4,404,277
$10,100,000
Total Residential Units -
Rental &For Sale
57
70
79
60
132
Total Workforce Units
55
14
25
60
132
0000
CHAUNCEY GARDENS, LLC
December 1], 2012
Dear Council Members and the City of Iowa City,
2012 Dc'c i i Pi, 12: 5
r
�s1 ri1 C-7 ,l.r
r:
Chauncey Gardens, LLC understands the value of public participation and we welcome local input
throughout the design process. After reading many of the public comments provided to the City regarding
this project, it is apparent that an array of concerns exist, including: building height, shadows cast on
neighboring properties, project sustainability and LEED certification, the inclusion of various entertainment
venues along with the New Pioneer Coop, relocation of the Iowa City Bike Library, and the availability of
various housing types to meet a wide demographic. Our team is open to working with our community
members to address all of these concerns. Together, we can produce a building that provides the best
possible fit for Iowa City.
Our vision is to integrate community and place by weaving public spaces throughout the project. Chauncey
Gardens aims to include park terraces, community gardens, and a public rooftop with spectacular views
of the city. Chauncey Swan Park is enhanced by incorporating an amphitheater that will host an array of
entertainment opportunities.
As you may know, Chauncey Gardens has submitted two unique concepts for the City's RFP. Our initial
concept presented the idea of placing a building to the north on the site of the existing Chauncey Swan Park.
This concept was derived to provide the best possible, sun - filled park space to the south and to minimize the
shadows cast on neighboring properties.
We are committed to developing an environmentally sustainable and LEED certified project. Our team has
achieved every level of LEED building certification and we bring unmatched sustainable building expertise to
this project. Ultimately, the building design should be sustainable, iconic, and healthy; to set a precedent for
future development in Iowa City.
We encourage you to review the following additional resources regarding our proposal:
South Site Proposal Video - http: / /www.youtube.com /watch ?v= 096gcl859_U
North Site Proposal Video - http: / /www.youtube.com /watch ?v= hCuTMKQJYw4
Facebook Info Page - https:// www. facebook.com /ChaunceyGardensLLC
Neumann Monson Architects - http: / /www.neumannmonson.com/
In closing, we would like to reiterate our passion for this project. We are a team of Iowa City residents who
are committed to our community. We believe in the power of this project to enhance the fabric of the city by
creating a sense of ownership and emotional investment in our town.
r----
tsseAllen
President, Chauncey Gardens, LLC
PO Box 3473 • Iowa City, IA 52240 • 319.530.8238
r�•
Our vision is to integrate community and place by weaving t
community gardens, an outdoor amphitheater, and a public
Project Vision
• Engage the public
• Integrate public spaces
• Include community gardens
• Offer vibrant commercial and
entertainment amenities
• Attract a variety of long -term
residents
spaces throughout this pro'Iect. Chi
�p with spectacular views of the city.
i�
aims to include park terraces,
Sustainable initiatives will create a truly healthy, Appropriate'streeiwall' proportioning provides a
and LEED certified building for our community vibrant streetscape along Gilbert St.
• Provide a sustainable, LEED
certified project
• Provide a 'healthy'
development for Iowa City 1k
Find out more
facebook.com /ChaunceyGardens LLC
An enhanced Chauncey Swan Park serves as a The New Pioneer Coop stands as an active civic
prominent community gathering space beacon on the comer of College St.
CHAUNCEY GARDENS, LLC
1-
r�•
Our vision is to integrate community and place by weaving t
community gardens, an outdoor amphitheater, and a public
Project Vision
• Engage the public
• Integrate public spaces
• Include community gardens
• Offer vibrant commercial and
entertainment amenities
• Attract a variety of long -term
residents
spaces throughout this pro'Iect. Chi
�p with spectacular views of the city.
i�
aims to include park terraces,
Sustainable initiatives will create a truly healthy, Appropriate'streeiwall' proportioning provides a
and LEED certified building for our community vibrant streetscape along Gilbert St.
• Provide a sustainable, LEED
certified project
• Provide a 'healthy'
development for Iowa City 1k
Find out more
facebook.com /ChaunceyGardens LLC
An enhanced Chauncey Swan Park serves as a The New Pioneer Coop stands as an active civic
prominent community gathering space beacon on the comer of College St.
Marian Karr
From: Barbara Bailey <blbailey52 @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 3:30 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College- Gilbert Proposal
Regarding the proposed development at College and Gilbert, I would like to weigh in on the side of
sustainability. I see this as an opportunity for the City of Iowa City to provide leadership to area developers by
sending a message that this critically important issue carries weight with decision makers. It's a small action
that will yield big results in the future, increasing exponentially as more and more sustainable zero energy
buildings are put into service. I encourage you to choose the most sustainable option.
Barbara Bailey
2357 Willenbrock Circle
Marian Karr
From: Joy Bayshore <jayshore @yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 4:41 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Gilbert & College Comments for Council
Dear Council Members,
I want to express my concerns and hopes that an appropriately sized structure will be chosen for this
much - viewed site. From the five finalists, only one in my mind presents a design that would work well in
this from Downtown to Neighborhood transition area, and that is the one from Ryan /Iceberg. This building
will not dwarf the surrounding buildings, none of which are more than four stories high, nor will it black
out Chauncey Swan Park with a shadow. It's materials are warm and inviting and it woulc feel good to
either shop or live or just hang around near it.
I am not convinced that this site could support two movie theaters when both the Englert and the Old
Capital Theatre went out of business. Granted, the town needs an independent movie theatre, but with an
enthusiastic committee (AHA!) working to make Riverfront Crossings an arts center, I would think the
movie theatre would fit in beautifully over there. I would also like to see a market study that indicates
sufficient interest in both the theatres and the bowling alley.
Most of the other buildings, if not all of them, will probably generate more tax revenue than this one, but
not everything is about money.I hope you will honor the commitment that should be made to New Pioneer
Coop, one of the community's best neighbors for 40 years, in allowing them the opportunity to expand
their selection of goods, remain in the downtown area and provide their employees with decent, safe
facilities. It seems to be that providing food shopping and living opportunities in this building is good
enough. I have seen a thriving Whole Foods Market in San Francisco where the ground floor is devoted to
parking and retail space (with a sandwich shop on the mezzanine) with six floors of just apartment above
it. It's a model that has been hugely successful there.
When you consider these proposals, please consider that we don't have to try to be Chicago with towering
buildings. Being Iowa City is good enough.
Sincerely,
Joy Bayshore
923 Longfellow Place
Iowa City, IA 52240
Marian Karr
From: Nick Bergus <nick @bergus.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 12:59 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Support The Chauncy for the College - Gilbert property
I am writing to encourage you to select The Chauncy for the privately developed College - Gilbert property.
Of the five finalists, this project is the only one that brings a new dimension to our downtown. Iowa City has
lacked an accessible, quality, downtown movie theater since the closing of the Englert. The success of the
restored Engert gives me full faith that Film Scene at The Chauncy would be successful as well.
The New Pioneer Co -op, of which I am a member, will continue to thrive and, based on the number
of proposals featuring a grocery story or New Pi specifically, should have no problem finding a new home in
downtown Iowa City. A non - profit movie theater does not have the same prospects.
Thank you for your consideration.
Nick Bergus
Iowa City, Iowa
Marian Karr
From:
Anne Burnside < agburnside @fastmail.fm>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 1:05 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Development of College and Gilbert St
Councilors,
I attended your meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4th to learn more about the proposals regarding development of the
College /Gilbert Street property.
I did learn a great deal. I had known, of course, that New Pioneer hoped to move and expand at the new site, but I had
no idea how large a financial footprint the company had nor the extent of its contributions to Iowa City. I had thought
the proposals sounded awfully tall, but
learned much from the comments of the Trinity Church representative. I
knew there is a comprehensive plan but did not know there is a plan which Mr. Thomas referred to as the city plan, and I
had no idea what either plan might advise regarding the proposals. I knew one of the plans included a movie theater,
but had never heard of Film Scene.
I will stop here detailing my ignorance and state the reason for this email to you. I came away from the meeting
convinced that none of the proposals really meet the needs of the site and the community and I hope
you do not rush to accept any of them. It may be that no single
structure can fit the footprint of the site and also incorporate the desirable features of all the plans. But surely a plan
can be created which will make the utmost use of this unusual and valuable property while enhancing and embracing
the surrounding neighborhoods and
neighbors. The proposals before you do not meet this baseline
standard.
Iowa City can benefit from having another very tall building. There are open spaces appropriate for tall structures, such
as the southeast corner of Clinton and Burlington and perhaps the old Brueggers Bagel site.
Please reconsider the guidelines you set for use of College /Gilbert and seek revised proposals more consistent with the
input given to you last night.
Yours truly,
Anne Burnside
618 Ronalds Street
337 -9575
Anne Burnside
agburnside @fastmail.fm
Marian Karr
From: matthewtbutler @gmail.com on behalf of Matthew Butler <matthew. t. butler@g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 9:50 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: endorsement for The Chauncey
Dear City Leaders -
After reviewing all of the proposals on the website and watching the city council meeting in which
representatives pitched their projects, it is clear to me The Chauncey is the correct choice for Iowa City.
• everyone involved in that project are Iowa Citians who are deeply passionate about the success of Iowa
City
• there is already a grocery store /residential /office building a block or two away and it would be redundant
to build another
• the parties involved have already demonstrated their ability to follow through on complex projects such
as this and fill units
• it is the kind of exciting, dynamic project that motivates creative professionals to stay in Iowa City
• it is sustainable - not only from a green building standpoint but as an attractive building people will want
to use
• a movie theater is sorely needed downtown.
Thank you for your time.
Matthew Butler
Marian Karr
From:
Jeanette Carter <carterpatton @mchsi.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 1:09 PM
To:
CGProject
Subject:
4 zero 4
This is my choicefor the new building. I am particularly interested in the ecological aspects of this project. Jeanette
Carter
Marian Karr
From: Sarah Clark <sclark52245 @g mail .com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 4:59 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College - Gilbert development
Dear Council members:
As you consider the proposals for the College - Gilbert development, I hope you'll find guidance in this
statement by prize- winning author and critic Witold Rybczynski, who wrote in his 1995 book, City Life:
The image of a successful central business district assiduously cultivated by city planners and
municipal administrators in the 1970s and 80s, with glamorous skyscrapers and exciting cultural
showplaces, has turned out to be a false measure of urban health. Neighborhoods are the life blood
of any city. (emphasis added)
While this quote references a 1970s -80s mindset, I think it equally applies to Iowa City in the early 21St
century.
The College- Gilbert location is the transition block from downtown to the College Green neighborhood. In
what world is a high -rise building (even taller than what currently exists downtown) an appropriate transition
to a neighborhood of two -story residences? The College Green neighborhood is already reeling from
inappropriate and 'insensitive to context' development occurring along Washington Street. Why would you
want to inflict further damage on this neighborhood by placing an inappropriately tall tower as a gateway to
College Green?
In response to the constant refrain about the need to increase Iowa City's tax base, I point out that the
development in the Gilbert Street corridor south of College Street (and all over the central neighborhoods) has
likely increased the City's tax base, but has contributed little else of a positive nature for the residents of this
town. Supporting projects because they 'increase the tax base' is not sufficient vision for sensitive, creative,
successful planning.
Healthy, vital and diverse neighborhoods, whether they are located in the historic central core or on the west
side of the river, are what make a. city desirable. I urge you to carefully consider the proposals, and reflect on
what they will do to the still viable, but somewhat damaged, neighborhoods to the east. Step back from the
hype and overheated rhetoric, and do what is best for neighborhoods.
Thank you for your careful consideration of the projects.
Sarah Clark
509 Brown Street
Iowa City
Marian Karr
From: Steven Davis <sgdavis @bioneos.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:48 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: CG Project Input
To the City of Iowa City:
I recently reviewed the public proposals for the College /Gilbert development projects and I would like to express my
support for the 4 Zero 4 proposal.
Although 1 love the concept of "The Chauncey" proposal and do believe that we need a full -time cinema and other
alternative activities in the downtown area more than we need a new space for the New Pioneer Coop, the focus on
sustainability of the 4 Zero 4 proposal, and goals for a LEED platinum certification are of the utmost importance in my
opinion. I believe that all large construction projects need to have sustainability as a #1 focus in this day and age. With
the bizarre weather patterns, devastating storms, and consensus by the experts in the field (just talk to the Sustainability
Office at the University of Iowa), I cannot understand why anyone would not put sustainability as a major driving factor
in any major development proposal.
Without sustainable developments, there may not be much of a point to starting new development projects that
address entertainment or business as we could have much more critical issues arise in the very near future.
While I don't feel that the new space for the New Pioneer Coop is a bad idea, I believe their current space is sufficient, or
even could be expanded or improved at their current location. Either way, I hope that the City continues to consider
and pursue projects to bring a full -time cinema downtown, but also encourage proposals that consider sustainability and
prioritize those proposals.
Thank you for allowing me to contribute my public opinion on this project.
Sincerely,
Steven Davis
Bio::Neos, Inc.
2500 Crosspark Road
BioVentures Center #E108
Coralville, IA 52241
319.248.9610
888.382.2850 (toll -free)
httn: / /bioneos.com/
sgdavis @bioneos.com
http: / /about.me /sgdavis
Marian Karr
From: Bryson Dean <brysondean.iowa @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 6:08 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Building preference
I would like to submit my comments on the proposed building plans for the corner of Gilbert and College.
My vote is for 4 Zero 4 for the following reasons.
1. Sustainability. Iowa City needs to continue to develop and extend its commitment to sustainability. A Platinum LEED
building will do that.
2. Aesthetics. A taller building would be too overpowering for the lovely church across the street.
3. Positive outcome for New Pioneer. As a member of the Co -op I would like to see a new store in that location.
4. Consideration of the long term. I have heard recently that insurance companies are revising their rates based on the
predictions of more severe weather events. As we live in a tornado area, it would seem prudent to err on the side of
caution or at least enter into the construction of a building taller than 8 stories after extensive conversations with
insurance carriers. Expense aside, do we want to expose the citizens of Iowa City to that kind of risk ?
Thanks you for consideration of my comments.
Bryson Dean
310 Scott Court #2
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Marian Karr
From: thomaskdean @mchsi.com
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 8:24 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: In support of The Chauncey proposal
December 10, 2012
Dear City Council:
As a FilmScene board of directors member, I am more than enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing a full -
time, dedicated, state -of -the -art cinema to downtown Iowa City. Our vibrant cultural center is sorely lacking in
one particular area of creative expression: film. A permanent facility for FilmScene will not only bring a much -
needed art form back to downtown, but it will also add significantly to the economic development and
educational opportunities of our city center. I therefore urge you to choose The Chauncey as the development to
be constructed at the College and Gilbert site.
I have been more than impressed and humbled by the talent that FilmScene has assembled on its board, and co-
founders Andy Brodie and Andrew Sherburne have created an organization that emphasizes high quality
programming and visionary opportunities for the cultural life of Iowa City. Far from a simple movie theater,
FilmScene will bring filmmaking opportunities, educational programs, and special events (that will also attract
nonresident visitors) to downtown, as well as the regular film showings that will add a significant dimension to
the city center's cultural and social scene.
FilmScene goes far beyond a typical college movie club and aspires to join other similar cinema organizations
that have garnered regional and national reputations at the same time they serve their primary constituency, the
local community. Combined with the other attractive and desired amenities of the development —a bowling
alley, cafe, and gallery space —The Chauncey offers Iowa City an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the
cultural and entertainment opportunities in our community in an expansive way. Combined with the high -
quality office space, hotel, and residential components of the development, The Chauncey, I believe, is the most
dynamic and comprehensive of the development proposals before the Council.
The FilmScene organization emphasizes partnership and collaboration. Its influence is not limited to the
organization itself, and its presence in The Chauncey will bring myriad other groups and organizations into the
activity, both day and night, that will characterize this dynamic organization and space. FilmScene has already
established a series of successful ad hoc programs, especially in cooperation with the Englert Theater, and its
Starlite Cinema program, in cooperation with the City of Iowa City and numerous private businesses, was an
enjoyable success. FilmScene has secured the support and cooperation of University of Iowa entities for the
benefit of the entire academic community, including UI students, faculty, and staff, and our plans include future
activities and partnerships with K -12 schools as well as other arts organizations. In just a little over a year,
FilmScene has already established a diverse and deep bench of enthusiasm and material support among the
educational, nonprofit, and private sectors of our community. The future prospects of an organization like this,
from both economic success and cultural development standpoints, can be exemplified in the proven success of
other independent cinemas such as the Ragtag Cinema in Columbia, Missouri, and Film Streams in Omaha,
Nebraska, which have also lent their support to FilmScene.
