New apartments will feature solar panels and recycling
A new apartment complex that features sustainable rooftop solar collectors and recycling on every floor is under construction in Iowa City. Riverside West, a 96-unit residential complex, is being built near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Benton Street. The $16.1 million project is due to be completed this year.
Iowa City’s Economic Development Policy encourages sustainable development by requiring developers who receive public financial assistance to offer energy efficiency and sustainability features beyond what is required through building codes. The full policy is available at www.icgov.org/economicdevelopmentresources.
Popularity of urban agriculture grows in Iowa City
In 2015, new community garden spaces were made available to the public with the creation of the 5.2-acre Chadek Green Park at 1920 Friendship Street in Iowa City. Additional garden plots are located at Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Drive.
This brings the total number of community garden plots to 146, an increase of 36 plots since 2013. The garden plots are credited in part for a decreased percentage of Iowa City residents who are food insecure.
Registration for garden plots for the 2016 growing season begins at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, April 4 at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert Street. For more information, visit https://icgov.org/gardenplots.
Preparing for natural disasters with NIMS
As all Iowans know, weather patterns can create natural disasters -- and those require a coordinated, detailed emergency response system. The National Incident Management System (NIMS), is a guide that helps government agencies respond appropriately to natural disasters, and limit hazards, threats and incidents.
In 2015, Iowa City met the NIMS qualifications for emergency prevention and response, with the following systems in place:
Publishing information that encourages residents to develop emergency kits and evacuation plans;
Adopting a local plan for an emergency response;
Participating in training drills that involve emergency personnel and the public; and
Distributing emergency kits and supplies to residents.
Iowa City is named a certified Blue Zones Community
Iowa City has been named a certified Blue Zones Community, a credit to the local businesses, organizations, schools, community leaders, volunteers and City residents who have worked since 2012 to build a healthier community by incorporating the principles of the Blue Zones movement.
Based on the 2008 best-selling book by Dan Buettner, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, the Blue Zones health initiative encourages individuals and communities to adopt wellness practices ranging from healthier foods and exercise to connecting with the “right tribe,” finding one’s purpose, and enjoying a glass of wine at the close of the day.
“We are proud to have been able to create new policies and implement change that contribute to a healthier city, but prouder still that the entire community has worked together to earn this Blue Zones certification,” said City Manager Tom Markus. “Healthier choices and more active lifestyles bring new vibrancy to Iowa City, making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.”
