Letters to the editor: Plan for 'affordable' Iowa City needs more consideration

Plan for 'affordable' Iowa City needs more consideration

Life in a university town is expensive, and Iowa City is no exception. However, the latest move on the part of the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission is not designed to really address the deeper issue. Based on the argument that Iowa City needs more “affordable housing,” a widespread rezoning is to be implemented within a very short time frame.

However, there is really no such thing as “affordable housing,” which is really a convenient, misleading buzzword. Affordability is not, and has never been, an intrinsic quality of a building. We rally to our most noble of intentions when we talk about it as though it is. However, developers don’t build affordable apartments or unaffordable apartments. They build apartments. Some are, no doubt, nicer than others, but this alone doesn’t make them expensive or inexpensive. That only happens when those apartments are sold or rented. At that point, the price is determined in a transaction that is influenced by market forces, public policy, or both. Construction and borrowing costs have substantially escalated in Iowa City. The costs for construction will necessarily be passed on to owners or renters, given that the LLCs will be the only groups that will be able to afford the building costs. No wonder so many people are moving to North Liberty, Solon, Tiffin and Coralville.

How does Iowa City intend to provide the infrastructure necessary to support high-density neighborhoods? No bus route, no grocery stores, no play areas for children? It seems to me that the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission is overly eager to distribute a “density bonus” to developers (as was mentioned in the meeting Aug. 2), without considering many of the variables that make a desirable, successful neighborhood: walkability, (meaning less, not more vehicle traffic) schools, accessible green spaces and the tradition of a part of town that has grown with a characteristic history and flavor. This sweeping rezoning threatens to inevitably disrupt many established neighborhoods. Also, given the planned timeline: Sept. 5, City Council public hearing; Sept. 19, second consideration by City Council; Oct. 3, action being taken by City Council. This timeline seems indeed very hurried, given the magnitude of the changes. Neighborhood associations have not been contacted, nor has there been any media coverage of this proposed major change.

It did not escape my attention that at the meeting on Aug. 2, developers and real estate agents seemed quite familiar and obviously comfortable with the particulars of the proposed plans. The impression many were left with after the meeting was that the Commission was systematically pursuing rezoning efforts with a minimum of publicity, as well as a lack of transparency and involvement with those whose neighborhoods and property values will be adversely affected.

I strongly urge the Iowa City Council to postpone voting on these critical issues until a robust public conversation with all neighborhood associations can be initiated.

Rabbi Rebecca Kushner, Iowa City

Fair helps Johnson County

Another Johnson County Fair has come and gone. I think it’s worth highlighting the sheer impact this fair has on the community and our youth. 4-H and FFA are organizations helping develop our youth into future leaders whether that be in agriculture and natural resources, STEM, healthy living, leadership and civic engagement, or communication and the arts. The Johnson County Fair is an important culmination of the learning and experiences youth in these programs have for the year or even multiple years for some of the youths’ projects.

At this past fair, there were 280 youth exhibitors who brought 1,804 projects. Local businesses rallied together to help make the fair possible and support the youth in the livestock and ribbon auction. Of the 98 projects that were entered in the auction, $190,000 went toward supporting the youth of our county! I would like to give my sincere congratulations to all of the exhibitors and their families and extend my gratitude to all of the businesses that supported this fair.

The Johnson County Fair is also an important event for our community. This year, attendance ranged from 800 to 2,200 members of our community and beyond. There were around 40 local businesses and organizations with exhibitor booths.

Our community is extremely fortunate to have a free fair, unlike many of our surrounding counties. A free fair means more community members can enjoy fun activities and learning opportunities, ensuring this is an event open to all. I always enjoy witnessing the joy young members of our community have when they get to see a new animal in person, participate in kids’ day, try out the tractor pull, and so much more. The Johnson County Fair Board had 127 partnerships with community members and organizations that helped make the fair and other events (approximately 250 each year) possible. It’s important that as members, businesses and organizations of this community we continue to help make this fair free for all.

Ron Stutsman, Hills

Bicyclists, please be courteous

I love the number and variety of parks in Iowa City. However, I have been feeling less love for the increasing number of bikers who seem to regard the park trails as their own personal racetracks.

Please note, I’m not talking about families or children, but instead the lycra-clad, Tour de France wannabes who speed through the parks without warning pedestrians ahead. I get it. People walking dogs must seem like annoying obstacles to some bikers. But for everyone’s safety, I would ask all bikers to call out or ring a bell in warning, and to please slow down when passing pedestrians.

My dogs and I will gladly step aside to allow bikes to go by. We can all share the park trails safely if everyone would simply be courteous and considerate of others.

Monique Kluczykowski, Iowa City

Farm bill must seriously address hunger

The farm bill isn’t just about farming, it’s about feeding people. It plays a significant role in addressing hunger in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S. more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, are food insecure. Globally, more than 345 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity, more than double the number in 2020. Over 80% of farm bill funding supports U.S. and global anti-hunger programs.

I urge Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Sen. Joni Ernst to support a farm bill that fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) without adding additional obstacles that restrict access to this vital program. In addition, they should support incentives allowing SNAP participants to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables.

I also urge them to strengthen international nutrition programs that help millions of women and children around the world to thrive. As a person of faith and a member of Bread for the World, I believe that everyone should have access not just to enough food to eat but enough nutritious food to help them lead healthy and productive lives.

Linda Myers, Coralville

Convention aims to spark engagement

As the summer days start to wind down, an exciting opportunity to come together and make a positive impact is just around the corner. This Sunday, Aug. 27, Corridor Community Action Network will present CCAN-Con 2023, a dynamic festival that promises to ignite the spirit of community engagement like never before.

CCAN-Con is not just another event; it's a platform for change, growth, and connection. With a variety of engaging workshops and presentations led by local experts and organizations, attendees can delve into empowering discussions on a wide range of topics. From environmental awareness to trauma-informed care, the workshops are designed to inspire meaningful dialogues and foster collective action.

What makes CCAN-Con truly special is the sense of unity that emerges when so many individuals with common values come together. The energy of the day will be amplified by live music performances throughout the event, adding a vibrant backdrop to the experience. From the moment you step into the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall or the Iowa City Public Library, you'll be immersed in an environment of shared purpose and connection.

While I organize collaborative events throughout the year, CCAN-Con holds a special place in my heart. As the founder and director of Corridor Community Action Network, my goal has always been to create spaces where individuals can come together, learn from each other, and explore new avenues for making a positive impact within our community.

CCAN-Con's impact extends far beyond the event itself. It's an opportunity for you to join a movement, to connect with fellow community members who are committed to positive change, and to empower yourself with knowledge and inspiration. It's a chance to discover your role in shaping the future of our community.

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, who have played a pivotal role in making CCAN-Con possible: Veridian Community Credit Union, Hills Bank, and The Iowa City Public Library. Their support reflects their dedication to fostering community growth and engagement. I also thank the Iowa City Recreation Center for providing back-up event space in the gym in case of inclement weather.

I invite you to join us at CCAN-Con 2023 from noon to 6 p.m. Register for free workshops at bit.ly/3OBjTff, enjoy live music, and engage in conversations that matter. Let's build a stronger, more connected Corridor, together.

Mandi Remington, director, Corridor Community Action Network, Iowa City

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Letters: Plan for 'affordable' Iowa City needs more consideration