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From: Keitel, Dennis [mailto:KeitelDJ@cdmsmith.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 9:39 PM
To: Melissa Clow
Subject: New Park Road Bridge
I support the City of Iowa City’s preferred alternative for these improvements. I especially like
the fact that Ridge Road will get a new alignment for connection to Dubuque Street that will
keep it out of 500 YR floodplain so we can egress to I-80 during times of high floodwaters.
Dennis J Keitel
1696 Ridge Road
Iowa City, IA 52245-1629
Dennis J Keitel, P.E., BCEE | Senior Project Manager
CDM International Inc., a Subsidiary of CDM Smith Inc.
25 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Office Phone: +84 (8) 39117066 | Fax: +84 (8) 39117076 | Mobile: +84-90 902-0067
skype name: dennis.keitel | keiteldj@cdmsmith.com | www.cdmsmith.com
From: Hubbard, Peter D [mailto:peter-hubbard@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 11:34 AM
To: Melissa Clow
Subject: Iowa City Gateway Project
First, let me note that the www.iowacitygateway.org website had the following statement: “Sign
up for potential future email communications by emailing info@iowacitygateway.org.”
I did so, and I am disappointed that the city has apparently chosen not to communicate (at least
with me) using this means.
I fully realize that the realignment of the Park Road-Upper City Park entrance and Templin Road
– Park Road Intersections is an afterthought to this project, but as the property owner on the
corner of Park Rd and Templin Road, I feel that this project affects my family more directly that
most private property owners. The realignment, as displayed in Alternatives B and C, and the
hybrid Preferred Alternative, shows an area approximately 40 feet by 60 feet, the width of
current Templin Road and the median strip between the street and City Park access road, and
ending almost exactly at my driveway, that seems to be no longer attached to City Park. My
questions:
What is the city’s intent for that area?
What is to become of the current south end of Templin Road? Will it be removed and
turned into grassy area?
Do city or state codes address how street realignments change the relationship between
public property and adjacent private property?
Would the city consider closing or removing the egress point from City Park at the north
end of Templin Road? That egress was actually closed for many years in the 1960’s and
70’s, but now people using Templin Road to leave City Park almost always assume that
Templin is a one‐way street, which it never has been, and people driving on both sides
of Templin have been a hazard for cars traveling north on Templin, and especially for
children living on the street.
Again, I am the property owner at the corner of Park Rd. and Templin, and I would like to know
how the city will regard that area – small in the larger picture, but not small at all in a corner of
the world that has been in my family since 1958. Maybe I’m needlessly concerned, but we
would not be happy, as I’m sure you can understand, to have additional property added to our lot
without our consent and taxed accordingly. Any clarification you can provide will be greatly
appreciated.
Peter D. Hubbard
4 West Park Rd
From: David Sheff [mailto:DSheff@crmef.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 8:28 PM
To: melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject: Iowa city gateway
Dear Melissa,
One of the great joys in coming home to Iowa city is the drive into town along Dubuque street. I am pleased to
see that the city is aware of this and will not be replacing this drive with a strip mall. That said, alternative B
looks to be the best. I am a cyclist and often cycle into town along Dubuque street. I enjoy the current bike
path as it draws away from the road. Alternative B would preserve this. It is always possible to put the bike
path right up along the traffic, but that is not desirable as traffic is both heavy and fast during the morning and
evening rush hours. Alternative B also supports additional paths under and around the park road bridge which
would be a great benefit to not only myself but also younger bike riders who currently have to negotiate the
rather busy intersection.
David Sheff MD/PhD
3832 County Down Lane
North LIberty, IA
From: ANTHONY COLBY [mailto:tonycolby@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 2:57 PM
To: Melissa Clow
Cc: Scott McDonough; steve tannen; Jim Harris; dccummins@practiv.com; cummins4@gmail.com; Jen
Wagner
Subject: Dubuque St project
Dear Melissa,
After looking at the side view of the elevations regarding the raising of Dubuque St. I have a few
questions.
