MedQ commission outlines roundabout, pocket park and mental-health partnerships in annual update

The Medcor (MedQ) Special Municipal Improvement District reported infrastructure and program updates to the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee on April 15, highlighting a planned roundabout, a proposed pocket park on Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street, and continued collaboration on mental-health resources.

The district’s executive director, Phil Wasta, told committee members that MedQ’s consolidated budget for calendar 2024 totaled $7,250,000 and that budget projections show a spike in district improvements when the roundabout invoice is received. Wasta said the district keeps a multi-year projection so commission members and staff “understand how we’re gonna pay for it, especially the big stuff.” He told the committee a $139,000 earmark for A Avenue Northeast (Seventh to Tenth) will likely be pushed to fiscal 2027 because of the city’s schedule.

The update emphasized coordination with city staff on multiple construction projects. Wasta described ongoing work on a roundabout (budgeted in fiscal 2026 because construction will extend past July 1), pavement rehabilitation along Fifth Avenue (Fifth to Twelfth Street), conversion of a county road to two-way traffic to relieve A Avenue/Eighth Street congestion, eight new ADA ramps at Third Avenue and Tenth Street, and decorative pavers and crosswalks on Eighth Avenue. He said the city funded the road conversion and has been a close partner on other projects.

Wasta described a planned pocket park at the southwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street in front of a medical office building; a license agreement has been filed with the assessor’s office and standards-committee review is under way. The park would convert asphalt to a programmable green space for small performances and food trucks, and include permeable pavers and seating. Wasta also said MedQ is advocating for a bus stop pad and shelter on Eighth Street near the Mercy parking garage and expects installation this year.

On branding and placemaking, Wasta said the district is investing in murals, holiday lighting, two pocket parks and new banner designs. He credited work by the standards and branding committees and noted the district uses a master-plan update by the Lakota Group as its guide. Wasta also highlighted the Faith and Medicine Task Force’s gethelpnowcr.com mental-health triage resource and said the task force will host a presentation by Dr. Lisa Miller at First Lutheran Church in May.

Commissioners and committee members asked questions about annexation, economic-development constraints in MedQ, and specific sites such as the former Daisy’s Garage property. Wasta said some projects are constrained by limited available land in the district and by timing of city capital projects. He reported an open commission seat (Barb Tupper of Coe College was approved and will start July 1) and thanked city liaison Jennifer Pratt for ongoing coordination.

Wasta closed by reiterating that multi-year budgeting—and setting aside funds for major items rather than relying on bonding—helps the district manage large infrastructure projects and reduces surprises.

The finance committee did not take formal action on the MedQ update; the presentation was provided for information and discussion.