Public input sought for Hickory Hill Park Master Plan

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - 11:47am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss ideas and collect public input for the Hickory Hill Park Master Plan. The meeting will be held Sunday, March 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert Street.

Park elements to be considered include park programming, wayfinding and signage, bridge and trail improvements and park access. A brief formal presentation will occur at 1:30 p.m. with informal public input sessions before and after the presentation. The public is invited to stop by at their convenience. Need a reminder? Join the...

Spring street sweeping soon gets underway. Check the schedule so you don't get towed!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - 3:35pm
Contact: 
Toni Davis
Streets and traffic engineering

The City of Iowa City Streets Division will begin street-sweeping operations in two weeks to remove sand and debris from the streets to enhance public safety. This work is scheduled to coincide with the University’s Spring Break schedule. During this time, on-street parking will be prohibited in certain areas so that street-sweepers can access the full width of the street. Vehicles that are not moved will be towed.

“No parking due to maintenance” signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of any work to alert vehicle owners to move their cars. If you are a University student...

First Avenue Grade Separation Project update: March 1, 2016

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - 3:01pm
Contact: 
Jason Reichart
Engineering

The First Avenue Grade Separation Project, which has been broken into five phases, is currently in phase three. Crews are working on bridge abutments, driving pile and setting forms. A mild winter is helping get work back on schedule after some delays. Watch the video to find out more. For more information on the First Avenue Grade Separation Project, visit www.icgov.org/firstavenueproject .

PAAC awards funds to two local public art projects

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - 11:53am
Contact: 
Marcia Bollinger
Neighborhood and Development Services

The first two public art projects to be awarded matching funds from the City’s new Matching Grant Project have been announced by the Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC). The Matching Grant Project, first announced last fall, provides matching funds of up to $2,000 for local visual, audio, or performance-based art projects. Artists submit proposals, and members of the PAAC make final award selections.

The first projects to earn the awards are “Space Jam” by Breanne Trammell, and “Community Book Makers Project” by the Local Homelessness Coordination Board, with Yeshe Tsomo...

Animal Center introduces new program for young readers

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 1:08pm
Animal Shelter

Picture this: A school-aged child enters a room at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center with a book in hand, takes a seat on a comfy floor cushion, and begins to read aloud -- to a cat. It’s all part of a new program the shelter has implemented called “Read to the Paw.”

According to Animal Services Supervisor Liz Ford, the program offers numerous benefits. The cats are soothed and socialized by the young reader’s voice, and students are able to strengthen their reading skills and build confidence by reading out loud in front of a non-judgmental audience. Plus, having the...

ICPL To Circulate Laptops

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 9:36am
Iowa City Public Library

The Iowa City Public Library has added laptop computers to its list of materials available for check out.

The Library recently purchased five Lenovo laptop computers specifically for the purpose of making them available to patrons, extending ICPL’s public access to technology beyond building operating hours. The computers are equipped with Windows 7 and productivity software, including Microsoft Office Professional 2013.

Beginning March 1, Library users living in Iowa City or one of ICPL’s contract service areas -- Hills, Lone Tree, University Heights, or unincorporated...

Iowa City Fire Department responds to house fire on 3rd Ave.

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 9:21am
Fire Department

The Iowa City Fire Department responded to a house fire at 409 3rd Ave, in Iowa City at 11:09 p.m. on February 26th. The first unit arrived on scene four minutes after receiving the alarm and reported a working fire with smoke showing from the eves of the roof.

The occupants of the building had safely exited the structure prior to the fire department’s arrival. Fire crews made a quick interior attack, containing the fire damage to the attic space. The fire was deemed under control within 10 minutes of the fire department’s arrival.

Sixteen fire personnel responded to the...

Road Construction - S Gilbert Street

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 9:18am
Engineering

Weather permitting, beginning on Monday, February 29, 2016, northbound traffic on S Gilbert Street will be reduced to one lane between Lafayette Street and Court Street. This lane reduction is necessary to facilitate the placement of a fiber optic line in the area and will be a moving operation as the installation proceeds down the roadway. It is anticipated that normal traffic will resume by the end of the day on Thursday, March 3rd.

Motorists are to take note of this lane reduction and to allow extra travel time as delays may occur. As always, caution should be exercised when...

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