NEIGHBOR NEWS neighbors spark MORE upgrades AT Park By Nichole Aksamit Purcell and Jay Kozel About this time last year, neighbors at the Drake Neighborhood Association’s spring meeting told city and county officials they’d love to add restrooms and new playground equipment when the fishing pond, trail, and woodlands at Witmer Park are renovated this year.

That followed the city’s announcement are now tentatively scheduled for 2020. TO LEARN MORE of $520,000 in upgrades at the park, The Witmer Park Project committee thanks in large part to a $252,000 Come to the Witmer Park Project will host a public input meeting at the at the DNA Department of Natural Resources Public Input Meeting DNA’s March 13 meeting to update Spring Quarter Meeting, 7 p.m. grant. The city/DNR project, to begin neighbors on the plans, get input on Wednesday, March 13, at the this spring, will focus on ecological three playground options, and kick Polk County Central Senior Center, improvements, a new walking path, and off efforts to fund the restroom and 2008 Forest Ave., or contact a fishing pier and other upgrades for playground phase of the project. The Jennifer Sayers at 515-681-2443 or Witmer’s signature pond. committee has applied for grants and [email protected]. is now accepting donations. Park neighbors and members of the TO DONATE Make checks payable to Friends of Drake and Beaverdale neighborhood Fun fact: With some grant support, associations have since organized a Des Moines Parks (write “Witmer if every person who lives in both in the memo line) and bring to committee to raise money for amenities Park” neighborhoods donates $5 to $10, we the meeting or mail to Back Country, not included in the city’s initial will have it covered. Entire generations c/o Jay Kozel, 2702 Beaver Ave., plan, including restrooms and new of kids who won’t have to “just hold it” Des Moines, IA, 50310. playground equipment. Those features ’til they get home will thank you!

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 1 DEVELOPMENTS uses, such as investments in infrastructure (such as street repairs and sewer repairs that minimize Penny tax back flooding) and public safety to improve neighborhoods. The spending will be reviewed annually and is subject to audit. on Ballot March 5 At the February Drake Neighborhood Association By Nichole Aksamit Purcell board meeting, Councilmen Josh Mandelbaum and Bill Grey described the tax as critical to quality of life and Des Moines voters progress in Des Moines. A majority of communities will decide on March 5 in Iowa already have the tax. Without it, they said, whether to approve a the ability to address blighted properties and improve 1% local option sales parks will be curtailed in Des Moines, and a mix and service tax that city of property tax hikes and service cuts likely will be leaders estimate will needed to keep the city’s budget in balance. generate $37 million annually to minimize “Please, please, please get out and vote,” Gray said. property taxes and improve neighborhoods The city estimates that more than a third of the money for years to come. generated by the tax would come from visitors to Des Moines who use the city’s roads and services but do The measure won a 54% majority of Des Moines not currently help pay for them. For many, the penny voters last year but narrowly failed among the tax may be unnoticeable. For example, visitors to contiguous cities which were jointly considering the in nearby Dallas County tax. This year the Des Moines tax measure, on the may not know they've already been paying it since July. ballot as Public Measure A, will be determined solely by Des Moines voters. TO LEARN MORE If approved, a one-cent-per-dollar tax would be Visit LocalOption.dmgov.org. added to most retail sales in Des Moines on July 1. TO CAST YOUR BALLOT Groceries, gasoline, utilities, and prescription drugs Vote at the Polk County Election Office, would be exempt.The ballot specifies that half of 102 2nd Ave., now through March 4 or at money generated by the tax will be used for property your polling place on March 5. tax relief, and the other half will go toward other lawful

