DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Highway 61 correspondence and documents, 1968-1974 | 1970-09-02 Miss Virginia Harper to Mr. William H. Bailey Page 2

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Highway 61 correspondence and documents, 1968-1974

1970-09-02 Miss Virginia Harper to Mr. William H. Bailey Page 2

of the proposed relocation program is "hanging" in the air. However, at the same time, there are people who are confused and hesitant about making needed improvements on their homes, because they aren't sure about their "status" as far as the "proposed" Highway relocation, is concerned.

b. Which public hearing was held? (required, are "corridor public hearing" and a "highway design public hearing")
In my complaint, I did not say that only one public hearing had been held. I did state that the "first hearing was held on March 7, 1968 at Sacred Heart School. According to the literature that was passed out, this was a hearing regarding "The Proposed Improvement & Relocation of U.S. 61 in Lee County Iowa. Since that time, however, I have been told, that there have been meetings of the Iowa Highway Commission and the City Officials, about the relocation, but no-one ever seemed to know about them, until they were over. Those of us who have been "trying" to keep up with the project have not been able to tell from the news-media or from inquiring, if these meetings were to fulfill the requirements of the Federal Highway Administration. If more than one public hearing has been held, it was not publicized, so that people would know that it was to be held. I am not certain that this answers your question, or not. I will say this, that according to the paper which was handed out, it is Project U-61-1. The plan for the re-routing, which was given, at the time, was:
Starting int he west end of town, at 40th street the highway would run south to Avenue O, then, east to 30th Street, northeast to 20th Street tehn north to Avenue M. It would then run easterly to West of 13th Street...12th street north to Avenue H and present Highway 61, then east on Avenue H to 2nd Street and up Burlington Hill. (Not too long after this hearing it was announced that instead of moving north on 12th street to Avenue H, 10th Street would be used, because of a request by an industry.
Since this hearing, however, I have been informed that there have been more changes in the plans for the proposed re-routing, but no-one seems to be able to give any information about the "new" plans"

c. Were any alternative plans for other road locations presented at the public hearing?
Yes, a By-Pass was presented by concerned citizens, but the cost of building such a road was "higher" according to the Commission, although it was admitted, by them, at this time, that a By-Pass would be built, in the future. Also, a Mr. Mark Scott, (deceased), proposed that since a new channel must be dredged in the Mississippi River, they think of using the silt to form a bed for the highway and create a scenic highway along the Mississippi river, and go around the town.

d. Of the 146 families involved in the proposed relocation, how many families are Black and now many are Mexican-American?
Since it is known that there is opposition to the plan, no-one will give out any information about the "real" route of the Highway, so it is impossible to say "how many" of whom will be involved. Most of the people will be

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of the proposed relocation program is "hanging" in the air. However, at the same time, there are people who are confused and hesitant about making needed improvements on their homes, because they aren't sure about their "status" as far as the "proposed" Highway relocation, is concerned. b. Which public hearing was held? (required, are "corridor public hearing" and a "highway design public hearing") In my complaint, I did not say that only one public hearing had been held. I did state that the "first hearing was held on March 7, 1968 at Sacred Heart School. According to the literature that was passed out, this was a hearing regarding "The Proposed Improvement & Relocation of U.S. 61 in Lee County Iowa. Since that time, however, I have been told, that there have been meetings of the Iowa Highway Commission and the City Officials, about the relocation, but no-one ever seemed to know about them, until they were over. Those of us who have been "trying" to keep up with the project have not been able to tell from the news-media or from inquiring, if these meetings were to fulfill the requirements of the Federal Highway Administration. If more than one public hearing has been held, it was not publicized, so that people would know that it was to be held. I am not certain that this answers your question, or not. I will say this, that according to the paper which was handed out, it is Project U-61-1. The plan for the re-routing, which was given, at the time, was: Starting int he west end of town, at 40th street the highway would run south to Avenue O, then, east to 30th Street, northeast to 20th Street tehn north to Avenue M. It would then run easterly to West of 13th Street...12th street north to Avenue H and present Highway 61, then east on Avenue H to 2nd Street and up Burlington Hill. (Not too long after this hearing it was announced that instead of moving north on 12th street to Avenue H, 10th Street would be used, because of a request by an industry. Since this hearing, however, I have been informed that there have been more changes in the plans for the proposed re-routing, but no-one seems to be able to give any information about the "new" plans" c. Were any alternative plans for other road locations presented at the public hearing? Yes, a By-Pass was presented by concerned citizens, but the cost of building such a road was "higher" according to the Commission, although it was admitted, by them, at this time, that a By-Pass would be built, in the future. Also, a Mr. Mark Scott, (deceased), proposed that since a new channel must be dredged in the Mississippi River, they think of using the silt to form a bed for the highway and create a scenic highway along the Mississippi river, and go around the town. d. Of the 146 families involved in the proposed relocation, how many families are Black and now many are Mexican-American? Since it is known that there is opposition to the plan, no-one will give out any information about the "real" route of the Highway, so it is impossible to say "how many" of whom will be involved. Most of the people will be