Schmitt Island Redevelopment PlanCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Work Session - Top # 01.
Copyrighted
August 5, 2024
ITEM TITLE: 5:30 PM - Schmitt Island Redevelopment Plan
SUMMARY: Dubuque Racing Association President and CEO Alex Dixon and
consultants from RDG Planning & Design will provide an update of
progress on the Development Plan for Schmitt Island as a continuation
from July 15, 2024, which was shortened due to a power outage/storm.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Presentation Supporting Documentation
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AIFberka city
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Work Session Continuation — Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment
Plan
DATE: July 30, 2024
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is sharing information for the work session
to be held on August 5th at 5:30 p.m. This work session is an update of progress on the
Development Plan for Schmitt Island as a continuation from July 15, 2024, which was
shortened due to a power outage/storm.
Material will be presented by Alex Dixon from DRA and consultants from RDG Planning
& Design. Multiple City staff will also be in attendance to address questions, as needed.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
krtr
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Teri Goodmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Director
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:usxxa=
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Work Session Continuation — Chaplain Schmitt Island Redevelopment
Plan
DATE: July 30, 2024
An update of progress on the Development Plan for Schmitt Island will be presented at
an August 5, 2024 work session at 5:30 PM. This is a continuation of a July 15, 2024
work session which was shortened due to a power outage/storm. Material will be
presented by Alex Dixon from DRA and consultants from RDG Planning & Design.
Multiple City staff will also be in attendance to address questions, as needed.
Cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Director
SCHMITT
ISLAND
City of
u �suQuE
City Council Work Session
July 2024
Schmitt Island 1
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
2023-25 High Priority
• RAISE Grant and Matching Funds for Construction
(14th St. Railroad Overpass and Elm St. And 16th St. Corridor Complete
Streets)
2022-24 Top Priority
• Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan Implementation
2021-23 Top Priority
• Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan Implementation
SCHMITT ISLAND CAPITAL PROJECTS
RAISE Planning Grant - $4,380,000
RAISE Implementation Grant - $38,720,000
Destination Iowa Amphitheater Grant - $11,784,961
Re -use dredge material for fill -savings to project - $150,000
Schmitt Island Connector Trail Grant - $890,000
Island Sanitary Sewer Improvements - $2,640,000
Island Fiber Connectivity - $850,000
Peosta Channel Maintenance Dredging - $563,400
Schmitt Island Parking Needs Study (part of Multi Model
Plan)
ImOn ARENA PROJECTS
SETTLEMENT REMEDIATION
DEHUMIDIFICATON/HVAC
IMPROVEMENTS
ARENA NAMING SPONSORSHIP
New signage, banners and more
CONCESSION STAND IMPROVEMENTS
N EW VIDEO BOARD — DRA and Saints
N EW SOUND SYSTEM AND OTHER
IMPROVEMENTS - DRA
SCHMITT ISLAND ACTIVATION
AUTUMN ADVENTURES
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARADE
VETERANS MEMORIAL
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
GOLDEN KNIGHTS JUMP
DAYS OF CARING PROJECT
Q and Diamond Jo
CONGRESSIONAL STAFF VISIT
SCHMITT ISLAND ACTIVATION ImOn Arena
UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE MENS AND
WOMENS HOCKEY PROGRAM ADDITION
SKATING FOR ALL VOUCHERS TO SCHOOLS,
SCHOOL PRIVATE RENTALS AND/OR SKATE
RENTALS
SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF IOWA EVENTS
FASTER SKATE
SKATE WITH SANTA
FREE 5KATE
ONE ADMISSION & RENTAL
1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr I Dubuque, IA
DUB
v.uv.m.,... y ..e.**,..q... w.y...n hI!d through December 31. 2024
ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHMITT ISLAND
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SID)
OVERSEE SPENDING 1/3 DRA DISTRIBUTION
FACILITATE CHARITABLE GIVING TO
IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHMITT ISLAND
MASTER PLAN, PROJECTS, AND ACTIVITIES
(501 c3)
LONG TERM ImOn ARENA MANAGEMENT ISLAND
AGREEMENT
SCHMITT
SCHMITT
ISLAND
City of
u �suQuE
City Council Work Session
July 2024
Schmitt Island 1
The Fun Economy is Growing
2022
(in Sl SI))
The Fun
Economy
$13.7T
rcrOlahs
Schmitt Island
$8.4T
$2.6T
$2.7T
Zero labs Research
Relative Size of the Fun Economy
(Trillions SUSD)
Fun Economy
Zcry4lah.
Construction
$4.1 $2.86 $1.8 $1.48•
•
•
Agriculture
Auto Apparel Pharmaceutical
Manufacturing
Zero Labs Research
• 9.2X larger than global pharmaceutical • industry ($1.48 trillion)
• 7.6X larger than global apparel retail industry ($1.8 trillion)
• 4.8X larger than auto ; ; manufacturing industry ($2.86 trillion)
• 3.3X larger than global agriculture lord ($4.1 trillion)
• 1.7X larger than global construction industry ($8.2 trillion)
Dr. Bo Bernhard, UNLV
2
Global, State and Local Factors Make Schmitt Island Attractive to Grow Dubuque's Fun Economy
City of
�usuQuE
DUBUQUE
COUNTY
IOWA
Schmitt Island
P' BABY BOOMERS
f946 .r,.. "TM!VeneeUril t.
79.9 IN^ HE U.S.
OONERS
MILLION
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ow E3°°n nr10°.. irui.unii
ct
Income Tax
Reduction
River Front
Property
$
Non Taxed
Retirement
Income
Equitable
Development
FIELD ofDREAMs
MOVIE SITE
Financial
Incentive
SCHMITT
ISLAND
3
What we have, What we have done and What we need
MiniWhat We Have
• +/- 3.42 miles of prime
riverfront property
• Extremely supportive City,
County, State and Federal
support
• Tremendous natural
resources and infrastructure
• Non -Profit hospitality
management structure
• Momentum
Schmitt Island
What We Have Done
• Launch $83M in private
development
• Secure $72M in public
investment
• Dedicate 1/3rd of Non -Profit
Casino funds for Schmitt
Island development
• Create a standalone Non -
Profit to facilitate Schmitt
Island development
• Invest
What We Need
• Approve Schmitt Island
Development Plan
• Continue City, County, State
and Federal support
• Philanthropic support for
conservation and public
amenities
• Private investment in the
resort, sports complex &
mixed -use marina
• Implement
4
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
SCHMITT
ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
0
RDg
AECOM
STRAND
ASSOCIATES'
IMPACT7G
Dubuque Racing Association
Alex Dixon
Brian Rakestraw
Kathy Buhr
Mandy Miller
Stacy Kansky
City of Dubuque
Steve Sampson Brown
Marie Ware
Jill Connors
Teri Goodmann
Wally Wemimont
RDG Planning & Design
Ryan Peterson
Matt Coen
Zhahn Bose
Quinn Lyons
Flavia Rodrigues Hauss
Andrea Ytzen
Greg Pierce
AECOM
Chris Brewer
Cameron Martin
Strand Associates, Inc.
