Hello all,
Here is the latest information about the project.
Date of Record: January 3, 2008
The most recent activity on Northwest Boulevard has been the relocation of underground utilities, primarily the natural gas pipelines. This work has prevented the installation of any storm sewer as the entire new natural gas system must be in place and connected to homes prior to turning off the old mains. The contractor doing the utility relocations was off for two weeks over Christmas and New Years, but will be back at work, weather permitting, on January 7th. Following completion of gas main work, expect to see storm sewer work begin.
The informational meeting that was originally scheduled for December 11th, 2007 has been rescheduled for Thursday January 31, 2008, from 6:30 to 8pm at MA Ford, 7737 Northwest Boulevard. Affected residents and business owners should receive a letter with details in mid-January 2008. Project improvements include two through lanes in each direction, left turn lanes, and medians with areas of plantings throughout the length of the project. Considerable care has been taken in the design of the road to minimize the effects of access limitations imposed by the medians, but there will be some restrictions due to state and federal regulatory constraints. The radius of Northwest Boulevard through the Pine Street intersection has been increased to improve the flow of traffic around this corner, with Pine Street northbound realigned and intersecting Northwest Boulevard at a right angle to improve safety and traffic flow. A straight through southbound lane from Northwest Boulevard to Pine will be maintained. Other project elements include installing storm sewer throughout the length of the project and constructing 6' wide grass boulevards and 6' sidewalks on both sides.
During construction, every effort will be made to keep the road open to local traffic and emergency vehicles, although short-term temporary closures can be expected when intersections and driveway approaches are poured. While access from the interstate to the businesses at the north end of the project will be maintained continually, with the pavement constructed one half at a time in several phases to ensure this outcome, all other drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during construction to ensure the quickest completion possible and provide the maximum safety for the contractor's crews and the traveling public. Detours and alternate routes will be posted here so that drivers can plan accordingly.
We will continue to update the information on this website as the project continues.
Comments or questions can be directed to Eric Schallert, Project Engineer, by phone at 563.326.7729 or email at ers@ci.davenport.ia.us.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Sunday, November 11, 2007
NW Blvd and Post Election
Hello all. As promised, I am still around.
Congratulations to Mike Matson, and good luck over the next 2 years. Also, thanks to Matt and Becky for running and hopefully we will see you all again.
I found an update on the NW blvd project that I wanted to share with you all. Also, I hope you all enjoy some of the new sidewalks in our ward! They are greatly appreciated.
Date of Record: November 9, 2007
The long anticipated Northwest Boulevard reconstruction project is scheduled to be awarded to McCarthy Construction Company in the next several weeks. Construction of the $5.4 million project is estimated to begin late this year, take less than two years, and be completed in the spring of 2009. The project involves the widening and complete reconstruction of the Northwest Boulevard pavement, including the Pine Street intersection, from Cedar Street to 500' north of 76th Street, as well as reconfiguring the eastbound off ramp from Interstate 80 to Northwest Boulevard.
Improvements will include two through lanes in each direction, left turn lanes, and medians with areas of plantings throughout the length of the project. Considerable care has been taken in the design of the road to minimize the effects of access limitations imposed by the medians, but there will be some restrictions due to state and federal regulatory constraints. The radius of Northwest Boulevard through the Pine Street intersection will be increased to improve the flow of traffic around this corner, Pine Street northbound will be realigned to intersect Northwest Boulevard at a right angle to improve safety and traffic flow, and a straight through southbound lane from Northwest Boulevard to Pine will be maintained. Other project elements include installing storm sewer throughout the length of the project and constructing 6' wide grass boulevards and 6' sidewalks on both sides.
During construction, every effort will be made to keep the road open to local traffic and emergency vehicles, although short-term temporary closures can be expected when intersections and driveway approaches are poured. While access from the interstate to the businesses at the north end of the project will be maintained continually, with the pavement constructed one half at a time in several phases to ensure this outcome, all other drivers will be encouraged to use alternate routes during construction to ensure the quickest completion possible and provide the maximum safety for the contractor's crews and the traveling public. Detours and alternate routes will be posted here so that drivers can plan accordingly.