First. In order for my property to adjoin the sidewalk a large amount of fill will have to be used ON MY
PROPERTY, to raise the level my lawn to the sidewalk/street. This 'filling in' would necessarily
permanently alter my property—certainly in ways I hadn't anticipated nor would have done. It will
certainly alter the character of my property and all of Bella Vista, which has been attractive to its dwellers
because of its innate charms and relative seclusion. You once said that the city will not need to purchase
or take any of our property for this project. However, by filling in a significant part of the lower
hill, the city will have assumed a DE FACTO expropriation of property, one for which, apparently we, the
owners, will receive no payment or consideration. I think the nature of this ALTERATION OF OUR
PROPERTY assumes legal proportions and needs to be addressed before the project goes forward.
Second. Sound barrier. I saw no indication of any type of sound barrier in the project. Raising the street
ten or more feet will certainly bring traffic noise much closer to our houses. I spend a maximum amount
of time on my decks during the summer. Any increase in the already exuberant noise level will not we
welcomed. I would like to hear if the city will employ any measures for noise abatement.
Third. Privacy. Even with the partially finished sidewalk people enter my property from below, some
curious, some lost, some with malicious intent. Last fall a person came through my lower gate, broke
down the cedar fence and proceeded next door to the gazebo where furniture was thrown all over and
plants destroyed. Worse, as a consequence, I was unaware of the gate being open and my dog, Freddie,
ran down to Dubuque St. fortunately to be saved by a homeless man on a bike. Is the city going to erect
a fence with gates in it or a similar barrier to prevent people from entering the property? Since the
sidewalk will be widened and contiguous with properties to the south and north, there will be a huge
increase in pedestrian, bike and presumably motorbike traffic.
There are other issues as well, but these rank high amongst them. In my opinion there are legal issues to
be resolved in regard to 1. alteration of existing property, 2. sound invasion and 3. privacy. Perhaps a
visit with the city attorney might be advised.
I am cc:ing this to neighbors who well may have other concerns of a similar nature as all of the
properties in Bella Vista bordering Dubuque Street will be impacted.
Thanks,
Dr. Tony Colby
5 Bella Vista Pl
Iowa City, IA 52245
319 321 6356
From: Feiss, Michael [mailto:michael-feiss@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 10:32 AM
To: Melissa Clow
Subject: Park street bridge project.
Dear Reader: I just looked at the map of the planned changes related to the new Park Street Bridge. I
live on Brown street and walk across the bridge frequently, so I have a pedestrian’s point of view. I
really like the plan, and it deals with the major issue for walkers – what to do if you cross Dubuque at
the existing light. You either half to walk south on the steep grassy slopes of the frat houses, which has
some danger to it, or go north to meet Kimball Road. An alternative to crossing Dubuque Street is to go
south on Dubuque until opposite Brown, and then cross 4 lanes without any crosswalk or light. The plan
solves that.
I only see one thing missing. If you walk up from central campus on the east side of the river, you get to
the Hancher pedestrian bridge, and either have to cross the river or go up the path that leads up to the
dorms and the Dey house. I think it would be good for all if the walking path along the river were
extended past the fraternities, all the way to park Road. This would not be very disruptive to the two
fraternities and would benefit the community, including bikers and walkers.
Sincerely,
Mike Feiss
603 Brown Street.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Jim [mailto:jim@prairielights.com]Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 5:01 PMTo: Melissa Clow
Subject: NewDu or the New Raised Dubuque Street
Dear Melissa
I am the owner of 8 Bella Vista Place which fronts Dubuque Street and herein are my questions and
concerns:
(1) Noise abatement. Raising the street 10 feet or more will create more noise. Have any studies been
made regarding noise levels? Will there be a study?
(2) Will the city erect a wall between the new sidewalk and our hill to the east of the sidewalk?And if so, at what height?
(3) How many trees will be taken out? These trees act as a natural sound barrier.
