Remodel could cramp Cedar Rapids event parking

CEDAR RAPIDS - A downtown parking ramp is due for $900,150 in repairs, which could put a strain on parking during events.

Monthly permit holders of the Five Seasons Parkade, 400 First Ave. SE, should not be affected. But spaces would be limited for daily parkers, and that could create a squeeze when a big event occurs downtown, said Jon Rouse, general manager of Park Cedar Rapids.

'The impact mostly would be my staff and events at the convention center,” Rouse said. 'When large events are taking place, it's going to be tight.”

The parking access points can be programmed to ensure spots are available for those with permits, he said. Overflow parking would be sent to other nearby lots and ramps, he said.

'It's going to impact us, but impacts we hope will be pretty minimal,” he said.

The ramp has 789 spaces with 476 permit holders. During construction, the ramp would lose about 200 spaces.

Without addressing a host of needs, such as life-safety repairs and code compliance, the 1977-built ramp would need a full reconstruction in as few as five years, according to a memo from City Engineer Nathan Kampman to the City Council.

Cedar Rapids is in the process of awarding a contract for the project, and hopes to begin construction as soon as April 7 and have the work wrapped up by Dec. 31. A second phase of work may be needed in 2017, Rouse said.

In other city news;

- The City Council tweaked its 2-year-old nuisance property ordinance, which allows the city to hold landlords and property owners accountable for behavior of tenants, to prevent penalizing victims of crimes - including victims of domestic violence - who are seeking emergency help.

- Cedar Rapids is recommending $100,000 for new overhead street signs on Seventh Street NE from I-380 to First Avenue E.

- The City Council approved a $2.9 million contract, plus up to $160,000 in incentives, with Rathje Construction Co. for a pavement and water main rehabilitation project on 42nd Street NE from I-380 to Wenig Road NE. This is paid for through Paving for Progress, which is funded through a local-option sales tax. Construction would begin this spring with completion by Oct. 22, except sodding.

- Cedar Rapids is considering vacating 5.3 acres of city land in Osborn Park, and a 40-foot wide strip located southeasterly of 15th Avenue SE and formerly known as First Street SE, in connection with the Cedar Rapids Flood Control System project.

- In a split vote, the council approved a voluntary buyout of a property at 4264 Cottage Grove Parkway SE in connection with the Sun Valley Flood Protection project. The buyout value was $218,000, plus $20,000 in relocation benefits.

- The council approved a contract worth up to $82,300 with Brand Acceleration for strategic marketing services for the city manager's office.