From a personal standpoint, I have enjoyed the benefits of what used to be called "art-house cinemas" in such
communities as Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. As a doctoral student at the University of Iowa, I
took numerous film classes in the UI's renowned film program and enjoyed attending movies in downtown
Iowa City at that time, with five screens to choose from. When I intentionally returned to Iowa City to live in
1999, I was saddened by the loss of three of those screens and the swift disappearance of the fourth and fifth.
Although I have continued to love downtown Iowa City and have often been excited by the imaginative new
cultural, entertainment, dining, and retail entities that have come to the city center, I have deeply felt the empty
hole that the lack of a quality movie theater has caused in the core of our community, and I remain astonished
that a community like Iowa City has not managed to bring cinema back downtown. This is why I accepted the
welcome invitation to join the board of directors of FilmScene, and I am more than excited about the
organization's mission, ideas, prospects, and successes already achieved.
Thank you for choosing The Chauncey as one of the five finalists for the development at College and Gilbert. I
ask that you consider the unique opportunities this development offers to our community and choose The
Chauncey as Iowa City's next innovative, economically powerful, and culturally enriching landmark.
If you have any further questions, I will be more than happy to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Dean
3223 Shamrock Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)688 -9456
thomaskdeankmchsi. com
Marian Karr
From: Rob <robdecker73 @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 6:47 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: proposed development at old Grayhound Station site
As the City of Iowa City narrows the building selection for the new development proposed on the corner of
College and Gilbert Street, I am writing in support of scale and sustainability — two of the key factors the City
should consider as it moves forward in this decision.
Recent developments encroaching on the historic east side of Iowa City are already in the forefront of the minds
of many citizens and the abundance of new construction which overshadows existing historical aspects thereof
should be kept in mind when reviewing these proposals. The scale of the buildings proposed is a critical issue.
This is not a site for the tallest building in Iowa City and the goal of development should be to add to what is
already in place rather than to. build bigger and bigger. New construction at this site should offer a transition
into the downtown that we already have rather than trying to create some kind of massive monolith. In
addition, and perhaps even more importantly, selecting a project that takes environmental impact into
consideration andprovides the ability to live in a building thatproduces as much energy as it uses at a fair
market rate is a great asset for Iowa City.
From what I have seen, the 4 Zero 4 development team appears to have taken the project scale to heart more
than any of the other designs. That proposedproject is at a scale that compliments downtown rather than
imposing itself on the area. It more closely fits with the wonderful historic nature that is downtown Iowa
City. It seems to me that this project best represents an opportunity for the City of Iowa City to make a
statement to the importance of community, and respect for history and the environment.
As a lifelong resident of the City of Iowa City - a person who was born and raised here, and who now is raising
my own children in this community - I urge you to consider this proposal as Ifeel it offers the most benefit to
the City and it's citizens.
Thanks
Rob Decker
Marian Karr
From: Alese DeSchepper <alesede @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 10:24 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: College Street Development
Hello,
I would think it would be very beneficial to have the New Pioneer co -op right next to the Chauncey Swan
Parking ramp. Everyone who parks there can conveniently pick up grocery items on their way home before
they even get to their car. Thank you for your consideration.
Alese
Marian Karr
From: Sharon DeGraw <sharondegraw @yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 5:14 PM
To: Council
Subject: re: letter for city council
Attachments: Gilbert&Washingtonbuilding.pdf
Hi there,
I'm sending this letter on behalf of Jiyun Park.
Her internet service isn't working well today.
best wishes,
Sharon DeGraw
IOWA CITY 2020
20/20 Vision for a City's Sustainability, Smart - Growth, & Historic Preservation
12 -12 -12
RE: College and Gilbert Streets Northeast Corner Project
Let's create something in Iowa City that embodies the values of community through sustain -
ability, smart growth, and preservation of the sanctity of a way of life. Over one -third of Iowa
City belongs to the New Pioneer Co- op.Thus relocating it to this city site is an ideal goal.
I would also like to suggest a shift in the green space /park along the entire length of Gilbert
Street from Washington to College Streets, thus placing the building between the new park
and the parking garage.This optimizes the park's sunlight, creates a pleasant buffer, and offers
the greatest vantage point for passer's by to enjoy open green space year round.
Additionally, siting the building along the parking garage allows for storefronts to have park-
ing access from the ramp on three levels, with the aid of pedestrian bridges. Parking under the
new building site would include open air along Washington Street, expanding the possibilities
for more market stalls or staging for special events.
This site has great presence and expresses the identity of our community to envision some-
thing beautiful. Beauty's main tenet is proportion. Like the relation of one note to another
in music, something out of scale will be discordant. Surrounding structures, such as Trinity
Episcopal Church as well as the Public Library should feel in harmony with any structure that
is built there.
Finally, this is a perfect opportunity to make a statement about the future direction of major
buildings in the city, including River Front Crossings, to think green and sustainable. I urge you
to encourage any developer working with the city to implement these building practices.
Thank you for your consideration,
jiyun park
]iyun Park, Founder :: Iowa City 2020 :: 20 Rocky Shore Drive :: Iowa City, Iowa 52246
Marian Karr
From: Francesca and Dejan <fhdjd @mchsi.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 1:42 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: CG Project Input
To whom it may concern:
I have recently become aware of a new development project allocated for the corner of College and Gilbert Street, and
would like to voice my support for the design by 4 Zero 4. lam not a resident in Iowa City, but am a frequent visitor to the
area, and feel Iowa City is like a second home; more specifically the historic east side. I have always loved the small town
feel in this neighborhood, along with the absence of any obstruction from tall buildings. It is an area, in a university town,
that would be attractive for my family to live. I would reconsider ever living in Iowa City if neighborhoods, like the east
side, start becoming encroached by obnoxious tall buildings that do not address scale or the availability of sustainable
design. It is my understanding that 4 Zero 4 is a Net Zero Living project seeking LEED Platinum certification, the highest
sustainability certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which means this project would be a tremendous
opportunity for the City to make a statement to the importance of sustainability, and to show their citizens the importance
these historic neighborhoods still hold as a transition location for families, such as mine.
It is my hope the City of Iowa City will take into consideration an outsiders view of their city, and the impact such a project
can have on their beautiful historic neighborhoods and the families that currently, and potential, live there.
Best Regards,
Francesca H. Djordjevich
1220 Chester Ave.
Ottumwa, IA
fhdjd @mchsi.com
319 - 750 -1117
Marian Karr `
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox @mac.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 9:20 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: Proposal Comments
Proposal comments.
http:// twoatthefrinpe .bloespot.com /2012/12/a nd- winner- is.htm I
(the link should work, but if it does not please copy it and paste it in the URL bar.)
Thank you.
Carol deProsse
1401 Burry Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246 -4513
shar® o More Next Blog*
Two At the Fringe
Everyone looks at the issues from a different perspective. This is ours, sometimes individually, sometimes as a duet.
TUESDAY, DBCIRA BER 11, 2012
New Pioneer Has Better Options
than College /Gilbert
Proposed New Pioneer Coop
Relocation is Financially Risky
,A rosy outlook in life and an
optintistic attitude about the fidur e
al-e rice, but not useful u,; hen
grounded in unreality, something
Republicans learned in the recent
election.
. I believe a majority of the New Pioneer board is wearing rose - colored glasses
when it comes to its proposed relocation of New PI to the comer of College and
Gilbert Streets.
For tax year 2011 the downtown New Pi paid $24,948 in property ta)G a new
store with a $5 million assessed valuation would pay at feast seven times that. (Tax
levy on 100% of commercial valuation is $40.743691$1,000.)
In the first quarter of FY'13 labor costs for both stores for 135 full and 59 part
time employees was $1,438,150 *, which projects to an estimated $5,872,600 in
yearly labor costs. The potential 40 new employees, to which the General Manager
referred in his presentation to the City on December 4, would add more than a
million dollars to the operating costs.
New Pi currently carries no mortgage on the downtown store. A $4 million
mortgage on any new store, carrying an interest rate of 3% (likely higher) for 15
years would add $163,115 per annum to operating costs.
If New Pi becomes a member of a condominium association there likely would
be a substantial annual fee paid to the association.
In FY 2011 less than nine percent of the Co -op's approximately 26,000
members were responsible for 57% of total sales at both stores. This means that
approximately 2,340 members conducted a majority of all transactions. Less than a
third of the membership qualified for the patronage dividend paid to those
spending more than $500 during that year.
It is indisputable that the planned relocation would cause a large increase in
SLOG ARCHIVE
V 2012 (5)
It December(3)
New Pioneer
Has Better
Options
than
College /Gil
ber...
Taft Levee
And the
Winner Is . .
p Navember(2)
Create Blog Sign In
Noatthefringe .biogspotcom12012112 /new- pioneer - has- better•options- than.htmi 1/.,
New Pi's operating costs. It is reasonable to conclude that it would be difficult to
generate the amount of sales needed to cover this large Increase, especially
considering that New Pi is an expensive place to grocery shop (and food costs are
projected to rise considerably in coming years) and that a very small percentage of
total members do a majority of the transactions.
The GM stated that the proposed location would attract 250,000 additional
people downtown, a per day average of 685. Where will they park and where would
they come from? Would those who currently shop at the Coralville store come to the
new store on a regular basis and why? If they did, would that not negatively impact
the sales in Coralville?
The impact on The Bread Garden cannot be as lightly dismissed as the GM
stated at the December a Council meeting. if the Bread Garden —which is
believed to be sensitive to any pressure that would detract from its customer base -
- went under, the assessed valuation of Plaza Towers would decrease and so
would the amount of taxes the City collects on this property. (Plaza Towers was a
TIF recipient.)
Many members recall the near collapse of New Pi due to the rose colored
glasses of a previous board. If New P€ also fails, the downtown would be without a
grocery store, a significant loss to the many who
now live and will live downtown; and there would
1 be two very large spaces of ground floor
t commercial property standing empty. (The size of
the proposed new store is roughed out at about
20,000 square feet.)
The current New Pi board majority -- six of seven — who want to relocate the
store Include a retired adjunct professor from the School of Business
Administration and a Carlson -KPMG Research of Accounting Professor from the
same school. The 1999 New Pi board, which voted to proceed with the Coralville
store, included an Entrepreneur of the Year and a full professor in the College of
Business. This move, based on majority faith that we could afford a second store
that would be w €lily successful, nearly brought the Co-op to bankruptcy. It was a
long haul for the Cooperative to return to the sound financial position it is in today,
along the road to recovery there were staff reductions, no bonuses, no raises, no
patronage dividends, no senior discounts, and no community donations.
I hope any member of the Council who may be giving consideration to any one
of the four proposals that has New Pi on the ground floor will seriously consider the
potential of Iowa City New PI failing should it be relocated to the G €lbert/Coltege
site. No one would want to see the bottom floor of whatever is built there empty in
five or six years, with only office space and apartments /condominiums above it.
believe the City and New Pi have a shared interest, one that would be served
by the City negoti ating a land exchange with the Co-op, trading City land east of the
Unitarian Church for the Van Buren Street NPC property. New Pi would have space
to build a LEED certified larger store that could continue to serve the vital'qulck In,
quick out shoppers who come by car as well as those that come by foot or bicycle.
In exchange the City would get land to built a permeable paver paridng lot for
employees and visitors to the Civic Center.
city
For something visionary, how about this Idea recently sent to a friend of mind:
Iowa City builds a year -round food market like the recently opened NewBo City
Market in Cedar Rapids, with New Pi as the anchor. There could be food
trucks /carts with outdoor seating, and a covered, but open -air pavilion for an
expanded, pleasanter Farmers Market. Something like this would create a true
t
local foods destination. An appropriate location might be in the yet developed
Riverfront Crossings area. The City would be foolish not to be a willing and
supportive partner in such an endeavor, as such a project would help to drive the
Aoatthefringe .blogspot.com/2012/12/nev+- pioneer -has- better - options- than.htrd 2/3
future residential and retail growth the City hopes to see in that part of town.
While the citizenry is generally fed up with TIFs. a TIF to enable an option of
public good is a lot dii#erentthan one that simplyallows a business to get a 26 year
tax break. IN a very good thing that the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center is
downtown. Its on prime development land and it doesn't generate a penny of
property tax. Citizens today would very likely support public funding to build it if it
weren't there already.
. TIF bonds to support bowling alleys, theaters, and an art gallery would be
public money spent to enable a public good: expanded recreational and
educational opportunities downtown. For this reason, the Moen proposers TIF
request Is far more acceptable than the requests by the other developers to help
them build for -profit commercial space from which the ordinary citizen will not see
any benefit for at least 20 years when the TIFs expire. Ifthe Council has concern
about the height of They Chauncey that point should be negotiated with the
developers.
Information provided by Matt Hertz, New Pi General Manager.
Carol dePivsse
New PionearMember
Marian Karr
From: Parker Dobberstein < PDobberstein @neumannmonson.com>
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 2:15 PM
To: Council
Subject: Chauncey Gardens proposal Amendment (College St / Gilbert St development)
Attachments: CG.ProjectAreaSummarypdf.pdf; Full Set(8.5x11) ADJUSTED SFs.pdf
Dear members of the City Council of Iowa City,
Attached are amended floor plans for the Chauncey Gardens that have been coordinated with the financial documents that
are due today. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Parker Dobberstein, AIA, LEED AP
Architect
NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS
This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected bN law. If you are not the intended
recipient, delete this message. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution of this message, or taking am- action based on it, is stricth prohibited. Neumann
Monson Architects is a Proressional Corporation.
AMENDED AREA SUMMARY
(AREA'S REVISED TO COORDINATE WITH
FINANCIAL NUMBERS)
Project Area Summary
LEVEL 0
CIRCULATION
PARKING (52 SPACES)
TOTAL
LEVEL
CIRCULATION
GROCERY
TOTAL
LEVEL 2
CIRCULATION
COMMERCIAL AMENITIES
TOTAL
LEVELS 3 -4
CIRCULATION
OFFICE (31
OFFICE (4TH)
THEATRE
TOTAL
LEVEL 5
CIRCULATION
RESIDENT AMENITIES
TERRACE
TOTAL
LEVELS 6 -10
895 CIRCULATION
21,044 RESIDENTIAL
21,939 TOTAL
TOTAL (5 FLOORS)
1,327 LEVELS 11 -15
18,726 CIRCULATION
20,053 RESIDENTIAL
TOTAL
TOTAL (5 FLOORS)
9,188
11,505
20,693
1,068 (x2)
8,730
11,455
6,949
29,488
1,068
4,028
13,005
18,101
Private Developer for College St./Gilbert St. Northeast Corner> City of Iowa City> November 21, 2012
LEVELS 16 -17
CIRCULATION
RESIDENTIAL
TOTAL
TOTAL (2 FLOORS)
LEVEL 18 AND MEZZANINE
CIRCULATION
RESIDENTIAL
TERRACE
WINE GARDEN
TOTAL
1,479
6,538
8,006
40,030
1,479
6,538
8,006
40,030
1,468
6,496
7,964
15,928
832
2,662
2,373
4,096
9,963
NEmig
NEW
LEVEL 0
rt
N
O O O O
WASHINGTON STfl
109 1
IF' rf-em
AMENDED FLOOR PLANS
(AREA'S REVISED TO COORDINATE WITH
FINANCIAL NUMBERS)
U. u 1F v T
SCALE: 1/64'= 1' -0'
i
LEVEL 0
SCALE: 1/32'
g
n
F rt
3� I—
ml
L J
COLLEGE STEET
SEMCE
EMWJJCE
LEVEL 1 °...i
SCALE: 1/37 = 1' -R
FnF
az
9g
l IF
OhFlWJGA�YE
LEVEL 2
i
IHE&E LOBBY
za F
a
5Fp NG TO ChB e,
Sv P p
NEW NOFF
s sF
r t r i
o a��
SCALE: 1/32- = V -0'
LEVEL 3 -4 °�t.'i
SCALE: 1132' = 1' -0-
11MaSPACE
Ll
I I �
RalflE
1
LEVEL 3 -4 °�t.'i
SCALE: 1132' = 1' -0-
LEVEL 5
SCALE: ljS = 1' -O
0 B' 19 32
LEVEL 6 -10
SCALE: 1W = T-O'
LEVEL 11 -15 �I11.1�
SCALE: 1/37 = /' -V
LEVEL 16 -17 0 hlL1T
SCALE: 1/32• = 1'-0'
LEVEL 18 6W=N J
SCALE: 1132' = 1' -0'
Marian Karr
From: Judy Doorenbos <joorenbos @mchsi.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 3:41 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: development on Gilbert and College St
Hello, I watched the Council meeting broadcast live on TV where you had public input on the development on the
corner of Gilbert and College. It appears to me that there are pros from each development and it would be nice if these
pros could now be put together in a totally new development plan. I believe it was Karen Kubby who said
to throw out the 5 plans and come up with a totally new one. Here
are some of the pros in my opinion. Listen to the comments from Trinity Church and move the site to the north and
move the park
south. This would give light for the beautiful windows in Trinity.
