HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-23 CorrespondenceIOWA COALITION AGAINST THE SHADOW
April 22, 2013
Iowa City Hall
Clerk of Court
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240.
Re: REZ13- 00009: Denial of Application for a rezoning from Public (P -1) zone to
Central Business Support (CB -5) zone for approximately 0.38 -
acres of property located at the northeast corner of Gilbert and College Streets.
Applicants: Jon Fogarty, Mark McCallum, and Rockne Cole
Dear Clerk:
On April 18, 2013, the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended (5-
2) denial of our application to rezone from P -1 to CB -5. We appeal that denial to
the Iowa City Council. Please set this matter in for hearing in front of the Iowa City
Council for public hearing on our application for to rezone this parcel from P -1 to CB-
5. Thank you.
ly,
T ole
Sc\ sj
Rockne Cole
Marian Karr 5f(1)
From: Mommato6 @aol.com
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 1:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: Status of 1st Ave. railroad crossing
This correspondence will become a public record.
As my subject line states - - - --
This has been a concern of mine for many years. The Council has published drawings of the intended design a
few times; but it seems there have always been more pressing issues to be addressed. In my opinion, this
crossing with the railroad is an "accident waiting to happen" perhaps even a fatality. After reading in the paper
this morning (April 4th) of the intended assistance of more than 13million dollars for the Chauncy Square
building, I decided my voice should be heard.
Why should we as taxpayers help an 'already millionaire' finance his pipe - dream? He should be paying for this
himself if this is what he wants to do with this parcel of land. I'm sure you can find many more appropriate
places to spend our money.
I would like to see an article and artist's rendition in the paper once again for the railroad crossing on First
Avenue along with the projected cost to the taxpayers. Having been on the "back burner" for many years
already, I am sure the cost has spiraled many times over.
Thank you for listening.
Irene Klinzman
275 Paddock Cr.
Iowa City, Iowa
5f(2)
To the Iowa City Council Members,
My name is Jackson Koellner and I am a supporter of The University of Iowa Habitat for
Humanity Campus Chapter. I am writing in regards to the Iowa City Steps Program. Introduced
in 2011, this program was set in place to provide adequate housing for lower income families in
the Iowa City area. Specifically, one goal of the University chapter is to push for inclusionary
zoning, thus reserving a percentage of homes already dedicated to this program to minority
families. I ask the council to consider adding this important initiative to the program. By doing
this you would not only bring news families to our area, but also promote diversity in the
community. Furthermore, this will ensure that students obtain a proper and well - rounded
education in a good schooling system. Iowa City is a great place to get a new start and has been
ranked nationally as a top place to live in addition to having been honored for having some of the
best public schools in the nation. I believe it is in the city's best interests to open a new door for
these families and give them a home to be proud of. By fulfilling this request the already great
community of Iowa City will only become a better one.
Sincerely,
P
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Jackson Koellner
FILED
APR - g 2013
City Clerk
Iowa City, Iowa
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FILED
APR - 8 2013
City Clerk
Iowa City, Iowa.
Dear Iowa City Council members,
My name is Brett Polan. I am a student at the University of Iowa. I was
recently informed about Iowa City Steps Program. I am in full support of bringing
housing to lower class families. People with homes don't know how fortunate they
are to have a good roof over their heads. Giving people in need a chance to a good
home will have a big impact on their lives. Even though a new home is not going to
guarantee a rise out of poverty, it can still give them a foundation to build a better
life for themselves. I think the best way to go about this is using this as a "hand -up"
versus a "hand- out ". Instead of just giving out the home, there could be some sort of
installment plan set up. Such options could be as simple as small payments for their
home that won't stress the family financially. Or have one or two members of the
household find jobs or prove that they are trying to find a job. I think a plan like that
will gain even more popularity since it won't seem like a "give away ". When more
people can have access to improve their lives, communities can become stronger
and better places to live.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
FILEL
APR - g 2013
City Clerk
Iowa City, Iowa
Dear Jackson Koellner, Scott Boulter and Brett Polan:
Thank you for contacting us about Iowa City's CITY STEPS document. CITY STEPS is the
City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for Low - Income Residents. This plan
identifies the City's priorities for the federal dollars the City receives through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The Housing and
Community Development Commission (HCDC) and the City Council annually review funding
priorities under the CITY STEPS plan in September and October.