Yours sincerely
James Harris8 Bella Vista Place
Iowa City
From: Cummins, Daniel P. [mailto:DCummins@pactiv.com] Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 1:50 PMTo: Melissa ClowCc: George Wagner; Jen Wagner; Jim Harris; Laurie Cummins; "Valérie Rudrauf-Martin"; scottmcdonough; steve tannen; ANTHONY COLBYSubject: Dubuque Street Project - Bella Vista
Melissa
Thank you for replying to Tony's questions and pointing us to the Environmental Assessment (EA)
document. There is a lot of information to sort through but it is a useful point of reference.
There are a couple of questions that I hope you can answer:
1.The EA contains significant discussion concerning Dubuque Street but there is very little
information concerning Kimball Road. As the owner of 12 Bella Vista, I am concerned about the
impact of raising Kimball Rd to meet Dubuque St. Can you provide information on fill, grading,
elevations/cross sections, sidewalk access, etc. from the intersection of Kimball/Dubuque and to the
east? There is also a creek that comes down the back of Bella Vista and runs under Kimball. What is
the environmental impact on that creek?
2.Your note below indicates that there is no fill planned from the new elevated Dubuque St into the
properties to the east. In reviewing the cross sectional diagrams for the elevations between 28+50
to 37+50 (Exhibits 4-6.1, 4-6.3) it appears there is a bank from the road down to the adjoining
properties. Can you help me understand how this is going to be constructed? Is there a drainage
plan in place to insure there is no erosion at the base of the hill and the grade coming off the road?
3.As you know, there are a number of very old trees along Dubuque at the base of the Bella Vista
properties. How will these trees be protected during construction and after the road is elevated?
4.We are also concerned about the increase in noise. While the noise modeling in the EA does not
predict that noise will exceed the threshold of 67 dBA, Bella Vista is expected to have increases of
6.5% to 12.9% which does seem substantial. While a constructed sound barrier may not be an
option there may be alternatives (planting of additional trees, reduction in speed limit, etc) that may
help mitigate the noise. Will these be considered in the final design?
Again, thank you for your open approach to working with us to resolve our concerns.
Dan Cummins
12 Bella Vista Place
1
From:Karen <sivitzk@mchsi.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 14, 2013 5:20 PM
To:Melissa-Clow@iowa-city.org
Subject:Realignment of Templin Road with Park Road
Hi Melissa,
Here are the reasons we are opposed to the plans to realign the intersection of Templin Road and Park Road:
1.Right now we have cars that drive by our house. The realignment has cars negotiating a curve and heading for
our house.
2.It will be harder for Templin Residents to exit onto Park Road. Presently we can get out fairly easily. With the
new arrangement we will be right there with four lanes of traffic to contend with (Park Road traffic going west,
Park Road turning lane traffic, Park Road traffic going east and Riverside drive traffic).
3.Right now we are separated from the traffic in Upper City Park. This realignment will cause us to be delayed in
entering our street when a big event is held in the park. Traffic will back up in the park and we will be forced to
wait to then enter Templin Road.
4.Many drivers, coming from the park’s north entrance to Templin, navigate Templin Road as if it one way. Will
this new arrangement cause them to have a head‐on collision with incoming traffic to both the park and
Templin?
5.Right now we have a nice grassy median separating Templin residents from the park. The large evergreen tree
and the deciduous tree will have to be removed to cut into the median. That evergreen has been there for over
25 years. Save the trees.
Thank you,
Karen and Bill Sivitz
517 Templin Road
1
From:Hubbard, Mary <mary-hubbard@uiowa.edu>
Sent:Sunday, April 14, 2013 10:00 PM
To:melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject:Southwest fork of the Iowa City Gateway Project
Dear Ms. Clow,
As the property owner at the head of Park Road where the Gateway Project comes to an end, I would like to express
concern about the logistics of this whole formulation. Primarily, eastbound and westbound traffic speeds through here
now. How are park users (including summer campers) arriving by City Transit supposed to get across the street to the
swimming pool without traffic coming to a halt for the 10 to 15 children to cross safely? Pedestrians play roulette to cross
Park Rd. at Riverside Dr. as it is. I suggest a sensor traffic/pedestrian light at that intersection even now, before the
project.