The plans also re-route the north end HOTEL WORK TO of the alley (which currently bisects the property), turning it into a T that START IN MARCH sends traffic east and west through the new hotel’s parking lot. is vacating the parking lot southwest of University The project also will include a Avenue and 26th Street on March large as-yet-unnamed restaurant 11 to make way for construction on managed by Des Moines’ Orchestrate the 5-story, 124-room Hilton Home2 Hospitality Group, plus patios, and Suites extended-stay hotel. retail tenants on the ground floor. and 27th Streets, with parking to the The developer, Nelson Construction, south.The city council approved site It’s not clear when the second expects work on the $28 million plans and a tax-increment finance phase of the development, involving project to begin in March, weather agreement for the hotel in January. apartments on the vacated green permitting, and conclude in 2020. Those plans call for a landscaped, space between First Christian Church The building, designed by BNIM, will treed buffer zone between the and 26th, will begin. Nelson hasn't hug University Avenue between 26th property and homes to its south. shared detailed plans for it just yet.

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 2 harkin institute plans unveiled By Nichole Aksamit Purcell The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University has outgrown its space at 25th Street and University Avenue and is planning an $8 million, 17,000-square-foot permanent home a few blocks west at 28th and University.

Drake University's Ryan Arnold said the project Ryan Arnold, neighborhood and community engagement manager at Drake University, shares an architect’s rendering of the new Harkin will begin late this spring or early this summer on Institute during the February DNA board meeting. what is currently the parking lot of St. Catherine of PHOTO BY NICHOLE AKSAMIT PURCELL Siena Catholic Church and Student Center. Three homes southwest of St. Catherine’s may be moved Fittingly, Arnold said, the two-story structure will or demolished to provide replacement parking for have an innovative design that will set “the gold the church. standard for handicap accessibility.” A ground floor ramp will wind from street level up and through its Drake has been home to the institute since two-story open-air gallery. 2013 and has housed the papers of former Sen. Tom Harkin at its Cowles Library since 2015. The The ramp will allow people of all mobility types institute focuses on four pillars of his advocacy: access to all parts of the building and provide a labor and employment, wellness and nutrition, unique way to view archival material, not just from retirement security, and disability. Harkin was Harkin, but possibly papers from the late Gov. the principal author of the Americans with Robert Ray and Rep. Neal Smith, who also have Disability Act. their papers housed at Drake.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE torn up for sewer separation and put RESTAURANT NEWS back together in a different way with QUITE A YEAR FOR a streetscape project stretching from CRAB RANGOON UNIVERSITY AVE. 25th and 31st Streets. PIZZA IS COMING! Plans involve changing University’s Drake neighbors may need an extra current setup (a five-lane with a Full Court Press is bringing a food- helping of patience when construction center turn lane and off-peak parking only outpost of its popular downtown season begins this spring: 2019 in the outermost two lanes) to a tiki bar-cum-pizzeria Fong’s Pizza to is shaping up to be the year that three-lane with a center turn lane, 3018 Forest Ave., the former home of everything is getting redone along six protected parking on the south side, Bordy’s Pizza. blocks of University Avenue. bike lanes on both sides, a new bus shelter, buried utility lines, and Owner/partner Jeff Bruning said that In addition to the construction of improved crosswalks. after some sprucing up, the spot will a new five-story hotel and a new reopen as a takeout eatery with a tiny two-story institute between 26th and Watch for construction updates and dine-in area and no bar, hopefully 29th Streets, University itself will be expect some detours and delays. ahead of the in April.

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 3 MEMBER NEWS NEIGHBORLY ̒ LIBRARY̓ IS NEW DNA PARTNER

By Jennifer Sayers

University Library Cafe, long a favorite gathering spot for neighbors and known simply as "the library," is the Drake Neighborhood Association’s newest business partner.