The City has a long history of financially supporting Habitat for Humanity with CDBG and HOME
funds. We will pass on your comments to HCDC in September when we begin reviewing
funding priorities in CITY STEPS. Many of your comments are in favor of inclusionary zoning.
The 2008 Affordable Housing Study that is referenced in CITY STEPS does support
inclusionary zoning; however, it would take legislative action on the part of the City Council to
adopt such an ordinance. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 319.356.5244
or at tracy- hightshoe @iowa - city.org.
Sincerely, I
Tracy Hights! toe
Community Development Planner
Cc: Marian Karr
=t6Z ®4
'IR
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
April 8, 2013
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
University of Iowa
Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter
260 IMU, SOOS II
125 N. Madison St.
Iowa City, IA 52242
Dear Jackson Koellner, Scott Boulter and Brett Polan:
Thank you for contacting us about Iowa City's CITY STEPS document. CITY STEPS is the
City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for Low - Income Residents. This plan
identifies the City's priorities for the federal dollars the City receives through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The Housing and
Community Development Commission (HCDC) and the City Council annually review funding
priorities under the CITY STEPS plan in September and October.
The City has a long history of financially supporting Habitat for Humanity with CDBG and HOME
funds. We will pass on your comments to HCDC in September when we begin reviewing
funding priorities in CITY STEPS. Many of your comments are in favor of inclusionary zoning.
The 2008 Affordable Housing Study that is referenced in CITY STEPS does support
inclusionary zoning; however, it would take legislative action on the part of the City Council to
adopt such an ordinance. Should you have any questions, please contact me at 319.356.5244
or at tracy- hightshoe @iowa - city.org.
Sincerely, I
Tracy Hights! toe
Community Development Planner
Cc: Marian Karr
April 12, 2013
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Janelle Rettig, Chairperson Terrence Neuzil
John Etheredge Rod Sullivan
Pat Harney
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
P-x%4 '
Dear Mayor
yek and members of the Iowa City Council:
mmnTrTr-
5f(3)
On behalf of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express our appreciation
to the City of Iowa City and, in particular, the Iowa City Fire Department, for your response to
the fire at our Secondary Roads facility on March 26, 2013. We know that your personnel were
on the scene within minutes of the call and remained on scene throughout the night. We
appreciate the professionalism and diligent service of your department. Multiple other
jurisdictions provided mutual aid. We are grateful that area departments work together so well
during times of crisis.
The County continues to assess the damage so that we are able to make decisions on how best to
move forward in light of the loss of multiple vehicles and substantial facility damage. While we
will have to invest substantial financial resources to address the damage, we are primarily
grateful that no one was injured in this incident.
Thank you again for the assistance provided to Johnson County during this fire.
Sincerely,
Janelle Rettig
Chairperson
cc: Iowa City Fire Chief, Andy Rocca
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET, SUITE 201 ♦ IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 -4207 ♦ PHONE: (319) 356 -6000 ♦ FAX: (319) 356 -6036
Marian Karr 5f(4)
From: Nancy Beyer <naneb93 @hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 11:28 PM
To: Council; Mike Moran
Subject: Park View Terrace
To Whom It May Concern:
I will attempt to be brief. I am repeating those concerns mentioned at the informal meeting last Wednesday,
4/3/13.