Also they have parking concerns for their handicapped members.
Included in the development should be a site for Pioneer Co -op, and for the movie theatre. Bowling alley is not so
important but could be included. Reduce the size of the building to no more than 4 -6 floors. 1 agree with the lady who
said highrise building should not be east of Gilbert St. Don't have so much glass on the outside of the building. How
about a nicer low building with more brick on the outside. I was amused at the comments from the lady from Phil who
said that Iowa City is not another NY City, or San Francisco, or even Philadelphia. I agree with her that Iowa City should
be kept its own small unique cultural center in the Midwest. We have enough glass on
the Hotel Vitro which is only a block away! I don't have much to
say about the housing to be included except it would be nice if it
were not so expensive. Thank you, Judy Doorenbos Hollywood Blvd
Iowa City
Marian Karr
From: Brian Flanagan <wordsmyth1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 4:27 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Construction comments
To the Mayor and City Councilors:
Hello! I hope this finds you well. I've been following your deliberations concerning the College - Gilbert
Proposals and would like to share a few thoughts with you.
At the risk of offending Mr. Moen's rarefied sensibilities, his taste is all in his mouth. Some kind person
should inform him that the Bauhaus Movement is long dead and he will do nothing to honor its
rotting corpse by throwing up another glass box over an unhallowed grave. On the plus side, a bowling
alley will keep our police gainfully employed, breaking up fights between town & gown -- two classes
of individuals who traditionally delight in heaping scorn and abuse on one another.
Moving on to the 4 Zero 4, it is breathtaking in its tackiness, like a house of cards, absent a full deck. I
am all for sustainability, but awful architecture does it no favors.
I gather the Ryan Company couldn't think of a name for their heap of bricks. I suspect a lack of
imagination.
Similarly, the shack designed by Sherman Associates is wholly devoid of inspiration. It is as though a
giant passed a glass brick. I get uncomfortable, just thinking about it.
I don't hate The Chauncey; yes, it is a glass box, but it has elegant proportions, prominent warm
features to balance the cool elements, and the public space is appealing.
I'm also in favor of incorporating New Pi and the Farmer's Market, which would take off like
nobody's business and win you lots of points, besides. Together with movie theaters and an
amphitheater, the site could easily become a magnet for new business and a showcase for Iowa City.
Thanks for your time and consideration. In closing, let me strain your good humor a bit further and
note that I am a creative writer and a long -time student of the visual arts. Moreover, I have an old high
school friend who taught architecture at Harvard for 12 years and the subject has come up once or
twice -- which is all the expertise any reasonable person should require. All by way of assuring you that
I am not a complete bozo. (He wrote confidently.)
Wishing you and yours all good things of the holiday season!
Respectfully yours,
Brian Flanagan
4 zero 4
The Chauncey
Chauncey Gardens
Ryan Companies
Sherman Assoc
Word Association
Writing I Editing I Research
Marian Karr
From:
Tim Dwight <tim.dwight @ipowercorp.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 4:06 PM
To:
cgproject @iowa- city.org; Council
Cc:
Jake Christensen; Justin Doyle; Mark Seabold
Subject:
Thank you /building heights /letter /pictures
Attachments:
comparative building heights diagram.jpg.jpg; PC090009.JPG; PC090020.JPG;
PC090107.JPG; PC0901 1 1.JPG; PC090125.JPG; City Council - Public Comment Summary -
12- 10- 2012.docx
Dear City Council,
Once again we at 4zero4 would like to thank you for the opportunity to bring a very exciting and
cutting edge project to downtown Iowa City. I feel as well as my partners, that our concept and
building integration holds the better merits regarding sustainability, scale, user dynamics (New Pi,
Bike Library, etc) and best represents Iowa City's beliefs, goals and vision for it's future.
During public comments there was a request of a graphic that compared the 5 different schemes from a height standpoint. We have
revised our Urban Scale graphic to diagrammatically describe the 5 various building heights.
Attached is the "comparative building heights diagram" graphic as well as a pictures representing building heights in metro Denver,
CO. The relationships to street scape, parking ramps, near by smaller buildings and residential. Some of these buildings are 8 stories,
some are 16 +. Last picture represents a building very similar to our concept adjacent to the University of Denver campus.
Please also find the attached letter to outline our projects strengths and the core foundation behind our development ideas and
strategies
We at 4zero4 appreciate the comments and support we have been receiving from the public. We hope these comments hit home to the
council on what Iowa Citians want and support.
Please contact us for further questions or comments, We are looking forward to seeing you all Dec I8th.
Thank you.
Tim Dwight
Business Development
Integrated Power Corporation
448 Ignacio Blvd. #188
Novato, CA 94949
C 31o.6n1.2oo6
O 415.884.5555
F 415.884.5557
This e -mail may be privileged and /or confidential, and the sender does not waive any related rights
and obligations. Any distribution, use or copying of this e -mail or the information it contains by other
than an intended recipient is unauthorized. If you receive this e-mail in error, please advise me (by
return e-mail or otherwise) immediately.
N N N
NNO
000
N N N
OW(O
uT�
A�
W
1J
A�
\I
v
5
aEi
r]r.II/IgA���I ��. �tl1N �lfJ
4e.Y,4�1 !' Pa ►A� ^yb�- .�'��'ry..O6._��- yy�ir/e`s f!F),ii' i•
tl1a0G -� .. �e 5�9r5.J4i► ! �7k law iIDI
4 '10. -`. nitlf.` �'��..•.' 1Mf1®/ r �'' '01M'NI a � 0e"lylA (ti4�' F!'R..,,fwtaef f
`:�� '' % �( j'1 �l ii: arms. ►war ay.= �+ _ ,
.f
i
■ H
Or
G YIYM� } tl • , �" L P�,I� Y� { y � �{ J. w y�c _"{� ft _..
4{ }
n7
E7
AA
rg
6�
1
A�
B�
Iq
Dill
''
�1
re
AO
1
�a
as ki
`" 4a � i
�a
R;
RR .
r0 �
�A
,\
December 10, 2012
4 Zero 4's response to Public Comments made for the Redevelopment of the College and
Gilbert Street Northeast Corner Site.
Iowa City Council Members,
Thank you for providing an opportunity for the public to comment on the submitted proposals.
It was a long night but one filled with many clear and concise comments from Iowa City
residents about the proposals and how they reflect the values and future of Iowa City.
We understand that other proposers have requested to make changes to their concepts based
on the input heard at the public meeting on December 4.
4 zero 4 stands behind our initial concept. We feel we best understood the issues of this site
from the beginning by presenting a thoughtful project from a community and environmental
standpoint.
The following is a summary of what we heard from the public during the December 4th City
Council meeting.
Sustainability
Sustainability was mentioned over and over again. Iowa City Climate Advocates, 100
Grannies, Trinity Church, and others were in support of a project that pushes sustainability as
far as possible.
4 Zero 4 is proposing a Net Zero Energy, LEED Platinum Building. We are not concerned with
"green washing" our building but having a serious impact on energy usage. This community
values responsible development and recognizes that buildings are the largest contributors to
global warming and energy use. The community wants a project to lead the way and 4 Zero
4's concept is uniquely suited for that purpose. Sustainable projects are our team's passion
and experience.
By selecting 4 Zero 4's proposal Iowa City residents will understand that the City Council
values development that considers its environmental impact as an important issue.
Building Size and Community Scale
4 Zero 4 has always had the Iowa City community in mind when considering the size and
scale of our concept. We maintain the downtown core as the area of the tallest buildings in
town. We have recognized that this transitional site must respect the historic neighborhood to
the east as well as the adjacent properties.
Almost every member of the public that voiced an opinion was concerned about the scale of
the three tallest buildings presented.
While other teams spent their time building beautiful models showcasing the size of their
projects we were analyzing the impact of our concept on both the immediate neighbors as well
as on Iowa City as a whole. This was never the site for the tallest building in Iowa City.
By selecting 4 Zero 4's concept Iowa City residents will recognize that the City Council values
responsible development from a scale standpoint and that there is concern about the scale of
projects encroaching on Iowa City's neighborhoods.
New Pioneer Co -op
New Pioneer Co -op is the watering hole of Iowa City. It is a place where friends and
neighbors shop, dine, and meet. 4 Zero 4's concept has been designed around New Pi. We
have been working with New Pi for a year and a half designing this building around their space
and matching the values they have for their business.
4 Zero 4 recognized from the beginning that New Pioneer Co -op must be a 2 sided building
addressing both the urban corner condition of College and Gilbert Streets as well as a more
naturalized setting with covered space for dining overlooking Chauncey Swan Park. Providing
a seamless connection to the Iowa City Farmer's Market was another serious design
consideration.
New Pioneer has no other downtown choice that meets their needs for 20,000 square feet and
parking requirements (adjacency of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp) for its customers that
drive.
By selecting 4 Zero 4's concept the residents of Iowa City will recognize that the City Council
values a local business that brings significant revenue and employment into the downtown
area and is a strong community member.
Iowa City Bicycle Library
The Iowa City Bicycle Library is an important asset to the community. Tim Dwight has
voluntarily given the Bicycle Library a transitional space due to their need to relocate because
of this potential project. 4 Zero 4 feels strongly that they need to be put back into the
downtown core to showcase Iowa City's commitment to expand on our Bicycle Friendly
Community status by the League of American Bicyclists.
By selecting 4 Zero 4's concept the residents of Iowa City will recognize that the City Council
values Iowa City's bike culture and recognizes the value of community programs devoted to
the health of Iowa City residents.
We are encouraged by the public comments and realize you have a hard decision ahead of
you. While many of the residents did not directly support 4 Zero 4's proposals, they support
the concepts our proposal is built around. We hope that you recognize in 4 Zero 4's concept
our understanding of developing responsibly from a community and environmental standpoint.
This project will truly showcase a Council with the vision to lead Iowa City into the future.
Many have mentioned combining pieces from the various proposals, specifically New Pioneer
and Film Scene. None of the proposed concepts are designed to do that at this time and the
relationships between the entities do not exist.
Film Scene is a fantastic group that would like to expand Iowa City's film culture. Although we
feel they are an asset to Iowa City this site is not necessary to meet their needs. They would
be as, if not more, successful in a downtown ground floor location adjacent to more restaurant
and parking choices and closer to the University of Iowa campus. New Pioneer needs the
entire ground floor of any project at this College and Gilbert site and Film Scene would be
better served in a ground floor location.
If Film Scene is continuing their initial concept of locating in the former Vito's space we
encourage this council to support them in this endeavor and in the future.
As always, if you have any additional questions about 4 Zero 4's proposal please do not
hesitate to call us.
Respectfully,
4 Zero 4
Tim Dwight,
Jake Christensen
Justin Doyle
Marian Karr
From: Fowles, Don C <don- fowles @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 4:00 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Plans for the Gilbert - College Site
New Pioneer is a major asset for our community. Given the locavore movement and the widespread interest in organic
food, having New Pioneer in Iowa City is an important attraction for people who might move here. The store badly
needs a new location, and the Gilbert- College site is ideal. Thus, any plan that does not accommodate New Pioneer is
unsuitable. It appears that the Chauncey LLC
Proposal does not include New Pioneer, and thus would be the worst possible choice. Apart from that, I agree with
those who think that an 18- or 20 -story building would be inappropriate in that location. Of the alternatives, I like Tim
Dwight's the best. The emphasis on sustainability is consistent with the future of building construction, and the 8 stories
are just right for that location.
Don C. Fowles
4655 Running Deer Woods NE
Iowa City, IA 52240 -7764
don- fowlesB- uiowa.edu
home: 319 - 338 -2415
cell: 319- 430 -6870
Marian Karr
From: Blair Frank <bfrankecorev @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 8:59 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: comments on Iowa City Building Proposals and New Pioneer Coop
Greetings!
I am an Iowa City resident and longtime loyal supporter of the New Pioneer Coop.
I am expressing my feelings concerning the building proposals for the Gilbert/College site in downtown Iowa
City. I passionately believe that the New Pioneer Coop be a part of the final proposal for this site! I intend to
further study the 4 proposals that include the coop so I can further decide which one I like the best according to
such criteria as environmental impact, energy efficiency and community accessibility. It would be a moot point
if the 5th option was chosen that does not include the coop!
I speak from 15 years of being in the health care profession and then 15 years of serving as a clergy person, I
am a passionate advocate of gardening as a strategy for regenerating our soil and our soul as a community. This
summer I moved to Iowa City and love this area and love the coop as it continues to be my favorite food store
and a place I visit almost every day- many times on the way to my Iowa City garden! I love the location of the
proposal for several reasons: primarily because its "downtown" and because of its wonderful juxtaposition to
the growing Iowa City's Farmer's Market!
I see a "food revolution" underway and the New Pioneer Coop is as much a part of it as any other grocery store
or coop in Iowa. New Pioneer Coop has been a leader in buying fresh and local even as that movement is
growing exponentially. As the food revolution grows New Pioneer is poised to grow as it plays a key role in
building community while promoting wellness and the thrive- ability of the Iowa City area economy.
A common factor in the food revolution is the health and regeneration of soil! And I see the New Pioneer Coop
as a leader in promoting just that in a variety of ways. New Pioneer Coop sponsors the Earth Source Gardens
which is a powerful visible display of their commitment to the well -being of Iowa City as well as a growing
urban garden/farm resource for the future well being of Iowa City. Thanks to many including Theresa Carbrey
who has helped it grow and reach out to many as well as to serve increasingly as a potential provider for food to
the Iowa City Farmer's Market! Also thanks to Scott Koepke who has not only a long history of working in
produce at the coop but now teaches about healthy soil to Iowa City children! Scott pioneered and managed
those awesome gardens alongside the Iowa City library on the ped mall! Many many children at the library and
in the Iowa City schools are learning about healthy soil and nature because of Scott and by extension because of
the Coop!
Regeneration of soil was a common theme from the recent, very well attended 12th Annual Iowa Organic
Conference held at the Memorial Union in Iowa City! Keynote speakers included Will Allen (from Growing
Power in Milwaukee!) and Fred Kirschenbaum (Iowa State Leopold Center whose talk was entitled "The Future
of Organic Farming "). Each speaker spoke about the wellness and health of our soil as key to the food
revolution here in Iowa, across the country and around the world.
Another example of the food revolution and the common element of the regeneration of soil was the very well
attended Bio- dynamic Agriculture Conference of 2012 held in Madison Wisconsin. Entitled "Sacred
Agriculture" it featured amongst others keynote speaker Charles Eisenstein whose recent book Sacred
Economics also speaks about the health of our natural resources beginning with the soil as key to our ability to
thrive.
And finally there is an upcoming Practical Farmer's of Iowa conference in January which has the theme "Soil
and Soul ". I feel it also says a lot about the urgent need for the regeneration of healthy soil in Iowa as crucial to
the wellness of our economy as well as our health and its integral connection to healthy food/healthy soil!
There are so many win- win -win scenarios for our community because of the New Pioneer Coop! The health
values there have been proclaimed by many including Dr. Terry Wahls. Many many students shop at the Coop
for the healthy food there. The movement to compost our food waste as a community is poised to create a new
source of wealth from every restaurant in town that composts their waste food and promised to also enrich the
soil in Iowa City. The newly developed Office of Sustainability at the U of Iowa is in harmony with that
movement as it supports local gardens and energy efficiency!
New Pioneer Coop has a long history in the Iowa City area (and Coralville area with the store there) of being an
integrated provider of healthy food that gives me and many others a feeling of food security! There is no need
for a "health food section" there because the whole store has healthy food and wellness products!
In my opinion Iowa City seems quite reactive and lagging even when you look at the Urban Farm movement of
Cedar Rapids and the new New Bo City Market there much less the beauty -full, color -full Farmer's Market
around the dome in downtown Madison Wisconsin! I see this decision as a golden opportunity to help our
community to come together to revitalize and empower the Iowa City area.
I have lived in Iowa since 1990 and have consistently proclaimed that the New Pioneer Coop in Iowa City is my
favorite grocery store. Anyone who really knows me know I love the coop!
Thank you for letting me express my perspective! Please include the New Pioneer Coop in your plans!
Blair Frank
431 Elmridge Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319- 721 -7741
Gaia's peace garden - Rainbow House
Marian Karr
From: Matthew J. Hayek <mhayek @hhbmlaw.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 1:50 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: building proposals
From: Matt Hayek [mailto:Matt- Hayek @iowa - city.org]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 9:37 AM
To: Matthew J. Hayek
Subject: FW: building proposals
From: David Borger Germann fmailto: david.borgergermannOcimail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 8:49 PM
To: Matt Hayek; Rick Dobyns; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne; Jim Throgmorton
Subject: building proposals
Dear City Council,
A friend of mine wrote this opinion below which I heartily agree with. thank you,
David Borger Germann
Iowa City
I am writing to provide comment on the five proposals submitted for College /Gilbert Street intersection. I strongly urge the
City Council to consider the message we are sending by the choice that is made and also to support 4Zero4's proposal.