Michael Jensen
Mark Shubak
Impact7G
Judy Joyce
VISION
"Dubuque's Gateway to Entertainment and the Mississippi."
MISSION
"A connected island that welcomes visitors and the community to
recreation, entertainment and the outdoors. r 3
SCHMITT
ISLAND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
1 Executive Summary 7
2 Background & Momentum 13
3 Development Plan 25
Vision & Development Program
Development Program Details
Development Plan
4 Market & Economic Baseline 85
5 Economic Feasibility 91
6 Ecological 101
7 Floodplain 117
8 Infrastructure & Anaylsis 131
9 Priorities, Costs & Recommendations 143
A Appendix 157
2014 Master Plan
2017 Placemaking Plan
2017 Design Guidelines
2019 Bridge Lighting Study
2024 Strand Tech Memo
SCHMITT
ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
ackgroun
Momentu
Background & Momentum
Why a Development
Plan Now?
Over the past year. multiple
stakeholders convened, analyzed and
informed the vision for Schmitt Island.
While the notion of a development
plan is not new, the viability and
feasibility of the prior master plan's
improvements (impacted by market,
environmental and other concerns)
have not been analyzed to the
extent needed in order to make
informed development decisions,
invest capital or prepare the sites for
development. This plan provides a
summary of the analyses completed,
markets contemplated. infrastructure
needed and the other "development
systems" that are necessary parts of a
development process.
Vision
The long-term vision for the island
is to create Dubuque's "Gateway to
Entertainment and the Mississippi.'
a regional destination where people
of all ages. abilities and backgrounds
can experience Dubuque's beauty and
high quality of life.
This plan sets out to achieve several
critical objectives:
• Leverage Existing Investments.
Multiple projects are in design
or construction on the island.
including a 155 Million Dollar Casino
+ Resort development, the planning
portion of the City's recently
awarded Federal RAISE Grant, a
pedestrian trail improvement that
connects the Veterans memorial
to the mainland and infrastructure
investments to help improve
sanitary sewer service.
1. Attract New Development.
Identify ways to attract private
investment from local. regional
and national sources. serving as a
premiere waterfront destination
for Dubuque 's riverfront
development.
2. Market Alignment. Ensure
that commercial. residential,
entertainment and recreation uses
are right sized and in sync with the
local and regional markets.
3. Identify Potential Policy Barriers.
Review existing city ordinances
or policies that may unreasonably
slow or negatively impact how
development occurs on the island.
4. Floodplain/Floodway Evaluation.
Evaluate the regulatory impacts
on floodplain and floodway
development, specific to this
development initiative.
5. Beautify the Island. Identify ways
to restore and enhance the island's
natural resources and connection
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
to the Mississippi. which is the
island's differentiating factor.
6. Circulation Evaluation. Review
and enhance the island's
infrastructure and mobility
opportunities, improving the access
to indoor and outdoor recreation.
7. Be Strategic. Determine and
prioritize the highest and best
development opportunities given
these objectives/decision-making
lenses.
Rendering of new casino development. Image: DLR / Q Casino + Resort
Entertainment
and the
Mississippi."
MISSION
"A connected
island that
welcomes
visitors and the
community
to recreation,
entertainment --
and the
outdoors."
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Background & Momentum
Development Plan
Overview
Commissioned by the Dubuque
Racing Association (DRA) and
supported through numerous
conversations with the City of
Dubuque, this development plan uses
a strategic approach that integrates
the island's physical systems into the
final development plan. This approach
fuses the best -case scenario for
resiliency, development, ecology,
mobility — and economic feasibility —
into a robust 20-year vision.
The DRA led weekly discussions in
collaboration with the planning team
to help define the island development
program based on market research.
Early strategies were tested and
vetted with multiple developers who
have completed significant volumes
of work in Iowa. Further, feasibility
was evaluated by key stakeholders
including the United States Army
Corps of Engineers and the City of
Dubuque. Recommended next steps
are included later in this document.
While this development plan can
be seen as a refinement to the prior
plan efforts, it also served as the
final sieve, creating clarity for the
improvements contemplated. On the
following page is a summary of the
key elements from concurrent design
and engineering efforts along with
prior plans that have been woven into
this development plan.
1
DUBUQUE CITY COUNCIL
GOALS Et PRIORITIES
BRAD N. CAWWH RIC W. IONES DAVID T RESNICK
r// LH A' -_ck S:
LOOKING AHEAD
Over the course of three sessions in
August, City Council members affirmed
the l5-year vision statement and
mission statement and identified eight
five-year goals for the city.
They also identified top and high
priorities for a 2023-2025 policy agenda
as well as in -progress projects and
capital projects for 2023-2025.
SUSAN R.FARBER LAURAI.RDUSSELL DANNY C.SPRANK KATY A. WETNAL
•I Ili WAkU
JIU 7fcY.: JAL. IWAHU
FIVE-YEAR GOALS: 2023 - 2025
• Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe
• Financially Responsible, High -Performance City Organisation:
Sustainable, Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery
• Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs with
Economic Prosperity
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to live
• Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources
• Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology
Infrastructure, and Mobility
• Divarso Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and
Activities
• Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Bullding Our Community
that is Viable. Livable. and Equitable
2
3
4
5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
8
9
A
City of Dubuque
Strategic Alignment
The Schmitt Island Development
Plan aligns closely with Dubuque's
Five -Year Goals, with these specific
strategies noted:
1. Vibrant Community. This
development plan identifies a
number of improvements that
promote improving the physical
and emotional health of those that
visit the island including destination
play, hospitality, trails, "eatery-
tainment" and similar placemaking
strategies. Improving pedestrian
safety and vehicular circulation are
a high priority.
2. Financially Responsible, High
Performance City Organization.
This development plan offers
multiple strategies that help create
a resilient future through financially
responsible strategies for all,
including additional property tax
and lease income growth.
3. Robust Local Economy. The
Schmitt Island Development Plan
identifies multiple improvements
that help diversify the community
and region's economy — including
waterfront living, destination
development, access to jobs and
a strong connection to the natural
environment. No other place in
Dubuque is as physically connected
to the Mississippi river as Schmitt
Island — this is a key differentiator
from all of Dubuque's riverfront.
4. Livable Neighborhoods and
Housing. Housing is a key goal
that helps ensure vibrancy and
opportunity are present on the
riverfront.
5. Sustainable Environment.
The natural resource restoration
opportunities on the island are
significant. This plan identifies clear
strategies to restore and revitalize
the vegetation and natural
amenities, helping improve the
physical, social and mental health
of all who use the island.
6. Connected Community. This plan
identifies a series of alternative
transportation opportunities,
including bike trails, paths, water
taxis and ride share opportunities
that will help improve access and
mobility within and around the
island, creating a direct connection
to some of Dubuque's most
disadvantaged census tracts.
7. Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks
and Recreation Experiences
and Activities. A key goal for
the city, this strategy is woven
throughout the development
plan. Expectations for high quality
design, an artful amphitheater and
unique "placemaking" strategies will
elevate the island's standing, appeal
and vibrancy.