I am completely baffled and disappointed to read of a possible road to be built through City Park into Park
View Terrace. My concerns are as follows:
First and foremost, City Park is a PARK. Though it may temporarily serve as a detour, I fail to understand the
reason to increase the speed of traffic through the park, if indeed, this is one of the justifications for the
road. As mentioned in the meeting, young children learn to ride bikes through the park, parents walk their
toddlers, elderly citizens enjoy a peaceful stroll, not to mention innumerable pet owners and fund - raising
groups that sponsor trips through the park. All of these individuals would be placed at greater risk of accident
or injury with a road permanently traversing the length of the park, potentially with vehicles traveling at
higher speeds.
The PARK celebrated its 100th birthday! This was made possible by protecting the land, not devoting
progressively more land to pavement. Last year, discussion focused on expanding the "park" into Park View
Terrace by constructing playground equipment or structures. Are we now suggesting that we lure families
into this area boasting of more environmental education and recreation only to subject them to further risk of
injury given increased traffic through the area? And how would such a road be maintained? Currently, the
roads of our neighborhood are among the last to be plowed. This new proposition would only produce more
road, requiring more maintenance, costing more dollars, at at a most unfortunate time, considering the many
projects in competition for funding.
In case people haven't been in City Park in the spring, much of it is under water. This was the year of a
drought, and still, large areas of the park were under water. In more typical years, the water levels will
expand even further into the park. Such conditions do not favor development of a road, which actually leads
to further flooding and erosion. The river banks are already eroding, and the river is already approaching the
relatively newly paved walkway in City Park. AGAIN, this is the time to consider optimal use of the land to
PREVENT further flooding through proper land management. I dread to think of young or inexperienced
drivers erroneously estimating water depth as they excitedly accelerate to drive through standing water.
As another reminder, some of this land has been designated the "Iowa River Corridor ". I understood that such
a designation indicated it was particularly friendly to bike - riders and pedestrians. Our community has been
sadly remiss in its attention to these populations. While some Iowa communities enjoy the designation of
"bicycle communities" and the associated revenue produced, Iowa City is still often considered indifferent at
best, if not hostile to these vulnerable groups.
This development thankfully avoided casualties during the floods of 1993 and 2006. The proposition currently
under consideration jeopardizes our good fortune. Furthermore, it presents a stark contrast to the
i
progressive conceptualization that was posited last year in an effort to rehabilitate the area, not to mention its
loyal community.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Nancy Beyer
04 -23 -13
Marian Karr 5f(5)
From:
Kurt Kimmerling <kurtkimmerling @msn.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 12:44 PM
To:
Council
Cc:
Tom Markus
Subject:
Idyllwild Storm -Water Flood Mitigation
We are writing to reaffirm our need for flood mitigation from storm -water that flows through Idyllwild's
property on its way to the Iowa River. This issue was addressed by the Council after its vote to reject the other
Idyllwild flood mitigation in November 2012.
The photographs demonstrate the problem. During rain events, the storm water basin at the northeast corner
of our property overflows and endangers homes. The basin collects storm -water from Foster Road west of
Idyllwild and the stream that runs southeast from the Peninsula neighborhood. The basin then drains into
Idyllwild's ponds and then finally to the river. It should be noted the basin is located on the City easement at
the corner of No Name Road and Foster Roads.
Storm -water basin overflowing— Foster Road in background
Basin collects water from Foster Road storm - sewers and a stream flowing southwest out of the Peninsula
Neighborhood
Another Photograph — Stream runs under Foster Road in background
The basin is approximately five -feet deep and twenty -feet in diameter
Storm -water flowing through Idyllwild Street
As requested in our December 5, 2012 letter to City Council we ask that you:
1. 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.
2. 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.
We had hoped the City would have made some progress on the Council's commitment to researching
mitigation of runoff north and west of Idyllwild. To -date, nothing has been communicated to Idyllwild on the
effort.
Future development of these areas will only exacerbate the problem. Unless significant efforts are made by
the City to mitigate storm -water flooding, Idyllwild's only recourse will be to stop further development in
these areas through the Planning and Zoning Board or some sort of legal action to stop construction of
building, roads and other hard -scape that only increases storm -water generation.
