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The sidewalk on the North side of Main Street between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue is done and the South side is quickly being worked on towards completion. Seeing completion of a project that has been in the planning, engineering, funding, detail planning, and finally construction for almost 5 years is refreshing. Large gut and reconstruction projects like this take years of constant support from not only the City Council, but coordination from City Engineer Heather Thomas and City Administrator Carrol Webb, the businesses along Main Street, the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce, Danielle Lekin at the MCBD, Amber Danielson from the Arts and Culture Alliance plus our City Parks and Recreation Department.
(Think of it like walking a tightrope while juggling.)
The coordination has been outstanding. Is everything going perfect? No, but given the size, scope, cost, weather and number of businesses involved, pretty darn good. I have learned over the years that nothing in life is ever perfect.
The City is moving forward with some plans on the old hospital site. The old owner filed an appeal, but did not file the necessary briefs as required by the court. I believe the City will be filing a Discharge Petition to close out the appeal, giving the City full ownership and control of the property.
Just like Main Street, this will be a multi-year project. John Hall and the Chamber are heading this up with the City Council. Plans are already being looked at for the old site. One plan was shown to the Council at our last meeting. It involved demolition of all areas that are one story, then gathering what it may cost for a developer to come in and convert the remaining building into housing. Perhaps the first floor could be converted into some type of retail.
Before you get excited, these are just preliminary plans and much more research needs to be done.
I am very much in favor of limited demolition and adding housing. (which is much needed.) It would also limit the cost of a full demolition. Right now I would call this a possibility, but very far off from a
sure thing. We will continue to push forward on it.
Laura's Bakery will be moving from North 3rd Avenue to the old Pentz Appliance building on Center Street, across from
the Courthouse. A Main Street Facade Grant was approved by the City Council at its last meeting. The improvements will be a huge upgrade to the building while keeping the overall historical looks in place. You will be very happy with the new look, plus the selection of bakery items!
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
George Bernard Shaw
Mike Ladehoff is the mayor of Marshalltown.