8. Partnership for a Better
Dubuque. Multiple public and
private development opportunities
will include improvements that
everyday citizens can enjoy. From
the public fishing access to bike
paths, riverfront promenades and
destination play areas, this plan is
for the people who call Dubuque
home — and those who will call it
home in the future.
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Background & Momentum
2014 Master Plan
The 2024 Schmitt Island Development
Plan brings clarity to the 2014 Master
Plan strategies and opportunities.
evaluating their feasibility, current
demand (as of this writing the
2014 master plan is 10 years old) or
desire and distills the concepts into
an action plan. For more detailed
information and to review the
2014 plan, please refer to this plan's
appendix. The 2014 Master Plan was
sponsored by the City of Dubuque.
Key "big picture strategies" that have
been carried forward into this plan
include the following:
• Master Plan Goals. Including a
connected riverfront, celebrating
the island, putting your feet in
water and spending the day or
night in any season. These goals
have been woven through the
development plan and are as
relevant today as they were in 2014.
• Master Plan Framework. The
"three ideas" introduced on page
Option 1: Housing
29 of the 2014 report remain
strong organizing factors for island
development.
• Master Plan Site Analysis. In
general. the analysis work included
in the master plan was carried
forward into the development
plan. Minor exceptions include
changes to the current tenants
that lease land from the city, minor
changes to land use and facilities.
A new Veterans Memorial has
been constructed and a new trail
is currently being developed along
Admiral Sheehy Drive, connecting
the memorial to the city.
• Island Destination. The spirit
of creating an island destination
remains a high priority. Market
analysis suggests that residential
uses (built through a lens of
resiliency) are needed, as is a
marina village.
• Peosta Channel Bridge.
The bridge connects back to the
mainland and serves as a second
point of egress from the island.
Option 2: Retail
• Tunneling under Highway 151
to connect the island. This
improvement helps connect the
North and South sides of the
island, improving connectivity.
Key high level strategies from the
2014 Master Plan that are no longer
viable or supported (based on the
systems approach) in 2024. include
the following:
• Economics. The 2014 Master Plan
economics are from a pre-Covid
world. Much has changed.
• Island Destination. While the idea
of maximizing the development on
the south side of the island remains
a key strategy. the specific tactics
and uses have been revisited —
especially for the ballfield site
(Gerald "Red" McAleece Complex).
The current market analysis does
not support developing office
space or traditional retail spaces,
nor does it indicate a need for a
minor league baseball stadium.
Option 3. Minor League Baseball
�C
4 5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
9
A
8
strian & Bike
Bridge
Lake Peosta
Recreational
Channel
Marina
Housin
Ro .i da:outl
(Catfish
Char re's
Public,�il
Wetland
Boardwalk
Trail
Vetera
Mem
Plaza
Mystique
Ice Center
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Underground
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Miller
Riverview
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Wetland
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Background & Momentum
2017 Placemaking Plan
Please see the appendix of this
document for a full copy of the
2017 Placemaking Plan.
The 2017 Schmitt Island Placemaking
Plan was developed by the Dubuque
Racing Association to help kick start
and bring clarity to some of the
initiatives proposed in the 2014 Master
Plan. The plan was authored by RDG
Planning & Design and focused on
amenities that were not under the
control of the private sector.
Key placemaking plan strategies that
have been carried forward into this
plan include the following:
• Vision and Mission. The
placemaking plan's vision and
mission remain true today and have
been adopted as the guiding vision
for the overall island.
• Island Destination.
A destination boardwalk creates
an iconic entry into the island.
A landmark tower located at the
island's north end.
Revisiting the future of Miller
Riverview Park.
A robust trail/boardwalk system.
• Highway 151. Light the bridge.
• Amphitheater.
• 2017 Design Guidelines & PUD.
During the development of the
1
2017 Placemaking Plan, strategies
were put in place to allow the
island to function as its own
destination and district - hence
the desire to have it be regulated
independently from other areas
of the community. In large part
this was due to the island's unique
history (landfill. flooding, etc.) and
location. These generated a need
to think creatively about how
development should occur.
During the development of the
PUD, there were concerns over
traditional residential development
taking place, adjacent to a resort.
Therefore, residential was removed
as a permitted use. Post-Covid. the
market has changed and there is
new demand for waterfront living,
with a desire for direct access
to amenity rich environments.
This shift is reflected in this 2024
development plan, showing
a robust marina village that
incorporates residential uses.
• 2022 Island Master Plan Update.
During the summer o' 2022, RDG
prepared a revision to the 2017
Placemaking/2014 Master Plan that
incorporated an amphitheater
venue and an improved trail system
into the lands currently owned by
the City of Dubuque. located at
the former site of Greyhound Race
Track. This plan was used to seek
grants from by the State of Iowa
through the "Destination Iowa"
grant program.
4
5 6 7 J 8
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
LEGEND
1. Memorial Enhancements
2. Trail and Screening
3. Trail Connection
4. Island Boardwalk
5. Camping
6. Ecological Restoration
7. Recreation Tower
8, Splash Pad
9. Highway 151 Bridge Lighting
10. Amphitheater
11. Recreation Improvements
12. Pedestrian Bridge
13. Roundabout
14. 16th Street Bridge
Improvements
9
A
Background & Momentum
Ongoing trail improvements next to Veteran's Memorial.
Casino + Resort
Separate from this plan — but a critical
investment and development driver
- are the significant improvements
already in the works or underway. The
Q Casino + Resort and DRA are in the
midst of a S155 million redevelopment
of the Q Casino + Resort. A temporary
casino has been constructed and
construction is under way for a
new casino floor. A groundbreaking
ceremony has been held for a new
hotel. A family entertainment zone
will be completed by this winter
to welcome families indoors. And
funding has been awarded to build
an outdoor amphitheater, to open
in summer 2026 with the support of
Destination Iowa.
Trail Improvements
In 2022. the City received a grant,
sponsored by Representative Ashley
Hinson, to construct a trail from the
East end of the l6th Street bridge to
the Veteran's Memorial. This work was
identified in the Placemaking Plan and
is under construction.
RAISE Grant
In 2023, the City of Dubuque received
a RAISE Planning Grant award (also
known as l6th Street improvements)
through the US Department of
Transportation to design a railroad
overpass connecting loth Street
to l6th Street, developing a green
street along Elm and creating a series
of roundabouts and trails along
l6th Street to Schmitt Island. These
improvements culminate with a
roundabout proposal on Schmitt
Island, significantly improving island
safety and connectivity.
Ice Arena
The island's ice arena gained major
support for updates and changes
with its rebranding in September 2023
as ImOn Arena, supported by ImOn
Communications from Cedar Rapids.
Looking Ahead
The Schmitt Island Development
Corporation (SID) was formed as
a nonprofit organization in 2022.
specifically to help undertake,
1 3 4
5
6 7 8
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
manage and facilitate development
projects on the island. and to facilitate
charitable contributions toward
that end. SID's website (https://
schmittisland.com) was launched
as a way to build momentum for
island development and to share
information with residents and visitors
about changes that are planned
and occurring on the island. The
establishment of SID is a key step
in promoting the island's potential
to the broader region, including
non -Dubuque -area developers.
