Meeting addresses concerns about FD aquatic center
Consulting official explains the solutionsBy IAN SCHMIT, Messenger staff writer
The Fort Dodge City Council addressed the concerns of those who are neighbors to the land allocated for the new Fort Dodge aquatic center Monday night.
"This is basically an informal neighborhood open house," said Lori Branderhorst, director of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. "When they come in, we just want to make sure that we're showing people what is going on and make sure of any concerns they have before the construction goes on."
Residents expressed concern about the noise, light and traffic problems the new center would generate.
Craig Erickson, of the consulting firm Shive-Hattery in West Des Moines, addressed these problems, explaining the center would be surrounded by 4-foot to 5-foot-high berms to block the view of the site. Also lights on the property would be aimed so as not to create "spillover light."
He said, after closing each day, only enough lights would be left on so the police can view the property at night. Small directional speakers would be used to avoid undue noise.
"Our main concern is the traffic situation and the safety for children," said Dick Swanstrom, who lives across from the project area.
Erickson said the traffic problem could be addressed by pedestrian warning lights on North 32nd Street, though the residents expressed doubt at this claim.
"Good luck," said one resident.
Though at the end of the meeting there was still a certain amount of apprehension on the issue, a few minds were changed.
"We fought this thing tooth and nail. I was against this whole issue," said Richard Higgins, a nearby resident, "But now after looking at it, I can see where it's not going to be as bad as we thought it was."
The center will be built on 23 acres donated by Tom and Norma Schmoker, of Fort Dodge. The project is on track to open June 1, 2010.
Contact Ian Schmit at (515) 573-2141 or ischmit@messengernews.net
|
VTwinJim
|
|
|---|---|
|
12-08-08 11:20 AM
|
Here this should explain it all people. A paragon of chivalry; a heroic champion. A strong supporter or defender of a cause: Now what would you expect from a person with such a high opinion of themselves. I ask?
|
|
VTwinJim
|
|
|
12-03-08 11:00 PM
|
Paladin; Now that's pretty low for even you to go there Paladin.Thank goodness no one is listening to you Sportsman. I believe you were just told that same thing back a few stories ago. So much for your great insite. And forward thinking. What a Guy, What a Guy..You stand so tall if only in your own mind.
|
|
Paladin
|
|
|
12-02-08 3:39 PM
|
Thank goodness no one is listening to you Sportsman.
|
|
SPORTSMAN
|
|
|
12-02-08 10:56 AM
|
Build it and they will come, will not apply to this center! Belive me! I don't care what you do about the noise. If people would just look at Humboldt and Albia they would see it does not pay to build an OPEN Aquatic Center in IOWA!! But who listens to reason anymore??!!
|