HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-22 CorrespondenceMarian Karr 4e(1)
From: Rosanna Seabold <rmseabold @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 9:21 PM
To: Council
Subject: Comment on College and Gilbert selection
As a 20+ year resident of the east side of Iowa City and member of the New Pioneer coop, I am expressing my
deep concern that the city chose to not only let the New Pioneer Coop end the day with no future in our town,
but you also chose not to support sustainability - an issue in the global forefront. Chose not to support any
sense of scale. Chose yet another Moen project. Chose greater debt. The checklist could go on and it seems
almost unthinkable.
Those of us watching together tonight found this decision shocking on multiple levels and I am sure you will
hear much more about this from the community. A council that chooses a bowling alley and art film theatre is
not a council I feel represent me, my neighbors, or many others in this town - especially those of us on the east
side who have already had to see one horrible development after another go up around our ears. Many of us
will be working in the next election to make sure our future council members and mayor are those with the
future of Iowa City in the forefront while balancing the best of what already exists for the local AND global
community.
Rosanna Harris - Seabold
Marian Karr
From: Ezra Warren <ezra.warren24 @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 11:38 PM
To: Council
Dear Iowa City Council Members. I am sending this email in regard to your decision on the development plans
on the corner of college and gilbert. I am extremely upset and confused on why the decision to build a bowling
alley and movie theater... something i haven't heard a single local want or think will be successful downtown.
This isn't the 1990's anymore. No one goes to movies, and bowling is out dated. I feel like your decision was
influenced by the Moens and that is poor business strategy. Moving the new pioneer coop to this location was a
no brainier Because we can not move now, it opens up the opportunity for other retailers such as whole foods
to be able to look at moving to the area and run us out of business Building a new store downtown would have
served finally as a grocery store in the downtown area that is up to date and nicely renovated. I will boy cot
this business and hope it fails. YOU MADE A HORRIBLE CHOICE.
Marian Karr
From: Kristy Hartsgrove <kristy_hartsgrove @yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 9:15 AM
To: Council
Subject: Disappointed in your decision
I can't understand why the City Council seriously considered any proposals that didn't include the priority of
getting the beloved New Pioneer Co- operative store off of the flood plain. I was totally looking forward to
awesome cooperative grocery - farmer's market symbiosis... and I confess, I am not looking forward to another
high rise. We already lost the street full of cool buildings and local businesses on Washington. How about
throwing a bone to the already - heartbroken hippies and building the high rise somewhere else? How about
moving the highrise down on Madison and Capitol? It looks like crap down there, let's renovate that. And then
the little plot of neighborhoodey land can go back to being a local grocery store that is cooperatively owned by
the people of Iowa City and has been for 40 years now.The off -chance that a bowling alley will meet with
success is more important to you than the New Pioneer ? ?? You're supposed to represent the best interests of
IOWA CITIANS. If we lose the co -op to North Liberty, I'm sorry, but, as a town, we suck. Also, for the record,
Moen's gigantic monstro - buildings will only fit in with the Iowa City landscape once his rich, rich, moneyed,
connected, rich group is allowed to completely raze Iowa City as we know it. You unfortunately appear to be
well on your way to letting him do that.
Marian Karr
From: Sara Riggs <mamasarika @g mail. com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 9:03 AM
To: Council
Subject: Chauncey
I am writing you today to express my disappointment and anger with your decision to go ahead with The
Chauncey proposal from Mark Moen instead of the 4 zero 4 (thank you Jim Throgmorton for your support!).
Clearly, the will of the people has not been heard in this. Mark Moen has a lot of money and will definitely give
you plenty for your reelection campaigns and, clearly, that is what won in the end.
The proximity of the New Pioneer Co -op to our Farmer's Market is perfect and apparently this means nothing to
you. Unless the Farmer's Market were to move as well, the Co -op will be moving away from it which breaks
my heart. My habit of going through the Farmer's Market and then picking up the rest of what I need at the Co-
op will come to an end as soon as the Co -op moves. And I am sure that many others will also decide that as
well. The walkability (and in my case bikability) and convenience will be gone.
As for movies and bowling, I have no real opinion on whether that is a good idea or not. I imagine the college
students will be the main audience for this. I will not. I will continue to go to Colonial Lanes for bowling and
Sycamore Mall or The New Strand in West Liberty for movies. More importantly, we do not need more
commercial, unrented space in this city! And another hotel? Seriously? After the new Hampton Inn on
Riverside Drive? We STILL need hotel rooms ? ? ??
Whatever. You didn't listen to my first letter in support of the proposals with New Pioneer moving into that
location. I never even received a reply. Mine and many, many other people in this town who asked that you vote
for New Pioneer's proposal. Many of these people are the people in Iowa City who are very active in local
politics and very vocal. I can safely assert here that I am not sure the amount of money Moen is going to give
you for your reelections will actually HELP you get reelected. Because you have all lost my vote. And many,
many more votes.