Additionally, as a nonprofit, SID can
apply for, request and receive grants
and awards that might not be available
to city or private -sector entities.
Throughout the 2024 Schmitt
Island development planning effort,
a number of key decisions have
helped provide clarity and investor
confidence in the future of the island.
These clarifying factors are explored in
this document and have been vetted
through objective. market driven
measures along with subjective and
informal input from policymakers and
developers.
9 A
RAISE GRANT
PROJECT AREA
o Proposed Roundabouts
O l4th Street Overpass and Street Improvements
O l6th Street Corridor
o Elm Street Corridor
t::i Chaplain Schmitt Island Pedestrian/Bike Bridge
'Kerper Boulevard Trail
Intermodal Transit Center
North End Neighborhood
Point Neighborhood
Washington Neighborhood
Chaplain Schmitt Island
r Historic Millwork District Boundary
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SCHMITT
ISLAND
Vision & Development Program
Vision & Development Program
Chaplain Schmitt
Island: Dubuque's
Premier Waterfront
Destination
The plan intends to strategically
maximize the island's potential to its
highest and best use - improvements
that are both good for the private
sector and also provide a high return
to the public, with opportunities
to enjoy all that Schmitt Island has
to offer. Additionally, to maximize
the island's connection to the urban
core so that it is easy to visit using all
transportation modes.
Planners gave careful consideration
to regulatory frameworks, cost
structures and policy landscapes. The
planning team conducted developer
interviews. stakeholder meetings,
market research and financial
feasibility analysis.
Studying this data, it became
clear that a development plan for
the island needed to include a
residential component. The current
island planned unit development
restricts residential development,
which ultimately fails to capitalize
on the island's potential as a
premier destination for tourism and
recreation. Hence, a pivotal aspect of
the strategy involves revisiting these
policies to unlock the island's full
potential in recreation, tourism and
amenity opportunities.
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'WATER TRANSIT MISSISSIPPI RIVER
PEOSTA CHANNE
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
Chaplain Schmitt Island anchors the North end of Dubuque's waterfront and is a front door into the City and Downtown.
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Vision & Development Program
As Schmitt Island enters the next
phases of development, maintaining
it's unique relationship with the
natural environment, improving
connectivity and creating vibrant
public spaces will be fundamental
to achieving the plan's vision. These
items contribute to a high quality
of life while also creating a draw for
visitors. This includes:
• Focusing on identifying the island's
brand — it must provide a unique
mix of uses that are different from
existing developments in Dubuque.
• It must be memorable for all —
creating great civic destinations and
reconnecting to the river. -Reducing
reliance on the automobile.
creating walkable, bikeable and
connected destinations that are
safe and well designed.
• Reducing vehicular speeds into and
out of, as well as around the island
— while simultaneously providing
additional mobility offerings for
entertainment events — pedestrians
should be prioritized over vehicles.
• Restoring the natural areas to focus
on the `long views" into and out of
the island while clearly delineating
the arrival movements.
• A high level of care for the spaces
that exist today — and those
created in the future. These spaces
should be maintained to the
highest level, beautified and well
cared for throughout all of the
seasons.
Together, developers, the Q Casino
+ Resort, the City of Dubuque
and community leaders must
collaborate around achieving the
vision and hold it with the highest
regard. Expectations for good
design and planning should be first
and foremost creating a dynamic
island destination.
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
9
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8
Development
Amphitheater
Mississippi
tio
l
6)0 41 ,
Looking east over the Peosta Channel at the proposed Marina Village
1
2 4 5
6 11 7
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
8
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Looking northeast at the proposed destination playground, hotel and residential development
3
4 5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
9
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Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
Development Systems
Development
Systems
Island Parking
LEGEND
Existing Parking Removed
or Redesigned
Existing Parking Remaining
Proposed Parking
1:11:=
1 Hilton North 111
2 Hilton South 326
3 Q Casino West 617
4
Q Casino East
494
Proposed
111
777
126 (West)
146 (East)
5 Ice Center 129 129
6 Ice Center 68
7 Hotel 113
Marina Street 54
Ball Fields 548 548
Skate Park 61 61
Education Outpost 116
Boat Ramp N/A N/A
Trailhead/Fishing Barge 75
Peosta Channel 23
Catfish Carlie's 72 -
American Marina 78 -
SUBTOTAL 2,436 2,347
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Remarks
Will combine Hilton SouthParking
and Q Casino West Parking
Currently used for the Backwaters
Stage. In 2026, the lot will reopen.
converted into two lots - West
Preferred Amphitheater Parking and
East Preferred Amphitheater Parking
Expansion
New
New
New
New
New
6 1 1 7 l 8 1 I 9
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
o
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development
Systems
Floodway / Floodplain
LEGEND
Floodway
100 Year Floodplain
500 Year Floodplain
1
2
3
4
5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
8
9
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development
Systems
Landfill Limits
LEGEND
Historic Landfill Limits
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
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Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development
Systems
Mobility
LEGEND
Existing Trails
— — — Future Trail
Event Shuttle Route
Water Taxi Route
Waterfront Promenade
Boardwalk
— — — Pedestrian Bridge
1 2
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
1
1
1
1
/
I
I
/
/
1
A
I
`�
k'�
aft
. 1
I
•
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
/
I
033
,
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development
Systems
Roadways
LEGEN D
Roadways
Future Access Drive
Proposed Roundabouts
1 2 4 5 1[ 6 1 I 7 1
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
3
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development
Systems
Wetlands &
Mitigation Areas
LEGEND
USACE Wetland Mitigation
Area Boundary
LWCF Restricted Use Area
Potential Wetland Areas
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
Development Program Details
Development Program Details
Apartment Complex
This plan adds a three -level apartment
complex on the south side of the
island, designed with flood mitigation
in mind. By incorporating tucked -
under parking. a U-shaped building
layout will optimize space utilization.
fulfill parking requirements and
accommodate the desired density
of units. The complex would be
expectd to balance high enough price
points to maintain a rate of return
that supports the development. This
building design can meet the needs
of empty nesters and other target
market segments. with amenities such
as large openings and river -facing
decks to enhance the overall appeal.
Some units may serve as an Airbnb
style rental or offer longer stay visits.
The site's adjacency to the marina may
mean that, in future, some boat slips
could be set aside and dedicated to
residents of this development.