We will continue to update the information on this website when actual project dates have been determined.
Comments or questions can be directed to Eric Schallert, Project Engineer, by phone at 563.326.7729 or email at ers@ci.davenport.ia.us.
Congratulations to Mike Matson, and good luck over the next 2 years. Also, thanks to Matt and Becky for running and hopefully we will see you all again.
I found an update on the NW blvd project that I wanted to share with you all. Also, I hope you all enjoy some of the new sidewalks in our ward! They are greatly appreciated.
Date of Record: November 9, 2007
The long anticipated Northwest Boulevard reconstruction project is scheduled to be awarded to McCarthy Construction Company in the next several weeks. Construction of the $5.4 million project is estimated to begin late this year, take less than two years, and be completed in the spring of 2009. The project involves the widening and complete reconstruction of the Northwest Boulevard pavement, including the Pine Street intersection, from Cedar Street to 500' north of 76th Street, as well as reconfiguring the eastbound off ramp from Interstate 80 to Northwest Boulevard.
Improvements will include two through lanes in each direction, left turn lanes, and medians with areas of plantings throughout the length of the project. Considerable care has been taken in the design of the road to minimize the effects of access limitations imposed by the medians, but there will be some restrictions due to state and federal regulatory constraints. The radius of Northwest Boulevard through the Pine Street intersection will be increased to improve the flow of traffic around this corner, Pine Street northbound will be realigned to intersect Northwest Boulevard at a right angle to improve safety and traffic flow, and a straight through southbound lane from Northwest Boulevard to Pine will be maintained. Other project elements include installing storm sewer throughout the length of the project and constructing 6' wide grass boulevards and 6' sidewalks on both sides.
During construction, every effort will be made to keep the road open to local traffic and emergency vehicles, although short-term temporary closures can be expected when intersections and driveway approaches are poured. While access from the interstate to the businesses at the north end of the project will be maintained continually, with the pavement constructed one half at a time in several phases to ensure this outcome, all other drivers will be encouraged to use alternate routes during construction to ensure the quickest completion possible and provide the maximum safety for the contractor's crews and the traveling public. Detours and alternate routes will be posted here so that drivers can plan accordingly.
We will continue to update the information on this website when actual project dates have been determined.
Comments or questions can be directed to Eric Schallert, Project Engineer, by phone at 563.326.7729 or email at ers@ci.davenport.ia.us.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thank you everyone!
Hello everyone. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support in this election. I had a lot of fun running and it was a great experience. I think the upcoming election will be an interesting one and hope that everyone continues to run clean and positive campaigns.
I will be staying as involved as I can over the next 2 years and will see you all again. Please stay in touch. I plan to keep this blog as active as I can with current issues and events and my email will still be active as well.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart to all of you who supported me. I hope the next 2 years will be prosperous for Davenport and that we will move in the right direction!
Cheers!
I will be staying as involved as I can over the next 2 years and will see you all again. Please stay in touch. I plan to keep this blog as active as I can with current issues and events and my email will still be active as well.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart to all of you who supported me. I hope the next 2 years will be prosperous for Davenport and that we will move in the right direction!
Cheers!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Final Thoughts before the Primary
Hello everyone!
I hope all is well for you all and that you are staying cool in this heat. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading this blog over the past months and sending me questions and concerns. I know you all have a lot to think about on Tuesday and I wanted to ask one last time for your support in the primary on October 9.
I have been keeping a list of concerns raised by each of you and win or lose, I will send them along to the departments at City Hall for some answers. I will post the answers here as well as call those who came to me with them.
I have had a chance to meet and talk with each of my opponents and want to wish them all well on Tuesday. Everyone who is running in this election should be congratulated for stepping forward and taking on the challenge of wanting to work for the citizens in Davenport.
If I make it through the primary, I will be ready to continue my efforts of going door to door to meet you all. I have not been sending out anyone else on my behalf to meet you all because I think you deserve to meet your candidate personally.
I hope I can count on your support this Tuesday, October 9th. Thank you again for your time and consideration in becoming your next 8th Ward Alderman!