Problem 2 is the grade of the current Park Rd from the base of City Park hill to the top. If we get snow or ice, 1 in every
5 cars can not make that hill. I know firsthand because I have take many a sled full of sand down Park Road over the
years. If you are going to change the lanes, then you need to change to grade.
Every one of the property owners on Templin Street agree that the new plan will cause a choke on traffic turning into the
park for major festivities. I don't think the planners properly addressed entry to and egress from City Park's north entry
point.
In summation, the Gateway Project at its southwestern terminus is a speedway without consideration of the
traffic/pedestrian/recreational nuances of those who frequent the intersection of Park Rd. and Riverside Drive.
Thank you,
Mary Hubbard
4 W Park Rd
Iowa City IA 52246
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,
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1
From:Wendy Henrichs <whenrichs5@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, April 14, 2013 10:24 PM
To:melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject:Templin Road resident
Hello Melissa,
We oppose the realignment of the intersection of Templin Road and Park Road for these reasons:
1.It will be harder for Templin Residents to exit onto Park Road. Presently we can get out fairly easily. With
the new arrangement we will be right there with four lanes of traffic to contend with (Park Road traffic going
west, Park Road turning lane traffic, Park Road traffic going east and Riverside drive traffic).
2.Right now we are separated from the traffic in Upper City Park. This realignment will cause us to
be delayed in entering our street when a big event is held in the park. Traffic will back up in the park and
we will be forced to wait to then enter Templin Road.
3.Many drivers, coming from the park’s north entrance to Templin, navigate Templin Road as if it one
way. Will this new arrangement cause them to have a head‐on collision with incoming traffic to both the
park and Templin?
4.Right now we have a nice grassy median separating Templin residents from the park. The
large evergreen tree and the deciduous tree will have to be removed to cut into the median. That
evergreen has been there for over 25 years. Save the trees.
Thank you for taking our comments,
Mark and Wendy Henrichs
601 Templin Road
1
From:Mueller, Susanne <susanne-mueller@uiowa.edu>
Sent:Sunday, April 14, 2013 1:23 PM
To:melissa-clow@iowa-city.org
Subject:Iowa City Gateway/Manville Heights bus route
Dear Melissa,
my name is Susanne Mueller and I live in the Peninsula neighborhood since 2006.
I could not attend the last meeting regarding the Iowa City Gateway but I informed myself about the
project using your website, newspaper reports and talking to my neighbors that attended the meeting.
It is an important project that I support but it also raises some concerns.
I take the Manville Heights bus every day to the University where I work. Therefore I do not have a
University parking pass.
Many people in my neighborhood as well as Idyllwild and Mackinaw neighborhoods do the same.
We rely on the bus for transportation.
How will the Manville Heights bus route be affected by the Iowa City Gateway project?
Will the schedule change?
Will the route change?
How should people get to work when Dubuque street has to be closed for some weeks due to
construction? I could take my car but the University is not offering monthly parking and so I would
need to pay $18 per day for parking. This would be a big financial burden for me and many other
people. Is the City working together with the University to provide monthly parking for those affected
by the Dubuque street closure?
Additionally there are many people that do not own a car and just rely on public transportation.
All neighborhoods along Foster Road are growing rapidly and by the time the project starts there will
be many more residents living here.
Please let me know if some of my concerns/questions were already discussed or if solutions have
been worked out already.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Susanne Mueller
Susanne Mueller
Research Scientist
University of Iowa
Department of Microbiology
3‐615D Bowen Science Building
51 Newton Road
Iowa City, IA 52242
2
Phone: 319.335.7938
Fax: 319.335.9006
Email: susanne‐mueller@uiowa.edu
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
From: Coulter, Joe D [mailto:joe-coulter@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 12:56 PM
To: Melissa Clow
Cc: Ron Knoche; Rick Fosse
Subject: Jacobsen-Coulter House and property, 1818 N. Dubuque St.
