Gazette Article

THE FLOODS OF 2008
Parkview Terrace pushes for future protection
By Alicia Ebaugh
The Gazette
IOWA CITY Most flood-damaged homes in the Parkview Terrace neighborhood aren't eligible for buyouts, even when the repair costs or some have mounted to $90,000, said one resident Friday.

Jerry Anthony said such homeowners simply want to make sure their homes are protected from another flood.

Anthony, of 713 Eastmoor Dr., is the chairman of the Parkview Terrace Non-Buyout Eligible Group, which recently formed to push for better types of flood protection not only in their neighborhood but citywide.

"We want people to see there is a great need for preventive and mitigation measures that will be good for the broader community," Anthony said.

"Many of my neighbors spent between $50,000 and $60,000of their own money to fix their homes, and it would be a shame to have this happen again."

Parkview Terrace is a lowlying neighborhood along the Iowa River that took the brunt of the floodwaters last summer. Of the approximately 150 homeowners in Parkview Terrace, Anthony said, about 90 are not eligible for buyouts because their homes are not in the 100-yearflood plain.

Members of the group of 90 have been informally meeting with city and state officials for the past few months to discuss flood protection plans and will continue to do so until the plans are completed.

"Unless there is a group of citizens concerned about an issue, ones who will be directly affected by it, interest might fizzle," Anthony said. "We want to make sure that flood protection remains a priority."

Anthony said he will speak Tuesday at the Iowa City Council meeting in support of a proposed 1 percent local option sales tax the council is set to discuss. Money from the sales tax in Iowa City would likely be used on flood mitigation infrastructure projects.

If the council votes to put the tax to a public vote, the election would be held May 5. Linn County communities will vote on a similar proposal March 3.
• Contact the writer: (319) 398-8488 or alicia.ebaugh@gazcomm.com