I hope all is well for you all and that you are staying cool in this heat. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading this blog over the past months and sending me questions and concerns. I know you all have a lot to think about on Tuesday and I wanted to ask one last time for your support in the primary on October 9.
I have been keeping a list of concerns raised by each of you and win or lose, I will send them along to the departments at City Hall for some answers. I will post the answers here as well as call those who came to me with them.
I have had a chance to meet and talk with each of my opponents and want to wish them all well on Tuesday. Everyone who is running in this election should be congratulated for stepping forward and taking on the challenge of wanting to work for the citizens in Davenport.
If I make it through the primary, I will be ready to continue my efforts of going door to door to meet you all. I have not been sending out anyone else on my behalf to meet you all because I think you deserve to meet your candidate personally.
I hope I can count on your support this Tuesday, October 9th. Thank you again for your time and consideration in becoming your next 8th Ward Alderman!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Wednesday 10/03/07 Radio Show
Hello everyone!
I wanted to let you all know that I will be on the Jim Fischer show on Wednesday at 4pm. I hope you all can listen and call in with concerns or questions.
If you have any other questions or concerns in the mean time, please let me know through this website or by contacting me at dillforalderman@gmail.com
I hope I can count on your support next week! I still have a few yard signs left in case you want one! (I have had a lot of them taken, so I only have a few left unfortunately.)
I wanted to let you all know that I will be on the Jim Fischer show on Wednesday at 4pm. I hope you all can listen and call in with concerns or questions.
If you have any other questions or concerns in the mean time, please let me know through this website or by contacting me at dillforalderman@gmail.com
I hope I can count on your support next week! I still have a few yard signs left in case you want one! (I have had a lot of them taken, so I only have a few left unfortunately.)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
QC Times Q & A
Here are my responses to the QC Times article which will be coming out sometime this week:
What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods? How would you address them?
I live in a wonderful neighborhood with neighbors that are great. I wish that everyone would have the same experience that my family has. Unfortunately that is not the case, according to council meetings lately. People are concerned with community policing. By working closely with the police department and the new chief, we can work to ensure every neighborhood has conditions the residents can be proud of and feel safe in to raise their families. I also want to work to create accessible areas by putting in new sidewalks in areas where they are desperately needed. Then families can utilize them in getting around their neighborhoods with ease.
What's most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
I believe that continuing providing quality services for the citizens of Davenport is essential to our well being. Currently, many people are upset with the way certain departments are run in City Hall. By focusing on the essentials, we will succeed for our citizens. Once that goal is accomplished, we can consider adding amenities for residents and visitors. The city can focus on the basics while working with the Visitor's Bureau on how to attract new people to our community for tourism and new citizens.
What are the city's most important infrastructure needs?
I feel that Davenport has taken great strides in the right direction with trying to bring new jobs and growth. However, there are other needs that have been overlooked and need to be addressed. Bringing our sewers up to date is needed in different parts of our city, helping the central city to find new legs of growth to stand on, and putting in new sidewalks where they are desperately needed will do great things for our city. There are a lot of people in our city who choose to walk or ride their bikes instead of drive to where they are going, but there is a true lack of sidewalks for them to utilize.
How would you approach economic development?
I have faith in our economic and community leaders to help guide Davenport in the right direction. I continue to hear how candidates say they will bring job growth and creation to our city, and I always ask — how will they do that? The individuals will not bring companies in by themselves. Working with those who have the knowledge and determination to bring new jobs to Davenport is the better way of trying to help our city instead of saying that an individual will have all of the answers.
Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council's role in promoting public safety?
The leaders and members of the police department are essential in figuring out how many officers we need to do a good job in protecting our citizens and ensuring that the department is not spread too thin. The City Council should be able to have an open line of communication with the police department, but should not run their daily operations. By having faith in the leadership and personnel in the police department, they will continue to do a quality job for the citizens of Davenport in deploying officers to where they are needed the most and will keep our city safe for years to come. By not micromanaging the department, they will do a better job overall and public safety will fall into place through their efforts and the efforts of VIPS, NETS, Guardian Angels and other civilian volunteers.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?