Ms. Clow:
Thank you for the visit last Friday to the Jacobsen‐Coulter house and for providing further descriptions of the Iowa City
Gateway project raising of North Dubuque Street.
As I have previously communicated to you at the recent Public Hearing, and this past Friday on your visit, I have the
following concerns about this project:
The project in the present form “Preferred Alternative” as depicted and described currently on the Iowa City Gateway
website http://icgpreferredalternative.businesscatalyst.com/index.html is unacceptable for the following
reasons/concerns.
The raising/elevation of N. Dubuque Street by 10‐15 ft. above the present roadway along and in front of my property at
1818 N. Dubuque Street would:
1.Significantly detract from the aesthetic, historical, and property value of the house, garages, stairway and
landscaping of the property;
2.Increase the vehicular and pedestrian traffic and consequent noise, trash and other ecological damage to the
house, garden/lawns and other areas of the property, and adjacent properties of the Ball Heights
neighborhood;
3.Create a safety hazard to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic , especially in proximity to the garage area in
front of the house which would fall sharply to 10‐15 ft. below the level of the planned roadway and sidewalk;
4.Result in substantial flooding potential along the front of the property facing N. Dubuque St., and the Foster
Road/Bjaysville Lane, especially in the area of the garages, as no provision for storm water drainage from the
property, the Foster Road/Bjaysville Lane, the Ridge Road street, and Ball Heights areas are part of the
“Preferred Plan”;
5.Restrict owner and guest access to the garages, and parking, for the property, and stairway access to the front
of the house;
6.Result in dividing the property, with a redirection of Ridge Road, into a northern section with the house and
garages, and a small southern section, further increasing vehicular and pedestrian traffic and consequent noise,
trash and ecological damage to the area, including Ball Heights;
7.Fails to provide any plan for continued access to City/public services including USPS mail/package delivery,
refuse/garbage pick‐up/removal, fire protection (hydrant access), gas, water and sewage services.
8. Cause or result in additional concerns as further details of the “Preferred Plan” emerge.
Thank you for hearing some of the issues I presently have with the Iowa City Gateway project raising of N.
Dubuque Street.
Joe D. Coulter, Ph.D.
Professor
Community and Behavioral Health
College of Public Health
105 River Street, N414 CPHB
Phone (319) 384‐1478 The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242 FAX (319) 384‐4106
Joe Dan Coulter
1
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Nora Roy [mailto:noraleonardroy@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 8:15 AM
To: melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject: proposed change to Templin Road
I am a résident of Templin Road, and I have some questions for you.
First, will there be a dedicated lane for southbound traffic on the new City Park/Templin Road exit?
Will Upper City Park traffic be allowed to drive in two directions?
Will there be a traffic light at the Park Road intersection with Riverside Drive and Upper City Park/Templin Road?
Will the access road that currently connects Upper City Park to Templin Road (at the north end of Templin Road) be
altered in any way?
My concern is increased traffic on Templin Road and confusion about directionality of Templin Road for visitors to
Upper City Park.
Sincerely,
Nora Leonard Roy
1
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: John Stefaniak [mailto:john‐stefaniak@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 4:33 PM
To: Melissa Clow
Cc: Ron Knoche; Rick Fosse
Subject: 1501 Ridge Road‐sewer lines
Hi Melissa, we have some concern about the height of the sewer lines when they are raised/repositioned under the
new raised areas of
Dubuque Street. We want to be quite sure that raised/repositioned
sewer lines will not allow back up through floor drains into our finished basement during heavy rains or flooding. We
had no problems with this even during the 2008 flood. The existing sewer lines are apparently far below the level of our
basement: A city worker and a consultant who were working on the new water main up Ridge Road a few years ago
sent a video snake down the sewer line from inside my basement. They said the line from my house to the sewer had
"good drop." We would like to maintain our "good drop."
We want to be quite sure that raised/repositioned sewer lines will not allow back up through floor drains into our
finished basement during heavy rains or flooding.
