Council approves first reading, easements to support Light Line Loop redevelopment

The Cedar Rapids City Council held public hearings Sept. 9 and approved the first reading of an ordinance vacating portions of B Street, 17th, 19th and 20th Avenues and associated alleys in the area planned for the Light Line Loop project. Ken de Kiser, city engineer, told council the rights-of-way and alleys to be vacated have had city utilities reconfigured to serve the future park facility and redevelopment sites associated with the Light Line Loop. He described a forthcoming replat that will reserve greenway and promenade areas and create three development sites adjacent to the new park. Following a public hearing with no public objections, the council approved the ordinance first reading; the motion was moved by Council member Scott Olsen and seconded by Council member Van Orney and carried. In related actions, the council also adopted resolutions authorizing electric line easements requested by the city so Alliant Energy (Interstate Power and Light Company) can construct service lines behind Czech Village to provide parking-lot lighting and other electrical service for the Light Line Loop. The easements cover three lots (10, 11 and 12) and a former B Street promenade segment, city staff said. After public hearings with no objections, the resolutions were adopted by council vote. City staff recommended the vacations and easements to allow construction and utility installation for the Light Line Loop and adjacent redevelopment; council members did not debate the items during the meeting.