1. Scale - This is not the right place to put the tallest building in Iowa City. Scale is extremely important due to this
area being a transition from downtown business district to residential. From a height standpoint 4 Zero 4's project
is scaled to maintain Iowa City's downtown core and transition to the historic neighborhoods to the east.
2. Sustainability— Sustainability is a must for a project this significant. The City of Iowa City has a tremendous
opportunity here to make a statement about the future of City of Iowa City buildings and how important our impact
is on the environment. Iowa City is a research town and not too long ago an article was written citing University of
Iowa researchers regarding our impacts on the environment and how we need to be more aggressive in our
efforts to preserve our environment. Let's actually back up the people who live and breath our community and are
saying this is a problem! 4zero4 has been a project from the beginning that has sustainability as one of the
defining goals of the project. This is the first project in Iowa City that is providing a Net Zero Living solution in Iowa
City showcasing responsible development from an energy use standpoint. It's time to stop building glass boxes
that are sucking up energy and contributing to the depletion of our fossil fuels.
3.4Zero4's incorporation of New Pioneer Co -op has been carefully thought out, even down to how and where the
trucks will access a loading dock. 4Zero4's design activates both College Street and Chauncey Swan Park while
also preserving the park.
4.4Zero4's incorporation of Iowa City's Bicycle Library at the Chauncey Swan Park level is an extremely important
aspect to this project. The Iowa City Bicycle Library has become a successful endeavor that leaves more and
more people in Iowa City choosing to travel by bike and reduce their carbon footprint.
5. 1 understand the attractiveness of Mr. Moen's proposal but there is a reason The Englert doesn't show movies
anymore as well as Old Capitol Theatres. There is also a reason Iowa City /Coralville used to have 3 bowling
alleys and now only has one. These are just not venues that are going to activate this corner and bring vitality to
this area on a regular everyday, 10am to 10 pm basis. In addition, what is the message we are sending to
developers who are wanting to develop projects in downtown Iowa City if the City Council will only award and
support (TIF) significant projects that are proposed by Mr. Moen?
6. 1 sincerely hope the City Council understands that there are a lot of factors that determine a building size and
the three large scale projects are not financially viable unless they incorporate a tower. It is very unlikely the # of
floors could be reduced and have their financial models still work.
7.4Zero4 is the only proposal showcasing a balanced response from a community, building scale and
sustainability aspect. Much thought has been given and time invested by 4Zero4 to provide a well thought out
solution that should reflect the future of development in Iowa City.
Marian Karr
From: Tom Markus
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 5:00 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
fyi
From: jimglasgow @q.com [mailto:jimglasgow @q.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 4:38 PM
To: Tom Markus
Subject: Re: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
Thanks for the answers, Jeff and Tom.
Jim Glasgow
From: "Tom Markus" <Tom- Markus @iowa - city.org>
To: "jimglasgow @q.com" < jimglasgow @q.com>
Cc: "Jeff Davidson" <Jeff- Davidson @iowa- city.org >, "John Yapp" <John -Yapp @iowa- city.org >, "Marian
Karr" < Marian -Karr @iowa- city.org >, " *City Council & All Dept Heads" <CouncilDeptHeads @iowa - city.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 3:20:33 PM
Subject: FW: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
Jeff Davidson has responded to your questions. Please see below.
From: Jeff Davidson _
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 2:59 PM
To: Tom Markus
Cc: John Yapp
Subject: RE: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
Here you go. Since their questions were directed to you, I'll let you forward this to Jim and Laurie. They both know me
if they have any questions. JD
From: Tom Markus
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:44 PM
To: Jeff Davidson
Subject: FW: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
Take a stab at answering these questions please.
From: jimglasgow @q.com [mailto:jimglasgow @ q.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:39 PM
To: Council
Cc: jimglasgow; laurietulchin
Subject: Comments and question re:downtown redevelopment
Iowa City City Council
1
December 12, 2012
Mayor and councilors,
Re: Gilbert St. /College St. Redevelopment
I have been following the discussions about the redevelopment of the Gilbert St. and College St. corner
and have the following comments and observations:
1) Those developers that have lawsuits should be fully vetted because many developers are "on the
edge" in this economy Developers were required to disclose any lawsuits or litigation within the last
5 years, and the status or outcome of each.
2) In my opinion the best long term viable use would be a mix of owner occupied and rental - given the
location. Residential development is a part of all the proposals with the focus on rental. The units
would be constructed to allow them to be sold separately.
3) A hotel in this location would be risky. As a hotel owner our the best locations are on interstates,
larger markets and areas that have close proximity to other hotels, food and retail. The stand -alone
hotel was not selected as a finalist proposal. There is a small "boutique" hotel as an element of one of
the finalist proposals.
4) I don't understand the term "net zero" used in the 4 zero 4 proposal. I would appreciate a clear
definition of it's use in this context. The developer has indicated that the residential portion of the
structure would be net zero in terms of energy use. The solar panels on the exterior of the building will
meet the energy demand of the residential units.
5) What will happen the $250,000 TIF given the film group in the Vito's location. The TIF affects
those of us living in the County more than the Iowa City residents because we receive no benefit if in
fact there is one. The City Council may identify the FilmScene element of the The Chauncey proposal
as a community benefit that justifies the use of TIF funding on the project. It would bean open- to -the-
public venue available to all persons, not just Iowa City residents.
Thank you for you consideration,
Jim Glasgow
3274 Dubuque St. NE
Johnson County, Iowa
Marian Karr
From: marie therese guirgis <mtguirgis @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 2:42 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: A Note In Support of Film Scene /Chauncey
Dear City Council Members,
I am a film producer living in New York City. My recent productions were released this fall in theaters across
the country: "Keep The Lights On" and "The Loneliest Planet." I lived in Iowa City for three years between
1995 -1998 while I was in the PhD program in Film Studies.
I have extremely fond memories of Iowa City and have been a cheerleader for the city ever since I left. I speak
highly of IC where ever I go. Moving there was quite an adjustment for this native New Yorker but I soon
appreciated the vital sense of community, the diversity and frankly, the peace and safety of the place. My time
there was unforgettable. After leaving I ran an arthouse distribution company called Wellspring for many years.
We released foreign language and American independent fiction films and documentaries. I am thus extremely
familiar with the movie theater landscape across the country. For all the positive things I can say about Iowa
City I have always been surprised that such a diverse and sophisticated city with so many students, professors
and professionals does not have an arthouse movie theater. Almost every similar college city in the country has
such a theater. It always felt like a big hole in the cultural landscape of the city and it still does. Over the years I
have been deeply saddened to hear about the closure of first the Englert as a first run movie theater and also the
multiplex in the small mall in town. That leaves no theater in town except for the Bijou. I was very grateful for
the Bijou's existence and operation because without it I would have seen NO new movies of any significance in
my city. The Bijou, however, has always been a very limited operation, run by students, not professionals, with
only a couple of showings of a newish film at a time, in very poor viewing circumstances and with very limited
programming.
I have studied Film Scene's proposal very carefully and I am a strong supporter of their plan. I have a great deal
of experience in the business of film and I believe that Andy Brodie and his colleagues understand the financials
and market for independent film and that they have very carefully and with a great deal of research put together
a business plan for a sustainable business. This is a boom time for movies in theaters. Movie theater viewing
has been up the last few years and there are more movies being released than ever before in the history of
cinema in this country. In New York City an average of 25 films open a week. It doesn't make sense to me that
at best only a few of these movies will make it to Iowa City (and not even downtown, but in a mall to which one
has to drive- I didn't have a car when I lived there nor do many students) and of those they will all be big
Hollywood blockbusters with maybe one or two exceptions a MONTH.
I believe Iowa City provides itself on being a small city in the middle of the country where A LOT happens.
You open your doors to students from all over the world, you host music festivals, amazing concerts and live
performances, you are home to one of the greatest bookstores in the world, you are home to leading national
sports teams, you have gorgeous buildings by acclaimed architects. I firmly believe that Iowa City is not what it
could be without an independent cinema run by professionals. I was often frustrated that my hunger for this
massive piece of culture had almost no outlet in Iowa City. One could see classical concerts, dance, theater,
incredible readings and talks but there was no cinema equivalent. And this at a city that is home to one of the
leading Film programs in the country!
People like Dudley Andrew did their best to bring interesting films to campus occasionally. He is no longer
there, as you know. I believe that it is not just the university's responsibility to encourage and host a film culture
i
in Iowa City. I believe that like any great university city, Iowa City can sustain an independent cinema. Iowa
City is home to many, many people who would appreciate seeing movies besides superhero blockbusters at the
mall. In addition, Film Scene plans very diverse offerings- targeting different parts of the population, not just
film buffs. When one studies their plan carefully it is extremely apparent that Film Scene has taken the
demographics of the city into close consideration and wants to offer something for everyone. I also believe that
as a community the city can benefit from the kinds of conversations, visitors and debate that independent films,
especially documentaries, inspire. In my experience nothing provokes discussion, thought and action like
movies because they are accessible and communal experiences. Imagine being able to premiere one of the many
excellent films of the last few years about environmental issues, or women's issues, or gay and lesbian issues.
Imagine quality family and children's films playing- I know so many parents would love to have alternatives to
"Garfield" once in a while.
I would not feel so strongly about Film Scene if I hadn't discussed the plans with Andy Brodie, studied the
proposal carefully, and determined that this is a reasonable, practical, viable and sustainable business plan. I
believe that so many distributors will be thrilled to play movies in Iowa City. I believe that a film center such as
this will make Iowa City a more desirable place to live both for prospective students and for faculty.
One thing I loved the most about my time in IC was that I felt so much part of a community, something that one
never feels in New York City. I remember telling my friends back home that I couldn't believe that I would see
my city council men and women in the streets! Movies have been building and sustaining community since the
beginning of the art form. Film Scene will deepen and enrich community within Iowa City, I have no doubt.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or follow up.
Thank you for your attention.
Take care,
Marie Therese Guirgis
Marian Karr
From: Trevor Harvey <tsharvey @mac.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 10:33 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Proposal Input Regarding Gilbert/College Development
After reviewing the five proposals submitted to the city for a corner development on Gilbert and College, we would like
to voice our preferred choice: Chauncey Gardens LLC.
We prefer this proposal for the following reasons:
1. It offers the most visually appealing structure that, while tall, creates a feeling of openness with the incorporation of
public green spaces across multiple levels of the building. All the other proposals appear much more closed -off, like a
brick wall erected on the corner of what is currently a fairly open intersection.
2. Chauncey Gardens LLC has proposed a mulit -use building that maintains public services currently located in the area.
Specifically, as volunteers and beneficiaries of the services of the Bike Library, we would prefer to see the Bike Library
maintained at that location and believe that the benefit it has to the public warrants some continued presence there.
3. We support the move by New Pioneer Coop to this new space and thereby are concerned specifically about the
entertainment - oriented proposal by The Chauncey LLC. While we support the efforts of Film Scene, we are concerned
that the proposal of The Chauncey LLC would lead to increased traffic and congestion in the area and would not add
long -term benefit to the public park, farmers' market, bike library, and recreation center that are central to that public
space.
Additionally, we would ask the council to consider carefully the impact of proposals on vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian
traffic when selecting a finalist. College Street has been designated as a major bicycle pathway, as indicated by the
painted bike sharrows. We bike down College daily as bicycle -to -work commuters. We also use College year -round as a
bicycling family (kids ages 7 and 9) to go to the Iowa City Public Library, Ped Mall, Farmers' Market, Englert Theater, and
downtown and campus events. We are concerned about this new development on College and Gilbert increasing traffic
and making College more dangerous for bicyclists. We noticed that Neumann - Monson (as part of the Chauncey Gardens
LLC team) submitted an original plan that put their building on the north side of the block (corner of Gilbert and
Washington). This makes much more sense from a bike commuter and pedestrian point of view. It puts the building on a
road that does not have sharrows and maintains walking green space between the Rec Center and Chauncey Park
leaving the corner of Gilbert and College to be cyclist and pedestrian friendly. We feel that it is crucial for the council to
take the healthy and sustainable practices of the bicycle and pedestrian culture of Iowa City into consideration.
Sincerely,
Trevor and Sara Harvey
Iowa City, Iowa
Marian Karr
From: Del Holland <delholland @aol.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 7:27 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Development at the Corner of College and Gilbert Streets
City Councilors,
I wanted to share my ideas about the development at the corner of College and Gilbert streets. This development has
much potential for the City to demonstrate its values for future development in the city. This leads to my primary point.
The City needs to recognize that this building will be around for a long time and that because of that it needs to
exemplify the best of what modern buildings should be. The uses of buildings change over time, as is exemplified by the
former bus depot /gas station and the John Wilson buildings. So we need to focus on the building itself and not the
currently proposed uses. Since we can build buildings that are net energy neutral and LEED certified, we need to do
that. The only proposal that presents a well thought out plan on these terms is the 4 Zero 4 proposal.
That being said, as a longtime member of New Pioneer Coop another important plus for the 4 Zero 4 proposal is the
integration of New Pioneer into the building. The Coop obviously needs more space to better meet the needs of the
Iowa City users and this space is perfect.
Speaking only for myself, as a long time member of the Steering Committee of the Iowa City Bike Library, I greatly
appreciate that Tim Dwight, with no assurance that he would win the RFP for this project has generously offered the
Bike Library space in a building he owns on South Dubuque St. This has greatly relieved the stress over our future due to
the imminent demolition of the John Wilson Building. I can say that the opportunity to return to this excellent retail
space that Tim has offered us in the new building is just another reason that the 4 Zero 4 proposal is best.
Del Holland
1701 East Court St
Iowa City, IA 52245
Marian Karr
From: Tyler Johnson <tyler.john.johnson @g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 10:52 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College - Gilbert Proposal
Dear Mayor Hayek and Members of the City Council,
I would like to voice my support regarding the 4 Zero 4 proposal for the College St. - Gilbert St. site. My
support for this project is rooted in its environmentally conscious focus on achieving LEED Platinum
certification, as well as its locally conscious encouragement of community interaction and involvement. I
believe the vision of this proposal fits squarely within the culture and spirit of Iowa City - characteristics
of this town that I, and many other residents, know and love. As a progressive and forward- looking
community, this development would help Iowa City lead the push toward a healthier and greener future.
In regards to sustainability, the 4 Zero 4 proposal shows the initiative and foresight that will become
essential in combating current and future climate change. As a member of the Iowa City Climate
Advocates, I support the 4 Zero 4 project because of its reduced carbon footprint and its proactive
approach to promoting environmentally conscious businesses and citizens. By utilizing on -site solar
panels and energy efficient materials and construction techniques, this building will reduce the use of
fossil fuels that are currently causing human - induced climate change.
The focus on sustainability is ingrained in 4 Zero 4's proposal - from the Zip Car parking stalls to the
partnership with C -Wise - every aspect of the proposal displays a strong commitment to the long -term
health of the environment. The Net Zero properties and energy efficient systems will not only allow the
building to lighten the monthly bills of tenants, but its prominent facade will educate the community
about the manifold benefits of conservation.
Just as important as the highly visible solar panels will be, the inclusion of New Pioneer Co -op and the
Bike Library would reinforce the prioritized vision of sustainable and local - centric lifestyles. These
organizations emphasize that the demand for such a lifestyle exists in Iowa City - as they would not
thrive without the support of community members that place a priority on conservation and
sustainability. The inclusion of these occupants helps cement, and is a testament to, the site's focus on
lasting community involvement.
I support 4 Zero 4's long -term vision for a sustainable future where the health of citizens, local economy,
and the environment are inextricably linked - rather than competing factors. This project would be a
proactive and bold statement about the prioritization of a holistic urban development solution. By
choosing this proposal, Iowa City would be sending a message to other communities throughout the state
and nation that investing in sustainable projects can promote healthy lifestyles, encourage local
production of goods and services, and conserve money as well as natural resources.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Tyler Johnson
1921 Morningside Dr.
Iowa City
Marian Karr
From: Terry Dickens
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:37 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: College /Gilbert proposals
From: Cecile Kuenzli [cecile.kuenzli @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 12:24 PM
To: Terry Dickens
Subject: College /Gilbert proposals
Dear Councilor Dickens,
In real estate the old axiom is that location is everything.
Well, among the five proposals for the College /Gilbert St. location, the ONLY proposal that takes into account its location
and surroundings is the proposal from the Ryan Group. It is the only one that realizes that what will be built there should
make the TRANSITION from downtown high rises to the historic residential area lying east of the site and for that reason
alone, it should be adopted.
