C I T Y
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C E D A R
R A P I D S
THE HEART OF THE CITY How we support vibrant neighborhoods
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FROM THE
FROM THE CITY MANAGER • SPECIAL SECTION •
CITY MANAGER
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Neighborhoods — the people, houses, playgrounds, and
DIRECTORIES •
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shops most familiar to us — shape a city’s identity block by block.
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and wellbeing of a community. Neighborhoods are about more
That is why neighborhoods are so important to the overall safety than houses, roads, parks and amenities. People and shared experiences are what make a neighborhood a community rather than just a group of buildings. As the City, we work to support our residents in building strong and vibrant neighborhoods. We do this through a number of initiatives, including support of neighborhood associations, neighborhood planning and vision, tree planting, maintaining
CONNECT
and enhancing neighborhood parks, Paving for Progress street
WITH CEDAR RAPIDS
improvements, creating accessibility for all, and much more. Read more about many of these initiatives in this issue. You can also find more information about Cedar Rapids programs and initiatives that support neighborhoods on our website at cedar-rapids.org.
City of Cedar Rapids Iowa Government
Cedar Rapids App
@CityofCRIowa
Text / Email Alerts
in fostering strong and healthy neighborhoods. Being a good
CityofCR
City Source Email Newsletter
Simple initiatives like maintaining your property, taking pride
City efforts are just one spoke of the wheel; everyone has a role neighbor helps make your neighborhood a better place to live. in your yard, getting to know your neighbors, and looking out for each other all contribute to a safe, healthy neighborhood.
www.CityofCR.com/Subscribe
A great way to connect with your neighbors is to join your area neighborhood association, host an event on National Night Out or a summer block party, start a neighborhood watch, or just head outside with your dog for a walk on a nice day.
Interested in Advertising With Us? Contact the Our CR Communications Coordinator at 319-286-5742.
I am proud of our community and the many wonderful neighborhoods that make up the heart of Cedar Rapids. Great places are inspired by the people who live there. I hope this issue inspires you to get more involved with your neighbors and to continue making our community a wonderful place to live.
Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager
NEIGHBORHOODS
THE HEART OF THE CITY Cities need healthy neighborhoods to survive. Neighborhoods are where people interact most regularly and feel the strongest sense of community. They are often where grassroots interactions take place, creating an environment that is rich for collaborations, tackling problems and finding solutions to city challenges. Cedar Rapids is fortunate to have many strong neighborhoods, both named and unnamed, with distinct personalities and challenges. The combination of these districts forms the character of our city. This issue explores how the City of Cedar Rapids supports neighborhoods. From the importance of diverse housing options and stormwater protection, to bringing recreation opportunities to local youth, this magazine focuses on the programs and policies in place to bolster neighborhoods. Find critical information on how the census affects you and your community, how to keep your neighborhood clean and safe, and who to contact when you have concerns.
NEIGHBORHOODS
NEIGHBORS A C O MMU N IT Y O F
E
very community, whether it has 300 residents or
associations meet regularly and have access to a team of
130,000, is made up of neighborhoods. Neighborhood
City staff who get to know them personally.
associations play an important role in strengthening
the relationships of people living in a community together,
Many people may not realize that Cedar Rapids
and serve as unique partners to City staff.
neighborhood associations are formalized through the City
Cedar Rapids neighborhood associations often take the
projects, with proper certification.
and can receive up to $10,000 in funding for neighborhood
lead on their own community-scaled projects — organizing social events, fundraisers, and other public improvements on a grassroots scale. Recent projects have included
Want to start a Neighborhood Association? Gather your neighbors together and cast a vision. What role do you want to serve in the community? All associations start
coffee with neighbors, back-to-school concerts, park
with a small group of people willing to commit to their
improvements, National Night Out events, and historic neighborhood tours, just to name a few.
community, and City staff is here to help.
In addition to fostering strong ties with their neighbors,
To find information on existing neighborhood associations, visit the City’s website and click “Neighborhood Services”
associations also bridge the gap between City staff and
under the “For Residents” tab. You can also reach out to
residents. Public engagement is extremely important to City-led initiatives, and neighborhood association leaders often provide helpful feedback to City staff as well as
the Community Development Department by emailing CommunityDevelopment@cedar-rapids.org.
help share information on City programs. Neighborhood
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Neighborhood associations bring people together at a grassroots level for fun activities and relationship-building.
