A state board on Thursday awarded a combined $1.3 million toward two CEdar Rapids projects: one that will revitalize Cedar Lake through the grassroots ConnectCR initiative and the other that will renovate the African American Museum of Iowa.
Two budget amendments proposed by Iowa City council member Laura Bergus Tuesday would have shifted funds from the city’s police department to its reserve fund. Both amendments failed to pass, but Bergus’ proposals — and comments from nearly 80 residents — are likely to lead to more conversations about the future of policing in Iowa City.
No contractors bid on the project last month
Developer Steve Emerson’s redevelopment of the Iowa Building, 211 Fourth Ave. SE, received historic preservation tax credits to create 41 rental units on the upper floors.
The area is one of 18 communities chosen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for its urban heat island mapping campaign.
Linn County’s historic Bertram “Blue” Bridge on Bertram Road sustained damage while crews tried to lift it and move the structure to the Indian Creek Nature Center for use on the trail system. It likely cannot be salvaged.
Also, North Liberty seeks to acquire land for new city park by condemnation after failed negotiations with property owner.
After a Cedar Rapids policy change, more Iowa cities have looked at how to spur development of ADUs to create housing and boost density. ADUs are seen as “part of the puzzle” to sustainable, affordable, age-friendly housing development.
Cedar Lake revitalization as part of ConnectCR and the African American Museum of Iowa’s renovation project are among 34 seeking Community Attraction and Tourism grant funding.
Unions representing Cedar Rapids law enforcement officials shared with City Manager Jeff Pomeranz that they oppose having a civilian police department head as the city assesses whether Chief Wayne Jerman aged out of being a certified officer when he turned 66.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to extend its pause on new large-scale solar projects. The renewable energy review committees have final meetings this week to assess the county ordinance governing the solar projects.
All elected officials will get at least a 4 percent raise for fiscal year 2024, which starts July 1. County employees are also expected to get a 4 percent wage increase.
The supervisors backed a 4.92 percent pay bump for the county attorney, sheriff and their deputies, and a 4.1 percent increase for other elected officials and their deputies. The compensation board suggested 12 percent and 10 percent raises for those officials, respectively.
Residents are pushing back as more homes were referred Tuesday to a Linn County panel to initiate eminent domain proceedings as the city of Cedar Rapids looks to finalize home acquisitions for flood control in the Northwest Neighborhood.
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