The huge structures proposed by the other developers seem to reflect more the egos of their developers than the reality
of the IC environment. We need development that reflects the human scale and mass and proportions, not some gigantic
megaliths in and around which no one feels comfortable.
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris, realized that when its inner core was threatened with high rise
construction decades ago. Their civic authorities had the wisdom and courage to limit high rises to the outside edges of
the city rather than destroy the human proportions of the inner city where structures are rarely higher than four to six
stories high.
Tim Dwight's LEED project is a modest six stories high, but it is just plain ugly to look at.
If you don't take into account the adjacent nineteenth century residential College Green area you will be dooming its
attractiveness and residential appeal for the future.
Sincerely,
Cecile Kuenzli
705 S. Summit St.
Iowa City.
Marian Karr
From: Latsis, Dimitrios <dimitrios- latsis @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2012 11:53 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Chauncey project
Dear councilmembers,
As a member of the university and Iowa City communities, as an active participant in its vibrant arts scene and as an
academic teaching students in film and media, I would like to voice my support for The Chauncey and hope that it will be
the project chosen for the College & Gilbert str development. Quite apart from the participation in the FilmScene non-
profit in this project, I find it the most considerate for the environment, well thought out in terms of financing -and well -
suited to the character of the city as regards density and amenities.
I hope the best plan carried the day in the council,
Dimitrios S Latsis
(Instructor and PhD Candidate,
Dept of Cinema & Comp Lit,
University of Iowa)
Il y a un autre monde, mais it est dans celui -ci. "Paul Eluard
V seen another world, at first I thought it was just my imagination. "Pvt Witt in The Thin Red Line
Marian Karr
From: Don Laughlin <laugh @avalon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 4:30 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: CG Project Input
To Whom It May Concern:
I want to thank whoever made the responses from the four developers available. I have given t hem a
cursory study, by no means complete, with an eye to understanding their approach to energy conservation.
In the 21st century, with the dramatic and definite evidence that climate change is upon us, I think those
who are responsible for new building construction, whether it be single family homes or major buildings such as the CG
project, should be actively aware of the future. Buildings that use gas or electricity in any way less than the most
technologically efficient way, should be designated 20th century buildings - -not 21st century buildings. I realize that with
the help of "fracting" the price of natural gas is unexpectedly low. Have you tried to estimate how long that will be true?
How do you heat a building if the gas price becomes $10. per therm instead of $1. per therm?
To get to the point: As I review these plans I see a large difference in them. Several mention LEED
certification and that is excellent. The building should certainly be a LEEDS -- platinum if possible -- certified building. But
some of the developers make extensive use of glass for external wall construction. I'm not an architect, and there is
probably a lot I don't know about glass walls, but my common sense says that a wall of glass does not achieve an R value
of more than 5. Am I wrong about that? I question if glass is a 21st century building product. It was used a lot in the last
many years, and adds a very attractive appearance to a large building. But I think of it as a 19th or 20th century material
when we had not the slightest concept of the importance of doing what we can to cut our carbon footprint.
Of the four plans, the 4 Zero 4 one is the only plan to put a major emphasis on energy conservation and
includes plans to produce some of the buildings energy needs on site. This is the only plan which seems to be aware of
any potential future energy crisis. 1 hope you will give major consideration to this plan.
I have no special qualifications to submit this letter. I do live in a super - insulated, super -tight and solar
heated house - -which I consider a 21st century house!! I have four years of operating data - -my gas bill has averaged
$300 per year and the electric bill has averaged $360 per year. It is a very comfortable house so I am a firm believer in
renewable energy.
Sincerely,
Don Laughlin, 827 Church St., I.C. 52245
Marian Karr
From: Leonard, Julia A <julia- leonard @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 7:54 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College - Gilbert project proposals
Greetings,
I write to submit my comments on the projected proposal for the development on the College - Gilbert corner. In
looking carefully through all the proposals I strongly encourage careful consideration and final approval of the
4- zero -4 submission. It meets the needs of Iowa City in numerous ways as well as supporting our city's attempts
to maintain and support environmental issues, aesthetic concerns, and a livable environment. The height, the
green aspects, the manner in which it engages with the park all make this the strongest submission presented. It
also complements the neighborhood, other buildings and surrounding area most carefully.
Sincerely,
Julia Leonard
Marian Karr
From: Emily Light <emilylight @g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 9:56 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Support for The Chauncey and FilmScene
Dear Members of the City Council and Staff,
I am writing regarding the development proposals for the lot at the northeast corner of Gilbert and College
Streets. I have carefully reviewed all of the finalists' proposals, and I would like to express my strong support
for The Chauncey. The Chauncey is the only proposal that offers something new to downtown Iowa City and
truly fulfills the City's request to create a downtown destination.
FilmScene will contribute film programming 365 nights per year, filling a major gap that exists in Iowa City's
cultural landscape and serving a demand identified in multiple market studies and community surveys.
Downtown bowling lanes will attract unique and varied clientele currently not being served by existing
entertainment options. The art gallery space and cafe in The Chauncey, along with the building's other purpose -
designed activities, will contribute to the feeling of a community gathering space. All of these would provide
year - round, affordable, walkable arts and entertainment options for all residents, thereby enhancing and
diversifying the downtown Iowa City experience.
The addition of owner- occupied housing units and class A office space in The Chauncey will help Iowa
City achieve a greater balance between university students and permanent residents /professionals in the
downtown area.
I think it is important to note that my household has a New Pioneer Co -op membership, and I typically shop at
the Iowa City location multiple times a week. I really appreciate that New Pi offers a nice selection of quality
foods, engages in fair employment practices, supports community causes, and has an economic impact on Iowa
City. However, the New Pioneer Co -op in its current location on Van Buren Street is already serving my needs
well, and I wouldn't anticipate a new store to serve my needs any differently. More importantly, I don't feel that
an expansion of a store that already exists in downtown Iowa City is the most critical use of the site in question.
The fact that New Pioneer is attached to four very different proposals for the site demonstrates that it should be
able to be flexible in its design and location.
I moved to Iowa City I 1 years ago to attend the University of Iowa and have continued to live and work here
following my education. FilmScene and the other arts and entertainment uses proposed by The Chauncey are
exactly the types of offerings that will attract and retain Iowa City residents, myself included. When you make
your decision for the corner of Gilbert and College, I hope you will choose the proposal that responds to the
most immediate and currently unfulfilled needs in downtown Iowa City by selecting The Chauncey.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Light
Iowa City, IA
Marian Karr
From: jacob livermore <jacob. livermore@g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 3:48 PM
To: CGProject
To Whom it May Concern:
After attending the November 26 council work session, I am convinced that one the proposals stood head and
shoulders above the other four, coincidently it is also the tallest of the find proposals. The Chauncey Proposal
hits the nail right on the head. Non - profit Filmscene aims to enhance the already vibrant IC downtown arts
scene with two dedicated cinema theaters: showing films which likely would not be seen in IC, workshop space
for discussion and classes that the Bijou Theater & the U of I are fully supportive of, also a gallery space for
artwork and sculptures. The bowling alley fills a recreational need downtown IC has been lacked for some
time. The cafe, theater, bowling alley and boutique hotel will also add a myriad of job opportunities to the area.
While all the other proposals were very professionally done and well presented, their addition to the cultural
vitality of down town was lacking. The Chauncey, from the beginning, has focused on adding something that is
missing to downtown something I feel is sorely needed. The Chauncey L.L.C. is dedicated to its mission and
includes people who have succeeded in doing similar projects before.
Thanks.
Marian Karr
From: jackie loesche <dulcevitas @yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:09 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: still more input
I have been a resident of Iowa City for 25yrs, and hope that the CG site will restore some balance and vision to
downtown. There are appealing features of both Ryan Co. & 404. Ryan's proposed 5 -story scale is far more sensitive to
this "transition zone ", anchoring it with New Pi, providing some yet -to -be determined residential space, and incorporating
innovative environmental designs. 404's plans to include New Pi and a revived Bike Library are also promising, along with
their concept of "net zero" energy use.
However 404's proposed size is out of proportion to the surrounding neighborhoods and buildings.
(Where does the site's height and role fit into the city's Comprehensive Plan, per John Thomas' input at the 12/4
meeting ?)
I don't think a bowling alley fits the criteria of filling unmet critical needs, compared to the busting -at- the -seams co -op or
the Saturday morning lines at the Bike. Library.
I question the affordability of commercial space, in light of Mr. Ryan's comments re: unused space at Bioventures 2yrs
later, the number of downtown businesses that have relocated due to high rents, and the amount of commercial space
already available or projected for future development.
I will leave the hot topic of affordable & /or ambiguously defined "work force housing" to those more informed about this
desperately needed resource.
Movie theatre for independent films? Great! But not in this particular site, and not in a venue that has potential for UI to
spill over east of Gilbert St.
A partnership between Film Scene and the Bijou may be the most viable option to beyond Hollywood films, and I would
support this in a different location.
Please consider a proposal for a 5 -7 story building that breathes life into this area, rather than suffocating it by sheer size.
Preferably one that expands a 40yr stronghold of the community that is also a $26+ million /yr business, introduces higher
standards of energy design, promotes bike transportation, and incorporates access to gardens and patios to the adjacent
Chauncey Park.
Thank you for listening,
Jackie Loesche
1019 Ginter Ave.
Marian Karr
From: kembrewl1@mac.com
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 2:48 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: In support of The Chauncey proposal
I am writing in support of the proposal for The Chauncey building, which would house a two screen independent
theater, twelve bowling lanes, cafe, and an art gallery space, along with a hotel and residential units. While I am
certainly excited about the addition of a bowling alley, cafe, and gallery space -- which would enliven downtown Iowa
City -- I would like to focus my remarks on the proposed FilmScene theaters.
We live in a thriving arts community, but one gaping hole in that cultural landscape is the absence of a good
independent theater space. As a faculty member in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa, I have known
several students who have been involved with The Bijou over the years, and have heard their complaints about the
substandard facilities that houses that cinema. I am also a member of the FilmScene board, and we have been working
to bring The Bijou into FilmScene. The Bijou directors have voted to move the Bijou's operations into the FilmScene's
theater if The Chauncey proposal were to be selected by the City. This merger would be very exciting, because it would
provide a tremendous learning experience for the Bijou students to be part of a nonprofit independent theater.
Currently, the Bijou is closed about one third of the year, including holidays - -which is a bad business model for any
cinema - -and the space in the IMU is ill- suited for showing films. The FilmScene board has found a receptive audience
among University of Iowa administrators who have indicated their support of this merger, which would also potentially
offer classroom space for film - related U classes.
Speaking personally as a documentary filmmaker, it breaks my heart that a community that values the arts has
substandard cinema facilities, something that would be rectified if The Chauncey proposal were to be selected by the
City. Non -film buffs will likely be more excited about the bowling alley, cafe, gallery space, or hotel, but when combined,
all of these elements make The Chauncey proposal stand out among the other proposals. Iowa City needs more cultural
offerings, and The Chauncey is in a unique position to make this happen.
Best,
Kembrew McLeod
(((((Sent via Telepathy)))))
HTTP: / /ROBOPROF.ORG
Kembrew McLeod
Associate Professor
Communication Studies
University of Iowa
Marian Karr
From: Terry Dickens
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:38 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Tenants in Gilbert and College development
From: Forrest Meyer [ftmeyer @me.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 5:36 PM
To: Terry Dickens
Subject: Tenants in Gilbert and College development
On Dec 4, 2012, at 5:30 PM, Forrest Meyer < ftmever @me.com> wrote:
> Is it possible for the final selected development option to include all of the following ?:
> New Pioneer Co -op
> FilmScene
> Iowa City Bike Library
> Bowling alley(s)
> That would be my strong preference..
> Thank you,
> Forrest Meyer
> 212 Grandview Court, Iowa City
> 319 - 530 -1558
> ftmever @me.com
Marian Karr
From: Ross Meyer <thatsrentertai n ment@g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 11:23 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: Film Scene project
As a former Director of the Bijou Theater and the owner of the recently out -of- business That's Rentertainment
Video Store I have worked with Andy Brodie & Andrew Shurburne on several projects in the past. I have full
faith in any project they are involved in and they have my full support in their efforts to bring a world class
cinema to Iowa City. I ask you to show them your support as well in their efforts in the College and Gilbert
redevelopment. Thank you for your time.
Ross Meyer
Marian Karr
From: Moreton, Melissa <melissa - moreton @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 7:18 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: in support of 4Zero4
Dear City Council,
I am writing in support of the 4Zero4 proposal currently under consideration by the Iowa City Council. To me, and many
many others I've spoken.with in the community, this is the winning proposal.
It is the right scale. Several of the proposals are simply too high and overpowering. The winning design has to be at a
scale that fits within the surrounding environment (the park, streets and downtown) and community. I love the idea of
having the Coop there too. The Coop needs a good home that downtown folks can walk to. And the building should be
mixed use - and have affordable housing options (something this city desperately needs!). This building is also beautiful.
I am personally tired of seeing poorly designed apartments and commercial strips going up around this city. Iowa City
CAN be beautiful, as well as functional and responsibly planned! It is also very important that the building that is built
on the site be environmentally friendly.
I understand that 4Zero4 will produce as much energy as it uses. Sustainable energy consumption is a commitment, but
one I believe the Iowa City community is willing to make. 4Zero4 sounds like it may take more to build, but will be a
more sustainable, community and environmentally - friendly building in the long run, which is what Iowa City needs!
This is the future, and why not put Iowa City at the forefront of sustainable, community -based design?
Thank you,
Melissa
melissa- moreton @uiowa.edu
Adjunct Instructor, Center for the Book
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Marian Karr
From: Jackie Nickolaus <jnickolaus @sherman - associates.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 4:13 PM
To: Council
Cc: John Yapp; Tom Jackson < TJackson@ nationaldevelopmentcouncil.org>
( TJackson@ nationaldevelopmentcouncil .org); George Sherman; Will Anderson;
'david.graham @esgarch.com' (david.graham @esgarch.com); Matt Hartz
(mhartz @newpi.coop)
Subject: Sherman Associates Letter to Mayor and Council
Attachments: Sherman Associates letter to mayor and council.pdf
Jackie Nickolaus
Vice President— Development
Sherman Associates, Inc.
14811 Dellwood Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50323
515.491.5103 (office and cell)
515.987.9638 (fax)
"Building Communities. Enriching Neighborhoods."
rAsh erman
ASSOCIATES.
rasherman
ASSOCIATES
December 20, 2022
RE: Sherman Associates College Street/GHbert Street Redevelopment Proposal
Dear Mayor and fibers of Council:
We are honored and excited to be selected as one of the No mists for the redevelopment of the College
Street/GlIbert Street property. Sherman Associates has a long history of redeveloping urban infitl sites into
quality sustainable mixed -use developments.
We are proud to propose a project that meets several of the CWs priorities.
1. Mid -sized Development: Our College /Cllbert Street proposal envisions a 13 -story building. While much
taller than the residential structures to the east of the site, the building is designed to activate street
level activity and be comfortable for the pedestrian. The exterior materials vdH be selected to ease the
transition to the near -by neighborhoods. The Innovative and contemporary mixed use architecture
builds on wid strengthens the existing low& City urban fabric and vitality.
2. workforce Housing: Sherman Associates proposes rental housing affordable to the majority of the
workforce In Iowa City. The rents are targeted to be affordable to University staff, hospital workers and
downtown employees. Sherman Associates owns and manages our rental units and arse comrnitted to a
quality development than will positively impact the musing opportunities In Iowa Cdr.
3. New Pioneer: The Inclusion of New Pioneer Is a natural energizer. We have developed bangs with
grocery stores In the past and we know that a grocery store/office /apartment mix results in almost
around-the-clock activity.
4. Sustainab Illi ty: We will strive to Integrate all feasible green and sustainable building practices and seek
LEER certification. Because we own our buildings for the tong -term, it is critical that they are designed
to be as energy efficient as possible. As responsible housing developers, it is very important to us to
build rental units that do not burden the tenants with high utility costs.
Sherman Associates understands the real -world realities of getting rnultl -use projects financed. We are
confident that we can finance our proposal, complete the construction and operate a successful development
over time. I encourage you to review our portfolio online at www.sherman- associates.com. I thank you for your
time and consideration.
Sincerely,
George E. Sherman
President/Owner
233 Park Avenue South, Suite 201, MirwmPolis, MN 55415
Tel 612 -332 -NM Fax 612- 332 -8119 • www.Owrmm- associates com Q
Sherman Associates is an EquSd Qppwu* Empbper
Marian Karr
From: Matthew Niebuhr <matt.niebuhr @me.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2012 7:54 AM
To: CGProject
Cc: Matt Niebuhr
Subject: College Street / Gilbert Street Redevelopment comment
Thank -you for sharing the proposals!
As a recent transplant from Portland, Oregon, (and an Iowa native) now living in neigboring West Branch - I feel
compelled to share with you that it is extremely exciting to see the quality and level of consideration represented by
these proposals.
