By Steve Woodhouse
The Pella Community Development Committee had items on its May 8 agenda that tie into the Molengracht.
Discussion was held regarding Franklin Place, located to the north of the Molengracht that leads in. It includes a fountain and the new murals.
A pair of committee members believe the dumpsters – located behind businesses along Franklin Street – made the area and “eyesore.” Vehicles parked in the area are also unattractive, in their estimation.
One of the issues is that no one knows the history of agreements made between the City and those who owned the property at the time the area was developed in 1984. Staff believes the research into those agreements would be time-consuming.
Planning and Zoning Director Gerald Buydos suggested the committee draft a letter to the Klokkenspeil review committee that is likely to be appointed. The CDC would like one of its members to be on the committee.
There were other concerns raised, including the brick that is caving in. Ineffective drainage could be a cause of some of the issues with the brick and cement in the area.
A design permit request from Spirit of Pella to install six tables and 18 chairs in the City-owned portion of the Molengracht, A final location will be determined by Community Services staff.
The tables and chairs will be black. The chairs will be stackable, and the tables will not have umbrellas. Committee member Chris Myers stated that the committee should consider the additional workload for the Parks staff and is concerned it may become too much at some point.
