Local Residents Weigh In on Sidewalk Proposals

A public hearing was held on Tuesday, September 10 at the Dyersville Social Center to hear a presentation by IIW on a proposed sidewalk from West Dubuque Elementary to Westside Park. Prior to the presentation, residents were allowed to view maps and plans of each sidewalk proposal and express any concerns or questions. During the presentation, IIW engineers explained four different sidewalk proposals.

The first proposal considerations:

1. 4th Street, 5th Street, and 6th Street would intersect 12th Avenue, and 10th Avenue intersects 3rd Street allowing the sidewalk to serve more residences.

2. Impacts more driveways and property owners and it is anticipated that temporary grading easements would be needed for most properties.

3. Will have impacts on overhead electric poles.

4. Proposed cost is $157,500.

The second proposal  considerations:

1. Will serve the residents on 9th Avenue and in the Westside Subdivision.

2. Sidewalks will be installed by property owners on the west side of 7th Street as the area of 7th Street develops.

3. Will most likely involve utility re-locations on the southwest quadrant of the intersection of 3rd Street and 9th Avenue.

4. Proposed cost is $129,000.

The third proposal considerations:

1. Will remove the existing 30 parking spaces in front of Mercy Hospital. This area can be reconstructed to include 14 parallel spaces.

2. The loss of 16 parking spaces could cause additional on-street parking in residential areas near Mercy Hospital.

3. Will require construction easements from Mercy Hospital and extensive driveway reconstruction.

4. Proposed cost is $257,000.

The fourth proposal considerations:

1. Sidewalk.trail north of the bridge to the existing trail would be 6 foot wide with 4 inch think concrete.

2. The addition of this bridge would eliminate the need for pedestrians to cross 3rd Street, reducing conflicts with vehicles.

3. Proposed cost is $208,800.

The City Council has yet to make a decision on the proposed sidewalk plan, but plans to begin discussion at their next City Council meeting on Monday, September 15 at 7 p.m.