Sincerely,
Idyllwild Condominiums Owners' Association
Sally Cline
Board President
33 Trevose Place
Iowa City
This correspondence will become a public record.
Marian Karr
From: Amy Charles <amycharles1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:20 AM
To: Council
Subject: trash can ordinance
Hi, all.
scC6�
I understand the desire to keep things looking reasonable; I can tell you, though, that what's proposed just
doesn't work at my house without a dose of City funding. I don't have a paved area at the side of my house; for
three seasons I can put the can next to a large shrub at the side of my house, where it'll look more noticeable and
ugly than where it is now (and where it'll fall over in the wind), but once it snows I can't put it there, nor do I
have paving leading back to my backyard fence. I don't happen to have a 3 -car garage and don't have room for a
City wheelie in what I've got. I'm a below- median- income single mom, and I think if you wanted my bin
screened off, you'd have to grant me funding to remove shrubbery and build some sort of fenced area, or to put
a little gate or something in the stairs leading to my front door, so I could store the bin underneath.
Why don't you just make an ordinance saying you have to remove the bin from the curb and can't have garbage
visible from the street at any time? Who's generating that much garbage, anyway? We almost never fill the
wheelie bin, but then we also recycle and compost. Maybe you should focus on ensuring that people do those
things.
Thanks,
Amy Charles
1346 Shannon Dr
Marian Karr ')
From: Cathy and Joel Wilcox <wilcoxfam4 @lycos.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 7:35 PM
To: Council
Subject: Vote No for where trash containers can be placed
Dear Iowa City Council Members:
I am contacting you to vote no for any of the recommendation about where residents can place their trash containers..
After hearing about this proposed ordinance, I have been paying close attention to where the trash bins are placed
when I drive around town.There are some residential areas where the bins are visible from the street, but stored close
to the side of the homes. It seems obvious that the location is there for ease for the homeowner to dispose of their trash
as well as move the bin to the curb for pick up. It is not unsightly at all.
I can understand why the Northside Neighborhood is requesting the ordinance because of the large proportion of rental
units that are in that neighborhood. However, I don't think that the request from one neighborhood should dictate an
ordinance that would have city wide effect.
What is the main issue, is it that the bins our visible from the street, or is it the overflow trash in the front yard? Rather
than create a city wide ordinance, neighborhood associations should find other means to get the word out to those in
their own neighborhoods that are creating the problem.
I have driven past homes where residents have front yards that may appear unsightly, but not because of trash bins or
trash. The front yards are strewn with one or more of the following: children's toys, lawn and garden equipment, lawn
and garden furniture, outdoor grills, as well as lawn and garden ornaments. Some of the items are not in the best shape.
I suppose some could consider this "trashy ". If there is an ordinance that dictates where trash containers can be placed,
then this encourages others who will want to have the city dictating what is acceptable for homeowner's front yards.
Please vote to do nothing.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Cathy Wilcox,
119 Taft Speedway St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
Dear Council,
I appreciate your efforts to clean up the appearance of neighborhoods in Iowa
City. The Wetherby neighborhood was one of the first to receive the new style trashcans
back in 2002. The first thing I noticed was that there were many more cans being left in
front of the rental units than before. I complained to housing inspection and Council but
was told repeatedly that it was too hard to enforce.
I place mine in the garage and require my tenants to do the same. We have no
problem doing this. I have it as an item on my House Rules sheet that the tenants must
sign off on when they sign their lease. Almost every unit in our neighborhood has a
garage and they are all the same size.
My recommendation about this ordinance is try to consider some language to
place the containers out of view, such as in a garage, as a first resort and behind the front
building line as the next most desirable. Next, don't make an ordinance that you can't or
won't enforce. That would be useless. It's funny in this town that the only way most
things get enforced is because someone, or a lot of someone's, have complained. If you
are serious about this change then enforce it. I know it will certainly change the look of
my neighborhood and would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jerry Hansen
sll-�� (� �
These are the streets that I walk or drive down on a daily basis. I'm joined by thousands
of other cars on Market and Jefferson. Never did I think I would be asking the city
council to discuss trash receptacles, but their presence in the Iowa City I experience has
brought me to that point. All the pictures I have included are rental properties. Their
owners and tenants speak of their rights but are silent about their responsibilities to the
neighborhood.
