en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/622260 Comments by BradyDorman http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/2010/09/13/fema-says-new-boilers-in-vets-memorial-must-go-in-basement-that-flood-water-filled#IDComment98657221 Rick, who is the Veterans Commission architect? Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:16:53 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/local-news/2010/09/13/fema-says-new-boilers-in-vets-memorial-must-go-in-basement-that-flood-water-filled#IDComment98657221 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/17/iowa-city-council-favors-changes-to-taxicab-rules#IDComment93779837 I think the point is to avoid individuals from moonlighting as a cab driver on the weekend. A common color scheme could be a neat branding opportunity for Iowa City. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:51:50 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/17/iowa-city-council-favors-changes-to-taxicab-rules#IDComment93779837 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91680742 "West" of 19th Street there are several more streets in the urban street grid, whereas "east" of 19th Street, First Avenue is essentially the only thoroughfare that goes all the way through. It is not unreasonable that traffic levels would be much greater in this section, despite being so close to the Medical Mall. Like I said above, I'm not convinced closing 2nd Avenue is absolutely necessary, but I don't believe it will create an enormous strain on First Ave traffic levels. Even during the morning and afternoon "rush" 2nd and 3rd avenue really are not carrying that much traffic right now anyway - making them very good for biking in and out of downtown (an alternative but similar opposition to the street closure) Mon, 9 Aug 2010 04:10:14 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91680742 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91674523 to clarify the widening project on First Avenue was to be between 19th Street and 40th Street East. Mon, 9 Aug 2010 03:28:47 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91674523 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91603580 I think this editorial would've been a lot more convincing, or at least agreeable, if for once the Gazette went into detail about exactly why a skywalk would "detriment" patient flow so severely, or report the exact cost differences. Generalized, simple statements from PCI or the Gazette are going to change the minds of the vast majority of citizens opposed to this. I am entirely in support of the Medical Mall project and the Medical District improvements - like the Gazette editorial board, I see it as a much better economic development tool than actually reducing health care costs in the area or becoming a "mini Mayo." However it is disappointing that PCI has not shared with the public different alternatives they claim to have explored - with a skywalk, more floors, or alternative building placement on the site. Sun, 8 Aug 2010 18:17:02 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/opinion/editorial/2010/08/08/medical-mall-worth-closing-a-street#IDComment91603580 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/06/iowa-illinois-submit-high-speed-rail-application#IDComment91315767 Is the application designated for high speed rail projects or just passenger rail in general? 79 mph is not high speed rail, even by American standards. Sat, 7 Aug 2010 02:06:56 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/06/iowa-illinois-submit-high-speed-rail-application#IDComment91315767 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/04/skywalks-as-an-alternative-to-closing-second-avenue-won%e2%80%99t-work-for-pci#IDComment90886062 Extremely well said! I am not worried about the vehicular traffic impacts (the avenues are far below capacity as is), but it is concerning to physically and visually cut off this connection between downtown and the surrounding neighborhood. It is really unfortunate no alternative building orientations have been explored, at least not publicly. Additionally I'd like more of an explanation about how using a skywalk "won't work" "according to doctors." If the building were built over 2nd Avenue, leaving a tunnel for the street (as opposed to 2 separate buildings and a skywalk) that would allow full build out on all floors except the first. There must be some service spaces, or perhaps even commercial/retail that would survive not having direct at grade access to locate on one block of the first level. Wed, 4 Aug 2010 23:57:29 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/04/skywalks-as-an-alternative-to-closing-second-avenue-won%e2%80%99t-work-for-pci#IDComment90886062 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/04/pci%e2%80%99s-new-medical-building-poised-to-get-substantial-city-tax-breaks#IDComment90825112 This would have been a good article to also announce the public meeting tonight 4-7pm and tomorrow 11am-1pm at Crowne Plaza about the Medical Mall and Medical District development. A presentation begins at 5:15. Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:51:09 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/08/04/pci%e2%80%99s-new-medical-building-poised-to-get-substantial-city-tax-breaks#IDComment90825112 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/03/citys-new-parking-authority-has-collected-230000-in-unpaid-tickets#IDComment90693018 I agree it's great they are beginning to collected an incredible amount of overdue parking fines, but why does everyone, regardless the degree of their offense, always need to be characterized as a "deadbeat" or some other demeaning term? Cheers to downtown parking improvements under Republic's management. Wed, 4 Aug 2010 00:28:24 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/08/03/citys-new-parking-authority-has-collected-230000-in-unpaid-tickets#IDComment90693018 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/07/07/hoteliers-have-doubts-about-city-success-as-crowne-plaza-owner#IDComment85404700 It is directly adjacent to two multi-story parking garages, one of which is specifically intended for arena events and hotel patrons. Perhaps they will park there... Wed, 7 