- -Sara Riggs
629 Diana Ct.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Marian Karr
From: Carpenter, Kim C <kim- carpenter @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 10:16 AM
To: Council
Subject: moen, bike libraries and co -ops
Hi —I volunteer at the bike library and am a member of New Pi. You should see the line of people waiting for bikes on a
Saturday morning outside the Wilson Building. I say that is a pretty POSITIVE thing.
New Pi employs A LOT of people and is an I.C. institution in case you hadn't noticed. TWO HUGE positives for this
small city.
404 might have let us bike librarians into the new building .............
You think your bowling alley will not have booze? That's hilarious . ...... and even if it didn't, you think the frat boys
are going to show up sober? Your arguments for this building are ludicrous to me.
Madison, WI. closes alternative movie houses regularly.
I actually LIKE the Moen Buildings and contributions to this city but think someone else deserves a chance and
definitely think New Pi should be in this building!
Kim C. Carpenter
Marian Karr
From: Jennifer M. Lein <jlein @facadegroup.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 10:53 AM
To: Council
Subject: The Chauncey
As an architect & former resident of Iowa City, I am appalled at the Council's choice to endorse The Chauncey.
Not only is it grotesquely out of scale with the physical fabric of the neighborhood, it is also at odds with the values that
the Iowa City I remember held dear, namely sustainability, neighborhood cohesion, and a responsibility to champion
those individuals, businesses, and organizations that are uniquely Iowa City (such as New Pioneer Co -Op).
The Chauncey represents a step away from the fierce individuality, broadminded ideals, and plain old grassroots
altruism that makes Iowa City the progressive beacon that it is. Don't drink the Kool Aid. Do the right thing and move
forward with 4 Zero 4.
- Jennifer Lein, AIA
Marian Karr
From: Anne Duggan <annem.duggan @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 2:07 PM
To: Council
Subject: Gilbert-Court corner
I have problems with The Chauncey design in this spot. It dwarfs the surrounding neighborhood. It is out of proportion.
Also, why snub an established, super - successful business like New Pioneer Co -op for untested, unproven businesses that
have proven to be unsustainable in the past? It's not even clear to me that downtown needs more hotel rooms. The
council's decision makes no sense to me. Choosing 4 Zero 4 would have been the real forward- thinking decision. Linking
the Iowa City Bike Library and Coop to a sustainable design was brilliant. In general, I admire what Mark Moen and his
company have done for downtown. I just don't think that Gilbert and Court is the right place for this project.
I bike and I vote.
Anne Duggan
115 Montrose Ave.
Iowa City, IA
Marian Karr
From: Lindsey Buchheit <Iuchheit @fouroaks.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 2:05 PM
To: Council
Subject: The Chauncey
Dear Councilmembers,
As a Cedar Rapids resident who spends a great deal of time in Iowa City for work, leisure and education, I have
to share that I am incredibly disappointed in your selection for development of the city lot at the corner of
College and Gilbert streets. Iowa City is recognized throughout the state and even the country for the vibrancy
of its downtown, its focus on sustainability and support of local business, and its emphasis on making
decisions based on what is actually best for the community and its future. It has the special charisma
associated with university towns, and your development decisions should reflect this.
However, not only is your decision to move forward with The Chauncey financially irresponsible, as you have
chosen the project that will inevitably cost taxpayers the most money and will be most difficult to sustain; but
you chose the one project, out of five, that does not include space for the community treasure New Pioneer
Co -op. As councilmembers you should all be truly elated at the success of this business, as it represents
support of local vendors and growers, a move toward a more sustainable way of life, and they give so much
back to the community through many non - profit organizations. Supporting this growing, locally -owned
business would send a message to other potential business owners that the city supports local merchants and
an increasingly sustainable way of living. Selecting the one project that doesn't give them new space at the
heart of the community is a big slap in the fact not just to New Pioneer, but to your many residents who
support them as well as owners and potential owners of other businesses that are making Iowa City a better
place to live and to visit.
Most deplorable of all is the fact that you brushed them off for movie theaters and a bowling alley. I can't
even begin to imagine how you justified this decision. You claim politics had nothing to do with it, but there is
obviously some information missing here. Students are not hurting for things to do downtown. Iowa City
already has movie theaters, bowling alleys, and good public transportation.
