River Corridor Redevelopment Plan

 

Chronology: Foundation Work – PRE-Flood

August 2006 The Cedar Rapids City Council, in cooperation and coordination with Linn County, Downtown District, Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District, and the Chamber of Commerce, commissions JLG Architects to perform a downtown development plan that incorporates elements of past plans into a single common Downtown Vision.
2007 State Economic Development Director Mike Tramontina tells Iowa communities that in order to compete with other Midwestern cities for young professionals they must upgrade housing, recreation, and quality-of-life amenities.
Summer through
October 2007		 A Downtown Vision Framework Plan is completed in Summer 2007 to assure a vibrant signature downtown that is competitive with other Midwestern communities. In October, the City Council approves the Downtown Area Plan to implement the Vision Framework.
November 2007 City adopts a long-term financial management plan with Key Financial Strategies to ensure sound short-term and long-term financial management.
Late 2007 City Council adopts long-range Vision for Cedar Rapids’ future to guide strategic planning and financial planning in the community.
January 2008 City Council commits to smart growth and sustainability measures, including a scorecard to ensure smart growth and sustainability are incorporated into future development.
January 2008 Sherman Associates selected as preferred developer for first new housing in downtown in 20 years, as part of Cedar Rapids Downtown Area Plan.
May 2008 City Council evaluates two finalists to develop the Riverfront Park Master Plan and selects Sasaki Associates.
May 2008 City Council enters into agreement with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the Time Check Feasibility Study.

 

Chronology: Foundation Work – POST-Flood

June 11-13 Flood impacts more than 5,000 homes; thousands of residents; countless businesses; City, County, School and non-profit facilities, roads, and bridges.
June 17, 2008

The City Council expands Sasaki/JLG scope of work to include the expanded flood-impacted area, and directs them to provide a plan for reinvestment in river corridor neighborhoods including replacement of workforce housing, measures to enhance flood protection, and neighborhood and development options.
June 2008 City of Cedar Rapids expands scope of Time Check Feasibility Study with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood management into the Cedar River Feasibility Study. The study will include flood damage and economic analysis, environmental analysis, interior drainage analysis, preliminary design, and public involvement.
July 2008 Stanley Consultants hired to coordinate with Army Corps of Engineers development of flood management options for the City.
July 2008 City and Affordable Housing Network work to identify specific workforce housing needs for displaced families, locations for in-fill housing near impacted neighborhoods outside the previously flooded area, as well as tools to help construct housing at a cost that is affordable to those impacted by the flood.
June to Present City works with State and Federal elected officials and agencies on funding for housing needs, flood management and reinvestment and rebuilding.
July 29, 2008 City holds the first set of three open houses for the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan to receive feedback from residents.
Sept. 11, 2008 City holds second of set of three open houses for the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan to receive public feedback.
Sept. 18, 2008 City Council requests funding from the USDA–National Resource Conservation Service to identify and make repairs to the stormwater system.
Sept. 24, 2008 City Council holds four-hour work session on flood management strategy and River Corridor Plan.
Oct. 1, 2008 City Council selects preferred flood management strategy option for public comment and review.
October 2008 Developers Skogman and Sherman Associates/MetroPlains, and Hatch Development Group plan for first replacement housing units begin land development process.