I am particularly interested in the proposal 4 Zero 4 as it represents a wonderful step forward for Iowa City. The idea /
notion of a development project promoting a lifestyle of living as carefully as possible within reasonable resource
footprints is important - critically important. This project contains a carefully considered idea - helping us realize that
how we choose to live / work / and move about the city potentially has a big impact on all of us.
Comparing 4 Zero 4's consideration of "net zero" living and our family's recent experience living and working in
Portland, Oregon, I believe it exemplifies the best ideas to push forward and should be strongly considered by the City.
The 4 Zero 4 project ideas rival much of the terrific work driving development and economic growth (in a smart way) - in
the "Pearl District" redevelopment found in Portland. There are numerous parallels with regard to important
consideration for public plaza space, (re: Portland's "park blocks" come to mind) - combined with alternative means of
"getting around town" - such as walking, biking, etc. I believe a project focused on expanding consideration for "how we
live in the city" is essential to new development in this area of town - building upon the pedestrian mall "gem" of Iowa
City.
Congratulations on soliciting such strong proposals!
Good for Iowa City - I look forward to seeing the results of the process.
Sincerely,
Matt Niebuhr
Matt Niebuhr
West Branch Studio
West Branch, Iowa
www.mattniebuhr.com
Marian Karr
From: Martha Norbeck <norbeck @cwise.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 1:59 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: In support of 4zero4
Dear Council Members,
I'm a green architect. 1 work with owners, architects and engineers across the state to help them design, build and operate
greener buildings. The owner and the engineer are the most important actors in pursuing the triple bottom line of
sustainability: environment, economy and equity. 4zero4 has the right owners and the right engineer.
The right team — environment:
When Tim Dwight pitched this project to me 14 months ago, Modus Engineering was my first recommendation. Of all
the engineering firms I've worked with over 10 years and 20 LEED projects, Modus Engineering has the best combination
of skills and experience to execute an affordable Net Zero project.
The architect, Mark Seabold, listens, reflects and acts. He revised and refined the building design in response to
analyses of energy efficiency, daylighting and ventilation. Tim Dwight is committed to demonstrating that we have the
technology and knowledge to implement a Net Zero building now.
LEED Certification comes in many shades of green; 40 points are required to achieve the base level of certification, 80
points for Platinum. At this site, because of its location relative to downtown, a team could achieve 19 points with no
added design or construction cost and achieve the 40 points for certification with just one energy efficiency point (12%
more efficient than code). Stating the intent to achieve LEED certification is a mild expression of environmental
responsibility. The 4zero4 project will seek to achieve 60% energy savings, 36 points in just the energy category, and 85
points overall.
The right team — economy:
A highly energy efficient building with on -site energy production can only be economically viable when the team
understands how to reach the tipping point on cost. For example, large windows require a separate heating system to
keep frost and condensation from forming on the windows. This can comprise 10 -25% of the cost of the heating system.
This perimeter heating system is not required with better and fewer windows. The tipping point is when you find the right
combination of quantity and quality of windows for the same, or less, cost than the perimeter heating system you no
longer need.
The right team — equity:
Much time was devoted to analyzing how this project can provide housing for a wide range of incomes while
maintaining have overall economic success. What is affordable? What price point makes it possible for a young business
owner like me to be able to buy? What about ancillary costs of parking, commuting and utilities? Net Zero living units will
provide fixed energy costs that residents can plan on. Driving expenses can eat up 20% of our budget. We plan
to facilitate car -free living options with improved bicycling support and car -share options.
The decision:
Many ideas have been proposed in this RFP and public hearing process. Perhaps it could work to merge ideas from
the multiple projects. However, restarting the RFP process would be a slap in the face to the $50,000 - $100,000 teams
invested in their final proposals. Therefore, I encourage you to choose a team rather than a design. Choose the team that
has the capacity and values to deliver a building that reflects the goals and needs of the community.
The 4zero4 team has the skills, experience and vision to launch a new era of building design in Iowa that supports
growth and reduces our carbon footprint.
Sincerely,
Martha Norbeck, AIA, LEED AP
Owner, C -Wise Design and Consulting
906 S 7th Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
319.621.4168
www.cwise.com
Marian Karr
From: Benjamin Oakes <ben @benjam inoakes.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 9:07 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: 404 Gilbert Street Development
To whom it may concern:
Unfortunately I am out of town on a business trip during the Dec 4th meeting about development 404 Gilbert
St. Because of that, I am writing to make my voice heard regarding the development proposals for the lot at
404 Gilbert St.
As a frequent customer and supporter of NewPi, I would encourage any plan that includes it. Among other
reasons, there are many other new retail spaces built that fit the needs of smaller businesses, but the nature of a
grocery business would seem to demand a larger space, such as 404 Gilbert St. Also, a larger, more modern
space near downtown is vital for the future of this locally -owned member of the Iowa City community.
Thank you for your time,
Benjamin Oakes
Marian Karr
From: Lindsay Olesberg <lindsay.olesberg @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 5:23 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College and Gilbert development
Dear City Council,
I am writing to provide comment on the five proposals submitted for College /Gilbert Street intersection. I strongly urge the
City Council to consider the message we are sending by the choice that is made and also to support 4Zero4's proposal.
1.Scale - This is not the right place to put the tallest building in Iowa City. Scale is extremely important due to this
area being a transition from downtown business district to residential. From a height standpoint 4 Zero 4's project
is scaled to maintain Iowa City's downtown core and transition to the historic neighborhoods to the east.
2.Sustainability— Sustainability is a must for a project this significant. The City of Iowa City has a tremendous
opportunity here to make a statement about the future of City of Iowa City buildings and how important our impact
is on the environment. Iowa City is a research town and not too long ago an article was written citing University of
Iowa researchers regarding our impacts on the environment and how we need to be more aggressive in our
efforts to preserve our environment. 4zero4 has been a project from the beginning that has sustainability as
one of the defining goals of the project. This is the first project in Iowa City that is providing a Net Zero Living
solution in Iowa City showcasing responsible development from an energy use standpoint. It's time to stop
building glass boxes that are sucking up energy and contributing to the depletion of our fossil fuels.
3.4Zero4's incorporation of New Pioneer Co -op has been carefully thought out, even down to how and where the
trucks will access a loading dock. 4Zero4's design activates both College Street and Chauncey Swan Park while
also preserving the park.
4.4Zero4's incorporation of Iowa City's Bicycle Library at the Chauncey Swan Park level is an extremely important
aspect to this project. The Iowa City Bicycle Library has become a successful endeavor that leaves more and
more people in Iowa City choosing to travel by bike and reduce their carbon footprint.
5. 1 sincerely hope the City Council understands that there are a lot of factors that determine a building size and
the three large scale projects are not financially viable unless they incorporate a tower. It is very unlikely the # of
floors could be reduced and have their financial models still work.
6.4Zero4 is the only proposal showcasing a balanced response from a community, building scale and
sustainability aspect. Much thought has been given and time invested by 4Zero4 to provide a well thought out
solution that should reflect the future of development in Iowa City.
Thank you,
Lindsay Olesberg
20 year Iowa City resident
Marian Karr
From: John Richard <johnrichard @me.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 2:15 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Support for The Chauncey
I would like to voice my support for the FilmScene at The Chauncey and for what FilmScene is attempting to do broadly.
An independent cinema and venue for bringing together interesting people is exactly the kind of investment we need to
be making in our community right now. As a creative professional, I know that a thriving independent film scene would
do a lot to attract and retain talent in the area.
Sincerely,
John Richard
Filmmaker
Bocce Ball Studio
P'
Marian Karr
From: Steve Rohrbach < SRohrbach @RohrbachAssociates.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 3:56 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Marc
Subject: The Chauncey proposal for the Gilbert and College Street site
Attachments: Letter to Council - Gilbert College St. Site - 12- 10- 12.pdf
City Council
The Chauncey LLC respectfully submits the attached letter including supplementary information concerning our proposal for
the College and Gilbert Street site. Please include the letter in the Council's packet for the December 18th meeting.
Thank you for your attention to the items in our letter.
Steven A. Rohrbach AIA
President
RohrbachAssociates PC
325 E. Washington St. Suite 400
P.O. Box 2238
Iowa City, Iowa 52244
319- 338 -9311
sohrbach @,rohrbachassociates.com
The Chauncey, L.L.C.
221 E. COLLEGE STREET, SUITE 300
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
December 10, 2012
To: Mayor Hayek and City Council Members
From: Steven Rohrbach, Monica Moen and Marc Moen
The Chauncey L.L.C.
RE: College St / Gilbert St Development Proposal
We respectfully submit this supplementary information concerning our proposal for the College Street and
Gilbert Street site.
When developing our response to the RFP released by the City on August 3141, we were sensitive and
responsive to the goals set out by the City in the RFP. Given recent comments by the public and the
Council, we wish to provide the following:
1. BUILDING HEIGHT:
In the City's August 31, 2012 RFP, one of the specific goals of redevelopment of the site is
construction of an "urban, downtown - density development." The site is currently zoned P (Public).
However, the RFP anticipated that CB -10, the highest density downtown zoning classification,
would be requested. In our discussions with staff, prior to developing our proposal, we understood
that it was desired that the site be considered part of the Central Business District. For many
reasons we believe the site supports a 20 -story mixed use development and that the Chauncey
Swan Parking Facility provides a sufficient buffer between a high density development and the
lower density development east of the parking structure. Grade changes east of the proposed
structure also reduce the impact of a high -rise development on the subject site.
Nevertheless, as stated in our written proposal, the height of The Chauncey can be adjusted.
As stated in our November 26th presentation, we had explored a 16 -story version when developing
our proposal. The renderings below show the 20 -story and 16 -story options that we generated.
Although we believe the 20 -story version represents the smartest growth and best use of the site,
we are committed to reducing the height of the proposed building if the Council feels that is in the
best interest of the community.
When developing for desirable commercial uses that are lacking in the community and that fill
gaps in downtown Iowa City, as opposed to developing for a tenant able to pay market rates, the
amount of additional marketable space in a building is critical to ensuring the financial sustainability
of the project. A balance must be struck. It is simply not economically feasible to build a
stand -alone cinema or bowling center in an urban core. To bring these uses downtown they must
be part of a mixed -use development of a size adequate to support these commercial uses.
Developing enough other marketable space in the development also makes it possible to
incorporate significant and meaningful public spaces on the commercial levels. These public
spaces are critical to a vital community project but do not generate revenue to the developer. It
would be very difficult to find another site in downtown Iowa City that would support the uses to
which we are committed.
The financial information we submitted on December 7t' includes numbers for both 16 -story
and 20 -story alternatives.
phone: 319.430.3010 221 E. COLLEGE STREET facsimile: 319.358.6778
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
The Chauncey, L.L.C.
221 E. COLLEGE STREET, SUITE 300
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
2. SUSTAINABILE CONSTRUCTION:
The RFP requested preliminary numbers and reasonable estimates. We took that RFP request
seriously and designed the project to a degree that we could obtain realistic numbers from our
contractor. Although the RFP recognizes these numbers are preliminary, it is important that the
City is working with meaningful budget numbers.
Once awarded a project, we begin a period of value engineering to produce the best possible
product at a financially feasible cost. Included in that process is achieving the most sustainable
project possible.
The numbers we provided include dollar amounts to achieve LEED certification. We have
always understood there will be negotiations with the City once a preferred developer is selected.
These negotiations will cover an array of items including energy efficiency and sustainability, the
number and size of work force housing units, the height of the building and an agreed minimum
assessment. We are fully committed to working with the City to meet the goals for this site.
3. INTEGRITY OF THE RFP PROCESS:
We have committed to delivering uses currently missing downtown. This commitment is in
direct response to the RFP's articulated goals. The Chauncey is designed to include a purpose built
theater and bowling center with gallery and community space on the commercial levels. These are
uses that can realistically be developed only as a mixed -use project in an urban setting. It is unfair
and unreasonable at this stage of the RFP process to entertain the notion of reformulating the RFP
to require particular uses or to combine uses. That idea undermines the integrity of the RFP
process and the particular dynamics and objectives we very thoughtfully intend to achieve for
downtown Iowa City with The Chauncey proposal. Each proposer was challenged, and
appropriately so, by the RFP, to submit a proposal with unique and thoughtful uses that fill gaps
downtown. Our team has worked diligently to investigate and research the needs of downtown
Iowa City and have invested a large amount of time and capital to bring a team together that is
committed to our concept for this site.
The suggestion of combining uses from various projects undermines the dynamics of the
process, the integrity of The Chauncey proposal, and of the challenge presented to each
prospective RFP respondent. We respectfully urge the Council not to pursue this course and that
it maintain the integrity of the RFP process. The integrity of the process is important for this project
and for future projects envisioned by the City.
phone: 319.430.3010 221 E. COLLEGE STREET facsimile: 319.358.6778
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
Marian Karr
From: Sheila Samuelson <sheila.samuelson @g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 3:50 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Consider energy efficiency and sustainability
Dear Council:
Thanks very much for the thoughtful deliberation you have given this issue, and for your service to Iowa City.
As many cities across the state and nation embrace sustainability, I want Iowa City to show leadership
and commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable building practices - not to lag behind. Sustainability is a
solid business decision, and one that takes the long -term future into consideration.
We cannot afford not to address energy efficiency and sustainability. Please weigh sustainability heavily in your
decision.
Thank you sincerely for your leadership!
All the best,
Sheila Samuelson
Sheila Samuelson
Sustainable Business Consultant
Bright Green Strategy
MBA in Sustainable Management, 2008
sheilagbrightgreenstrategy.com 1 319.400.8285
http://www.BrightGreenStrategy.com
Follow on Twitter (gthebright rg een), Facebook, LinkedIn
Marian Karr
From: Eli Shepherd <elisshepherd @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 6:41 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: CG Project Input
Dear City Council Representatives,
Let me just start by saying I have been a fan of local film non - profit FilmScene's work in
the community for some time now. Several of my friends are in love with their Starlite open
air cinema events in City Park and they have also made numerous local screenings
possible. I believe that downtown Iowa City needs an independent, local film hub.
However, the proposal involving FilmScene does not pursue incorporating community
garden space, LEED certification, the New Pioneer Food Co -op, nor the Iowa City Bike
Library into the development, all things that are and would be invaluable to the downtown
Iowa City community.
As an employee of New Pioneer Co -op I know how much New Pi is in need of a new
store. The current building is getting old and the space has been outgrown. New Pi is a
huge asset to the community, providing an outlet for local farmers and food suppliers,
employing many, and giving back to the community; money -wise in numbers in the tens of
thousands. The new space is much needed and that necessity should be held in the
highest regard when considering the proposals.
The City should also highly regard LEED certification in the proposals. Given numerous
letters to the Iowa City Press - Citizen in recent weeks, it has become quite obvious that
Iowa City citizens are well aware of the need to engage in energy efficient practices. In
addition, renewable energy outlets, especially solar panel usage, is something that would
be new to the downtown area and would draw the public to the building.
Iowa City has a vibrant cycling community and in lieu of an explosion of growth, the Iowa
City Bike Library is relocating from its old home on the corner of Gilbert and College to a
larger space adjacent to Public Access Television's headquarters across town. Although it
is unlikely that a new development would provide enough space for the full operation of
the Bike Library, storefront space for checkout, a service that has long lines forming hours
before opening, would allow the visibility that has been crucial in the library's growth to
continue.
Community garden space would also prove invaluable to the community if included in
future development. The Iowa City Farmer's Market has grown to gigantic proportions in
recent years and has been named the top market in the state the past three consecutive
years. The addition of community garden space would effectively draw an even larger
turnout on market days, allowing local vendors to experience more business and allowing
the Iowa City economy to prosper.
After considering all of these components that I believe vital to a successful development,
I believe that the 4 Zero 4 or the Chauncey Gardens proposals would be the biggest
assets to the community, and are my two top choices, with 4 Zero 4 as my favorite.
Thank you very much for considering my input.
Regards,
Eli Shepherd
Marian Karr
From: Susan Shullaw < susan @susanshullaw.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 9:29 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: CG Project Input
About the College - Gilbert Street project: I'd like to commend the City and all developers for a process that has resulted
in so many interesting, innovative, and exciting possibilities for enhancing the vibrant, multi -use nature of our
downtown.
As for my opinion about which of those options would be best, I suspect I'm not the only resident expressing a desire for
a mash -up of what I believe are the two strongest contenders: Chauncey Gardens and The Chauncey. I love the many
"green" aspects of the former, as well as its lower profile, which I believe is a better fit for the eastern border of
downtown. On the other hand, I am a strong proponent of the FilmScene project, appreciate the other services and
amenities offered by The Chauncey, and don't particularly care where New Pi makes its home -- but I believe that at 20
stories, The Chauncey is just too tall for the location.
