Loras College Cox Street Purchase Letter 8 28 07August 28, 2007
Honorable May and City Council
50 West 13~' Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
RE: Cox Street Follow up
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
Included in your packet of information for the upcoming City Council meeting on
September 4, 2007, is a request from Loras College to pursue the purchase of Cox Street
from Loras Blvd. to the intersection of W. 17~` Street. In that communication, we
referenced that we were hosting neighborhood meetings that were a result of a mailing
list generated with the help of City Staff and the Dubuque City Assessor's Office. A total
of 212 invitations were mailed to surrounding property owners which were invited to
campus to exchange ideas. There were 26 People who attended the gatherings which
were held on August 15 and 16.
An overview of the project was provided to the neighbors with further details being
provided by Loras staff. Loras entertained a discussion, took questions from the
attendees, and received feedback. We believe the meetings to be constructive and
provided Loras College the opportunity to evaluate what would work best for both the
neighbors and mutually benefit both the City and Loras College.
Given the feedback received, Loras College is willing to concede the "complete" shut
down of the street to "through" traffic. If we are approved in our request to acquire the
street, we would proceed with the proposed design and aesthetic upgrades shared with the
neighbors. Though there would be periodic times during the year when we would want
to close that portion of the street for various reasons (e.g., Homecoming, Opening Day),
we would be willing to retain the street access for vehicular traffic (ideally limited to
neighbors, emergency vehicles at a reduced speed). While this concession does not meet
all of each of the neighbors' requests, it does represent concession of a major issue from
the College's perspective.
At this time Loras College respectfully requests that the City Council refers our request to
purchase Cox Street to the City Manager's Office for review and recommendation.
Thank you for your consideration of this request
Sincerely,
James E. Collins
President