The older residents in our neighborhood don't store their garbage cans in front of their
house, even though for them as they lose their mobility it might be easier. They don't
because they take pride in their property and neighborhood. The sanitation department
works with people who have mobility problems.
Since the first article about garbage cans appeared a landlord moved his garbage cans
from the front of his two duplexes on Market I didn't take pictures of all the garbage
cans stored on the side of the house. I included two pictures of garbage cans on the side
where the landlord attempted to screen them. They are the stared pictures.
I don't want to be a garbage can Nazi, I just want a neighborhood that looks like the
people who live in it care about it..
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Marian Karr
From: Tom Markus
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 11:16 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Garbage can placement
You may want to share with council in your last send out.
From: Doug Boothroy
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 11:04 AM
To: Geoff Fruin
Cc: Tom Markus
Subject: FW: Garbage can placement
fyi
From: Gayle Bray [mailto:gaylebbray @gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 10:52 AM
To: Doug Boothroy
Subject: Garbage can placement
Dear Mr. Boothroy:
I strongly support your proposal to address through city ordinance the issue of where waste
receptacles can be stored when not at the curb for pickup. In the last few years, my street, Jema Ct, has been
plagued by the same problem described as occurring in the Northside neighborhood.
Jema Ct is a high- density neighborhood with a mixture of rental and owner - occupied properties. Not
long ago, a few residents began storing their receptacles in front of their garages instead of taking them
inside. Seeing others do this has led to an epidemic of garbage receptacles sitting out all week - -the "new
normal."
I did speak to one young homeowner with a constantly exposed garbage receptacle who said he had
no idea what city regulations were regarding garbage cans. He assumed that whatever the neighbors were
doing must be OK; that is clearly what so many residents assume.
The city's current approach to dealing with a similar issue -- garbage cans sitting at the curb for days at
a time - -has been very effective on Jema Ct. A sticker is placed on the can reminding residents of the ordinance
requiring them to remove their garbage cans in a timely way. Some of us Jema Ct residents have occasionally
asked the city to tag too - long -at- the -curb cans, and it always solves the problem. Gentle verbal reminders to
our neighbors have also sometimes been used, but they are so much more effective when we can cite a city
ordinance that requires the behavior we are requesting.
Now, please give us a similar mechanism for getting residents to store their garbage cans out of sight.
An ordinance that requires this would not be punitive if fines didn't kick in until violations were repeated.
Your willingness to tackle this problem is appreciated. Please let the City Council know that the
problem is more widespread than the Press - Citizen article suggests.
Gayle Bray
April 22, 2013
City Council (all members)
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
J' j
RE: A brief tour of residential solid waste container storage habits
Dear Council members:
What sort of image does Iowa City want to project to first -time visitors, prospective
students, job candidates hoping to relocate here, and returning alumni? What view should
greet them as they enter town on Dubuque or Dodge Streets?
Should it be something like this? (These three photos were taken on the 400 block of
Dubuque Street between Fairchild and Davenport Streets.)
Not only do you have the cumulative impact of multiple properties within one block
displaying poor waste container storage habits, there is also the impact of having multiple
waste containers at each residence. This house is located nearby, on the corner of Fairchild
at Dubuque.
North Gilbert Street - one block from Riverside Theater and the businesses of Northside
Marketplace.
North Gilbert Street
Overflowing containers on North Linn Street, one block north of Northside Marketplace.
