The information found in this section is a web-friendly display of the information found online at the city's website: www.cedar-rapids.org.  We have attempted to make it easier to view the information from the boards from the open house boards.

City of Cedar Rapids

October 16, 2008 OPEN HOUSE
PURPOSE: To receive feedback on the Framework for Reinvestment and Revitalization, including a Cedar Rapids Flood Management Strategy and other plan features.

About the Plan

On June 17, just days after the Cedar River flooded, the City Council expanded the scope of planning work for the Sasaki/JLG consultant team from a downtown and riverfront plan to planning for reinvestment in flood impacted areas.

The planning process will answer these questions:

1. What are the flood protection/mitigation options and what impact do they have on the City?
2. What new housing options can be made available for people who will not be able to return to their homes and neighborhoods?
3. What is the long-term framework for business reinvestment and redevelopment of Cedar Rapids?

Redevelopment Plan Goals

• Rebuild high quality and affordable workforce housing and neighborhoods.
• Improve flood protection to better protect homes and businesses.
  Restore full business vitality.
• Preserve our arts and cultural assets.
• Maintain our historic heritage.
• Assure that we can retain and attract the next generation workforce.
• Help our community become more sustainable.

Public Participation Process

For any recovery and reinvestment plan to be successful, it is going to take our entire community working together and getting involved.

The City held three sets of open houses at key points in the planning process to receive feedback from the public, to ensure that the final plan reflects the identified needs and interests of the entire Cedar Rapids community.

Open House No. 1 – July 29
Identifying and Reviewing Issues and Concerns
Attendance: About 700;
Comment Forms: About 300

Open House No. 2 – Sept. 11
Options to Address Those Issues and Evaluation
Attendance: About 950;
Comment Forms: About 300

Open House No. 3 – Oct. 16
Feedback on final draft framework for reinvestment and revitalization.

What is the Framework for Reinvestment and Revitalization?

The result of this four-month study and public participation process will be a Framework for Reinvestment and Revitalization.

The framework will include an overall flood management strategy as well as focal points for reinvestment and redevelopment in the Cedar River Corridor in the areas of:

• Neighborhoods and Housing
• Transportation
• Business Reinvestment & Downtown
• Arts and Culture
• Open Space
• Public Buildings and Facilities

Once the public has provided input at this third and final set of open houses, the draft framework will be refined, completed and submitted to the City Council.

The Council will consider the framework in early November. Once approved, the Council will prioritize initial projects and use the framework for future river corridor reinvestment decisions.