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
00.01 1 BD A
00.021BDB
00.03 2 BD A
00.04 2 BD B
00.05 2 BD C
00.062BDD
SUBTOTAL
RESIDENT SUPPORT
01.01 UPPER LEVEL CORRIDOR
01.02 ELEVATOR
0103 STAIR #1
01.04 STAIR #2
01.05 STAIR #3
01.06 MECH/ELEC/TRASH
SUBTOTAL
24 610
28 750
8 971
4 1105
4 1190
4 1218
72
2 3,718
3 140
3 260
3 260
3 260
1 620
14,640
21,000
7,768
4,420
4.760
4,872
52,588
7,436
420
780
780
780
620
10,816
33.3% Unit Mix
38.9% Unit Mix
11% Unit Mix
5.6% Unit Mix
5.6% Unit Mix
5.6% Unit Mix
PUBLIC SPACE
02.01 LOBBY
02.02 COMMON ROOM
02.03 COMMON DECK
07 04 TFNANT SPACF
SUBTOTAL
1 1764
2 810
2 749
2 3,916
SUBTOTAL
TOTAL FLOOR AREA
1,764
1,620
1,498
7,832
4,882
68,286 NET -ASSIGNABLE SF
6,829 NON -ASSIGNABLE SF*
75,115
"% = Walls. Chases. Pathways. Interstitial Spaces
Note: Does not include area of covered surface parking or surface e level 1.
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
The Ice Center expansion creates a beacon and identity for the Island's Southside.
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development Program Details
Ice Arena Addition
This plan recommends adding a
second sheet of ice at the ice arena,
near the proposed hotel and the
current ice arena. Travelling ice
hockey teams would benefit from an
additional ice rink. A local Division 3
institution has expanded its offerings
and now has a team that make
use of a second sheet of ice. This
plan also recommends that the ice
arena operator increase hosting of
tournament hockey events. for high
school/traveling teams. Such events
attract parents and family members.
and the arena addition would include
an entertainment center to provide
a host of different experiences for
those visitors. The expanded ice arena
has the potential to be an attractive
architectural addition to the island
as well. with large glass walls that
activate the space and welcome
people in.
Name
Count Area (SF) Interior (SF)
ICE CENTER ADDITION
04.01 ICE RINK SIZE
17,000
17,000
04.02 SPECTATOR SEATING
1 1,600 1,600
SEAT COUNT
4.03 SECOND FLOOR MEZZANINE
DINING
300
1 6,900 6,900
I I
BAR
CLUBROOM
4.04 UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE - MEN'S CLUBHOUSE
1,720
LOCKER ROOM, SHOWER. & RESTROOM
1 1,500 1,500
COACHES OFFICE
2 110 220
1,720
1 1.500 1.500
4.05 UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE - WOMEN'S CLUBHOUSE 1
LOCKER ROOM, SHOWER. & RESTROOM
COACHES OFFICE
2 110
220
4.06 LOCKER ROOMS - TOURNAMENT
4 660 2.200
LOCKER ROOM
4 440 1,760
RESTROOM/SHOWER
2 220 440
4.08 MECH/ICE EQUIPMENT STORAGE
2,580 2,580
4.09 SPECTATOR RESTROOMS
SUBTOTAL
645 645
34,615
TOTAL
1.34
46.384
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
OP is
'gam At,
Baxter Area — Omaha. NE
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development Program Details
Ice Arena Addition
2 21
4 5 6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
9 A
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development Program Details
Public Fishing Access -
Peosta Channel
A public fishing barge (a boat, float or
dock) installed in the Peosta Channel
would offer an additional, free island
amenity for all. The channel is already
a popular fishing spot: this publicly
available feature would be a dedicated
place that could be enjoyed by
visitors and residents year-round.
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7 8
9
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8
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Development Program Details
Environmental and
Recreation Outpost
In partnership with a local nonprofit
or institution, this plan envisions
development of a recreation outpost
that includes classroom/lab space for
learning about ecological restoration.
The outpost would have expanded
parking, concessions, restrooms and
water sports rentals supporting the
public boat ramp, and could serve
as a destination post for a water taxi
that circumnavigates the island and
progresses up and down the entire
Dubuque waterfront.
RECREATION OUTPOST
2.01 LAB/CLASSROOM
2.02 LANDSCAPE RESTORATION EQUIP GARAGE
1,500
1,500
500
500
2.03 WATERSPORTS RENTAL
2.04 CONCESSIONS BUILDING
VESSEL STORAGE
1,465
100
950
1,465
100
950
EQUIPMENT STORAGE
415
415
CONCESSIONS BUILDING
300
300
CONCESSIONS
200
200
STORAGE
100
100
2.05 CONFERENCE/GATHERING SPACE
2,06 PUBLIC RESTROOMS
CUSTODIAL
1,100
420
100
1,100
100
2.07 WATER TAXI
Dock
SUBTOTAL
5,285
TOTAL
7,082
7
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
8
9
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r
41
'IOW- i
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
arket
conomi
aselin
Market & Economic Baseline
Baseline
This planning project's market
analysis reinforced a number of
potential opportunities for the
island, considering both residential
development as well as destination -
focused development, with additional
consideration of broader factors
influencing future use of the island.
From a regional development
standpoint, given the unique nature
of Covid's impacts relative to past
recessions, it is important to delineate
the following distinctions and their
implications for Greater Dubuque and
Schmitt Island, specifically the extent
to which pre-existing economic trends
in place across the city re-emerge
post-Covid; or. whether short-term
trends due to Covid strengthen and
dictate different future trajectories.
In general, the Dubuque area
has experienced a faster pace of
population growth since 2010 relative
to historic trends, in part due to an
apparent increase in remote work.
A majority of regional growth has
tended to concentrate in the City of
Dubuque and Dubuque County, with
more rural areas staying largely stable,
more so in Iowa than in northwestern
Illinois or southwestern Wisconsin.
where population and income growth
have been more modest since 2010.
This point reinforces the need to
look at stronger destination markets,
including Cedar Rapids. Des Moines,
Rochester (MN), Madison. Milwaukee,
1 2
and Chicago to drive visitor market
growth toward Dubuque.
With the region now emerging
from economic volatility since 2020,
planners leveraged cell phone data
from a source called Placer.AI to
provide greater clarity regarding
how existing destinations in the
area especially Schmitt Island -
have recovered since 2020. Planners
were able to look at the strength
of tourism. how many people visit
for events such as hockey games,
and how much time they spend on
the island. The longer people stay in
the area, the greater the economic
growth. As shown in the following
charts, while Schmitt Island is not the
largest visitor destination in the region
(Kennedy Mall. Downtown Dubuque.
and the Port of Dubuque are larger),
the island has sustained significantly
longer visitor length of stay relative to
peer destinations. In general, effective
tourism development strategies seek
to extend visitor length of stay.
