Input sought on Cedar Rapids’ College District Action Plan

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids continues to seek public input on the College District Action Plan, a comprehensive look at the strengths, weakness and opportunities for the area that encompasses Mount Mercy University, the Irish District, Coe College and the Mound View Neighborhood Association.

The next open house takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in Coe College's Clark Alumni House, 200 College Dr. NE. Parking is available in any Coe College parking lot, in addition to on-street parking on neighboring streets.

Last June, more than 100 neighbors, residents, business owners, and college students attended a workshop to share feedback on the neighborhood. On Nov. 14, city officials plan to present draft goals and action steps that have been developed based on public feedback.

Action steps have been outlined to address issues related to building aesthetics, retail, walkability and biking, redevelopment, street lighting and landscaping. Examples of action steps include promoting historic Mound View sites through the 'History Happened Here' initiative; analyzing areas for sidewalk infill; and organizing master plans, college demographics and economic development considerations into a central database for developers.

Map of the College District

The College District plan is exploring a variety of interests that fall into several categories:

— Land Use — Zoning and design standards.

— Connectivity — Vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, transit usage and safety.

— Character — Design and placement of buildings.

— Streetscapes — Street lighting and landscaping along public right-of-ways.

— Placemaking — Aesthetics, attractions and perceptions.

Additional public outreach opportunities will be available before plan adoption in fall 2018.

Learn more and share your feedback through a survey at cityofcr.com/collegedistrict.

The College District Action Plan follows similar planning initiatives already underway, including the Mount Vernon Road Corridor Action Plan and the Northwest Neighborhood Area Action Plan. These plans take the concepts identified from the city's comprehensive plan, EnvisionCR, and develop action steps and goals tailored to a specific geographic region.