Bike lanes, lighting displays, public art latest downtown Iowa City proposals

Downtown Iowa City could include bike lanes, traffic flow changes, lighting upgrades and interactive public art, if new design proposals released on Tuesday gain traction.

The designs, which were on display at an open house at the Iowa City Sheraton on Tuesday, are part of a year-long effort to solicit public input on cosmetic and functional changes downtown. Upcoming expenses on aging infrastructure created an opportunity to make changes to the look and feel of its downtown.

Iowa City officials have been working with Genus Landscape Architects in Des Moines on designs and options, and have been collecting feedback at www.InspireDowntownIC.com.

Some proposed designs show lit archways leading south on Dubuque Street into the pedestrian mall, and a few options for re-purposing a nook in the pedestrian mall known as Black Hawk Park, include public art that responds to the touch, a fountain or outdoor cafe seating.

Judging by public comments on the displays, Iowa Citians are split between the choices.

The designs, which have been honed from public comments over the months, include changing the one-way Market and Jefferson Streets for two-way traffic, reducing the downtown portion of Gilbert Street to three lanes and adding bike lanes on either side, and adding permeable surfaces to allow rainwater to naturally absorb rather than filter through the sewer system.

Michael Tylku, a graduate student from Pittsburgh, which spruced up its downtown several years back, said some of Iowa City's streets are "sterile" and this effort could help improve the sense of community.

He was most impressed by sustainability features, space for artists and accommodations for cyclists.

Denice Cornwell, 60, who's lived in Iowa City for 35 years, was most impressed by the use of lighting to not only improve safety, but guide people through the city and give it a festive feel. Improving the ability to find your way around is important in a city with many visitors and transient population, she said.

"Lighting is important to how we experience a place," she said.

The open house on Tuesday was the last of three public sessions this year. The City Council could adopt a plan in February, and early changes, such as adding bike lanes, could come in 2014 with other updates getting phased in over the next few years, said Geoff Fruin, assistant city manager.

The scope of the updates will depend on how much money the city wants to invest, and the projects timeline will depend on what is prioritized, he said. He said the city could consider using proceeds from tax increment financing as well as its general fund budget.

"Personally, I would love to see this happen as quick as possible," said City Council Member Terry Dickens, who stopped by the open house. "But, like in business, you do what you can afford to do."

Dickens said he would not favor creating a special tax to accomplish the project.