I deal with people I disagree with on a daily basis in my job. Since I work for the public, I need to strive to put aside my personal differences and make sure that I am doing the best job that I can for them. If I had a disagreement with another council member, I would treat the situation with tact and make sure to try and work out differences outside of the spotlight of the televised council meetings. That has been an ongoing problem for our city. The idea of having a "circus" in City Hall can be fixed by working outside of the council chambers to resolve differences and work for the citizens' best interests.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the city encourage the Isle to do?
I believe that the Isle of Capri should develop specific plans before the city goes any further. Recent events have shown that the citizens do not want the Isle to go into the RiverCenter. By putting the ball back in the Isle of Capri's court to come up with plans on where to move the casino and how it will benefit Davenport, our city will profit. If the city keeps trying to figure out what to do, with little or no input from the Isle of Capri, we play to them, instead of them coming to us. This is not the way we should handle the issue. Once the Isle comes up with ideas on what they want to do, then the city can get involved to figure out what would be in the best interest for our community.
What is your vision for Davenport?
My vision for Davenport is to strive for greatness. By working together with council members, city departments and especially our citizens to promote a positive message, we can achieve greatness. Keeping the positive message in our city is essential to our success. One of the major concerns in Davenport is taking pride in our elected officials and how they conduct themselves. I would like to see an open line of communication with our elected officials and the public. I also would like to see our city work with young professional groups to focus on keeping younger citizens in our area for the long run. As a young member of the community, I feel there is a solid effort that has been started that can promote the efforts in keeping recent college graduates here. Lastly, keeping an eye on fiscal and community responsibility will help make Davenport a better place to live, work and visit. Working with those who have the knowledge and experience will bring about quality results for our community.
I hope you all find this information to be useful and helpful. With only another week to go before the primary, I am hopeful that you have had the time to get to know your candidates. I would be grateful to be your next 8th Ward Alderman and hope I can count on your support on October 9th! Thank you all for your time and support!
What are the most significant challenges facing neighborhoods? How would you address them?
I live in a wonderful neighborhood with neighbors that are great. I wish that everyone would have the same experience that my family has. Unfortunately that is not the case, according to council meetings lately. People are concerned with community policing. By working closely with the police department and the new chief, we can work to ensure every neighborhood has conditions the residents can be proud of and feel safe in to raise their families. I also want to work to create accessible areas by putting in new sidewalks in areas where they are desperately needed. Then families can utilize them in getting around their neighborhoods with ease.
What's most important, providing basic services or adding amenities for residents and visitors? What approach would you take?
I believe that continuing providing quality services for the citizens of Davenport is essential to our well being. Currently, many people are upset with the way certain departments are run in City Hall. By focusing on the essentials, we will succeed for our citizens. Once that goal is accomplished, we can consider adding amenities for residents and visitors. The city can focus on the basics while working with the Visitor's Bureau on how to attract new people to our community for tourism and new citizens.
What are the city's most important infrastructure needs?
I feel that Davenport has taken great strides in the right direction with trying to bring new jobs and growth. However, there are other needs that have been overlooked and need to be addressed. Bringing our sewers up to date is needed in different parts of our city, helping the central city to find new legs of growth to stand on, and putting in new sidewalks where they are desperately needed will do great things for our city. There are a lot of people in our city who choose to walk or ride their bikes instead of drive to where they are going, but there is a true lack of sidewalks for them to utilize.
How would you approach economic development?
I have faith in our economic and community leaders to help guide Davenport in the right direction. I continue to hear how candidates say they will bring job growth and creation to our city, and I always ask — how will they do that? The individuals will not bring companies in by themselves. Working with those who have the knowledge and determination to bring new jobs to Davenport is the better way of trying to help our city instead of saying that an individual will have all of the answers.
Does the city have enough police officers? Are they deployed properly? What is the council's role in promoting public safety?
The leaders and members of the police department are essential in figuring out how many officers we need to do a good job in protecting our citizens and ensuring that the department is not spread too thin. The City Council should be able to have an open line of communication with the police department, but should not run their daily operations. By having faith in the leadership and personnel in the police department, they will continue to do a quality job for the citizens of Davenport in deploying officers to where they are needed the most and will keep our city safe for years to come. By not micromanaging the department, they will do a better job overall and public safety will fall into place through their efforts and the efforts of VIPS, NETS, Guardian Angels and other civilian volunteers.