Depending on the feedback you're getting from the rest of the community, might we ask these two developers to join
forces and submit a new proposal that incorporates the best aspects of each of their ideas? Barring that possibility, I'd
vote for Chauncey Gardens -- as long as it could be amended to make room for FilmScene.
With thanks,
Susan Shullaw
718 North Johnson Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
susan @susanshullaw.com
Marian Karr
From: chris taylor <osubvr81 @hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 3:38 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: COLLEGE & GILBERT
With recent press and discussions regarding the development of college & gilbert street I wanted to share my experience
as a relative newcomer to Iowa and the Iowa City area. As an Oregon native I have grown up living and breathing
sustainability and doing my part to ensure that the resources for future generations will be preserved. As you may know
Oregon is one of the leaders in sustainability and this goes beyond just a LEED certified building. As a recent graduate
student in Architecture I had the privilege to work on some ground breaking research into building energy efficiency and
the concepts that go beyond LEED such as Net Zero, Living Building and architecture 2030.
I could point to numerous examples across the country where entire cities have adopted a
sustainability plan and strategies for responsible management of resources. I am sure that this is not
an easy decision on your part, but the decision needs to be made now to be on the forefront of
sustainability in Iowa as many look to Iowa City as on of the more progressive entities in the state.
After viewing the comments and the presentations it seems that there is a clear line between building
up and building efficient. Many of the buildings, while visually appealing are out of scale and context
with the location of this site and none, except the 404 development, seem to have done the
appropriate research to determine the effects of sustainability and the potential it has to influence the
city in creating a socially responsible, forward thinking and economically and environmentally
sustainable future.
As a last comparison, I look to my hometown of Eugene, Oregon which draws many parallels to Iowa
City and would like to share a vision they have developed for sustainability and green building that
is en- grained in their culture.
hftp://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=509
hftp://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=387
I believe the 404 proposal is the only clear example of pushing the envelope to this degree and its
now up to you to take the next step in moving forward as a community. It's exciting to see the
possibility of such a project coming to Iowa that can serve as a beacon to help guide the future
development of the city and state in a positive direction.
Thank you for your consideration,
Chris
Marian Karr
From: Tiefenthaler, Joseph M <joe- tiefenthaler @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 5:12 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: In Support of: The Chauncey
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to voice my support for The Chauncey submission (re:FilmScene) for the building project to be
completed at the corner of Gilbert and College Streets.
In keeping with the City of Iowa City's advancement towards a more dynamic, livable downtown area, I can think of
no omission to our current landscape greater than a cinema. Such specialized curation of a vibrant film scene would
add greatly to events offerings for Iowa City's numerous arts communities.
Since graduating from the University of Iowa back in 2000, I have chosen to make my living here in Iowa City as a
member of a large group of young arts entrepreneurs because of the opportunities made possible by those at the core
of the city's art scene — I work at the International Writing Program, coordinating its Fall Residency; I worked
towards, and through, the earliest of projects following the UNESCO City of Literature designation; and I have
volunteered my time as an Executive Director of the nonprofit Mission Creek Festival as Literary Coordinator for
four years — and there is no greater growth- market for direct interaction with the Iowa City community than the
arts. A vote for this project is a vote for the families living in this city now, and as a draw for those who want to move
here to raise their families in the future; it's a vote for a widespread public draw of interest and communal
participation; it's a vote for expanding Iowa City's downtown area the right way.
Best regards,
joe
Joseph M. Tiefenthaler
International Writing Program - Fall Residency Coordinator
University of Iowa
httl2://Lv,,,p.uiowa.edu
Mission Creek Festival - Literary Programming Coordinator
http: / /missionfreak.com
Wag's Revue - Assistant Fiction Editor
http: //wagsrevue.com
Marian Karr
From: atan44 @mchsi.com
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 12:30 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: Re: Gilbert- College matter
Thank you for your assistance. Here is the copy of the message:
From: Benjamin Webb <bwebb @trinityic.org>
Date: Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Subject: Trinity Church shade study requested
To: Rick- Dobyns @iowa - city.org, Michelle- Payne @iowa - city.org, Terry- Dickens @iowa - city.org, Matt- Hayek @iowa -
city.org, Susan - Mims @iowa - city.org, Jim- Throgmorton @iowa - city.org
Dear Council Members,
At the public input session on the five development proposals for the Gilbert- College corner in downtown Iowa City,
Trinity Episcopal Church asked City Council to consider the extent to which a multistory building would shade our church
for several hours a day in some seasons of the year. This would affect the quality of light through our stained glass
windows during daily and weekly worship services, and might well affect our heating costs in colder months, as well as
our preference of developers.
During a break in the meeting, we were told that the city has software that would allow a light study to be done. Since
then we were also told that City Council must actually order the developers to perform this with your cooperation.
Therefore we ask that you make this request of each potential developer on our behalf and that the results be shared
with us and made public before the final proposal is selected.
Specifically, we ask that this shade study be done throughout the daylight hours on the 21st of March, June, September,
and December. There is currently a presumption about development occurring on the south end of the City site, but
should the Council entertain alternatives site development at the north end, we hope this light study will take that into
consideration as well, though a north end development will likely eliminate our light concerns.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
The Rev. Benjamin S. Webb
Interim Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church
Cell 319.290.6306
cc: Connie Champion
- - - -- Original Message - - - --
From: "Marian Karr" < Marian- Karr @iowa - city.org>
To: "atan44 @mchsi.com" <atan44 @mchsi.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 6:27:29 PM GMT -06:00 US /Canada Central
Subject: RE: Gilbert- College matter
Thank you for your email. Please send another copy to me and I'll confirm it will be included in the materials going out
Thursday.
Marian K. Karr
City Clerk
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: atan44 @mchsi.com [mailto:atan44 @mchsi.comj
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 4:45 PM
To: Council
Subject: Gilbert - College matter
City Council members:
The Rev. Ben Webb sent a message by email to you last week, following up on his remarks at the public input session
Dec. 4 on the five proposals for Gilbert - College. We have heard nothing back and just wanted to confirm that his
message did arrive in time and will be in the packets at your meeting Dec. 18. This matter is extremely important to
Trinity Episcopal Church so we don't want to slip up on a possible technological mistake. If you did not receive the
emails, which were sent to each councilor individually using the addresses on your web site, then please use the hard -
copy message that we delivered to Connie Champion's home since she was not listed for email. We also would be happy
to send another copy of Fr. Webb's statement.
Thank you,
Anne Tanner
Marian Karr
From: Alane Wessels <Alane .Wessels @RyanCompanies.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 3:13 PM
To: Jim N. Bergman; matt hartz (mhartz @newpi.com); John Yapp; Council
Subject: College /Gilbert Street Project
Attachments: City Council 12.11.12.pdf
Please see the attached letter to the City Council Members from Marc Gullickson.
Thank you,
Alane Wessels
Alane Wessels I Administrative Services Manager
Ryan Companies US, Inc. 1 625 First Street SE, Suite 175, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52401
319- 731 -2814 tel 1 319- 389 -4232 cell 1 319- 731 -2914 fax
alane .wesselsCcDryancomaanies.com
Find us on: The Web I Twitter I Facebook
RYAN COMPANIES Suite INC. OYA N
625 First Street SE, Sute 175
W W W. RY AN C O M P AN I E S. C O M Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 -2032
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
319- 731 -2800 tel
319- 731- 2900Jax
December 11, 2012
City Council Members
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council Members:
We continue to have great interest in the College /Gilbert Street project. With council debate in the offing we
thought it a good idea to clarify 3 items relative to our proposal.
We have submitted the requested additional financial information to city staff. In the submittal we
noted that we feel confident there will be other sources of funds to support this project. An example
is New Markets Tax credits. From a business perspective, we cannot pursue those opportunities until
we are farther along in the selection process.
• Our building type and cost point in construction led us to propose a 5 -story facility. I noted in our
presentation that we can add one additional floor of either commercial or residential space. We are
open to the additional floor if that is the Council's desire. It does not change base project metrics.
We assume that there may be other modest enhancements that may be of interest to the Council. We
are also open to suggestion should there be changes that you think will make the project more
appealing to the citizens of the city and Council.
This is an exciting project. We are available to staff and Council should you have other concerns or questions.
Thanks for the time and effort invested in this project to date. It will be great for the city once completed.
Sincerely,
Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Marc Gullickson
President, Ryan Midwest
cc: Jim Bergman, Matt Hartz
Marian Karr
From: LISA R WILCOX <Irwilcox49 @msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 9:22 PM
To: Council
Subject: College /Gilbert Project
Please pick the project that includes the New Pioneer coop as part of the mix. They need more space. We want it
downtown.
Lisa R. Case
13
Marian Karr
From:
Tom Markus
Sent:
Friday, December 14, 2012 1:28 PM
To:
'henry madden'
Cc:
Ramji Balakrishnan; mhartz @newpi.com; *City Council & All Dept Heads
Subject:
RE: email
I think if you know Kevin O'Malley you know that he is his own man. Kevin did not write this at my request or anyone
else on staff. He obviously believes that New Pi should consider alternative sites. As it appears that he wrote this on his
own computer and on his own time he is entitled to his own "personal" opinion. I have immense respect for Kevin's
professionalism and views but these are his personal views. Staff would like to capture as many of the possibilities as
possible that are presented in the proposals. Staff has had numerous discussions about the proposals and continues
to. Ultimately, the council will make this decision. Based on Mr. O'Malleys expressed point of view I will remove him
from any further deliberations on this matter until council has rendered a decision on the preferred proposal. Four of
the remaining five proposals include the New Pi.
From: henry madden [mailto:h- mamadden @mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2012 12:59 PM
To: Tom Markus
Cc: Ramji Balakrishnan; mhartz @newpi.com
Subject: FW: email
Tom, since Ramji Balahrishnan, the New Pi, president is out of the country, I am, as Treasurer of New Pi, contacting you
concerning the below email received by all the members of the New Pi Board yesterday. We are wondering why one of
your direct reports is sending this message at the same time as you send your recommendations to the city council and
six days before the council will make its decision on the developer of the College/ Gilbert property. We wonder whether
Kevin O'Malley is your instrument to suggest to New Pi that you have selected the only developer who did not sign a
letter of intent with New Pi. We realize that if New Pi were to, of its own volition, withdrew its proposal to build on the
College /Gilbert property, it would be easily explained why you recommended Mark Moen's proposal. Let me repeat
several facts that were presented to the city council a week ago:
1. We are convinced that this is the last available downtown property on which we can expand. If New Pi does not
build on the College /Gilbert property we must search outside Iowa City. Most likely North Liberty would be our
next choice. I might remind you that when Moen built on the Plaza Tower property, it was a requirement of the
City that he include a full size grocery store. New Pi was three blocks away but the council, for some reason, did
not consider New Pi a grocery store, or did not consider NPC to be located "downtown ". Moen does not have a
"full size "grocery store in the Plaza Towers Building today.
2. NPC employs 180 people and has annual revenues of $22 million. If we develop a new store outside Iowa City
revenues at our Van Buren store will decline.
3. NPC is NO T a non - profit organization, We pay, Federal, State, and City taxes.
4. As you know, we cannot expand at our Van Buren location due to our being in the flood plain. But, if we are to
continue to exist we must satisfy our customers' demands. Therefore, we must expand.
It is difficult for us to believe that the City staff or the City Council would choose a developer who has proposed
to rent the lower one or two floors to several unproven enterprises when they have a choice to sell the property
to a proven, profitable $22 million enterprise. But, our immediate concern is that someone or some people have
endeavored to undermine our proposal.
Please contact me at 3191338 -5689 or on my cell phone 400 -9173.
Henry T. Madden
rom: Koiowacity <koiowacityCa)_g mail. com>
Date: December 12, 2012, 7:28:09 PM CST
To: "knightwhowrites(a)-g mail. com" <knightwhowrites(c _ gmail.com >, " ramji.balakrishnan(a)-gmail.com"
< ramii .balakrishnan(aD-g mail. com >, "lanetraz(ft mail. com" <janetrazCcD-g mail. com >, "walz.sarah(a)_gmail.com"
<walz.sarah(ag mail. com >, "carol i ne-d ieterle(ED-u iowa. ed u" < caroline- dieterle0_uiowa.edu >, "h- mamdden(cDmchsi.com" <h-
mamdden(amchsi.com >, "cal norris(a)-msn.com" <cal norris(@_msn.com>
Subject: Expansion of New Pi to the East Side
Good evening All,
I would like to comment on the proposals to move the Co -op from Van Buren Street to Gilbert & College
Streets. I realize that my comment is tardy and that a decision has already occurred. However the
impact and consequences of that decision can change in a relatively short time. I recall several issues
that the Board were confronted with on the opening of the Coralville store. I believe many lessons were
learned from that expansion. I would suggest that the original store stay in place and that a new store be
built in the Sycamore Mall property. There is ample parking and with Von Maur leaving I think that a very
good deal could be reached with the owners and with the hiring of new staff, there may be an opportunity
for incentives from the City of Iowa City as previous tax rebates were based on employment and square
footage.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my suggestion and I recognize that you have more knowledge
about the current proposal to relocate. My perspective is selfish in that I live on the east side and would
be reluctant to park in a ramp and I enjoy the current ambiance that between the Farmers Market and
New Pi have created.
Regards,
Kevin O'Malley
#12654
5
Marian Karr
From:
John Yapp
Sent:
Friday, December 14, 2012 2:53 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Financial Information
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Jeff Davidson
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2012 2:43 PM
To: 'Carol deProsse; Jim Throgmorton; tom - marcus @iowa - city.org; Michelle Payne; John Yapp; Susan Mims; Matt
Hayek; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; John Yapp
Subject: RE: Financial Information
Hello Carol.
If you look at the table on page 2 of the NDC memo that is attached to John Yapp's December 10 memo that is in the
12/18 City Council packet, the 4th line down lists the total project cost of each proposal. If each proposal's TIF request is
subtracted from this line, it leaves an amount that would be the responsibility of the developer. That would be a
combination of cash, borrowed money, and other outside funding sources such as tax credits.
Because the proposals are preliminary at this time, those other funding sources have not been firmed up by the
developers. Once a preferred developer is selected those other funding sources will be pinned down so that a financial
gap analysis which is a requirement of all public financial assistance provided by the City of Iowa City can be conducted.
If for some reason the preferred developer was ultimately unable to commit to the financing required for the project,
we would terminate development agreement negotiations and commence negotiations with the first alternate
preferred developer.
Jeff Davidson
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Carol deProsse [mailto:lonetreefox @mac.com]
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2012 2:23 PM
To: Jim Throgmorton; tom - marcus @iowa - city.org; Michelle Payne; Jeff Davidson; John Yapp; Susan Mims; Matt Hayek;
Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Kevin O'Malley
Subject: Financial Information
I have been reviewing the Dec. 10, 2012 'Selection of a preferred proposal ...'that was made available to the public
yesterday. I note an important omission, and that is the committed financial resources of the proposals' developers for
the College /Gilbert Street site.
Is this information available?
If it is not available for the Council to review prior to undertaking a ranking of all the proposals, wouldn't it be premature
do such a ranking?
Carol deProsse
lonetreefox @mac.com
13
Marian Karr
From: Hutchcroft, Dennett C <dennett- hutchcroft @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 7:25 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: College /Gilbert Property
I urge the council to include New Pioneer Coop in this development. I am both a long time member of the Coop and
Iowa City resident. The majority of our groceries are purchased at the Coop. We greatly value their commitment to the
community. Having shopped at the Van Buren store since the Coop first moved there, we are very aware of the space
concerns and limitations of that location. The new store will be a magnet, drawing people to downtown Iowa City.
Having the Coop strategically located next to the farmer's market will be a fantastic combined draw to the area. U I favor
the Tim Dwight building, because it combines space for the Coop with a sustainable design. If this building were able to
obtain LEED certification, that would be a tremendous advantage.
Sent from my iPhone
13
Marian Karr
From: Pauley, Cynthia A (UI Health Care) <cynthia- pauley @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 7:39 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Gilbert & College St.
I am writing to urge the City Council to choose a Gilbert & College St. project proposal that includes the New Pioneer
Coop. The Coop has served the community for many years in so very many ways; they deserve to be a part of this
downtown location.
This is my first priority when I consider the 5 options for the space. But secondly, I support 4 Zero 4 by Tim Dwight and
Jake Christensen, with it's modest eight story building that doesn't tower over the surrounding neighborhood. An energy
efficient, Leed certified building is most appropriate. The 13, 15 & 20 stories seem too tall, with the potential for too
many people creating congestion. I can't imagine what the end of July would look like in this downtown area with so
many tenants!
As a resident of Iowa City since 1975, a Coop member for nearly that long & an eastside near - downtown homeowner
(College SU) for 24 years, I would be very unhappy if the Coop was excluded from this development.