In your future decisions, please remember that Iowa City citizens trust you to act in their best interest and to
invest in what makes Iowa City so unique and appealing. Remember what makes your community special to
the rest of the state, too. Because it's certainly not movie theaters and bowling alleys.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Buchheit
Lindsey Buchheit
Business Development Manager
Four Oaks
Office: 319.784.2020
Cell: 319.929.9858
www.fouroaks.orq
Marian Karr
From: Benjamin Oakes <ben @benjaminoakes.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 12:23 PM
To: Council
Subject: Iowa City Picks 20 -Story Building for Downtown Site
To whom it may concern:
From http: / /www.kcriz.com/news /local/ Iowa -City- Picks -20- Story - Building- for - Downtown -Site-
186117621.html:
The council's second and third choices had New Pioneer Co -op in their buildings, and co -op supporters
lobbied the city to pick a project that included them.
Martha Norbeck of Iowa City accused the council of valuing a bowling alley and nonprofit movie theater over
the co -op, which has said it needs to expand.
"The public is not going to get what they asked for," she said. "I'm ashamed for my city."
I have to say I agree with Jim Throgmorton's choice to dissent. Another hotel, bowling alley, and nonprofit
movie theater is not what downtown Iowa City needs, nor what it can support. I frequent NewPi, for instance,
but I do not see myself (or others) using the bowling alley and movie theater very often.
If this comes to a vote again or if the negotiations fall through, please keep the above comments in mind. I have
previously expressed them in another email to the city council as well.
Thank you for your time,
Benjamin Oakes
Marian Karr
From: Jodie Theobald <ictheobald @mchsi.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 3:49 PM
To: Council
Subject: The decision for downtown......
A big thank you to all the council members who put much time and thought into the Chauncey decision. My husband and I
think it is a great choice and the only option to bring something new to the downtown. As a former adjunct with the
University, I taught Alcohol and Your College Experience. This decision not only provides for community members but
offers non -bar entertainment to the students. We also shop almost exclusively at the Coralville New Pioneer and would
not have shopped at the store in that location, but we would use the bowling alley and the theaters. Again thanks. You
have us excited about Iowa City's future for the first time in a very long time!
Jodie and Mike Theobald
2300 Jessup Circle
Iowa City
This correspondence will become a public record.
Marian Karr
From: Maria Houser Conzemius <mconzemius @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 6:11 PM
To: Council
Subject: So New Pioneer Coop is planning to leave Iowa City now? Thanks a lot.
To All City Councilors But Jim Throgmorton:
I understand that as a result of your decision to favor Marc Moen's bid to build a skyscraper on the corner of
Gilbert St. and College St., a building that will cast a shadow on a beautiful church and look out of place in its
environment, you're depriving New Pioneer Coop in Iowa City of a place to move to out of its flood plain.
I am extremely disappointed, as I'm a frequent New Pi shopper. So are many others. New Pi employs nearly 90
people. It's a socially and economically rewarding place.
I've watched Washington Street deteriorate as a result of developers tearing down old beautiful buildings, like
the one that the Red Avocado and Defunct Books used to be in, and putting up ugly new ones for predatory
landlords.
If New Pi leaves, this will just contribute to the deterioration of the Washington Street neighborhood, downtown
grocery shopping at a healthy store with common and specialty items, and encourage the car culture that
continues to dominate Iowa City and pollute Planet Earth. I loved bicycling to New Pi. I hope New Pi changes
its mind, but your slap in the face hasn't helped. You picked the only developer that WON'T accommodate New
Pi's store. Shame on you.
Congrats to Councilor Throgmorton for having more sense of what downtown Iowa City should be than the rest
of you.
This correspondence will become a public record.
Marian Karr
From: Brian Gollnick <blgollnick @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 12:01 PM
To: Council
Subject: Chauncey building
Dear councilors.
I'm writing to object in the strongest possible terms to the choice of another Moen monster for the Chauncey
park site.
We have two quite similar Moen buildings now and a third going up on the Ped Mall.
Architecture is part of the lived fabric of an urban environment and is about much more than the uses of the
buildings per se.
Diversity is a tremendous social value on all levels of our lives together.
You are allowing a single developer to define our common space in a shameless manner.
Not including the New Pioneer Co -Op is of course another level of diversity which is highly important to us: it
offers a unique and powerful alternative to large -scale grocery stores and national big -box chain stores.
Rest assured I and many others will do all we can to make our objection to this decision known in the ballot box
if the situation is not revisited.
Brian Gollnick
Marian Karr
From: Bouvier, Courtenay T <courtenay- bouvier @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 1:14 PM
To: Council
Subject: The Chauncey
Hello City Council members. I would like to go on record as being vehemently, passionately opposed to the building of
The Chauncey. Iowa City does not need more "upscale" residences, nor does it need a 21 -story building. The reason I
stayed in Iowa City after moving here 12 years ago is the feeling of community; the Chauncey promises to change the
face of our community, both architecturally and personally. I oppose the Moen monopoly downtown, from an aesthetic
perspective as well as a political one, and I'm disgusted, though sadly not surprised, that the Council could have been so
easily bought. I promise you that the majority of University employees will not benefit from the existence of the
Chauncey, and I predict that the building will be abandoned within years.