How would you handle situations in which you disagree with another council member or members? Or does it matter?
I deal with people I disagree with on a daily basis in my job. Since I work for the public, I need to strive to put aside my personal differences and make sure that I am doing the best job that I can for them. If I had a disagreement with another council member, I would treat the situation with tact and make sure to try and work out differences outside of the spotlight of the televised council meetings. That has been an ongoing problem for our city. The idea of having a "circus" in City Hall can be fixed by working outside of the council chambers to resolve differences and work for the citizens' best interests.
Should the Isle of Capri take over the RiverCenter South? If not, what should the city encourage the Isle to do?
I believe that the Isle of Capri should develop specific plans before the city goes any further. Recent events have shown that the citizens do not want the Isle to go into the RiverCenter. By putting the ball back in the Isle of Capri's court to come up with plans on where to move the casino and how it will benefit Davenport, our city will profit. If the city keeps trying to figure out what to do, with little or no input from the Isle of Capri, we play to them, instead of them coming to us. This is not the way we should handle the issue. Once the Isle comes up with ideas on what they want to do, then the city can get involved to figure out what would be in the best interest for our community.
What is your vision for Davenport?
My vision for Davenport is to strive for greatness. By working together with council members, city departments and especially our citizens to promote a positive message, we can achieve greatness. Keeping the positive message in our city is essential to our success. One of the major concerns in Davenport is taking pride in our elected officials and how they conduct themselves. I would like to see an open line of communication with our elected officials and the public. I also would like to see our city work with young professional groups to focus on keeping younger citizens in our area for the long run. As a young member of the community, I feel there is a solid effort that has been started that can promote the efforts in keeping recent college graduates here. Lastly, keeping an eye on fiscal and community responsibility will help make Davenport a better place to live, work and visit. Working with those who have the knowledge and experience will bring about quality results for our community.
I hope you all find this information to be useful and helpful. With only another week to go before the primary, I am hopeful that you have had the time to get to know your candidates. I would be grateful to be your next 8th Ward Alderman and hope I can count on your support on October 9th! Thank you all for your time and support!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
QC Online Questionnaire
Hello everyone!
The primary is coming up quickly now and I am still plugging away to try and meet as many of you as I can! The good people over at the Rock Island Argus/Dispatch/Leader sent all of the candidates a questionnaire to fill out and I wanted to put my answers here for all of you to see.
Why are you running?
I want to see better communication in our ward and in the city; to see people being proud of Davenport and having pride in our city council; and to see the young people of our community step forward and show their leadership abilities to the citizens of Davenport. By combining these efforts, our city will succeed in showing a positive image and showcasing how great of a community Davenport really is.
What's your stance on the Isle of Capri moving inland issue?
I believe that the Isle of Capri should develop specific plans before the city goes any further. Recent events have shown that the citizens do not want the Isle to go into the River Center. By putting the ball back in the Isle of Capri’s court to come up with plans on where to move the casino and how it will benefit Davenport, our city will profit. If the city keeps trying to figure out what to do, with little or no input from the Isle of Capri, we play to them, instead of them coming to us. This is not the way we should handle the issue. Once the Isle comes up with ideas on what they want to do, then the city can get involved to figure out what would be in the best interest for our community.
What do you see as the top issue, or issues, in the city?
Crime seems to be the overwhelming major issue this election. I have read reports from the police department and city employees’ showing that crime has decreased in our city. Unfortunately, people are still concerned about the number of uniformed officers in our city and how they are being utilized. By listening to police officials, we can find out where our major problem areas are and try to help them get the tools they need to continue to provide quality service to the public.
Bringing pride back to Davenport by having elected officials that work together is also a big issue to me. I think that working outside of council chambers will benefit our city’s image. It seems that most of the city business is conducted in the main council meeting which is televised. By airing personal problems it creates an image that is not beneficial to our city’s well being. I want to work with the elected officials and citizens to bring the pride back to Davenport to show people why this is a quality community that I am proud to call home.