A bar since 1991, the property at 35th Street and University Avenue was owned by the same family for many years. The pharmacy that used to be west of it was owned by a family who resided in the house next door. The city never allowed the two buildings to be connected, and the pharmacy, most recently a bookstore, was Though the cafe is still known for its signature nachos eventually torn down. and wide beer selection, its burgers and breakfasts draw diners well beyond happy hour. “Our weekend brunches University Library Cafe partner/owner Jeff Bruning (right) are extremely popular,” Bruning said. has lived around the corner from the business since 2008. Bruning knew the bar as a college hangout but University Library Cafe will be sponsoring this summer’s saw potential for a different clientele. And in 2012, when Free Flicks movie in Witmer Park and also providing food it came up for sale, his Full Court Press team decided to at National Night Out in Drake Park in August. “We want take a chance on it. “We wanted to change the place from to be involved in the community, be a good neighbor,” a college bar to more of a neighborhood restaurant/pub, a Bruning said. “We are 100 percent behind whatever we casual place where neighbors could get together for some can do to make the Drake Neighborhood a safer, nicer, good food and drinks,” said Bruning. better place for our neighbors.”

Katelin and Brian Brown, the natural how to improve the neighborhood. GET YOUR TOTE cotton tote bags silhouette the shape Please take a few minutes to of our neighborhood, which stretches complete the survey and help shape Don’t miss your chance to get one from Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway the neighborhood plan for the Drake of our new Drake Neighborhood tote and to 42nd Street and area for years to come. You can find it bags. Designed by Drake neighbors Franklin Avenue. at surveymonkey.com/r/W3RC9FF.

The limited edition bags, $10 each, are available at DNA board meetings USE YOUR PASS and events this year and at select local merchants. You can also Did you know: If you live in the Drake arrange a purchase by emailing Neighborhood, the 2018-19 Drake [email protected]. Each University community events pass purchase supports the association. gets you free access to Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball games, select fine arts performances, TAKE THE SURVEY and more at Drake University? It’s true! Visit the Knapp Center with The city of Des Moines is seeking proof of your address to get your pass input from Drake Neighborhood and check the university calendar for residents and business owners on upcoming events.

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 4 BANK IOWA AGAIN STEPS UP FOR DNA By Jennifer Sayers

The Drake Neighborhood Association is happy to announce attended Drake At Bank Iowa, Richie assists a lot that Bank Iowa has renewed its University and has lived of first-time home buyers. partnership with the neighborhood in the neighborhood for 2019. for nearly 30 years. “Because Bank Iowa is a locally- He got to know many owned community bank, decisions Bank Iowa was a model partner last neighbors during are made in-house,” he explained. year. The bank not only donated his previous role at “We can provide good deals on popcorn and other giveaways for Neighborhood Finance loans that might be considered the DNA-hosted Free Flicks movie Corporation, and he also was elected non-conforming. We also provide at Witmer Park last year (above, to the DNA board in December. checking and savings accounts, right) but brought 10 volunteers to IRAs, CDs, safe deposit boxes, staff the popcorn station and also “It has been great to meet new people, and business loans.” hosted a booth at DNA’s National as well as catch up with people I know Night Out. and have worked with in the past,” The DNA looks forward to Allen said. “I look forward to getting partnering with Allen and his Bank Richie Allen, a residential mortgage to know many more residents through Iowa peers again to help make the banker with Bank Iowa, (left) board activities and DNA events.” Drake Neighborhood even better.

REVITALIZATION NEWS neighborhood. The committee meets TIP FOR VEGGIE LOVERS monthly through summer. The four pilot project neighborhoods included in the pilot SIGN UP NOW FOR are Beaverdale, Drake, Oak Park/ work continues Highland Park, and McKinley School/ GLOBAL GREENS CSA Columbus Park. DNA board members Jennifer Drake neighbors can sign up now Sayers, Lori Calhoun, and Jason UNIVERSITY REPORT through May 15 for a weekly share Stuyvesant, and former board of vegetables from the Global Greens member Deric Gourd are among STUDENTS HELP Community Supported Agriculture those on the committee representing (CSA) program. the Drake Neighborhood on the city- WITH CAMPAIGN appointed Revitalization Committee. Its veggies are locally grown using Students in one of Drake University organic practices by former refugees It’s all part of a $4.5 million pilot professor Matthew Thornton’s and available for pickup at Lutherans program the City Council approved marketing classes last semester got Services in Iowa (3200 University in September to help neighborhoods to apply their learning where they live. Avenue) or for home delivery identify and buy nuisance properties, between May 29 and Sept. 24. demolish decaying homes, and make The class split into four teams to other strategic improvements. create and present marketing and Prices are $504 for a full share (18 fundraising messaging campaigns for weekly boxes) or $265 for a half-share The committee’s assignments so far the Drake/Beaverdale Witmer Park (nine bi-weekly boxes) or $125 for a have included photographing favorite Project. Some of their creative ideas fall share (four boxes in October). gems and sore spots and attending are being incorporated as the real For more details or to sign up, visit real estate open houses in the campaign gets under way this year. www.lsiowa.org/csa.