Contrary to what you may hear from some residents, this proposed ordinance change is not
a case of government overreach. Some type of language change is needed so residents in
neighborhoods suffering from a multitude of waste containers permanently stored in plain
view of the public right -away can remedy the situation. While it would not be
unreasonable in many neighborhoods to speak directly to the errant neighbor, in our
central neighborhoods, the sheer number of households made up of numerous unrelated
persons makes that impracticable. Add to that the fact that most of these households turn
over with new tenants each year makes personal notification an impossible task.
Sincerely,
Sarah Clark
509 Brown Street
Iowa City, IA
S�S: � -1
Marian Karr
From: JJWHITE <jjwhite499 @yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 6:06 PM
To: Council
Subject: Fw: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road
ATTENTION: Iowa City Council. FYI
- -- On Fri, 11130/12, JJWHITE <iiwhite499CaD_yahoo.com> wrote
From: JJWHITE <00white4990_yahoo.com>
Subject: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road
To: "Rick Fosse" <Rick- FosseCcD_iowa- city.orq>
Date: Friday, November 30, 2012, 11:32 AM
Rick,
Regarding the proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road: I would first like to see the City engineers
and consultants take a hard look at increasing the size of existing culverts /tubes /pipes that cross under Foster Road near
the No Name Road intersection.
Also, IF it is determined that the outlet pipe /tunnel from the two Idyllwild holding ponds to the Iowa River (through the
former Miller property) is too small then increase the size of the outlet pipe /tunnel as well.
My concern is that with all the levees being built up stream and all the pumping stations being built up stream, the Iowa
River will experience a tremendous increase in water volume and flow in the future.
I would prefer the City not increase this flow West of the Taft Speedway homes. Therefore, improving the current
method /procedure of dealing with "run off' north of Foster Road seems preferable.
The City Manager, Tuesday evening, seemed to imply that raising Foster Road was the next option so I assume what I
suggest could be done at the same time.
I still do not see a need for a Taft Speedway and Dubuque Street intersection. This would be a major cost saving
measure for the Gateway Project. An abandoned Taft Speedway Street south of Parkview Church would greatly inhance
the appearance and aesthetics of the Church, the wooded area south of the church, the Iowa Boat House etc., etc. I
know we could play the "what if there was an accident game" at Dubuque and Foster Road, Dubuque and Ridge Road,
Dubuque and Kimball Road, Dubuque and Brown Street, Dubuque and Ronald's Street, Dubuque and Church Street, the
1 -80 Dubuque Street exit,
1 -80 Dodge Street exit, etc., etc. For all we know there could be "an accident" in front of the central firehouse doors....
Laura Drive and the Ed Cole property present a second and a third access to the west end of the peninsula. It is my
understanding that access to the Ed Cole project will be north of the Dubuque Street/Foster Road intersection. I am sure
the Mid - America service area under their power lines that parallel 1 -80 could be used in case of an emergency as well.
In summary, I think my above suggestions would represent tremendous cost saving measures to the City,
James J. White
121 Taft Speedway St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319- 321 -1643
ss Oj
Marian Karr
From: Katie Roche < rochekat@g mail. com>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2013 4:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: The Creekside Neighborhood - ongoing flooding issue
Dear City Council,
As you know the Creekside Neighborhood flooded badly on April 17, 2013. After the flood of May 3, 2012 we
thought this was just a one time event. Though we've seen Creekside Park flood many times, it has never
threatened our home, but again last week (like the event in May) 6th Ave and F St. were rivers. Creekside Park
had white water rapids running over it's bridge and a neighbors house was surrounded by water and they had to
evacuate with their two little girls, again. This time when the creek broke its banks and the water table rose, our
sump pump was overwhelmed and it overflowed. I stood there helplessly as my makeshift damns were breached
and the water flowed into the finished part of basement. Since last Wednesday, we have had to remove
everything from that level of our house to deal with the damage. We will have to remove basement floors,
possibly even walls and can not use this entire floor of our house. This floor was the play room for our two
children, our home office, and our media room. We essentially lost half of our house to this flood event.