For what this is all worth. If you truly want to represent the people of Iowa City, this is not how to do so.
Sincerely,
Courtenay Bouvier
Courtenay Bouvier
Academic Advisor
C210 Pomerantz Center
The University of Iowa
(319) 353 -5700
courtenav- bouvierna.uiowa.edu
Advising Appointment Scheduler
Marian Karr
From:
Ketterer, Margaret <margaret - ketterer @uiowa.edu>
Sent:
Friday, January 11, 2013 2:14 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Re: Please explain your choice
On 1/11/13 1:45 PM, "margaret ketterer" <margaret- ketterer@uiowa.edu> wrote:
• Dear Members of the Iowa City Council:
• Please explain clearly to me and to other members of the Iowa City
• community why you have selected the most intrusive and most expensive
• option for the project to be installed at the Gilbert- College St.
• intersection. The fact that this option includes a movie theater is
• not convincing, as it was only a few years ago that we had a perfectly
• good movie theater in the Old Capitol Mall that went out of business
• due to lack of traffic. And bowling lanes -- really? What evidence do you have that anyone will use those?
• I admit that I had hoped for a new venue for the New Pioneer Coop,
• which has made a commitment to maintain a valuable presence downtown
• in Iowa City. I simply cannot understand your selection of yet
• another tower project by Mark Moen. Are you planning to re -name the city in his honor?
> Thank you for your attention,
> Margaret Ketterer
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.
1
Marian Karr
From: Lynn Gallagher <abbipw @southslope.net>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 4:42 PM
To: Council
Subject: re: proposed building at Gilbert and College
Dear council members,
I have been reading about the proposed projects with interest, but did not get involved because I don't live in Iowa City
live in rural Johnson County. Now I regret that I didn't participate sooner. I strongly disagree with your choice!
I agree with the views of Ann Christenson in her letter to the editor that was published in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on
1/10/2013. 1 don't think I could improve on what she said, so I will just send a link to her letter:
hftp://thegazefte.com/2013/01/1 0/h igh- rise - buildings- crowd- i- c- skvline/
Please reconsider your choice, or, at the very least, reduce the number of stories for the building.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lynn Gallagher
4674 Sutliff Rd NE
Solon, la 52333
Marian Karr
From: Jennifer Marsh <jmarshorama @g mail. com>
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 11:12 AM
To: Council
Subject: College Gilbert Development
Dear City Council,
As a member of the Co -op, I am disappointed that you choose the development for College and Gilbert that is the least
environmentally and economically sustainable and which does not reflect the character of Iowa City. In order to have a
vibrant and walkable city center the Council should have a commitment to a downtown grocery store, specifically the
nationally recognized Co -op.
Additionally, your TIF relationship with Mr. Moen is beginning to give the appearance of impropriety.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Marsh
This correspondence will become a public record.
Marian Karr
From: SandrEskin <sand reskin @aol. com >
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 10:01 AM
To: ramji.balakrishnan @gmail.com; Council; opinion @presscitizen.com
Subject: Next move for the New Pioneers Co -op
Well, I'm sorry the New Pi was not included in the Gilbert Street project, but there was an excellent
suggestion voiced a few weeks back, that the New Pi team with the City to exchange land downtown.
The New Pioneer Co -op could fit nicely on the northeast corner (Iowa Avenue and VanBuren Streets)
of the City's parking lot, and that could easily be exchanged for the corner that the grocery store now
sits on. This could be a win -win. The City would be maintaining their parking and the Co -op moving
to higher ground without leaving downtown. I hope the City and the New Pi Board are willing to look
into this. Sincerely, Sandra Eskin
Marian Karr
From: Ramji Balakrishnan <ramji.balakrishnan @ g mail. com>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 10:49 AM
To: 'SandrEskin'; Council; opinion @presscitizen.com
Cc: 'sarah Walz'; h- mamadden @mchsi.com; 'Razbadouski, Janet l-'; Matt Hartz; Tom Markus
Subject: RE: Next move for the New Pioneers Co -op
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for this thought. As noted in the P -C article, New Pi is committed to downtown IC for as long as we are
able. And, we are absolutely willing to listen to any proposal that would allow us to stay in the long -term (this location
cannot be our current site, unfortunately).
The proposal you raise below is intriguing; however, the City has to go through its own internal processes and reach out
to us if they conclude that such a swap is feasible. We can then assess financial and market feasibility.
In the meantime, we are moving forward with our Plan B. We are exploring all options within our trade zone as we have
run out of currently available sites in the downtown IC area. This means that a potential third store may or may not be
in Iowa City.