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 5 GOOD NEIGHBOR TIP DUDE, move your car When it snows enough to require plowing, chances are good that the snow route and odd/even parking ordinances will be in effect in the Drake Neighborhood. And that means parking is not allowed on marked snow routes and that side street parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days, and on the even side on even days.

Why do we do the odd/even thing? It's intended to help city plows clear one side of the street all the way to the curb one day and do the other side the next. But it only works if everyone participates.

What can you do? Text DSMSNOW and DSMODDSNOW to 96000 to get text alerts when the ordinances are in effect. Then, be sure your vehicle is not parked on a snow route when the snow routes are being cleared or on the wrong side of a side street by 7 a.m. when the odd/even rule is in effect. P.S.: Remind your neighbors.

What if you don’t move your car? SNOW DAY? YES! These Drake Neighborhood You face tickets or towing, not to moms, kids, and pets took advantage of a sunny day in mention neighbor ire for slowing January to play in the snow and share pics with us on snow removal and impeding two-way Facebook. Thanks to Amy O’Shaughnessy for photos of traffic. Officers have written 2,400+ these cute “neighborhood pals” (top and lower left) having tickets so far this winter. A ticket cocoa and fun, Kate Chandler Ernst for posing with her little costs $35. Getting your car out of the IN CASE YOU MISSED IT pink starfish baby (middle right), and Melanie Sadeghpour impound lot (not to mention being for sharing the photo of her furry friend (lower right). that guy or gal) costs a lot more.

Five new faces joined the Drake Neighborhood Association board in December. We welcome: Richie Allen Tom Biedenfeld Carl McPherson Matt Moore Jason Stuyvesant

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 6 SAVE THESE DATES

Please check our Facebook page (@DrakeNeighborhoodAssociation) for updates and additional events. MARCH APRIL MAY Special election on Public DNA Board meeting, 7 p.m. DNA Board meeting, 7 p.m. 5 Measure A (local option 10 at Polk County Central 8 at Polk County Central sales and service tax), Senior Center, 2008 Senior Center, 2008 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your Forest Ave. Forest Ave. polling place. Vote! CNN's Lisa Ling gives SCRUB day. Yard waste, Witmer Park Project Public 11 Drake University’s 40th 18 appliances, trash, and bulk 13 Input Meeting and DNA Bucksbaum Lecture, 7 p.m. items accepted 7 a.m. to 2 Spring Quarterly Meeting, at Knapp Center, free p.m. at MWA Transfer Station 7 p.m. at Polk County and MWA Compost Center. Spring Spruce-Up, details Central Senior Center, to come Neighborhood Volunteer 2008 Forest Ave. 17 25 Day, details to come SCRUB day. Yard waste, Drake Neighborhood MEGA 16 appliances, trash, and bulk 20 SCRUB day. Yard waste, Happy Memorial Day! items accepted 7 a.m. to appliances, trash, and bulk 27 Remember: Garbage and 2 p.m. at MWA Transfer items accepted 7 a.m. to yard waste collections Station, 4198 Delaware 2 p.m. at MWA Transfer will be delayed one day Ave., and MWA Compost Station and MWA Compost this week. Center, 601 Harriett St. Center and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hoover High School, Please email any June-August Drake University 4800 Aurora Ave. events to nicholeaksamit@icloud. Spring Break 18-22 Drake Relays com by May 15 for possible 24-27 inclusion in our second quarter (June 1) newsletter.

NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES? HERE’S WHO TO CALL

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED Animal Control & Shelter: 515-242-2720 SERVICE DELIVERY TEAM MEMBERS Graffiti Hotline: 515-248-6331 Des Moines Police Sgt. Mark McKinney: Weed Control: 515-286-3005 515-778-4218, [email protected] Des Moines Housing Inspector Eric Barker: DNA BOARD OFFICERS 515-283-4980, [email protected] President Jennifer Sayers: 515-681-2443, NBSD Committee Chair Bill Cappuccio: [email protected] 515-710-7591, [email protected] Vice President Lori Calhoun: 515-240-6090, [email protected] OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS Secretary Amy Clark: 515-210-4139, [email protected] Police (non-emergency): 515-283-4811 Treasurer Mark Schneider: 515-277-4268, DSM Public Schools Security: 515-242-7621 [email protected] Drake University Security: 515-271-2222 City of Des Moines Information Center: 515-283-4500 FOR emergencies, ALWAYS CALL 911 First!

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 7 WAYS TO ENGAGE

1.BECOME A MEMBER 2.COME TO A MEETING 4. SHARE YOUR SKILLS You can join or renew as The Drake Neighborhood Drake is a great big neighborhood, a member of the Drake Association board generally full of diverse people, talents, Neighborhood Association meets at 7 p.m. the second and needs. Why not match three ways: by credit card Wednesday of each month, at your passions and skills with at drakeneighborhood.org/ the Polk County Central Senior a neighborhood project? membership-signup; with cash Center, 2008 Forest Ave., Unless Whether it’s for a single event or check at one of our meetings; otherwise noted. (Check for or an ongoing issue (like or with your name, address, updates on our Facebook page, marketing, beautification, safety, telephone number, email, on the Nextdoor app, and on the development, or neighbor and a check mailed to Drake drakeneighborhood.org website.) outreach), tell us what you’re Neighborhood Association, PO Our next meeting is March 13. interested in or good at, and we’ll Box 41128, Des Moines, IA find a project for you. We need 50311. Membership is $20 a year LOTS of people to help out (even or $80 for five years. Benefits 3.FIND AND FOLLOW just a little) throughout the year to include access to our quarterly help things go smoothly. newsletter and newsy email blasts, US ON FACEBOOK invitations to events, the ability It’s a great way to stay in the Just email your name, address, to vote for and be nominated to loop about what’s happening in and a sentence or two about board seats, plus opportunities to the neighborhood, find volunteer yourself and the things you’d meet neighbors and get involved opportunities, and connect with like to help with to info@ in making our neighborhood even other neighbors. So please find, drakeneighborhood.org. Or see better. Membership dollars help like, and follow us on Facebook the detailed list of our most current support the events and activities of (@DrakeNeighborhoodAssociation). volunteer needs below and reply to our all-volunteer association. the contact person listed.

PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESIGNERS, WRITERS, AND DELIVERERS: Want to help create and distribute DNA CURRENT event flyers, marketing materials, and quarterly newsletters like this one in 2019? Contact Nichole Aksamit Purcell at VOLUNTEER [email protected].

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS: NEEDSWant to help your neighbors plan, plant, and maintain beautiful flowerbeds in our signature boulevards and parks 40TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES: Want to help plan and or help with other beautification efforts throughout the create a street festival and more to help the DNA celebrate growing season? Contact Jennifer Sayers at 515-681-2443 its 40th anniversary this year? Contact Kristina Johnson at or [email protected]. [email protected].

THESE LOCAL BUSINESSEs ARE SUPPORTERS OF THE DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION!

NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Nichole Aksamit Purcell, [email protected]. DESIGN TEAM: Katelin and Brian Brown, [email protected]

DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2019 8