City at Dubuque
Dubuque Canty
Q Hinterland
Dyersville
L
Platteville
City of
I� Dubuque
Galena
AREA POPULATION AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.7
City of Dubuque
O6
0.4
01 00
Dubuque County Hinterland
■ 2010-2019 ■ 2019-2021
5
6 7
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
8
9
A
COMPARABLE REGIONS, VISITATION VOLUMES, 2017-2022
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
11111 III iii'
���I��
Downtown Galena Millwork District Schmitt Island
2017 ■ 2018 ■ 2019 ■ 2020 2021 2022
Downtown Port of Dubuque
Dubuque
COMPARABLE REGIONS, VISITATION TIMES, 2022
35.0%
300%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
ODr%
35.0%
30.0%
25-0%
20.096
15.036
10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
iidfl 111111
IIiiii 111111 111111
II Schmitt Island
▪ Port of Dubuque
▪ Millwork District
▪ Kennedy Mall Retail Node
IIDowntown Galena
▪ Downtown Dubuque
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Market & Economic Baseline
Team evaluations of local retail, office
and industrial markets revealed the
following key insights:
Residential
Market data was studied to determine
the potential for a strategy that caters
to residential development, such as
for retirees. One direction could be
a strategy that aligns with Dubuque's
current residential base, and another
could be a strategy aligned with the
marina area, which might be most
attractive to people in the wider
region rather than just the local
market. Team market analysis revealed
two consequential findings:
1. Regional Housing Market. Slow
to deliver new housing product
relative to increasing population,
and home prices have increased.
2. Local Apartment Market.
Currently, offers a limited supply of
premium high -end projects.
Regional market analysis reinforced
a similarly limited supply of
contemporary premium apartments in
the region:
• Built in 2022, Andante (Eau
Claire, WI) is a 76-unit mixed -use
development with approximately
8,000 square feet of ground floor
commercial space. The building
is located along the riverfront
promenade and has direct
connections to the public trail
system.
1
• Built in 2020. Kingston Village
(Cedar Rapids, IA) is a 50-unit
building with a range of amenities
including a green rooftop. high-
speed internet as well as high end
finishes.
• Built in 2022, 400 River (Davenport,
IA) is a 55-unit apartment building
with modern finishes. Amenities
include a rooftop lounge with grills.
TVs and fire pits.
These developments all rent for
premiums relative to the market
average within their community, as
shown below. Residential is seen as
an opportunity for Schmitt Island.
particularly if supporting amenities
(including marina) can be leveraged.
Industrial
Consistent with Midwestern
trends, local industrial markets have
performed well, as evidenced by
steadily decreasing vacancy levels
and steady rent growth. Growth
has been tied to steady demand
for e-commerce facilities, as well
as growth in third -party logistics
services (both in particular during
Covid). Given limited land availability
on Schmitt Island and typical parcel
sizes for modern industrial real
estate, industrial use is not seen as
appropriate for the island.
Retail
Consistent with Midwestern trends,
demand and supply for retail space
have steadily come into better
alignment as the impact of the "retail
PREMIUM APARTMENT BUILDINGS
3.0
2.5
0.5
0.0
1
245 Kingston
1
1
1
400 W River Dr 323 State Street
• Building Average Rents • Market Rent
2
3
4
5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
8
9
A
8
apocalypse" has faded since 2020.
At the same time, retail markets are
also adjusting to significant growth in
the share of transactions which are
initiated online (30-50%), which has
implications for sales tax revenue.
Given these realities, it is expected
that future retail opportunities
on Schmitt Island will need to be
targeted, with emphasis on restaurant
and entertainment / destination
oriented activities.
Office
Reflective of growth in remote /
hybrid work arrangements since 2020,
near term demand for office use has
softened, with increasing vacancy
for older (pre <2000) office buildings
with limited amenities. While office
markets are expected to recover, new
office projects will likely need to be
located in more amenity -rich, mixed -
use environments.
INDUSTRIAL VACANCY
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2°/a
0°%o
ti i P : 0 NC) �1 *3' �� yP ,h 16 ,(1 Naf ,1Q l� 11'
1, 1, ` . 1� 1F9 1, 1- '19- 17. 19 10 19 19 19 19 'LO 10 19 19 19 10 19 y
,LO
1=16
6%%o
5%
4°/o
3%
2°%o
1%
0%
1.119 '19 '19' '19 '19 1919'19' 19 '19 '19'19'19
61'
OFFICE VACANCY
14%
12°.4,
10%
8%
6%
4%
2°%o
0°%o
Development Plar I SCHMITT ISLAND
11, O
01
ti
SCHMITT
ISLAND
conomi
easibilit
Economic Feasibility
The conceptual financial analysis is
built around a goal seeking approach
to identify a tolerable level of private
investment based on a minimum
rate of return goal for a "typical"
developer. By association, identified
investment costs that fall beyond
the rate of return goal would need
to be absorbed by the City of
Dubuque through public investment,
acting as a catalyst to unlock private
investment. The analysis solves for TIF
1 2 3
infrastructure need assuming either a
minimum 20% unleveraged IRR or an
8% yield on cost (NOI/Capex). Three
scenarios have been assessed:
1. Status quo operations for the
duration of the marina lease:
2. Improved marina development
with residential option: and
3. Improved marina development
without residential.
4 Air
6 I 7 I
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
8 i l 9 A 8
Scenario 2 - Improved marina development with residential option
Scenario 3 - Improved marina development without residential
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
Economic Feasibility
Status Quo
Based on City -provided data. the
existing ground lease on the marina
site covers 19.25 acres and generates
annual revenue to the City of
Dubuque of $25,493/year or 51,324 per
acre per year. We understand that
this ground lease value is subject to
change based on current appraisals
which will be completed near -term.
Existing tax records for 2023 show that
the property has an assessed value of
$281.993. Over a 75-year period, the
existing ground lease would gross a
present value figure of approximately
5790,000 for the City of Dubuque
assuming 2% inflation rate per annum.
Over a 75-year period assuming a 3%
inflation rate. the status quo option
would gross a present value figure of
approximately $80.000 in property
taxes to the City of Dubuque, using
the FY24 city of Dubuque share of
the total levy based on the existing
assessed value.
Improved Residential
Comparing the Status Quo model
with the Improved Residential model,
the Improved Residential option
for the island has the potential to
STATUS QUO VERSUS IMPROVED RESIDENTIAL
Variables 3
r
Ground Lease Payment over 75-years
Property Taxes over 75-years2
Status Quo
Improved Residential
=M622,660,000
I. Ground Lease and Property Tax Figures shown are present value figures over 75-years.
2. Includes only City of Dubuque share FY24 total levy.
3. Figures are rounded and conceptual bawd on development scenarios.
75 YEAR PRESENT VALUE BENEFITS
520.000.000
S15,000,000
St0000 000
ss,000.000
s-
S22.cso.000
5•0000 $r9o.000
Irspcteed Resioe,tial
• PV ►roperty'ax • IV Group! I eau
Status Oro
The comparison between the status
quo option and the improved residential
option indicate that over a 75-year
period the improved residential option
has the potential to result in a higher
present value of property taxes and
ground lease payments for the City of
Dubuque compared to the Status Quo.
The improved residential option has the
potential to:
• Result in a higher amount of ground
lease payments as well as property
taxes to the City of Dubuque.
• Create a new residential community
in Dubuque and contribute to the
island being an integral part of the
City's social fabric.
1
2
3
4
5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
8
9
A
8
result in a much higher present value
of property taxes and ground lease
payments to the city. over a 75-year
period. It also has the potential to
create a new residential community in
Dubuque. contributing to the island
being an integral part of the city's
social fabric.