Thanks very much, John and Mary Helen Stefaniak, 1501 Ridge Road
‐‐
1
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: steve tannen [mailto:steve@stevetannen.com]
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 2:14 PM
To: Melissa Clow
Cc: Cummins, Daniel P.; scott mcdonough; ANTHONY COLBY; George Wagner; Jen Wagner; Jim Harris; Laurie Cummins
Subject: Public Comment ‐ Iowa City Gateway Project
Dear Melissa,
Regarding the Iowa City Gateway Project, here are the public comments of some of the residents of Bella Vista Place,
Iowa City, IA 52245.
As proposed, this project will have a significant impact on our neighborhood. We live on a secluded bluff over the river.
If the level of the street is raised sufficiently, our entire neighborhood ceases to become a bluff, and becomes instead a
bunch of rowside houses on one of the busiest streets in the city.
Our quality of life would certainly change due to noise pollution and traffic. With the traffic flow closer and higher, we
can’t imagine how any sound engineer would have concluded there would be no impact. There will be. There are
porches, decks and gazebos on that land – it is part of our life. The kids play on that land above the river. As proposed,
our land would in some instances be almost streetside.
Obviously our property values would drop significantly if this were the case. That’s not good for us, or for Iowa City, or
for anybody.
The bluff of Bella Vista is beautiful. It adds to the value of Iowa City.
We urge you not to demolish this gem in a short sighted attempt to “beautify” or accommodate anything. The road you
are proposing should stay off our bluff – it doesn’t need to come up at that point.
We also don’t want a manicured walkway where there is now old growth
forest. Why not make the walkway on the other side of the river?
Wouldn’t that be more pleasant for the pedestrians, safer with heavy traffic, and also not take away a major feature of
beauty in Iowa City?
The several properties that abut Dubuque have many trees that will be at risk if you fill in, raise, or otherwise encroach,
including several protected trees. If you alter this area, we don’t believe you can say with candor there will be “no
significant impact.” Some of the trees will die, and you can’t say which ones. It is a hundred years or more of growth.
You won’t be able to replace it ever again.
The character of Iowa City is at stake with Bella Vista. We believe you can find a way around this small area that is an
essential element of the beauty of our city.
Sincerely,
Steve Tannen and Deb Talan (6 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City, 310‐913‐5061) Dr. Tony Colby (5 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City,
319‐321‐6356) Dan and Laurie Cummins (12 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 847‐533‐8202) Scott and Lisa McDonough (10
Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 319‐631‐0405) James Harris (8 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 319‐594‐0016)
1
From:Jen Colby <nepeta@xmission.com>
Sent:Monday, April 15, 2013 10:27 PM
To:Melissa-Clow@iowa-city.org
Subject:Comment on Gateway Project
To Whom It May Concern,
I grew up in Iowa City and both of my parents (now divorced) live there still, on opposite sides of the Park Road Bridge. I
return often to visit, and perhaps some day may inherit property that will be directly affected by the proposed project.
More to the point, my father in particular will be directly affected by the proposed gateway project, as he lives on Bella
Vista Road. From what I have been able to tell, the preferred project design proposes a significant taking of his property
and the enjoyment thereof, as well as that of many of his neighbors.
I have visited your project website http://www.icgov.org/?id=2141 but I am struggling to find the actual preferred
alternative as described in local media, however. The links open various maps and files but not a planning document or
description. Therefore, I cannot comment with any great specificity at this time.
However, I do want to encourage the engineers and planning team to fully develop and truly consider a wide range of
viable ‐ if non‐traditional in engineering terms ‐ alternatives. Clearly, the Park Road bridge needs replacing and Dubuque
Street needs resurfacing. Simply fixing what is there (a non‐trivial
undertaking) is your no action alternative, I presume.
When I visit Iowa City, I use the bridge by foot and bike, as well as by car, on a regular basis. I am glad to see you are
planning to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety, as this is critical to encouraging alternative transportation
and recreation both. Please be sure that on‐street as well as path/sidewalk bicycle facilities are included in the designs.
Also please consider adding new bike‐first traffic controls such as are being added in many progressive and bike‐friendly
cities around the globe.
