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First Avenue micro area action-plan draft targets reinvestment; residents cite vacancy and safety concerns
Summary
Staff described outreach and draft goals for the First Avenue micro area action plan, aimed at promoting private reinvestment between 12th and 17th Streets East. Outreach engaged about 105 community members; priorities include attracting restaurants and grocery options, improving streetscapes and addressing vacant lots.
Noah Zekker, Community Development, presented the First Avenue micro area action plan, which covers the corridor from 12th Street to 17th Street East and aims to promote private reinvestment after the closure of a large grocery store. Zekker said the study area is roughly 59.8 acres (about one-tenth the size of a typical area action plan) and staff expanded outreach because of the grocery closure and adjacent neighborhoods’ needs for healthy food and prescription access.
Staff engaged community members through six focus groups (42 participants), an online survey (56 participants), mailing to property addresses in the plan area, neighborhood meetings (about 20 attendees), and a public open house. Overall, Zekker said at least 105 community members participated. Survey responses showed residents like the area’s connection to colleges and downtown but raised concerns about vacant lots, empty buildings and safety. When asked what businesses they want more of, respondents prioritized restaurants (40.6%) and a grocery store (37.5%).
Draft plan goals and high-priority action steps identified by stakeholders include: identifying economic-development program connections that support neighborhood revitalization; establishing a working group to identify barriers to recruiting and retaining businesses; expanding communications about property maintenance and violation reporting; and exploring streetscape improvements to enhance pedestrian safety. Staff plans to bring a draft plan to Development Committee on Feb. 19 and to City Council on Feb. 25.
During discussion, Council member Ashley pressed staff on pedestrian safety and unsanctioned crossings, and advocated for tangible improvements (bus stops, trees, cleanliness) and proactive approaches to large vacant parcels (including the former Hy-Vee and adjacent sites). Zekker said staff is working with a grocer pursuing grant opportunities and Public Works is coordinating on planned street improvements that will require DOT coordination because First Avenue is a state highway.
Zekker requested the committee’s recommendation to bring the draft to the Feb. 19 Development Committee meeting; staff will return with the draft plan for a recommendation to Council.