Jul 2010 23:48:52 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/07/07/hoteliers-have-doubts-about-city-success-as-crowne-plaza-owner#IDComment85404700 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/flood-recovery/2010/07/06/fundraising-under-way-for-new-czech-village-roundhouse#IDComment85226869 The Roundhouse is clearly very important to the Czech Village Association, however it seems like it'd be a lot more cost-effective and feasible to simply rebuild at grade and repair the building should another flood affect it in the future. I am not against this project, but $2 million seems excessive just to elevate what is essentially just a metal shell. Wed, 7 Jul 2010 01:37:21 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/flood-recovery/2010/07/06/fundraising-under-way-for-new-czech-village-roundhouse#IDComment85226869 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/summer-fun/summer-feature/2010/07/01/photos-balloon-glow-at-brucemore#IDComment84070604 I really like the second photo. Vibrant colors and an interesting view through a balloon that we typically don't get to see. Fri, 2 Jul 2010 05:05:34 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/summer-fun/summer-feature/2010/07/01/photos-balloon-glow-at-brucemore#IDComment84070604 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/25/go-daddy-making-announcement-on-iowa-location-today#IDComment82004680 YES. There are never any cars parked on street south of 3rd Avenue. There is plenty of parking in downtown Cedar Rapids - dare I say, too much? Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:22:51 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/25/go-daddy-making-announcement-on-iowa-location-today#IDComment82004680 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/city-room/2010/06/21/flood-damaged-former-library-building-expected-to-know-its-winning-suitor-this-week#IDComment81344005 I believe these are proposals of how they would intend to redevelop and use the building or site, not necessarily (if at all) monetary bids for the actual purchase from the city. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:12:27 +0000 http://oldgo.gazlab.com.php5-15.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/blogs/city-room/2010/06/21/flood-damaged-former-library-building-expected-to-know-its-winning-suitor-this-week#IDComment81344005 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/09/hiawatha-fuming-over-corbett-%e2%80%98giveaway%e2%80%99-to-get-company#IDComment79385474 That'd be great to bring in that number of jobs back to downtown and get more buildings reoccupied. I can understand Hiawatha's frustration, but like Corbett said, Cedar Rapids has lost numerous businesses and jobs to surrounding Marion and Hiawatha. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:15:45 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/09/hiawatha-fuming-over-corbett-%e2%80%98giveaway%e2%80%99-to-get-company#IDComment79385474 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/03/library-board-approves-plan-for-free-parking-at-new-downtown-library#IDComment78462898 I was wondering about potential "parking fraud" too. It is inevitable, but most people who park in the parkade likely work downtown and aren't going to run back every 2 hours to re-swipe (I'm sure a system could be in place to limit library patrons to 2 hours per day max for example) Either way it is much better plan to utilize the parking capacity we already have then build more surface parking downtown. Fri, 4 Jun 2010 04:40:33 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/government/2010/06/03/library-board-approves-plan-for-free-parking-at-new-downtown-library#IDComment78462898 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/27/mercy-opening-non-profit-center-at-former-pennysaver-building#IDComment77417767 The building is owned by Mercy Hospital, not the Gazette. Fri, 28 May 2010 03:04:23 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/27/mercy-opening-non-profit-center-at-former-pennysaver-building#IDComment77417767 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/statewide-news/2010/05/16/iowa-commuters-urged-to-ride-bicycles-to-work#IDComment75739263 You can ride the bus for free this week if you use the bike rack on the bus. An alternative to riding the whole way - If you live or work closer to a bus stop, you could bike to the stop and ride the bus the rest of the way. Mon, 17 May 2010 02:11:27 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/statewide-news/2010/05/16/iowa-commuters-urged-to-ride-bicycles-to-work#IDComment75739263 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/12/four-council-members-support-closing-part-of-second-ave-se-for-medical-mall#IDComment75145560 It's a bit frustrating that the City Council didn't simply reject the closing proposition immediately, rather than waiting and leading PCI on. Now it seems inevitable that it will get the go-ahead, and we will cut off one of the better connections between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods (for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and psychological connectivity). Blocking downtown by more super blocks isn't going to help reconnect it to the surrounding city. There must be a better alternative that wouldn't be as detrimental to the project as PCI seems to claim. I hope the council members still opposed (or at least not for) the closure hold strong and don't waiver easily like some on the council seem to just because Mayor Corbett likes it. Wed, 12 May 2010 22:21:29 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/12/four-council-members-support-closing-part-of-second-ave-se-for-medical-mall#IDComment75145560 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/12/new-cvs-store-leads-to-cedar-rapids-bonanza-closing-happy-joes-seeking-new-site#IDComment75138334 I don't believe there are plans to close that store, despite being so close to the new location. The new Walgreens does seem unreasonably close, but evidently it is still profitable if they decided to build. Wed, 12 May 2010 21:33:16 +0000 http://gazetteonline.com/local-news/2010/05/12/new-cvs-store-leads-to-cedar-rapids-bonanza-closing-happy-joes-seeking-new-site#IDComment75138334