STATUS QUO VERSUS IMPROVED MARINA
Improved Island
Marina Area
When we compare the Status
Quo with the Improved Island
Marina Area model, we find that
the Improved Marina option would
result in a roughly doubled present
value of property taxes and ground
lease payments to the city over a
75-year period. Initial analysis of
Ground Lease Payment over 75-years
Pro er Taxes over 75-years2
$790,000
$80,000
51,250,0
1
$280,000
I. Ground Lease and Property Tax Figures shown are present value figures over 75-years.
2. Includes only City of Dubuque share FY24 total levy.
3. Figures are rounded and conceptual based on development scenarios
75 YEAR PRESENT VALUE BENEFITS
s
sl.aso.000
s2eo.000
Improved Marna
• PV Property Tax
Sao.000
1
Status Qr,o
• PV Ground Lease
comparable marinas would suggest
that higher values are achievable
with longer ground lease terms
and more investment. Ultimately.
this opportunity is driven by city
appraisals.
The comparison between the status
quo option and the improved marina
option indicate that over a 75-year
period the improved marina option
has the potential to result in a higher
present value of property taxes and
ground lease payments for the City of
Dubuque compared to the Status Quo.
• The improved marina option would
result in both an increase in ground
lease payments and property taxes
to the City of Dubuque over the
forecast period.
• Initial analysis of comparable marinas
would suggest that higher values are
achievable with longer ground lease
terms and more investment.
Development Plar I SCHMITT ISLAND
Economic Feasibility
Conclusions
Given this analysis, the Improved
Residential option results in the
largest return to the city of Dubuque.
followed by the Improved Marina
option, with the lowest return from
the Status Quo option.
Additional considerations:
• The Improved Residential scenario
will require public infrastructure
improvements to elevate the site
out of the floodplain.
• Both the Improved Marina and the
Improved Residential scenarios
likely require longer ground lease
terms (>50- 75 years).
• From an employment standpoint,
investments in marina
enhancements have potential
to yield enhanced employment
benefits relative to the status quo.
The S25 million total present value
75-year benefits would be associated
with the public sector cost to improve
the site. A fee simple marina might be
worth slightly more than one running
on a ground lease.
1
Our market analysis made
comparisons with some benchmark
marinas to show what the increase in
value might be. These included:
• Patriot Point Marina on Rebel Road
in Stover, MO
• Rivertowne Marina and RV in
Cincinnati. OH
• A Boutique Restaurant and Marina
in Bloomington, IN
Apartment Option
Ground Lease Options
jai..
Yield on Cost
6.30%
75 YEAR PRESENT VALUE BENEFITS
$30,000,000
525,000,000
520,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
55,000,000
5-
i5870,000
Status Quo
$25,450,000
51,530,000
Improved Marina Improved Residential
• Total PV Benefits
2
3
4
5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
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9
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Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
et
SCHMITT
ISLAND
cologica
6
Ecological
Overview
The naturalized areas of Schmitt
Island are characterized by low-lying,
flat "edge" areas subject to seasonal
inundation by the Mississippi River,
and medium to densely forested
upland zones. Low areas are
dominated by invasive woody and
non -woody plants, and low -quality
opportunistic native species. Upland
areas are low -quality successional
woodlands of non-native invasive
and low -quality opportunistic native
species surrounded by dense native
and non-native shrubs and vegetation.
1 2 3
Restoration
Objectives
Considering restoration of the
ecology of the island, these six
objectives come into focus:
• Create spaces with improved
access and managed vegetation
for public use and enjoyment, and
a unique outdoor recreational
experience for connecting with
nature.
• Remove invasive species from all
restoration zones.
• Selectively thin low -quality native
non-invasive species to promote
healthy growth of remaining
specimens.
• Plant site -appropriate native tree
species to improve woodland
quality and diversity.
• Identify and improve potential
wildlife habitat sites.
• Develop ongoing maintenance
protocol for long-term
preservation and enhancement of
restoration efforts.
4 5
6
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
7
Restoration Zones
In 2023, the naturalized areas of the
island were inundated by spring floods
followed by drought conditions. In
May/June of that year, Impact7G
completed a desktop survey and field
assessment of ecological conditions
and subdivided the island into seven
restoration zones. Impact7G walked
the naturalized areas, documenting
areas of distinct ecological variability
and unique ecological components
such as distinctive vegetation
communities, invasive species,
erosion and any other factors of
ecological significance. Using this
assessment, a series of base maps
were developed using ArcGIS PRO
software (See Figure 6.1). GIS analysis
and mapping provides accurate areas
and quantities for use in budget
forecasting. Maps also illustrate site
conditions, show the visual extent of
management needs and are a critical
tool for communicating management
objectives.
8 9 A
LEGEND
King Rail Woods
Heron Pond
Woodland Edge
Naturalized Lowlands
Hip -Camp
Open Lowlands
Open Uplands
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Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
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SCHMITT
ISLAND
Floodplain
Overview
Recent elevated Mississippi River
levels in the spring of 2023 have
highlighted the fact that portions of
Chaplain Schmitt Island are prone to
periodic and prolonged flooding. For
this reason. as master development
planning efforts continue to advance
at the island, it will be important to
evaluate and understand the impact
potential Mississippi River flood
risks will have on the feasibility of
various improvement projects being
considered. This includes confirming
compliance with applicable federal,
state and local floodplain and
floodway regulations that will govern
whether potential improvements
at the island are feasible from a
regulatory, engineering and cost
perspective.
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Existing Floodplain
Mapping Review
Figures 1 and 2 depict the regulatory
Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) for Chaplain Schmitt Island
(map number 19061CO244F, August
19, 2013). FEMA produces FIRMs that
show areas that are at risk to flooding.
also known as floodplains or Special
Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Figure 1
and 2 show flood zones, floodplain
boundaries, floodways and base flood
elevations of the Mississippi River.
Communities use these maps to
set minimum building and land
development requirements for
projects in flood prone areas. Given
that potential future development
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SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
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improvement projects at the island
will need to comply with local, state
and federal floodplain management
regulations. it is important to gain an
understanding of the various flood
zones that are present at the island.
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y
LEGEND
me - u..r Race r:'s rr 00/03 Rem n In
r
Floodplain
Floodplain and Floodway
Regulation Review
The City of Dubuque floodplain
management regulations are stated
within Title 16 Unified Development
Code. Chapter 6 Overlay Districts,
Section 16-6-4: Flood Hazard Overlay
District. The provisions outlined
in Section 16-6-4 apply to all lands
within the jurisdiction of the City
of Dubuque shown on the Official
Floodplain Zoning Map as being within
the boundaries of the Floodway,
Floodway Fringe (Flood Fringe), and
General Floodplain (Overlay) Districts.
Each of these floodplain districts is
described in further detail below.
Floodway (Overlay) District (FW).
Those areas identified as floodway
on the Official Floodplain Zoning
Map. These areas are depicted as
Zone AE floodplain with diagonal
hatched areas on Figure 1 and light
blue shaded areas on Figure 2.