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CEDAR RAPIDS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Kenwood Park Neighborhood Association
Noelridge Park Neighborhood Association
Mound View Neighborhood Association Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association
Harbor Neighborhood Association
Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association Cherry Hill Park Neighborhood Association
Taylor Area Neighborhood Association
Westdale Area Neighborhood Association
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Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association
Oak Hill Jackson Neighborhood Association
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NEIGHBORHOODS
H O U SIN G O P T I O N S S U P P O R T
Strong Communities
Affordable Housing In 2018, the City reinstated the Affordable Housing Commission to help bring energy and advocacy to quality affordable housing. The 21-member Commission is organized into four subcommittees that focus on key areas of housing
What is affordable housing? A general rule of thumb to
needs. Their members come with expertise from real
determine if housing is affordable is whether an individual is
estate, nonprofit management, social services, and private
paying more than 30 percent of their gross income towards
housing development. The purpose of the Commission is to
housing (rent or mortgage). What this looks like for each
identify housing needs of low-to-moderate income citizens,
person will depend on a variety of factors, including household
recommend effective strategies and programs to meet area
income and number of people in the family. For example, an
needs, and assist in implementing activities that support housing goals in Cedar Rapids.
average single person receiving Social Security only makes
Why is affordable housing so important for a community?
cover food, housing, and utilities, having affordable, quality
approximately $800/month. When dollars need to stretch to
Stable housing represents one of our most basic social
housing makes a significant difference.
needs. When individuals have stable housing, they are better equipped to support their families, find and retain employment, and live healthy lives. Affordable housing also supports a strong local workforce, and provides local employers with the housing options their employees need in order to call Cedar Rapids “home.”
Pictured Above: Members of the Affordable Housing Commission include: (back row) Aaron Saylor, Paula Mitchell, Lindsey Ellickson, Marty Stoll (Chair), Phoebe Trepp, Kelly Lamb, Lynn Barrett, Heather Harney, Tracey Achenbach (Vice-Chair), Dale Wirtjes, (front row), Robin Tucker, Leslie Wright, Donald Tyne, Laura O’Leary, Kimberly Eiler, Dedric Doolin, Carrie Slagle, Ashley Balius, Chad Pelley.
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Diverse Neighborhoods
Cedar Rapids' new zoning code (updated in 2018) places
Because the needs of a community are so diverse, it is important to have housing options that serve a variety of backgrounds. Single-family homes will always be a staple in our neighborhoods, but it is also important to invest in “missing middle” housing such as condominiums, duplexes, and small apartment complexes. Missing middle housing is a range of multi-unit housing compatible in scale with single-family homes, which help meet the growing demand for rental housing and walkable urban living. These housing options are attractive for college students, young professionals, couples just starting out, and empty nesters
greater emphasis on new development that complements the already existing neighborhood, encouraging development projects that will fit in while still allowing for a greater variety of housing, including affordable options. Neighborhoods often have housing patterns that help define their identity. You wouldn’t find singlefamily homes in the downtown core, nor high-rises next to Cleveland Park. To help ensure that new development follows existing patterns, the zoning code promotes contextual development that fits in with the surrounding neighborhood.
looking to downsize.
MIS S ING MID D L E
Downtown Housing Downtown housing is an important indicator of a revitalizing and successful downtown. It typically targets young professionals, singles, childless couples, empty nesters, seniors, and those in
Saturday, April 11, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cedar Rapids Downtown Library
need of affordable housing. Downtown housing provides a 24-hour customer base for downtown amenities and creates a more dynamic and interesting place to visit. Since the 2008 flood, almost 1,000 housing units have been constructed in the downtown and surrounding core neighborhoods. 40 percent of these new housing units are classified as affordable with the remaining 60 percent classified as market rate. There are another 1,000 units either under construction or planned for completion within the next 24 months. Approximately one-third of these units will be classified as affordable.
In celebration of Money Smart Week and Fair Housing Month, co-organizers Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission; Cedar Rapids Public Library; and Horizons, A Family Service Alliance, will hold the first annual “Housing Resource Fair.” Various organizations, workshops, and resources focusing on financial well-being and housing will be available throughout the event. This event seeks to provide information, education, and resources to all, regardless of your current housing situation. More info: www.crlibrary.org.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
SNAPSHOT OF HOUSING PROGRAMS Neighborhood Finance Corporation
First Time Home Buyer Program
Provides purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans to property owners. The program is location based, not income based, and the lending area has recently been expanded! If you live in the lending area, you could qualify to have up to $10,000 of your total home improvement loan forgiven. Benefits of a Neighborhood Finance Loan: no private mortgage insurance (PMI), quick loan approval, low down payment, forgivable loans for home renovations, and much more. More than 44 households have already benefited from the program, representing more than $1 million in public-private investment. Learn more: www.CityofCR.com/NFC.
Provides up to $14,999 in down payment and closing cost assistance (amount determined by need) to first-time homebuyers within City limits. The program opens in March 2020; funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To find additional eligibility requirements and information on the program, visit www.CityofCR.com/FTHB.
Get Help with Home Repairs Cedar Rapids has several programs to help with home deficiencies or minor repairs such as a non-working furnace or broken sewer line. These programs help keep families in their homes by assisting with necessary health or safety repairs. Open to income qualified households; up to $4,500 in repair funds may be available if you qualify. To find additional eligibility requirements and information on the program, visit www.CityofCR.com/Housing.
For more information on any of the above programs, please contact our Housing Division at 319-286-5872.
Home transformations are made possible through Cedar Rapids housing programs
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PAVING FOR PROGRESS I N YOUR NEI G H B O R H O O D
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rior to passing the local option sales tax, neighborhood street maintenance was limited to the basics due to funding constraints: pothole patching and street sweeping. But
temporary pavement patching doesn’t hold up over time, and the condition of our residential streets was continuing to decline. With the Paving for Progress program, residential streets are being infused with much needed pavement replacement, curb, and sidewalk ramp repairs into our neighborhoods. To date, Paving for Progress has permanently repaired approximately 26 miles of local roads — projects that would never have received high-dollar funding prior to Paving for Progress. The program, which uses sales tax generated by Cedar Rapids residents as well as visitors who shop/dine in our community, commits 60 percent of the total number of projects to residential neighborhoods. While the program aims to improve our roads, the benefits stretch far beyond the pavement's surface. Well-maintained neighborhoods keep property values high and give the entire area a sense of community pride. Public improvements such as street repairs, sidewalk upgrades, and curb enhancements are just one spoke of the wheel, but alongside committed property owners, can have a tremendous impact on the overall aesthetics of a neighborhood.
ď ˝ Find a preview of the 2020 construction season on p. 22, or by visiting CityofCR.com/PavingforProgress.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
CONNECTING WITH NEIGHBORHOODS:
DISTRICT LIEUTENANT COMMUNITY POLICING
The Police Department was seeking a sustainable model to address neighborhood issues as part of community policing, so District Lieutenant positions were created in 2008.
Tobey Harrison, who retired in January after a 32year career, was one of the original District Lieutenants. According to Harrison, the success of community policing is predicated on building relationships. Harrison said, “District Lieutenants provide recurrent collaboration. It is our responsibility to follow-up on neighborhood concerns and make sure all involved are dedicated to a work plan that addresses crime or quality of life issues.� By leading or facilitating discussions with community members, Harrison said District Lieutenants are ensuring effective police service delivery.
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Cory McGarvey has been a District Lieutenant for six years as part of his 25-year police career. McGarvey said, “We want neighborhoods to have a point of contact at the Police Department to help resolve those chronic issues that may require longer-term problem solving. We work with neighborhoods, police officers, Secure and Friendly Environments in Cedar Rapids (SAFE-CR), mental health professionals, other City departments, and community organizations to get to the root of the problem.” McGarvey indicated that many of the referrals that District Lieutenants receive originate from police officers or City staff. The District Lieutenant can enhance communication between all parties involved and make sure momentum is maintained for resolving the neighborhood issue.
Tony Robinson, also a 25-year veteran of the Police Department, is the third District Lieutenant. He has been in this position at the Police Department for just over two years. Robinson believes the most important qualities of a District Lieutenant are being a good listener, problem solver, and having the ability to think outside the box. Robinson said, “We want to know what’s going on in neighborhoods. We develop crime prevention strategies and work with police officers for focused patrols to resolve issues. The District Lieutenant concept is community policing at its core.”
We want neighborhoods to have a point of contact at the Police Department to help resolve those chronic issues that may require longer-term problem solving." Recently, District Lieutenants have successfully resolved recurring issues such as traffic concerns that required collaboration with the City’s Traffic Engineering Division and Streets Department for additional street signage. Security cameras were installed at Greene Square and Redmond Park to deter unlawful behavior. Additional patrols and an ambassador program were introduced in Greene Square to encourage pre-conflict resolution to issues. A number of disturbances on a residential block was reduced by additional street lighting and partnering with the Affordable Housing Network to address abandoned homes. Torn screens, broken windows, and damaged doors and locks at a multi-unit complex were mitigated after a collaborative plan was developed with the property owner, which dropped the number of police calls to nearly zero for shots fired, robberies, and burglaries at the complex. Harrison was proud to retire as a District Lieutenant, saying, “Every day we had the chance to make both streets and neighborhoods safer, and reduce police calls for service by developing long-standing relationships in the community.” For more information about the District Lieutenant Community Policing program, including downloadable maps of District Lieutenant assignments, visit www.cedar-rapids.org/police.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
ROLLIN' INTO NEIGHBORHOODS 12
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L
ast year, the Parks and Recreation Department conducted a social equity assessment to make sure programs and services were accessible to all kids in Cedar Rapids. The results mirrored what other cities across the country were
finding; there were neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids where kids were not participating in recreation activities. In addition to missing structured recreation programs, kids are playing less than they used to. Peter Gray, Ph.D. and Professor of Psychology at Boston College, observed that the loss of play for play's sake coincided with a dramatic increase in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among teens and young adults. Participation in recreation is so critical that the Parks and Recreation Department decided to explore why some kids were missing out. While an early hypothesis was that some families had financial barriers, the input received determined that the real cause among many in Cedar Rapids was transportation.
Play teaches kids how to solve problems, focus, develop language and cope with their surroundings. It builds communities and helps them to interact with their peers and adults.
To best support kids in neighborhoods,
Similar programs in other cities have been very
recreation needs to be right there, where they
successful. Cities including Spokane, Rochester,
can easily join in and play. “We recognize the
St. Paul, Seattle, and Costa Mesa have created
important role that recreation and play have in
mobile recreation programs in recent years. In
children’s lives and know that it is an essential
Boise, Idaho, temporary play spaces were set up
part of development. If some of the children
where ten different languages were spoken by
who need it most can’t get to us, we are going
its large refugee population. The result was that
to bring it to them,” said Scott Hock, Parks and
play became a shared language and created
Recreation Director.
opportunities for kids to interact and establish
This summer, the Rollin’ Recmobile will visit
community connections.
parks throughout the city, bringing free
The Rollin’ Recmobile will operate for nine
summer activities to youth. A van full of sports
weeks of the summer, visiting parks up to 60
and recreation equipment, games, art activities
hours each week. When the van is not at a
and books will be used to encourage kids to
scheduled park, it will stop at pools, other parks,
participate in physical fitness, summer reading,
and special events. The Parks and Recreation
and recreation. Activities, led by Parks and
Department will work with neighborhood
Recreation Department staff, will focus on
associations and schools to notify kids of the
keeping kids active and building connections
summer schedule.
within their neighborhoods. Partners, including the Cedar Rapids Public Library, will focus on literacy, while others will provide information about community resources.
Parks targeted for the initial season include Time Check, Jacolyn, Daniels, Cleveland, Hayes, Greene Square, Hidder, Cedar Valley and Redmond.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
DO YOU WANT TO
BUILD A PLAYGROUND?
P
laygrounds and new park equipment
over $60,000 for a new playground
are frequent requests to the Parks
that will be installed this summer. The
and Recreation Department by
neighborhood applied for and received
neighborhoods. An average neighborhood
a $50,000 grant for the project, and
park playground can cost anywhere from
contributed another $12,000 that they
$80,000 to $200,000. Adding components
raised privately. The new playground
like climbers or pieces specifically for
will include a two-to five-year-old play
children with disabilities raises the cost
structure, a five-to twelve-year-old play
even more. Playgrounds are replaced
structure, and additional stand-alone
based on age, use, and maintenance
elements. The total budget for the project,
needs. With more than 50 playgrounds
including funds from the Neighborhood
across the Cedar Rapids parks system, it
Association is $140,000.
is still a challenge to keep up with the cost of the equipment and the desires of many
“We are impressed with the involvement
neighborhoods.
of the Cleveland Neighborhood
Over the past few years, neighborhoods
They took on the challenge of finding
have seen the benefit of collaborating
additional funds and were very successful.
with the Parks and Recreation
We are appreciative when neighborhoods
Department and contributing to the cost
work with us to improve our parks,� said
of a new playground. Sharing in the cost
Scott Hock, Parks and Recreation Director.
Association on this playground project.
allows the Department to build a bigger playground than is budgeted for.
Organizations, like the Kiwanis, and
An example of this is the Cleveland Park
have also partnered with the Parks and
Neighborhood Association that raised
Recreation Department on park and
Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors
recreation projects and contributed more than $100,000 over the past five years. Projects have included outdoor fitness areas, bike repair stations, raised garden beds, and playground equipment.
Kiwanis representatives and Daniels Park neighbors celebrated the opening of a new playground in the park in 2019.
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THE APP FOR GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
B
uilding an online community with your neighbors can be a helpful way to facilitate and grow communal conversations. An increasing number of tools allowing neighbors to connect online have become varied and more useful with time. Several neighborhoods already use internet forums or Facebook groups to connect with members of their organizations. The Nextdoor app is one of the newer platforms for connecting online communities. It has grown very quickly. “Neighbors place a lot of trust in the Nextdoor platform,” shared Jeff Wozencraft, a planner with the City of Cedar Rapids’ Community Development Department. Wozencraft works directly with neighborhood associations in Cedar Rapids and encourages the groups to connect on Nextdoor. “People like knowing that the members they’re talking to online are their real neighbors down the street,” Wozencraft said. “Nextdoor sends postcards by mail with verification codes, so neighbors need to actually live at the address they register with the platform.” Connected community members can plan local events, share advice, and even add their household to maps displaying trick-or-treat routes and holiday lighting displays. Already more than one in every four Cedar Rapids households connect to the platform in one of 159 community areas, making Nextdoor one of the most effective platforms to reach a large group of connected residents. Public agencies, like the City of Cedar Rapids, also have access to the platform to share important information and
education. Agencies can share such messages with the entire community or pinpoint a message to specific neighborhoods and council districts that are involved in different topics of conversation. Nextdoor is designed to facilitate private conversations between neighbors. Many of the conversations that take place on the app (selling furniture, recommending businesses) are not relevant to public agency staff. It is important to know that agency users are therefore not able to access conversations happening between neighborhood groups on the platform or see posts shared by individual neighbors. Public agencies can only share messages and view comments on the posts their staffs share. “Nextdoor is proving to be a very important tool in our work to foster community,” explained Wozencraft. It’s yet another great app in a large list of options City staff use to connect with residents every day. Find a comprehensive list at www.CityofCR.com/Subscribe.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
Every ten years, a unique event takes place in America that helps determine the number of seats each state gets in Congress and the right amount of federal funding to serve their populations.
communities that are undercounted are disadvantaged
The census is the constitutionally-required count of every
received through the census. What does this mean for Iowa?
person living in the United States, regardless of age, race, or
economically and politically. The Federal Government will be allocating approximately $600 billion in federal funding to states based on information In Fiscal Year 2016, Iowa received approximately $8.7 billion
citizenship. This spring, every resident across America will be asked to respond to the 2020 census and provide information on all the people living in their households as of April 1, 2020
through 55 federal spending programs guided by data derived from the 2010 census. At the local level, the City of Cedar Rapids receives approximately $32 million (or approximately
(Census Day).
six percent of its budget) from federal grants. Numerous local programs rely on federal funding to serve our residents
Your participation is incredibly important. The higher Cedar
and their families, including Medicaid Health Insurance,
Rapids' participation rate, the greater our chances of being
Food Assistance, Head Start, Community Development Block
fairly represented in Congress and receiving funding to adequately meet the needs of all our residents. Simply put,
Grant funding, foster care and adoption programs, Section 8
HOW TO RESPOND – WATCH THE MAIL
CEDAR RAPIDS EVENTS
This March, every household in America will receive a letter in the mail with information on how to respond. You can respond to the census by phone, mail, or online.
Housing Choice Vouchers, and much more.
IT’S SAFE
The Linn County Complete Count Committee, which includes representatives from the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, the City of Marion, and local nonprofits, will host a variety of events this spring to encourage participation and awareness of the 2020 census. Mark your calendars for Census Day, April 1, 2020, when Cedar Rapids Transit Services will be FREE in order to encourage residents to visit a library or other community center and take the census online.
Your responses are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way, and you will not be asked if you are a U.S. citizen.
LEARN MORE: 2020Census.gov 16
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share your answers with any other share your answers with any other share your answers with any other share your answers with any other identify you or your household. government agency. government agency. government agency. government agency.
W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G
By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with any other government agency.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
M ONI TO RI NG
FLASH FLOODS Just as property owners must take precautions to ensure buildings stay dry during heavy rain events, the Cedar Rapids Sewer division is tasked with managing the flow of rain and snowmelt as it makes its way into city streets.
I
n wetlands, the thick root systems of embedded
Practices (BMPs) that can capture this excess water.
plants can act like a sponge and soak up an immense
BMPs reduce flash flooding when it is raining hard, and
amount of stormwater as it falls. This is called
aid in treating pollutants in stormwater runoff.
infiltration, a natural process that can help to remove pollutants from stormwater. In more developed areas, hard surfaces like parking lots, roads, and buildings can all prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. Runoff is sent rushing into roadways, ditches, and the storm sewer system. Unlike wastewater from your toilet or kitchen sink, stormwater is not treated for pollutants before it makes its way into the water system.
Managing any remaining rainfall can be a challenging task. One minute, storm sewers are completely empty. The next, they are filled rapidly with water and debris. Cedar Rapids’ stormwater system includes the pipes, ditches, and City-owned ponds that capture all the water when it rains. The underground system is intended to accommodate a 5-year storm, which is up to 3.75 inches of rain in 24 hours. When pipes are
Some property owners install “green infrastructure” on their land to help manage the water that runs off their roofs and parking lots. Raingardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement are all forms of Best Management
overfilled, above-ground routes, or easements, are identified to direct any excess water. This is meant to accommodate a 100-year rain event, or a storm with a statistical probability of occurring once every 100 years.
MODELING THE CITY Efforts to update data in the City’s Stormwater Master Plan have been underway for several years. The process utilizes cutting-edge technology to create a hydraulic model showing how rainwater flows — and where it might back up and pond in areas across the city. In 2016, a city-wide macro-level model was created to give staff an overall picture of challenge areas. Since that time, detailed basin-level models have been added in many areas to help pinpoint street and property flooding severities. The information is so precise it can help staff identify problems with the sizing of storm sewer pipes, ditches, and ponds that can be corrected
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over time. Staff have already identified many potential improvements through this process. Fixing problems across the stormwater system is a prioritization-balancing act, taking into account health and safety impacts, capacity challenges, and environmental concerns — among several other criteria. This is important work that can help reduce the severity of flash flooding in old and new neighborhoods alike.
IMPROVING THE SYSTEM Capital improvements for the stormwater system can present cost challenges. In addition to modeling the City’s drainage patterns, the Stormwater Master Plan called for updates to the City’s Stormwater Utility. The standalone utility assesses rates based on the quantity of hard surface area on every city parcel. That surface area is measured in Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs), equivalent to 1/10 of an acre of impervious area per unit. Properties with larger impervious areas, like parking lots or big buildings, have a higher ERU. Incentives are available for property owners to offset or reduce their ERUs. Single-family residential properties have only 1 ERU and are not eligible for a reduction. This allows property owners to implement Best Management Practices, like permeable pavers and rain gardens, which work best for their properties. Such changes incentivize good stormwater management. ERUs also equitably measure how each property benefits from the City’s stormwater conveyance system and its needed maintenance and improvements.
GET INVOLVED The City’s Stormwater Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program is available for residential and commercial property owners who’d like to install green infrastructure on their properties. The program reimburses up to 50 percent of qualifying expenses toward stormwater infiltration projects, like landscaping features, soil quality restoration, and permeable pavers. Program information can be found at www.CityofCR.com/stormwater.
Funds collected through this program allow the Sewer division to address a growing list of stormwater improvement needs and projects in neighborhoods across the city.
STORMWATER PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS Rockhurst Detention Basin (SW)
28th Street (NW) Detention Basin
NEAR COMPLETION
UNDER DESIGN
Provides stormwater detention up to 7.3 inches of rain over 24 hours. Minimal detention for this area was in place prior to the project.
Project will expand existing basin, providing more storage capacity.
Harrison Detention Basin (NW)
Sunland Valley Neighborhood (SE) Flood Protection UNDER DESIGN
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Extension of a berm will enhance flood protection from Indian Creek.
Project will almost double the storage volume of the existing basin.
Holly Circle Drainage Improvements (NE) CONSTRUCTION IN 2020
Project will improve system efficiency through installation of new storm sewer pipe.
Storm Inlet Safety Improvements ONGOING
Provides safety grates over open storm sewer pipes in areas near parks and schools.
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NEIGHBORHOODS
Clean, Safe, and Beautiful Neighborhoods We believe every resident is entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their home, and encourage you to do your part in supporting safe and attractive neighborhoods for all our residents. LAWN CARE
A well-maintained lawn adds to the beauty of the entire neighborhood. Cedar Rapids’ ordinance requires property owners to keep their grass and weeds mowed below 12 inches.
WALKABLE SIDEWALKS
During the winter months, it is important to maintain clear and safe sidewalks and sidewalk ramps in order to ensure that all residents can access their sidewalk, bus stop, or routes to businesses. Property owners are also required to repair damage to their sidewalk such as cracks, buckling, or uneven panels. If your home comes with a sidewalk, please do your part in keeping it clear, safe, and accessible for other residents. It is important to the City of Cedar Rapids to provide a safe, walkable community for all residents, regardless of age or ability.
Taking the City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge is a great way to brighten your neighborhood after a long, snowcovered winter. One bag of litter is all it takes to make a difference! Visit CleanUpCR.com to learn more.
COURTEOUS PARKING
Avoid parking your vehicle on your lawn or your neighbor’s lawn. Vehicles using on-street parking need to be moved every 48 hours to rotate parking and help with snow removal efforts in the winter. Inoperable or abandoned vehicles are subject to fines and/or towing at the owner’s expense.
CLEAN NEIGHBORHOODS
When property owners take pride in their homes, the entire neighborhood benefits! Everyone can do their part by ensuring their property is clean and well-maintained. Avoid letting trash, debris, or junk overtake your yard, and address peeling paint or other maintenance tasks that detract from your home’s beauty. Well-maintained homes help keep property values high and gives the entire neighborhood a sense of community pride.
HAVE A CONCERN WITH THE CONDITION OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? We want to help! Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about the condition of your neighborhood. We believe residents should not be subjected to overgrown grass, weeds, excessive trash, or noise complaints in their neighborhood. Please let us know of neighborhood concerns: CleanupCR@cedar-rapids.org
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DID YOU KNOW?
Animal Care and Control offers microchipping for your pet. Microchipping is offered Monday through Friday between Noon and 5 p.m. During the month of March, mention that you saw that this service was offered by reading OUR CR, and you will receive $10 off the normal $25 fee.
PETS ENRICH OUR LIVES The benefits of owning a pet include protecting you from heart disease, keeping your mind sharp, relieving pain, and more. Owning a pet can ward off depression, lower blood pressure, and boost immunity. It may even improve your social life.
T
here are several dogs and cats awaiting adoption at Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control. The shelter is an open admission shelter with a paid and volunteer staff who help care for more than 3,000 animals annually. Animal Care and Control works collaboratively with foster and rescue teams to ensure that animals are either reunited with their owners or are placed in new, loving homes. The mission of Animal Care and Control is to serve and protect with compassion the animals and citizens of our community through education and enforcement, and to facilitate successful pet adoptions while respecting and striving to improve the quality of life for both pets and people. Besides encouraging adoptions, Animal Care and Control promotes responsible pet ownership by encouraging families to have their pet microchipped. If you are missing your pet, call Animal Care and Control to report the lost pet and provide a
photograph as soon as possible. Pet owners are encouraged to visit the shelter on a daily basis until a missing pet is located, as only the pet owner can accurately identify the pet. Animal Care and Control staff scans all pets that come to the shelter, so it is very important to keep your information updated with the microchip company. Making sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag, along with having a microchip implanted are the best ways to get a pet that is lost back to its proper home. In addition, in the Cedar Rapids metro area, there are several Facebook pages dedicated to sharing information and helping reunite owners with their pets, including Cedar Rapids Area Lost Pets. Unidentified animals are held for five full business days for an owner to reclaim. Animals that are not claimed within the fiveday hold period may be made available for adoption, placed in foster care, or sent to rescue. Animal welfare, public health, or safety issues should be reported to Animal Care and Control at 319-286-5993. Examples of reportable incidents include animal abuse, neglect, injury, as well as bites, attacks, or harassment of a person by an animal. For more information about animal issues, pet adoption, or to volunteer at the shelter, please visit our website at www.cedar-rapids.org/animal.
Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control is located on the Kirkwood Community College main campus directly behind Washington Hall. Shelter hours are Monday-Saturday from 12-5 p.m. All the photographs on this page are of pets adopted from Animal Care and Control.
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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
2020 CONSTRUCTION PREVIEW The 2020 construction year will include projects that repair roads, fight floods, and everything in between. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect this 2020 construction season. Construction will begin in March for a rolling floodgate on the SE side of the 16th Avenue bridge. The gate will protect to the 2008 flood volume; a similar gate is planned for the west side of the bridge.
The beginning of the end for the O Avenue NW construction will kick off this spring. This year, crews will tackle the segment between 16th Street and 24th Street, including underground utility upgrades and much-needed above ground pavement replacement. O Avenue will be closed this summer to accelerate construction. The final piece will be completed in 2021, taking improvements from 24th Street all the way to Edgewood Road. Other major work on the west side includes improvements to the 6th Street SW corridor. The existing four-lane section between Wilson Avenue and 33rd Avenue will be converted to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane (reducing the number of rear-end collisions). The work in 2020 will focus on pavement repairs, while work in 2021 will focus on adding sidewalk on both sides of the road. Construction will begin in summer 2020, and will include lane reductions as well as a temporary closure at Wilson Avenue. On the east side of town, work will be underway at Center Point Road and 29th Street, which includes pavement reconstruction, median installation, utility work and traffic signal replacement. The section from J Avenue to 29th Street will be converted to two-way traffic. Construction
22
begins in spring, with closures anticipated at the Center Point Road and 29th Street intersection. Other 2020 work in this area includes Old Marion Road; pavement and utility repairs will take place between Regent Street and C Avenue. Crews will replace the deteriorated bridge on 34th Street SE, just south of Cottage Grove Avenue, this summer. A full closure will be required on 34th Street as the bridge is replaced, with temporary full closure of Cottage Grove Avenue for a few weeks while crews complete underground utilities. The final phase of the multi-year 1st Avenue project will start this year, which includes a significant CEMAR Trail component and pedestrian underpass. This is the final work associated with the 1st Avenue project, which saw a complete overhaul between 27th Street and 40th Street in 2014 – 2019. While the majority of pavement, utility, and pedestrian upgrades have already been completed, this final phase will complete improvements that were not addressed in previous years, as they were scheduled to occur at the same time as the CEMAR Trail work. The 2020-2021 project will focus on the segment between 27th Street – 34th Street.
Construction will be underway this year on a new restroom facility near the McGrath Amphitheatre. The building will also double as a floodwall.
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FLOOD CONTROL
Construction will begin March 2020 on the 16th Avenue SE floodgate. The gate will be approximately 14 feet high and approximately 67 feet long. When closed, it will protect the neighborhood to the 2008 flood volume. A similar gate is planned for the west side of the bridge. Additional flood control projects slated to begin in 2020 include: Levee construction at the Lot 44 parking lot. Scheduled to begin May 2020, the levee will stretch from approximately 9th Avenue to 12th Avenue. Parking restrictions will be in place while construction is underway. Construction of a removable (stackable) floodgate at 3rd Avenue SE. The gate protects to the 2008 flood volume and will be closed when river elevations reach approximately 22 feet. Amphitheatre restroom. The facility includes a built-in floodwall to the 2008 flood volume, and includes storage for events.
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS The City of Cedar Rapids strives to receive diverse input from citizens to guide decisions. Representation from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences is critical in creating a community that serves all citizens. One of the best ways to have a voice in the future of Cedar Rapids is to serve on one of the many City boards, commissions, or advisory committees. Women, minorities, and qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by April 30, 2020. For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at 319286-5060, or email city-clerk@cedar-rapids.org.
A SAMPLE OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES ADA Advisory Committee
Downtown SSMID Commission
Board of Ethics
Electrical Board of Appeals
City Planning Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Civil Service Commission
Housing Board of Appeals
Design Review Technical Advisory Committees
Library Board of Trustees
Parks, Waterways & Recreation Commission Veterans Memorial Commission Visual Arts Commission Wellbeing Advisory Committee
Find a complete list of the City's boards and commissions and learn how to apply by visiting cedar-rapids.org then clicking on Local Government » City Boards & Commissions. Download and submit your application today.
Spring
LOOSE LEAF VACUUM COLLECTION APRIL 6 - MAY 1
Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz challenges every citizen to collect at least one bag of litter each year to help CleanUpCR!
LITTER COLLECTION KITS ARE AVAILABLE IN SPRING AT:
Residents can expect collection of leaves on their regular garbage day unless the trucks are slowed by weather or volume. Collection schedule is dependent upon weather conditions.
www.CityofCR.com/leaf
City Buildings: City Services Center City Hall Water Administration Building Cedar Rapids Downtown & Ladd Libraries Hy-Vee Food or Drug Stores (most locations) NewBo City Market
LEARN MORE AT
www.CleanUpCR.com W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G
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CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY CITY SERVICE
LOCATION
Animals
900 76th Avenue Drive SW
Assessor
City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW
319-286-5888
CRAssessor@Cedar-Rapids.org
Bid Opportunities
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5021
Bid-Purchasing@Cedar-Rapids.org
Building and Housing Codes
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5831
Building@Cedar-Rapids.org
Buses
Ground Transportation Center, 450 1st Street SE
319-286-5573
CRTransit@Cedar-Rapids.org
Fire Safety Inspections
713 1st Avenue SE
319-286-5166
CRFire@Cedar-Rapids.org
Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection
City Services Center, 500 15 Avenue SW
319-286-5897
SolidWaste&Recycling@Cedar-Rapids.org
Housing Assistance Programs
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5872
HSG-Admin@Cedar-Rapids.org
th
th
PHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
319-286-5993
AnimalControlMgmt@Cedar-Rapids.org
Land Development
st
City Hall, 101 1 Street SE
319-286-5822
DevelopmentServices@Cedar-Rapids.org
Park Rentals
Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW
319-286-5566
Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org
Potholes and Street Maintenance
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5826
Street@Cedar-Rapids.org
Recreation Programs
Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th Street NW
319-286-5566
Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org
Sewer Backup or Problems
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5815
Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org
Traffic Signals, Signs and Markings
City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW
319-286-5176
Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org
Utility Billing
City Hall, 101 1st Street SE
319-286-5900
WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org
For more information about the City of Cedar Rapids and its services, call 319-286-5080 or visit www.cedar-rapids.org.
CITY COUNCIL
To leave a message for a City Council member, call 319-286-5051. Find your district at www.linncountyelections.org.
MAYOR
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
b.hart@cedar-rapids.org
m.hoeger@cedar-rapids.org
s.overland@cedar-rapids.org
Martin Hoeger
Brad Hart
DISTRICT 3
Dale Todd
dalet@cedar-rapids.org
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org
a.vanorny@cedar-rapids.org
Scott Olson
AT LARGE
Patrick Loeffler
OUR CR
Ashley Vanorny
AT LARGE
AT LARGE
t.olson@cedar-rapids.org
ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org
Tyler Olson
p.loeffler@cedar-rapids.org
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Scott Overland
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MARCH 2020
Ann Poe
Visit CityofCR.com/Transit or call 319-286-5573 for more information.
W W W. C E D A R - R A P I D S . O R G
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