Revitalizing First Avenue is smart

Last month, the Cedar Rapids City Council approved a “micro-area action plan” with the goal of rejuvenating First Avenue East, which runs on both sides of First Avenue from Coe Road NE to 17th Street SE. It’s a welcome development because, clearly, the area can use some help.

First Avenue East is caught in a loop of store closings, with the closed the Hy-Vee and McDonald’s creating prominent gaps. As The Gazette’s Grace Nieland reported, thousands of people drive through the commercial district daily, but few stop to visit remaining businesses.

“It’s sort of the old chicken and the egg question: What comes first — strong businesses to build a neighborhood, or a strong neighborhood to attract a business,” District 3 council member Dale Todd told Nieland. “This plan lets us turn our attention toward both.”

Attracting new business is a large goal. But smaller efforts, such as improving lighting, pedestrian access, biking enhancements and more available parking. Pedestrian safety and walkability could use some work. Public art could draw interest. The MedQ could benefit from a hotel that could anchor the area. More restaurants would be a positive.

It’s also a big opportunity for public-private partnerships. One example of a partner is Coe College, which has a prominent place in the area and could benefit from revitalization efforts. Maybe the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance could lend a hand. Clearly there are many potential partners, and an all-hands-on-deck approach would increase the chances for a successful effort.

Bike trail accessibility is a neighborhood strength which could be improved. As the city ponders how to replace Bender pool — where young swimmers learn to swim — perhaps a shared facility could be constructed closer to the colleges and in this area.

There is no shortage of ideas.

We think the area, which spans multiple neighborhoods, could benefit from a liaison who can be the point person for improvement efforts. A liaison could help entrepreneurs learn about the properties, assist in guiding improvements and be a cheerleader for the area.

It will be a lot of work, but the effort can succeed. The NewBo neighborhood as a great example of a revitalization push that started small, with streetscaping and other improvement, but became a major asset for Cedar Rapids. We’re confident First Avenue East also can be a success story.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com