Thank you for your consideration,
Cynthia Pauley
Notice: This UI Health Care e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications
Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510 -2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this
communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error,
then delete it. Thank you.
�3
Marian Karr
From: Lydia Thies <lydiathies @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 11:40 AM
To: CGProject
Subject: 4 zero 4 and Iowa City sustainability
To whom it may concern:
I am an Iowa City resident and I want to encourage the city to make the right choice for the property at Gilbert
and College. Among all of the beautiful presentations for building proposals at that site, the only one to stress
sustainability was 4 zero 4. We must consider the long term impact of Iowa City's future construction and this
building would make an excellent example of that responsibility. I am also a member at the New Pioneer Coop
and I believe the Iowa City location needs more space and better access to downtown in order to best serve the
community. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Lydia Thies
/3
Marian Karr
From: Susan Futrell <sfutrell @mchsi.com>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:00 PM
To: Council
Subject: Gilbert- College proposals
This correspondence will become a public record.
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
I want to add my comments to the discussion of the Gilbert/College development, and am sorry I have not
managed to get my thoughts in writing sooner. I was not able to attend the public meeting but watched the
broadcast. I have lived in IC for 40 + years, and share concerns and hopes that many expressed.
This project is an opportunity not just to `make a statement' architecturally but also to have a significant impact
on the shape and character of the community, and to enhance some of the qualities that already make IC such a
great place to live.
1. Sustainability and energy efficiency should be a baseline requirement —the proposals that came forward with
this as primary part of design are the only ones that deserve serious consideration.
2. New Pioneer. I'm a longtime member, and don't pretend to be objective about this: the Gilbert- College
corner is the perfect location for the store to finally expand and be able to be everything it could be for IC —a
sit -down area for coffee and deli, a local gathering space, in a transition zone close enough to be walkable both
for downtown residents or bus patrons, and for eastside and northside neighborhoods, but enough outside the
central zone to allow for reasonable parking and bike access and to be a draw into the downtown area from
other parts of the town and region. Economically, NP makes a strong case as an anchor tenant — financially
sound, significant employer, etc. Community -owned business is an ideal partner for a city -owned property.
3. I like the tall buildings and higher density housing that are going into the central downtown, and I like the
vibrant feel they bring to downtown. But a mid -range height and density, something between the typical two -
three stories of the older neighborhood to the east and the taller projects downtown, make sense for the east side
of Gilbert and will help keep Gilbert St a reasonable arterial street.
4. Workforce housing is important and should be targeted at a broad age range, including families. The
proposals claim varying percentages of `workforce' housing but I'm unclear how the distinction is actually
made in practice. Observing the use of so- called workforce housing units in the northside, it seems it is not
realistic to think that price level or number of bedrooms can determine whether students rent any unit that is
near campus. Until UI bridges a 20 year gap in providing adequate undergraduate housing, if you build it they
will fill it. Adding a movie theatre and bowling alley to what is supposed to be workforce housing make that
claim even less realistic.
5. The energy and vision of the FilmScene element of The Chauncey are exciting, and very much the kind of
cultural focus I want the city to foster; but it's not the right proposal for this property for two reasons. A)
Extending the UI- dominated arts /entertainment aspect of downtown this far east is going to enhance the
problems rather than enhance the benefits that such cultural activity brings to our town. There is major
development projected to happen along and south of Burlington closer to downtown that includes new the UI
arts /music /theatre campus. There will be several opportunities to promote private dev't of film, bowling, etc to
this area in a way that enhances both. Moving entertainment functions into what is now primarily a residential
areas, including the massive undergraduate housing units that already line Gilbert St., risks further making IC
neighborhoods an outsource zone for the UI and its students. At first it seemed like a plus that this proposal
includes some revamping of Chauncey Swan park, but after a closer look, I'm concerned this will result in what
is now a heavily -used, pleasant public space connected to the Farmers Mkt, into a semi - private amenity that
function more as a grand entry to a private building than as apublic green space.
Only a few short years ago the city was nervous about committing a hundred thousand dollars to the Englert
restoration project, doubtful that an entertainment venue in downtown could be financially viable. Bijou
operates with university subsidy, and 5 commercial movie venues in downtown IC have closed in the last 20
years. For the city now to be contemplating millions of dollars in TIFF and other support of a project anchored
by a movie theatre that will be operated by an organization, albeit what seems like a great one, with such a short
track record, is a concern.
6. Of the other proposals being considered: FourZeroFour has strong emphasis on sustainable energy and
community activity, is a site - appropriate 8- stories, and seems like a great first choice. Chauncey Garden also
offers good, sustainable features, but it's too tall and high- density for east of Gilbert. The Ryan project is low -
profile but doesn't make the most of the location, and it seems unlikely the small apartments would actually end
up as workforce housing. The Sherman project doesn't seem to offer anything unique.
I urge Council to choose a project that includes: New Pioneer, which is an asset to downtown and the
entire community, with many years of service and a strong financial position for long -term stability;
energy and environmental features that should be priorities for any city project; and appropriate scale
that transitions between the residential neighborhood to the east and denser, livelier downtown.
Thank you for your consideration and your work on behalf of Iowa City.
Sincerely,
Susan Futrell
311 Fairchild St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
319- 337 -7770
Q
Marian Karr
From: Matthew J. Hayek <mhayek @hhbmlaw.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 9:41 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: College /Gilbert
From: Matt Hayek [mailto:Matt- Hayek @iowa- city.org]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:36 PM
To: Matthew J. Hayek
Subject: FW: College /Gilbert
From: Carol deProsse fmailto:lonetreefox @ mac.com]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:14 PM
To: Michelle Payne; Susan Mims; Jim Throgmorton; Rick Dobyns; Matt Hayek; tom- marcus(a)Jowa- city.org; Jeff Davidson;
John Yapp; Terry Dickens
Subject: College /Gilbert
I think the process is so fraught with controversy -- for many reasons -- that I therefore suggest all current
proposals be rejected, a new set of criteria that are more stringent than the first be set, and new RFPs be issued.
Personally, I would like the criteria to set a building height limit of 5 -8 stories, a preference for bowling alleys,
space for FilmScene, underground parking, green space (community gardens ?), some sustainability standard,
possibly the Bike Library, and whatever the Council deem's most needed for the remainder, whether that be
Class A office space, workforce housing, preferably condominiums, etc. The City's contribution toward this
effort could come in the form of TIF for the privately developed areas that would be on the low end of the profit
scale.
Proposals meeting these criteria would afford the needed expansion of entertainment venues downtown, be
acceptable to the church across the street, as well as the many residents who have legitimate concerns about the
height of a couple or more of the present proposals.
Then I would ask you to please consider encouraging a land swap between the City and New Pi for the
construction of a somewhat bigger store than they have now -- one that would greatly lessen the strong
possibility of financial failure, but would continue to serve New Pi members and non - members in a location
right across the street from where they are located. Perhaps the Bike Library could be assigned to this instead.
Carol deProsse
13
Marian Karr
From: Matt Hartz <m hartz@newpi. coop>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 10:10 AM
To: Council
Cc: h- mamadden @mchsi.com; Tom Markus; Jeff Davidson
Subject: Communication from New Pioneer Co -op RE: College /Gilbert redevelopment
Attachments: NPC to IC Council 12 -17 -12 with data.pdf
Dear Iowa City Council Members:
Please see the attached letter from New Pioneer Co -op Treasurer, Henry Madden, written on behalf of the New Pioneer
Board of Directors. The communication relates to financial aspects of the current proposals under consideration for the
redevelopment of the College /Gilbert Street corner.
Sincerely,
Matt Hartz, General Manager
To: City Council of Iowa City
From: Henry T. Madden
CC: Tom Markus, Jeff Davidson
RE: Redevelopment proposals for the College /Gilbert Street project
Date: December 17, 2012
Dear Council Members:
We have reviewed the agenda for this week's City Council Work Session as well as the publicly available
information in the packet for the Regular Formal Meeting. We believe that there are some very
important unanswered questions still open and more time is needed to evaluate the proposals.
What method of TIF funding is under consideration for the proposed project? For example: does
the method assume the city borrowing or issuing bonds to pay out the full amount of the TIF
subsidy in the first 2 -3 years or do you assume the TIF subsidy to be paid out from annual
revenues? Or, perhaps you assume the subsidy to be paid entirely through the rebate of taxes
over 10 or 20 years?
In all of these cases, it seems logical that any analysis should consider the discounted value of
the money. However, in the public data provided, there is no calculation for the present value
analysis on the TIF investments. We have made an analysis ourselves and the numbers we
calculate are quite different than those presented. The differences are large enough to alter the
relative financial attractiveness of the various proposals. Thus, this refinement could
significantly affect your choice of developer. If this analysis has already been carried out (but the
data have not been made public), can we please get the relevant data discounting the annual
property tax values for the cost of capital?
• Is data available segmenting the amount of TIF subsidy relative to the various use components
in the proposed projects?
if asked, we would be willing to share the details of our analysis, which runs the numbers under three
different assumptions concerning TIF subsidy versus Property Tax Revenue. A short summary is
attached. Our assessments above are based on these data.
New Pioneer has signed a Letter of Intent with four of the five proposals under consideration. We are
not ranking them in order of our own priority and we are certain that a decision will be made in the best
interest of the community as interpreted by the Council. We appreciate that qualitative aspects of the
proposals are as important as the quantitative aspects.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Madden
Treasurer, New Pioneer Co -op
College & Gilbert Development Projects: SubsidV versus Property Tax Revenue
Assumptions
Time period (yrs)
30
cost
Chauncy
Sherman
Annual discount rate
5.0%
4 zero 4
Chauncy
Garden
Ryan Iceberg
Associates
Net Present Value: Annual TIF property
tax revenue
(city, school and county) less city
subsidy cost
14,932,500
4,843,000
8,413,400
Baseline:
480,172
839,375
Chauncy
.1,117,109
Sherman
880,109
Private CBS
4 zero 4
Chauncy
Garden
Ryan Iceberg
Associates
Up front city cost (bonded)
-
6,800,000
16,730,000
14,932,500
4,843,000
8,413,400
Annual TIF property tax revenue
389,000
680,000
1,195,000
905,000
290,000
713,000
Net present value of revenue
5,979,883
10,453,267
18,370,079
13,912,068
4,458,011
10,960,558
Less: City subsidy cost
(6,800,000)
(16,730,000) (14,932
500)
.(4,843,000)
(8,413,400)
Net gain (loss) to city
5,979,883
3,653,267
1,640,079
(1,020,432)
(384,989)
2,547,158
Net gain compared to baseline
(2,326,617)
(4,339,804)
(7,000,315)
(6,364,873)
(3,432,726)
Net Present Value: Annual total property tax revenue (city, school and county) less city subsidy cost
Net Present Value: Annual city property
Baseline
cost
Chauncy
Sherman
Baseline:
Private CBS
4 zero 4
Chauncy
Garden
Ryan Iceberg
Associates
Up front city cost (bonded)
-
6,800,000
16,730,000
14,932,500
4,843,000
8,413,400
Annual total property tax revenue
480,172
839,375
1,475,078
.1,117,109
357,969
880,109
Net present value of revenue
7,381,419
12,903,251
22,675,566
17,172,709
5,502,857
13,529,438
Less: City subsidy cost
-
(6 800 000)
(16,730,000)
(14,932 500)
(4,843, 00)
(8,413,400)
Net gain (loss) to city
7,381,419
.6,103,251
5,945,566
2,240,209
659,857
5,116,038
Net gain compared to baseline
(1,158,503)
(1,278,168)
(1,435,852)
(5,141 209)
.(6,721,562)
(2,265,380)
(4,385,771)
(10,043,166)
(10 651,599)
(5,664,336)
(5,725,392)
Overall tax rate, downtown IC, FY12
3.95%
City tax rate only, FY12
TIF rate assumed by consultant
3.20%
TIF rate assumed by consultant
Ratio:
1.23
Ratio:
Net Present Value: Annual city property
tax revenue less city subsidy
cost
Baseline:
Chauncy
Sherman
Private CB5
4 zero 4
Chauncy
Garden
Ryan Iceberg
Associates
Up front city cost (bonded)
-
.6,800,000
16,730,000
14,932,500
4,843,000
.8,413,400
Annual city property tax revenue
209,938
.366,988
644,927
.488,417
156,509
.384,797
Net present value of revenue
3,227,268
5,641,497
9,914,102
7,508,169
2,405,933
5,915,276
Less: City subsidy cost
(6,800,000)
(16,730,000)
.(14,932,500)
(4,843,000)
(8,413,400)
Net gain (loss) to city
3,227,268
(1,158,503)
.(6,815,898)
(7,424,331)
(2,437,067)
(2,498,124)
Net gain compared to baseline
(4,385,771)
(10,043,166)
(10 651,599)
(5,664,336)
(5,725,392)
City tax rate only, FY12
1,73%
TIF rate assumed by consultant
3,20%
Ratio:
.0 .54
U
Marian Karr
From: Matthew J. Hayek <mhayek @hhbmiaw.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 10:56 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: College and Gilbert Proposals
From: Peter Fisher [mailto:pfisher680)gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 8:00 PM
To: richard- dobyns@uiowa.edu; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; James Throgmorton
Cc: John Yapp
Subject: College and Gilbert Proposals
Dear Council Members:
As someone who has scrutinized TIF use in Johnson County closely over the years, I have been following the
recent discussions regarding the development proposals for the College and Gilbert property. If I were in your
shoes, here are some questions that I would want answers to before proceeding to select a preferred project.
1. How is the TIF subsidy distributed across the kinds of uses in each project? Without knowing this, I would
have a hard time understanding what the city is getting for its TIF subsidy, what it is in one project that justifies
a higher subsidy (or not), and how we might want the developers to reconfigure their projects for the next
round. It is apparent that the office space is the most problematic for the developers and likely requires
substantial subsidy, and a bowling alley is clearly not able to come near to supporting itself in ground floor
downtown commercial space (nor is a nonprofit theater). But it is difficult to tell exactly what the TIF subsidies
are buying, particularly in the case of higher end residential properties and workforce housing components. .
2. Why is there no present value analysis of the revenues from these projects? If the city's cost of borrowing is
taken into account, and the future property taxes are discounted at that rate, how does each project's revenue
stream compare to the city's up -front TIF subsidy, and to the baseline CB5 project that required no subsidy?
Doesn't much or even all of the alleged long term property tax revenue gain disappear when properly
discounted?
3. Two FilmScene theaters were part of the rationale for TIF subsidies for Marc Moen's remake of Vito's. Are
they proposing two more theaters, or are they moving? Do we really want two more before knowing whether
the first have succeeded?
4. Some concern has been expressed regarding the impact of a New Pi relocation on the Bread Garden. New Pi
would be purchasing the space on the ground floor in four of the remaining proposals, apparently at an
unsubsidized price (though this needs to be confirmed). Is it the Council's job to protect the Bread Garden from
unsubsidized competition, but at the same time to encourage subsidized competition for existing downtown
office uses (for example, the building where Rohrback and Associates is currently located, since we would be
subsidizing their move)?
5. What is the impact of subsidizing office and residential uses on existing buildings in downtown, including the
effect on vacancy rates, assessed values (calculated as capitalized rents), and hence property tax revenues?
What is the probability that declining values will offset the value of the new project?
6. Doesn't it make sense to focus limited subsidies on the project that produces the most affordable workforce
housing, and de- emphasizes uses requiring the most subsidy and least public benefit?
Peter Fisher
Marian Karr
From: Kristy Hartsgrove <kristy_hartsgrove @yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 4:35 PM
To: CGProject
Subject: Thanks!
Hi, my name is Kristy Hartsgrove. I'm a long -time Iowa Citian and I really appreciate all the hard work and
consideration you all put into your work on City Council. I have recently sat in on some meetings and I was
really pleased with and proud of how well you all listened to each other and respected even the hippy dippiest
among us. I probably should be counted in that number, actually. One of the things that made me want to move
her back in 1998 was when I went to the New Pi. I was SO impressed that this community could support an
organization like that for so long, it just spoke volumes about the kind of town this is and I knew that I would
love living here (and I have!). I would love to see New Pi become a presence where the old bus depot was... I
think it would knit together a lot of really cool things about that corner... the bike library and the farmer's
market, and hopefully (because this could be AMAZING) if filmscene could build a theatre within the structure.
It would be the kind of place that would make someone like me want to move here and stay here and spend all
her money as locally as possible here because this town is SO special that it can support the coolest things. No
offense meant at all to those who are hoping to build 20 story buildings there, but I think personally that that
section of town has a different quality than downtown and it would be better preserved with a structure that was
more in line with the current buildings that are already on that corner.
Thank you for all your hard work, and for taking the time to consider my note!
Happy holidays,
Kristy Hartsgrove
232 s. summit, Iowa City