Public Input Sought on Pump Station Development

Public Input Sought on Pump Station Development

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking public input on development ideas that can be incorporated into a flood control pump station to be built alongside a planned replacement of the 8th Avenue Bridge. An open house will be held on Tuesday, May 2, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the NewBo City Market (1100 3rd Street SE).

As part of the permanent Flood Control System, plans are underway to incorporate a pump station into the proposed floodwall at the northwest corner of the 8th Avenue Bridge, near Sunner Park. Public input is being sought to identify expansion opportunities of this pump station, enabling the building to be multi-purposed and serve the community year round.

Examples of proposed development ideas include providing additional public park space and amenities, along with possible retail, restaurant or recreation uses. The 8th Avenue Bridge will have enhanced bike and pedestrian accommodations, which will better connect the NewBo and Kingston Village neighborhoods along with the McGrath Amphitheatre.

The public can provide feedback on development ideas and share other thoughts on how these uses can become the primary focus instead of a pump station. Once built, the structure will be high enough to overlook downtown, the river, and the new bridge.

“We have always wanted our flood control measures to be more than an engineering project,” says Assistant Director for Community Development Bill Micheel. “The system has the potential to be an asset in more ways than flood protection, and we want to continue designing a system that incorporates cultural amenities and attractions.”

Residents who visit the NewBo Market on May 2 will also be able to see an update on the NewBo/Sinclair Flood Control projects and provide feedback on the City’s zoning code, which is being updated to more closely align with and support the City’s Comprehensive Plan.