Davenport will expand its DREAM program and jumpstart a new grant program for new and existing food businesses along Rockingham Road.
Davenport City Council on Wednesday approved the two new economic development programs.
With the council’s approval, Davenport will start a new pilot program that would put $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act interest funding to provide grants to start-ups and existing food-related businesses on Rockingham Road that are struggling or seeking to expand.
The Rockingham Road corridor is within a census tract that’s designated as an urban food desert, according to the USDA and Sustainable Iowa Land Trust.
Applications would be accepted on an ongoing basis until funding runs out. Businesses could receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and consideration would be given to history and experience, the need for the business and location in the corridor, according to the city.
Businesses that receive grants would need to consult with the Small Business Center at Eastern Iowa Community College and complete reports to the city.
New areas added to DREAM program
Starting next summer, residents in parts of Ridgeview and east central Davenport will be able to apply for the city’s popular DREAM home renovation program.
The current eligible area, mostly south of Locust Street and west of Bridge Avenue, has more than 4,700 homes.
For applicants next summer, the city will set aside an additional $425,000 from the 2021 sale of the city’s Heritage property to extend DREAM to neighborhoods of Ridgeview East in far north Davenport along Ridgeview Drive and to neighborhoods in the east central part of the city — south of Locust Street, east of Bridge Avenue and west of Jersey Ridge Road.
The additional $425,000 would allow for about 16 additional projects, with about three to five being new homebuyers, according to the city. The city would also set aside an additional $25,000 in Heritage funds for the additional administrative costs.
Council tables health center
At the request of 5th Ward Ald. Tim Kelly, the city council delayed for one two-week cycle a vote on a new city health center.
The city is proposing to remodel a portion of the Public Works Center to be an in-house health center with a contracted health care provider to be available on-site for city employees.
Currently, employees who need health services in order to work, such as physicals, treatment for work-related injuries, drug and alcohol screenings or return-to-work evaluations, go to a MercyOne Genesis location on 53rd Street, which also handles urgent care and contracts with other employers.
The city is proposing to set aside about $1 million for the wellness center, with about $750,000 coming from the city’s health fund and $250,000 coming from its risk fund.
City Administrator Doug Maxeiner said the expected savings to the city is about $600,000 to $800,000 a year. City staff project that it would take a little less than two years to see a return on the investment.
Council approves rezoning for Coram Deo Academy school
Coram Deo Academy, a religious private school affiliated with the Coram Deo church in Davenport, cleared one hurdle in it’s plans to move to a newer, larger space.
The city council on Wednesday approved a rezoning for the former AT&T Call Center, at 5348 Elmore Ave. to allow for an educational institution. Currently, the property is zoned for C-3 General Commercial District. With the council’s approval, it will be rezoned as an IC Institutional Campus District.
Currently, the school is housed at 3800 E. 53rd Street in Davenport, in the former Ultimate Electronics building. The building is also home to the Coram Deo Bible Church. The pair share a building, but with growth in both the church and school, more space is needed.
Students have to move classrooms on some days to accommodate Bible studies the church holds during the day. The high school students are at a separate campus, the former William Wesley Grand Salon and Spa at 5450 Corporate Park Drive.
Reporter Gretchen Teske contributed to this report.
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Sarah Watson
Davenport, Scott County, local politics
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