Thank you again for your support and input.
Ramji Balakrishnan
From: SandrEskin [mailto:sandreskin @aol.com]
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 10:01 AM
To: ramji.balakrishnan @gmail.com; Council @iowa - city.org; opinion @presscitizen.com
Subject: Next move for the New Pioneers Co -op
Well, I'm sorry the New Pi was not included in the Gilbert Street project, but there was an excellent
suggestion voiced a few weeks back, that the New Pi team with the City to exchange land
downtown. The New Pioneer Co -op could fit nicely on the northeast corner (Iowa Avenue and
VanBuren Streets) of the City's parking lot, and that could easily be exchanged for the corner that the
grocery store now sits on. This could be a win -win. The City would be maintaining their parking and
the Co -op moving to higher ground without leaving downtown. I hope the City and the New Pi Board
are willing to look into this. Sincerely, Sandra Eskin
To the City Council
Living many years in a college town south of Iowa, I looked at Iowa City as an Earth -
loving, environment - tending community, as well as an academic haven, an exceptional
city, retaining its character in meeting challenges.
Having now lived here over twenty years, I have observed both affirmations and denials
of those positive assumptions. I have particularly admired the downtown area, in its
easy access, unique businesses, and continuing groundedness in local history. Except
for the stress caused for established local businesses by the advent of Coralville Mall, it
has been a pleasant place to learn, to work and play, to shop and to live.
Recently, this city seems to be more drawn to facilitating increase of tax revenue than to
respecting scale and proportion in its decisions regarding new building, granting
generous TIFs and encouraging the construction of glass and steel towers. Out of
proportion to their surroundings, they block open sky views and sunlight for passive
solar heat and light, dwarfing businesses and human inhabitants. I am appalled at the
recent choice made in City Council chambers to grant a TIF and again ignore both
scale and lack of planning for greener building presented by Chauncey Gardens.
My score card records less active interest in addressing environmental concerns and
cultural support. Add to those, the loss of the Center for Human Rights, which has
generated awareness and response to situations within and beyond the borders of
Johnson County. My estimation of this city's cultural breadth and health declines.
All progress requires change, but not all change is progress.
17 j- e,U'W4d,�
!A
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C�. 1 J 1 -�i J J �• r
Marian Karr
From: Janiece <jepilt @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 7:56 AM
To: Council
Subject: Iowa City bought
Regarding "The Chauncey ":
I am SO disappointed, disgusted, angry that money can buy the City Council, can buy Iowa City.
Tell me one good thing about The Chauncey because I cannot come up with anything.
A 20 story building seems a disaster from start to finish, and where ever will all the cars park
and who cares about a bowling alley ?!
Movie theaters in downtown have failed repeatedly.
All I can think is that Moen gets what he wants cause he has the money, and apparently UI
dominates decisions as well.
And where will New Pi go? Will big chain Whole Foods move in and over - shadow independent
Iowa City New Pioneer?
Do we have any recourse?
Thanks for reading,
Janiece Piltingsrud
Marian Karr
From: Mike Wright <mike.wright.1107 @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 8:15 PM
To: Council
Subject: The Chauncey Decision
Just a quick note here to express my disappointment with Council's decision to go forward with The
Chauncey. From any angle I can think of, this was not an optimal choice. While I don't object to having a tall
building, this one is far too tall for a site right at the edge of downtown. Its design at all in harmony with the
surrounding structures, nor is it unique enough to stand as an iconic structure. It fails to provide "workforce"
housing, despite agreement all around that we need it desperately in/near downtown. At a time when we need
to seriously consider sustainability, its environmental footprint is going to be very large. Too large. The
developer wants, and to make this behemoth happen probably needs, a huge TIF. Where are the pluses? Of the
three finalist proposals, this one brings the least to our community, at the very highest costs.
And for what it's worth, yes, I do think the New Pioneer folks were led down a garden path -- for several years -
- only to be shoved off at the end.
I have consistently been a supporter and defender of Marc Moen's other projects -- I think they've been well
done. Not this time. This is the wrong building at the wrong site. Please reconsider this choice.
Thanks for reading and thanks, as always, for doing what I know is a tough job.
Sincerely,
Mike Wright
225 N. Lucas St.
Marian Karr
From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox @mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 8:05 PM
To: Council
Subject: Blog Stuff
This correspondence will become a public record.
Council,
Not much new, but FYI, especially the bit about New Pi.