Given the reality of climate instability due to human activities, it is true that more frequent floods are more likely. That
said, the cost of the proposed project to raise the street multiple feet should give pause. There are indeed driving
alternatives to Park Road/Dubuque St during times of flooding, if inconvenient, and relatively few properties have no
alternative access at this time and therefore risk being entirely cut off. Why not prepare for flooding and temporary
mitigation, strengthen and re‐engineer critical route alternatives on higher ground (other bridges, interchanges), and
have a disaster plan in place to live with and around the periodic flooding? New road access from the east for those
properties whose only access is Dubuque, and possibly buying out and rebuilding the Mayflower (which must be terribly
energy inefficient and well beyond its design life), combined with a very modest raise in Dubuque (maybe 2 feet), may
be better all around. I realize the elevations and existing properties make relocating the bridge to the south may be
impossible, but should be explored. Further, the city, county, and state must prevent further unwise and unfortunate
floodplain construction. The cost to taxpayers to come back later and buy out properties or fund reconstruction
(University of Iowa Hancher and arts complexes) is simply poor use of increasingly limited public resources.
The city must also aggressively invest in directly reducing climate impacts and flooding threats, from citywide energy
efficiency efforts to much stronger alternative transportation investments and deterrents to driving. The city, county,
and region should work to reduce hardened surfaces, preserve more open space and floodplain, and restore wetlands.
The increase in sprawl development and concommittant traffic and congestion increases since my youth is
disheartening, and one of the reasons I hesitate to consider moving back to Iowa City.
2
I hope the next round of planning documents are more detailed and include narratives, schematics, and cost‐benefit
estimates. If I missed them on your site, please reply when you have a moment with a link to the documents.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Colby
160 Lincoln Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
1
From:Jennifer WAGNER <jseter@msn.com>
Sent:Monday, April 15, 2013 4:48 PM
To:steve tannen
Cc:Melissa-Clow@iowa-city.org; Cummins, Daniel P.; scott mcdonough; ANTHONY COLBY;
George Wagner; Jim Harris; Laurie Cummins
Subject:Re: Public Comment - Iowa City Gateway Project
Dear Melissa -
As residents of Bella Vista, we concur with the letter sent out by our neighbors, below. While those five Bella
Vista households own property that abut Dubuque Street, all of us share ownership of the drive. And clearly all
eight of us will be affected by the proposed changes - in terms of noise, aesthetics, and privacy issues - all of
which will affect home values and quality of life.
While we recognize the necessity of improving Dubuque Street, we ask for further reflection on some of the
core principles outlined in the City's historic preservation plan. As such:
* Establish economic incentives to encourage the preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods.
*Provide the technical assistance necessary to preserve and improve historic properties.
* Maintain and strengthen private support for historic preservation from individuals, not-for-profit
preservation groups, neighborhood organizations, and downtown interests.
All of these CORE PRINCIPLES have been taken verbatim from the Iowa City website on historic
preservation.
Bella Vista possesses an important part of Iowa City's history. Irving Weber wrote about our neighborhood
which dates back to the turn of the century. In the past, all of us have in some way or another adhered to the
rigid tenets of historic preservation in the city in maintaining our homes.
And so as members of the Bella Vista Neighborhood Association, as owners of historic homes in a historic
neighborhood, and as taxpayers of Iowa City we respectfully request your thoughtful support in our efforts to
keep Bella Vista intact.
Thank you,
Jennifer Seter Wagner
Bella Vista Neighborhood Resident
2
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 15, 2013, at 2:13 PM, "steve tannen" <steve@stevetannen.com> wrote:
Dear Melissa,
Regarding the Iowa City Gateway Project, here are the public comments of
some of the residents of Bella Vista Place, Iowa City, IA 52245.
As proposed, this project will have a significant impact on our
neighborhood. We live on a secluded bluff over the river. If the level
of the street is raised sufficiently, our entire neighborhood ceases to
become a bluff, and becomes instead a bunch of rowside houses on one of
the busiest streets in the city.