If development plans include
placement of any structures or fill
within these areas, engineering
analyses will need to be conducted
to reflect the effects of this devel-
opment on Mississippi River flood
levels and to show that no increase
in 100-year base flood elevation
will result. The following section
shares potential development
scenarios that could occur within
regulatory floodway at the island
and the resultant impacts to Mis-
sissippi River 100-year base flood
elevations.
Floodway Fringe (Overlay) Dis-
trict (FF). Those areas identified
as Zone AE on the Official Flood -
plain Zoning Map and exclude
those areas identified as floodway.
These areas are depicted as Zone
AE floodplain with no diagonal
hatched area on Figure 1 and as
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
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indigo shaded blue areas on Figure
General Floodplain Overlay Dis-
trict (FP). Those areas shown with-
in the approximate 100-year flood
boundary or Zone A on the official
floodplain zoning map. Note that
there are no General Floodplain
Overlay Districts within the limits
of Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Regardless, any proposed buildings
(residential or non-residential) within
a SFHA (both floodway and flood
fringe areas), must be elevated to be
equal to or greater than the flood
protection elevation. The flood
protection elevation is defined as the
regional 100-year storm base flood
elevation plus one foot of freeboard.
Therefore, the flood protection
elevation at the island is equivalent to
elevation 612.0.
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Legend
LiDAR vs Field Survey
Topography
• -1.5--0.50
• -0.49 - -0.25
• -0.24--0.10
• •0.09- 0.0
• 0.01 - 0.10
• 0.11 - 0.25
• 0.26. 0.50
• 0.51 - 2.7
2019 UDAR
DEM
ugh : 648.301
■
NMI
Low : 593.753
SCHMITT
ISLAND
nfrastructur
Analysi
Infrastructure & Analysis
Utilities
The planning and design team
interviewed city staff in the water
department, sanitary waste division
and civil engineering departments
to understand potential issues
or opportunities from a utility
perspective. These conversations
helped provide a high level overview
of the key items that should be
considered as development moves
forward.
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan
LEGEND
Sanitary Line -
Gravity Main
Sanitary Line -
Pressurized Main
— — — Inactive Sanitary Line
Active Stormwater Line
Active Water Line
Proposed Water Line
Water Destinations
18" W Water Line Diameter
Fiber Conduit
Electric Conduit
2" Electric Conduit
Diameter
Fiber Structure
O Electric Underground
Structure
Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND
SCHMITT
ISLAND
riorities
OStS
Recommendation
Priorities, Costs & Recommendations
As part of the overall development
plan's findings — along with the
economic analysis, key projects have
been identified to help fulfill the plan's
mission and vision. These projects
— and their associated costs — have
been prioritized through an analysis of
the following considerations.
Prioritization Factors
1. Plan Objectives. Does the project
help achieve the Development
Objectives and the City of
Dubuque's Council Priorities?
2. Highest and Best Use. Are the
projects financially feasible? Will
the project help move the needle
and improve the island's appeal
for private sector investments?
Will the citizens of Dubuque
benefit from increased tax or lease
revenue?
3. Readiness. Is the project "shovel
ready" or can it get there quickly?
What steps have taken place to
advance the project's standing?
4. Construction Cost. if the
magnitude of the project requires
capital that is not readily available,
alternative funding streams (e.g.
grants, sponsorship) may be a
factor in the project's short term
feasibility.
5. Sequence. Is the project — or is a
higher priority project - contingent
on infrastructure investments
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that must occur first to enhance
the island's appeal for further
development? Does the project
"complete" a multi phased project?
6. Ecological, Beautification. Does
the project help advance the
island's appeal from a habitat or
beatification standpoint?
7. Quality of life, Destination
Appeal. Will the project appeal to
Dubuque citizens, their families and
professionals? Will people travel to
spend the day on the island, if the
project is constructed?
Regulation & Policy
Considerations
In addition to the prioritization
considerations, several city policies
impacting the island's appeal for
development have been uncovered.
A brief explanation has been included
below.
In 2017, residential development
was eliminated as an allowable use
within the Planned Unit Development
Ordinance that governs the island.
After an evaluation of the current
market conditions in 2024, there is
an opportunity for waterfront living
on the island. Considerations were
also given to large scale destination
retail (e.g. bass pro shops), office (in
the short term, office demand is very
limited) and industrial (deemed an
inappropriate use, given the island's
vision and land uses) within the
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island's development framework, but
were ruled out as viable alternatives.
Given this, a recommendation of this
plan is to update the PUD to include
multifamily residential.
Secondly, given the construction
complexities of building on the island,
along with market conditions related
to residential development, an analysis
of a fee simple vs. land lease scenario
was evaluated (see sections 3 &4).
Given the island's waterfront location,
the city has had a longstanding
position of being only buyers of
riverfront land (as opposed to sellers).
While some developers may
philosophically not want to lease
lands for multifamily residential
development, there are some
developers who see leasing as a
benefit to their business model as it
moves the cost to the operational
side of the balance sheet.
The challenge with land lease in large
part then comes down to time. Given
the island's physical characteristics and
development history, capital costs
are anticipated to be slightly higher
than a traditional redevelopment
situation in downtown Dubuque,
for example. This creates a need
to re-evaluate the lease terms. This
plan's recommendation is for the City
to reconsider land leases that have
historically been on a 25 year basis
to a 75 year basis, but only for high
quality development that meets the
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intent of the Island's design guidelines,
while simultaneously protecting
the investments of those who have
developed or will develop in the
future.
Lastly, In the 1980's, the City
received funds for the acquisition
and construction of Gerald "Red"
McAleece Park through the federal
government's Land and Water
Conservation Program. With these
funds, a land use restriction was
enacted by the Department of
Interior and provided by the City,
limiting use to "outdoor recreation."
Removing this restriction is possible
and is based on replacing the outdoor
recreation uses elsewhere in the city
at the present day appraised value.
It does not require a sport for sport
replacement.
Considering this, as investments are
made in Schmitt Island, it is reasonable
to assume that the site's value — and
appraised value — will go up. Given
this, this plan recommends that the
city collaborate with the Federal
Government to remove the restriction
on Gerald "Red" McAleece Park.
Action Plan
Considering the factors above, the
following items have been identified
as the highest priority actions:
1. Update the PUD Ordinance to
allow multifamily residential.
2. Proceed with developing a value
matrix for determining when a
seventy -five-year vs. a twenty five
year land lease is warranted.
3. Proceed with the initial steps
of seeking an appraisal for the
ballfield site and removing the
restriction over Gerald "Red"
McAleece Park.
4. Work with the City of Dubuque
to issue an RFI to prospective
developers to gauge their interest
in redeveloping the island south
of Highway 151.
5. Begin the initial geotechnical
and environmental investigation
within the existing marina and
RV Park on the south side of the
island.
6. Conduct a feasibility study to
determine the appropriate sports
program for the Gerald "Red"
McAleece Park and Ice Center.
SCHMITT ISLAND I Development Plan Development Plan I SCHMITT ISLAND