Carol deProsse
http : / /twoatthefringe.blogspot.com /2013 /01 /bits - and- pieces.htmi
�vu•
1
Having failed in its plans to build a new store at the corner of College & Gilbert Streets the
board should welcome the renewed opportunity to talk to the city about acquiring land directly
east of the Unitarian Church for a somewhat larger store; such a move would keep New Pi
financially viable, remove any need for TIF assistance, and maintain a location in the
downtown. This would also allow the City to raze the old store and build an
attractive parking lot for City employees. It would be ideal if any building on this
site were in harmony with the other structures on this block: Iowa Avenue and
Van Buren, Washington and Linn Streets.
The board should also undertake a survey of members to gauge support for
the possibility of cooperatively working with the City toward a City built and
maintained structure for the Farmer's Market in the planned Riverfront Crossings District south
of town; this would be a perfect spot for the construction of a larger New Pi, one that would
serve the greater community in a mixed -use setting with plenty of parking and
open space.
Marian Karr
4e(2)
From:
Melvin Kelly <kellyresearchplan @yahoo.com>
Sent:
Monday, January 07, 2013 1:00 PM
To:
ctham.AWP @gmail.com ; citymanager @hollister.ca.gov ; council @cityoffullerton.com ;
cityclerk @dalycity.org ; cthomas @ci.adelanto.ca.us ; cthurmond @brokenarrowok.gov ;
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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 ;
council @suffolkva.us ; Rainbow Coalition; csierra @phenixcityal.us ;
contact @huntsvilleal.gov ; citymgr @johnsoncitytn.org ; croth @kenner.la.us ;
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Subject:
Homelessness in America 2013 by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments:
Homelessness and Employment 2013.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 396 -3044
Email: kellyresearchplangyahoo.com
To: The USA Honorable Congressman John Barrow
Sub: The Elimination of Homelessness in America/ Employment
Date: January 1, 2013
Cc: The President of the US the Hon. Barack Obama / Cabinet Members
The Hon. Gov. of the State of Georgia Nathan Deal
The Hon. US Senator Johnny Isakson
The Hon. US Senator Saxby Chambliss
The Hon. US Congressman Paul Broun
The Hon. Georgia State Senator Hardie Davis
The Hon. Georgia State Senator Jesse Stone
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Barbara Sims
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Quincy Murphy
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Wayne Howard
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Earnest G. Smith
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Gloria Frazier
The Hon. US Mayors / Elected Officials
The Hon. Mayor of Augusta, Ga. Deke Copenhaver / Commissioners
The Hon. Us Clergy
Dear Hon. Congress John Barrow,
After many years of study and research in the areas of employment, housing and
education, I truly believe that my proposed project to help eliminate homelessness in the
United States of America and across the world can have a very large positive impact
towards that goal.
I am also convinced that my proposed homeless project will create employment and
provide employment training if implemented once the final research process is
completed.
As my congressman, I would like to know if you or some other elected official would be
willing to help me complete the research process of my proposed homeless project. Once
the research process is complete a final operating plan / proposal will be established for
implementation of the project.
The following material describes in brief the goals and objectives of my proposed
homeless project.
Four Point Homeless to Homeownership Proiect
Objective:
The first 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
As an active member of the Augusta, Georgia Continuum of Care, I acknowledge the fact
that the Department of Housing and Urban Development through its competitive CoC
selective application process disqualifies housing research application.
This proposed project will not increase government spend, but will demonstrate a
denoted procedure that should encourage the revitalization of government spending
through HUD, and the Department of Veterans Administration towards helping the
homeless in America reducing spending in the long run.
HUD spends Billions of dollars yearly within projects such as:
1. Homeless Assistance Grants
2. National Housing Trust Fund
3. Community Development Block Grants
4. Project -Based Rental Assistance
5. Tenant -Based Rental Assistance
6. Housing for the Disabled
7. Housing for the Elderly
8. Hope 6 Projects
Because of a failing economic economy and natural disasters yearly, many Americans
live in over - crowded homeless shelters, tent cities, along rail road tracks, in the woods
and public parks. Eliminating homelessness is not a project it is a challenge, a challenge
that consist of many projects and I would like for my proposed project to be included
within the challenge of eliminating homelessness.
Looking for better ways to survive during hard times is a God given ability to man, and
that God given ability is only useful and productive when it is used. I have a plan, I have
an ideal to help eliminate homelessness, let's give it a try. I am not a professional
proposal writer but I do have one prepared written to the best of my ability for you to
review, please contact me pertaining to my request for your involvement with the
mentioned research process.
Let's build a better America
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Marian Karr 4e(3)
From: Jones, Douglas W <douglas -w Jones @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 9:41 AM
To: Council
Subject: Budget Matters
Looking over the proposed budget, I have the following comments:
1) The Dubuque street elevation project and new Park Road Bridge are very important. Yes, they are expensive, but the
floods of
1993 and 2008 make it very clear that these are needed. As currently configured, Park Road bridge acts as a dam when
the water is high, and this is very dangerous to communities upstream.