For my ward specifically, two issues are raised. First, Northwest Blvd is in dire need of fixing. It has been a project on the list for some time now, but has not been accomplished. I will work with city officials to ensure this project is given priority status to bring it to completion. Second, sidewalks are a major need in certain parts of our ward and city. We need to help promote safe and convenient foot travel as much as we can by adding new sidewalks as well as maintaining the existing ones.
What do you believe is the best thing about Davenport?
There is too much that is great in Davenport to list in a short paragraph. I stayed in Davenport after I graduated from college because I believe this is a quality community to be a part of. The passion of the citizens who want to keep Davenport a quality place to live ensures that we will succeed as a community and do great things in the future. We have many assets that make Davenport a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, visit and tell others about.
The worst thing:
I like to focus on the positives in Davenport. If I had to choose areas that could use some improvement in our community, they would be the condition of the roads and the lack of sidewalks, and pride in elected officials. By improving in these areas, our community will benefit greatly. There are problems in every city, but Davenport has overcome quite a bit over the past years and truly is a great place to live.
I hope you find this information useful and if you have any questions or concerns for me, please do not hesitate to contact me!
I hope I can count on your support on October 9th! Thank you all.
The primary is coming up quickly now and I am still plugging away to try and meet as many of you as I can! The good people over at the Rock Island Argus/Dispatch/Leader sent all of the candidates a questionnaire to fill out and I wanted to put my answers here for all of you to see.
Why are you running?
I want to see better communication in our ward and in the city; to see people being proud of Davenport and having pride in our city council; and to see the young people of our community step forward and show their leadership abilities to the citizens of Davenport. By combining these efforts, our city will succeed in showing a positive image and showcasing how great of a community Davenport really is.
What's your stance on the Isle of Capri moving inland issue?
I believe that the Isle of Capri should develop specific plans before the city goes any further. Recent events have shown that the citizens do not want the Isle to go into the River Center. By putting the ball back in the Isle of Capri’s court to come up with plans on where to move the casino and how it will benefit Davenport, our city will profit. If the city keeps trying to figure out what to do, with little or no input from the Isle of Capri, we play to them, instead of them coming to us. This is not the way we should handle the issue. Once the Isle comes up with ideas on what they want to do, then the city can get involved to figure out what would be in the best interest for our community.
What do you see as the top issue, or issues, in the city?
Crime seems to be the overwhelming major issue this election. I have read reports from the police department and city employees’ showing that crime has decreased in our city. Unfortunately, people are still concerned about the number of uniformed officers in our city and how they are being utilized. By listening to police officials, we can find out where our major problem areas are and try to help them get the tools they need to continue to provide quality service to the public.
Bringing pride back to Davenport by having elected officials that work together is also a big issue to me. I think that working outside of council chambers will benefit our city’s image. It seems that most of the city business is conducted in the main council meeting which is televised. By airing personal problems it creates an image that is not beneficial to our city’s well being. I want to work with the elected officials and citizens to bring the pride back to Davenport to show people why this is a quality community that I am proud to call home.
For my ward specifically, two issues are raised. First, Northwest Blvd is in dire need of fixing. It has been a project on the list for some time now, but has not been accomplished. I will work with city officials to ensure this project is given priority status to bring it to completion. Second, sidewalks are a major need in certain parts of our ward and city. We need to help promote safe and convenient foot travel as much as we can by adding new sidewalks as well as maintaining the existing ones.
What do you believe is the best thing about Davenport?
There is too much that is great in Davenport to list in a short paragraph. I stayed in Davenport after I graduated from college because I believe this is a quality community to be a part of. The passion of the citizens who want to keep Davenport a quality place to live ensures that we will succeed as a community and do great things in the future. We have many assets that make Davenport a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, visit and tell others about.
The worst thing:
I like to focus on the positives in Davenport. If I had to choose areas that could use some improvement in our community, they would be the condition of the roads and the lack of sidewalks, and pride in elected officials. By improving in these areas, our community will benefit greatly. There are problems in every city, but Davenport has overcome quite a bit over the past years and truly is a great place to live.
I hope you find this information useful and if you have any questions or concerns for me, please do not hesitate to contact me!
I hope I can count on your support on October 9th! Thank you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