We've owned our home at 1733 F Street since 2005 and since have grown out of our home. We need to move
into a house that is a better fit for our growing family, but we feel trapped by the growing bad reputation of our
neighborhood as a swamp. Who wants to buy a house in a neighborhood that floods? Who wants those kind
of worries when buying or owning a home? A few of neighbors were lied to by realtors about the how badly
and often Ralston Creek floods, so they may have some recourse, but what about us? We are "outside" the flood
plain and our house had never taken water, until recently. At this point, we are ready to take a loss and find
someone who is willing to buy our house, a house that sits in a neighborhood that floods severely, that the City
of Iowa City presently has no plans to fix. I worked in real estate for years and that is the toughest sales pitch
I've ever had to navigate. Do you know anyone who wants to invest in a property, in a neighborhood that
floods?
No one expected Ralston Creek to be a problem after it was fixed about 30 years ago. Many of our neighbors
have lived on F street for 40 years have said they've never seen anything like what has happened
recently. Decades have passed since the Ralston Creek flood issue has been looked at or adjusted in a big way
and I think most people agree that weather patterns are changing and storms are becoming more extreme. I
don't know if the Creekside Neighborhood, at least those of us close to the creek, will survive these floods
without your help. Some could lose everything and some, like us, are just stuck due to inaction in a house that
is slowly losing value and draining our resources.
Like many of our neighbors we are not wealthy people. While we do not officially qualify as low income, we
barely scrape it together each month. We are hard working people- I work in the arts and my husband works
advocating for disabled people- but we don't make a lot of money. We live really simply and we have zero
savings to address what is becoming an ongoing flood issue.
Please, take the time to look at this issue and work with City staff to mitigate or fix this problem. Please
encourage City staff to do more than encourage us to buy flood insurance. Flood insurance is not peace of mind.
The only thing that will give us peace of mind is knowing that our tax dollars are being used to fix this problem.
Thank you for your time. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide you with.
Sincerely,
Katie Roche
1733 F Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
rochekatggmail.com
319 -541 -4317
S_ S� (% _�
Marian Karr
From: Aleksey Gurtovoy (Vote No on New Jail) <team @votenojusticecenter. org>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 1:41 AM
To: Council; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Jim
Throgmorton; connie- champion @iowa - city.org
Cc: team @votenojusticecenter.org
Subject: Invitation to a Public Forum on Alternatives to a Bigger Jail
Attachments: Public forum on jail alternatives. pdf
Dear City Council members,
We'd like to officially invite you to a public educational forum on Alternatives to a Bigger Jail that will be
held on Tuesday, April 23, at Plaza Room, Hotel Vetro, Iowa City, 7:30 p.m.
The forum speakers will address ways to stabilize and reduce local incarceration rates, the problem of
disproportionate minority contact, architectural alternatives to the current proposal, and ways to provide
courtroom space and educational facilities without a large expansion of jail cells.
Please see attached PDF for the full program.
This will be a great opportunity to have an open- minded exploration of the issues surrounding the
upcoming May 7th special election, and we hope to see you there!
Aleksey Gurtovoy, Jeff Cox
Vote No on New Jail
Alternatives to a Bigger Jail: A Public Forum
Tuesday, April 23, 7:30pm
Hotel Vetro, Plaza Room
Speakers
Bob Thompson: Stabilizing Jail Population Growth
Jeff Cox: Yes We Can .... Control Local Arrest Rates. The War on Drugs and Racial Disparities
Ruedi Kuenzli: What Should We Do With the Current Jail?
Nicholas Johnson: Getting to Yes With a Detached Criminal Justice Center
Caroline Dieterle: Jail Beds for Victimless Crimes
For more information, contact Aleksey Gurtovoy at team nvotenoiusticecenter.oro or Jeff Cox at
ieffcox@inavia.net.
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WHERE. creativecorridor .co /wecreatehere
ABOUT THE REGION
Iowa's Creative Corridor is home to a half million creative residents,
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