If anyone needs convincing of this, I have photos I took at high water in 2008 that show white -water as the river flows
across Park Road west of the bridge.
2) City Park trail lighting is not something I'd rush to do. I walk my dog every evening and quite frankly, I prefer walking
where I can watch the stars, without street lighting. I find the lighting on the City Park tennis courts disturbingly bright,
even when seen from Normandy Drive. Additional light in that area would be even more annoying.
I live next door to the Ashton house, and future trail development there (which I strongly support) would be directly
visible from my bedroom. I would really object to lighting at night on that trail segment.
3) Elevating the intersection of Normandy and Manor would have been crucial if the buy -outs of the Mosquito Flats
neighborhood had not gone forward. As things stand now, with the population of the neighborhood reduced by the
buy -outs of more than 2/3 of the neighborhood, I believe it is a low priority. That intersection was a serious problem
during evacuation only because people stayed to the last minute working on the sandbag levee that failed. With the
buyouts, the neighborhood no longer has the density to suggest a communal sandbag levee, and the number of houses
to evacuate is small enough that an evacuation traffic jam is unlikely. Therefore, I agree that the elevation of that
intersection should be deferred.
Finally, the house at 841 Normandy. Walking by it every day as I walk my dog, I see that it is for sale. I would urge the
city to scrape together the funds to buy it, but I suggest that the city drive a hard bargain.
Douglas W. Jones
816 Park Rd. (the corner of Park and Normandy)
Marian Karr 4e(4)
From: cliff pirnat <cpirnat @mchsi.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 12:36 PM
To: Sue Dulek; Council
Subject: 841 normandy
read where the person who owns 841 Normandy wants the city to buy them out.
its a crime, the city let the house become an apartment and on the tax rolls it is listed as a
single family home. Plus it was remodeled with out proper inspection.
There are a lot of needed people down here that need a buy out. The person next door at
845 is rich enough to buy it and tear the place down.
lets spend city money where and to whom is in need.
cliff pirnat
Marian Karr 4e(5)
From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 5:03 PM
To: Council
Subject: chicken regulations
After 20 years I am no longer neighborhood president, but I still am concerned about the possible rules being
set for chickens inside city limits. Iowa City has many special needs, immune impaired individuals due to the
location of the three hospitals. There is a growing number of children with asthma too. The CDC website says
99% of Histoplasmosis cases are in the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. Bats and chickens are the main carriers
here. Regulations need to include who and how to cleanup when coops are in use, removed, or closed by
animal control. Special rules should be made for how to dispose of the feces. Adding to the landowner soil
should not be allowed. The spores in the soil will continue and blowing disturbed dust will infect weakened
neighbors. There sould be a duty to tell potential buyers or renters of the land if it has not been cleaned
properly.
Here is what was said on a chickens in my backyard website:
" I'm concerned about people moving onto property that has high concentrations of histoplasmosis growing in a
patch of soil in the backyard that used to be a chicken run, and not knowing about it. Most people get it and
don't have symptoms, but I'm concerned about people whose immune systems are compromised. For example: a
family keeps six hens in a backyard coop with a run. They're responsible and keep the coop clean, but
histoplasmosis grows in the soil under the run. After a while they stop keeping chickens, take down the run,
convert it to a garden and convert the coop to a garden shed. Never having been told what histoplasmosis is,
they innocently sell the house to someone who is taking corticosteroids for COPD. The buyer is never told that
chickens used to be kept in the backyard because the subject never comes up. The buyer with COPD likes to sit
out in the backyard while their spouse works in the garden with a rototiller. Because the person on steroids is
vulnerable, they get a nasty infection and are hit with expensive medical bills because of the fungus in their
backyard. If the buyer had known about birds having been kept in the back yard, they could have made an
informed decision about whether to buy the property or whether to spend time in the backyard. I know this
happens rarely, if ever now, but it doesn't seem like a far - fetched concern if chicken - keeping becomes more
common where I live. And people on steroids are only one type of person vulnerable to the fungus.
I really have been trying not to exaggerate the danger, because like I said before, I really want to have chickens.