Our quality of life would certainly change due to noise pollution and
traffic. With the traffic flow closer and higher, we can’t imagine how
any sound engineer would have concluded there would be no impact. There
will be. There are porches, decks and gazebos on that land – it is part of
our life. The kids play on that land above the river. As proposed, our
land would in some instances be almost streetside.
Obviously our property values would drop significantly if this were the
case. That’s not good for us, or for Iowa City, or for anybody.
The bluff of Bella Vista is beautiful. It adds to the value of Iowa City.
We urge you not to demolish this gem in a short sighted attempt to
“beautify” or accommodate anything. The road you are proposing should
stay off our bluff – it doesn’t need to come up at that point.
We also don’t want a manicured walkway where there is now old growth
forest. Why not make the walkway on the other side of the river?
Wouldn’t that be more pleasant for the pedestrians, safer with heavy
traffic, and also not take away a major feature of beauty in Iowa City?
The several properties that abut Dubuque have many trees that will be at
risk if you fill in, raise, or otherwise encroach, including several
protected trees. If you alter this area, we don’t believe you can say
with candor there will be “no significant impact.” Some of the trees will
die, and you can’t say which ones. It is a hundred years or more of
growth. You won’t be able to replace it ever again.
The character of Iowa City is at stake with Bella Vista. We believe you
can find a way around this small area that is an essential element of the
beauty of our city.
Sincerely,
Steve Tannen and Deb Talan (6 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City, 310-913-5061)
Dr. Tony Colby (5 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City, 319-321-6356)
3
Dan and Laurie Cummins (12 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 847-533-8202)
Scott and Lisa McDonough (10 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 319-631-0405)
James Harris (8 Bella Vista Place, Iowa City 319-594-0016)
From: Lorie Reins-Schweer [mailto:lorieandkeith@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 12:06 PM
To: melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject: Fw: Crandic Bridge
Dear Melissa:
Just following up re the Crandic bridge inquiry. I know you
must be buried after the public meeting. I am meeting with our
neighborhood association Wednesday, and was hoping you
could reply by then. Thank you again.
Best Regards,
Lorie
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Lorie Reins-Schweer <lorieandkeith@yahoo.com>
To: "melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org" <melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org>
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2013 7:26 AM
Subject: Crandic Bridge
Dear Melissa:
Thank you for spending time talking with me last night. You
said you would check on the Crandic Bridge status to see if it
might be constructed and help our neighborhood access the city
when the Dubuque Street Project is underway.
I've been thinking about drafting a comment, but I don't know if
it will matter. It would be nice to know the population in the
Peninsula, the Macinaw area, and the Forestview areas, but I
haven't been able to find it online. The consultants seemed only
to be worried about the 1200 Mayflower students. Coralville not
thinking about us using the pedestrian bridge stings. The
construction project is important - obviously, and we support it.
But it will have a horrible impact on our neighborhoods,
especially when Dubuque Street is closed altogether. I'm just
hoping we can structure it to decrease the problems.
Thanks again.
Best Regards,
Lorie
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce P. Ayati [mailto:bruce.ayati@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 5:29 PM
To: melissaclow@iowacitygateway.org
Subject: Gateway project input
Dear Melissa,
I have two questions/concerns about the Gateway Project.
1) Can you clarify what sorts of road noise mitigation efforts, if any, are planned to help reduce the
impact of the project for those of us who live along the affected routes?
2) The Park Ave. bridge over the Iowa River is the centerpiece of the Gateway Project, so much so that
it is incorporated into the logo for the project. The new bridge will sit near architecturally important
University of Iowa buildings on the west bank, and historically important homes and buildings on the
east bank (including my own home).
Yet the current design of the bridge does not differ aesthetically from a highway overpass. Is any
thought being given to having the "gateway"
to our beautiful city truly indicate that one is entering the heart of the city and the UI campus?
Thanks,
Bruce P. Ayati, Homeowner
821 N. Linn St.
Iowa City, IA 52245