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Alderman Vasquez warns development could leave older Davenport wards behind
Summary
Alderman Vasquez told the council April 22 that continued focus on new development in north and northwest Davenport risks neglecting older wards; he urged proactive promotion of businesses in established neighborhoods and announced support for revitalization efforts.
Alderman Vasquez told the Davenport City Council on April 22 that while new development in north and northwest Davenport is positive, the city must also promote businesses and reinvestment in older wards to avoid further decline.
"If we don't actively promote and get businesses going in these older wards ... we're going to slip from bad to worse," Vasquez said, warning that concentrating development in a few areas could deepen inequalities across the city. He said he supports efforts to help older neighborhoods and will assist however he can.
The comment was part of a broader petitions-and-communications segment in which several aldermen announced ward meetings and community events. Alderman Leenan said an eighth ward meeting will be held May 7 at 6 p.m. at the Eastern Avenue library where Mary Egger of Iowa American Water will speak about lead service line replacement initiatives. Alderman Blunk said a public meeting on River Street realignment and McCaulou and River Drive has been postponed into May and will be scheduled and announced.
Vasquez's remarks were framed as a caution and a call for attention rather than a formal proposal; no vote or formal policy motion followed from the council during the meeting.