I bore all my friends talking about them. Even my boss teased me the other day about wanting chickens so
badly. The long quote that starts this thread was from the Electronic Data Information System of the Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. I quoted it because I thought the University of
Florida wouldn't exaggerate the danger. "
Sincerely,
Judith Pfohl
2229 Abbey Lane
Iowa City, IA 52246
Marian Karr
4e(6)
From:
Melvin Kelly < kellyresearchplan @yahoo. com>
Sent:
Monday, January 14, 2013 2:58 PM
To:
citymanager @hollister.ca.gov ; council @cityoffullerton.com ; cityclerk @dalycity.org ;
citycommission @salina.org ; cmomail @springfield- or.gov ;
christopherc @cityofwestsacramento.org ; citycouncil @cityoflamirada.org ;
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; contact @huntsvilleal.gov ; citymgr @johnsoncitytn.org ;
cheribarry@meridianms.org ; councilclk @tompsc.com; cityhall @melbourneflorida.org ;
cityhall @westonfl.org ; citycouncil @cityofrichfield.org ; Council; council @altoonapa.gov ;
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 ;cgriffith@biloxi.ms.us ;
council @shreveportla.gov ;citymanager@cox-internet.com ;chmorrell@nola.gov ;
CityClerk @quincyil.gov ;chris.mulvaney@chicagowilderness.org ;
ckohler @cantoncityhall.org ;cityhall@valdostacity.com ; contact @gov.state. la. us;
council @ci.pearland.tx.us ;chip.beckett @glastonbury- ct.gov ; chris.lee @mai1.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; celestel @pacbell.net; center @weingart.org; cdm @wwisp.com;
congressionalblackcaucus @mail.house.gov; christen.moore @mail.house.gov;
congressmansanfordbishop @gmail.com
Subject:
Employment Bill (10 Million Positions) by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments:
Employment Creation.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 396 -3044
Email: kellyresearchplankyahoo.com
To: The USA Honorable Congressman John Barrow
Sub: Employment Creation (10,000,000 Positions of Employment)
Date: January 15, 2013
Cc: The President of the US the Hon. Barack Obama / Cabinet Members
The Hon. Gov. of the State of Georgia Nathan Deal
The Hon. US Senator Johnny Isakson
The Hon. US Senator Saxby Chambliss
The Hon. US Congressman Paul Broun
The Hon. Georgia State Senator Hardie Davis
The Hon. Georgia State Senator Jesse Stone
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Barbara Sims
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Quincy Murphy
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Wayne Howard
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Earnest G. Smith
The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Gloria Frazier
The Hon. US Mayors / Elected Officials
The Hon. Mayor of Augusta, Ga. Deke Copenhaver / Commissioners
The Hon. Us Clergy
Dear Hon. Congress John Barrow,
I believe creating positions of employment for unemployed Americans that need
employment to earn a living should be at the top of the list pertaining to goals to
accomplish, for American Elected Officials in the beginning of the year 2013.
Waiting for the American economy to grow and establish employment opportunities for
the less fortunate Americans, unfortunately have entangled close to 14 million Americans
for years on an employment waiting list that is completely stagnated.
I would like to help you and other elected officials keep your promise to the American
people made during election time towards creating employment for them.
Creating employment in America to support the less fortunate and regulating our society
utilizing the taxpayer's dollars is a major concern for all Americans. Americans care
about one another during the time of peace or war. Despite all efforts to reduce our 16
trillion dollar national deficit, it is in the heart of every American citizen to see his or her
fellow American Citizen obtain the money they need to survive for themselves and their
family members yearly.
My proposed recommendation is that you create and introduce a 208 Billion Dollar
Emergency Employment Bill that will create 10 million low paying positions of
employment and (OJT), or an 104 Billion Dollar Emergency Employment Bill that will
create 5 million low paying positions of employment and (OJT) minus operating
expenses.
I believe my proposed project can put people to work without hindering the reduction of
the federal deficit. Cutting unnecessary government spend is one good way to reduce the
deficit, but creating employment through my proposed project entails shifting
government spending through an intensive research spending process.
Over 50% of our American cities and almost every state in America claim to have a
budget deficit, but yet at the same time money is always granted to various cities from the
Department of Transportation, Environment Protection, Department of Education or any
other governmental department, State or Federal to build something (Court Houses, River
Walks, Parks etc...) that just doesn't put money in the pockets of poor people.
What will happen to the 2.1 million Americans receiving additional unemployment
extensions benefits when their benefit run out, where will the immigrants President
Barack Obama is proposing to allow enter the country to support their legal United States
spouses and Anchor Baby's find employment while 14 million unemployed Americans
living in America can't find employment.
There is a big difference between county welfare and workfare, corporate welfare and
finically supporting foreign affairs. My main objective within my proposed bill is for the
American Government to show that America cares about one another regardless of their
race creed or national origin, by implementing a plan of action to create employment for
the unemployed American citizens.
When a man or woman comes home from prison not only do they need a place to live
they need employment, when a man or woman comes home from a drug rehab they need
employment, homeless people need employment. Every willing and able body that is
mentally stable and capable of working in America needs employment.
I truly encourage you to consider my proposed bill, and share the recommendation with
your colleagues' regardless of them being Democrat or Republican.
Contact me for more detail information.
Let's build a better America,
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly