Iowa City Council Approves Groundwork for Riverfront Crossing Urban Renewal Area

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The Iowa City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday night, laying the groundwork for a new Urban Renewal Area in Iowa City.

"There are no projects yet; we are just setting things up for future projects," said City of Iowa City Planning and Community Development Director Jeff Davidson.

The 44 acre-boundary, which currently includes the property abutting the Iowa River from Highway 1 along Orchard Street to Myrtle Avenue, also includes property on the west side of the river, where the North Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ralston Creek and Iowa River Corridor Trail are. Davidson said the boundaries could be ammended and extended eventually to add the Gateway Shopping Center along Highway 1, if desired.

"We're starting with this district (on the west side of the river), and then we'll eventually add the area we all think of as the riverfront crossings, across the river to the east," Davidson said.

The resolution allows consultation with taxing entities on the project and sets a date for a public hearing, Oct. 4.

More City Council News:

September 11th memorial Sunday

Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek announced the 10th-anniversary 9/11 memorial to be held Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shakespeare Festival Stage in City Park.

Speakers will include University of Iowa President Sally Mason, Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, and religious leaders from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. The Disciples Strings of First Christian Church will provide music for the annual event, hosted by the Consultation of Religious Communities.

Constitution Week Declared

Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek declared Sept. 17 to Sept. 23, Constitution Week, in Iowa City.

The 222nd anniversary of the signing of the constitution provides a historic opportunity for all Americans to remember the achievements of the framers of the constitution and the rights, priviledges and responsibilities afforded to U.S. citizens, he said.

"(We) urge all citizens to reflect during that week on the many benefits of our federal constitution and priviledges and responsbilities of American citizenship," Hayek said.

Iowa City Pilgrims Chapter Vice-Regent Shalla Ashworth accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Daughters of the Revolution.

"Today the members of the Iowa City Pilgrims chapter of the DAR are very appreciative of this proclamation celebrating Constitution Week," she said. "Today's DARs promotes and supports historic preservation, elementary, secondary and college education, and an understanding an upholding of patriotism for current and past veterans."

The next Iowa City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.