The public is invited to attend an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 to hear an update on the North Pedestrian Mall and Washington Street streetscape project, hosted by Genus Landscape Architects and the City of Iowa City. The Downtown streetscape master plan was adopted by the City Council in 2014 and identified Washington Street and the Pedestrian Mall as two top priorities. Proposed enhancements focus on underground utilities, wayfinding, pedestrian accommodations, public art and planting areas. The event will take place in the Amos Dean Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel,...

Iowa City can expect nearly 20,000 riders to pass through town on the morning of Saturday, July 25. The route will take cyclists into Iowa City by way of Mormon Trek Boulevard, bring them by Kinnick Stadium and eventually wind their way to Jefferson Street, Clinton Street, Iowa Avenue and Gilbert Street. Along the way, cyclists can follow signs that will lead them downtown to fuel up for their final destination to Davenport and the Mighty Mississippi. Highlights of the Ride and Shine event will include fresh foods from the local Farmers Market and other vendors, as well as culinary...

Weather permitting, beginning at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, Scott Boulevard will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between Court Street and Muscatine Avenue. This lane reduction is necessary to facilitate pavement repair near the crosswalk at Scott Park. It is anticipated the work will be completed by 7 a.m. the same day.

Motorists are to take note of this construction and to allow extra time as delays may be possible. As always, caution should be exercised when traveling through all construction areas.

For updated information on road construction in Iowa...

The Master Plan called for enhanced trash and recycling opportunities throughout the downtown area. In order to meet this goal the City is deploying Big Belly solar compactors in 2015. We are starting small with four units that be scattered throughout the district in heavy trash volume locations. The test locations will hopefully be a springboard for widespread use in downtown and other public areas in Iowa City.

Big Belly units compact trash and recyclables through use of 100 percent solar power. They provide great marketing opportunities while reducing maintenance expenses. Check...