Friday, December 30, 2011
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year in 2012
Our offices at Tommy Tucker Realty Co. will be closing at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 30Th, so our staff can enjoy time in ringing in the New Year with friends and family. Our offices will reopen for normal business on Tuesday, January 2, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.
Further, we want to wish both our Iowa Regent institutions in the FBS level the very best in today's Pinstripe and Insight bowl games, where Iowa State University and University of Iowa, respectively, are playing on December 30Th. Congratulations on their seasons, respectively.
If you have a service call need, please call and leave a message at 319.365.6956. We appreciate your business and want wish you and yours a Happy New Year in 2012. Robin Tucker's E-mail address is also an option at rtucker@TTRCO.com.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Hannakkah, Winter Begins and we take a break for Christmas this Weekend
It's been a busy and fast 2011. We will wrap up the New Year, next weekend, but it is time for pause, as we celebrate another holiday season.
- Happy Hanukkah to those of the Jewish faith in our community
- The first full day of Winter has arrived
- Christmas has arrived in Eastern Iowa ...
Our offices are closed, but the phone and web site is on. Please feel free to call and leave a message, if you require some attention over the Christmas holiday.
We will be closed at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 23Rd, due to Christmas. Our offices will re-open, with normal business hours at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.
On behalf of my staff, our REALTORS and the Tucker family, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May it be a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and yours.
With Warmest
Monday, December 12, 2011
We have a nice 4 Bedroom Executive Rental in Cedar Rapids; along with 2 Small, 2 Bedroom Bungalows
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Community Event: Thurday, December 8Th at Lindale Mall
•Date: Thursday, December 8
•Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
•Place: Lindale Mall Food Court
City Manager Jeff Pomeranz will kick off the event with a special announcement at 4:00 p.m. to introduce a brand new City service debuting in December.
Free gift bag for the first 200 residents who stop by our booths in the Lindale Mall food court! Register to win a $50 gift certificate for recreation programs.
Join us to...
•Paint a snow plow blade
•Make an ornament craft with your friends from the Cedar Rapids Public Library
•See how a fire truck and police car work
•Meet a police K-9 dog
•Meet the firefighters and police officers that keep you safe every day
•Meet our favorite mascots: CURBY, YARDY and McGruff the Crime Dog
•Help us name the City's newest mascot, the river otter
•See photos of the newest animal to join the Bever Zoo in 2012
•Learn about the new fire station building projects, the new library and the new Amphitheater & Levee project
•Pick up a copy of winter sports locations and find out when they will be open
•See a City mapping demonstration
•Get your garbage and recycling questions answered
•Learn about bike safety and the metro trails network
•Find out how the Water Pollution Control Plant works
•Get the latest update on street improvement projects
•Find out which bus route you can take to get to work
•Provide input on the new welcome signs to be installed at the I-380 entrances to Cedar Rapids
•Participate in some community planning activities to help us build a greater community for the next generation
You'll get to know all of the services provided by the City of Cedar Rapids during this special event.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Today is Monday, October 3Rd: World Habitat Day 2011
As Realtors, we believe in adequate housing, as the first part of the Realtor Preamble suggests:
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of ourThe United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day.
civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and
its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest
distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing,
the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and
farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment. - From the Realtor
Preamble
Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is interested in providing individuals and families with assistance in buying, selling, managing and leasing real estate for a variety of clients and customers. If we can be of service, please talk to Tucker about our local real estate market.
Friday, September 30, 2011
A Beautiful End to September and a nice start to the month of October
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend, September 30Th through October 2Nd. We are currently advertising two-four bedroom homes for rent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA.
We have the 4 Bedroom Ranch, pictured on the left, at 150 Echo Drive NW for $1,400 per month.
We also have a 4 Bedroom Two-Story that we are marketing at 7410 Cattail Court NE in the Linn Mar Community Schools. This property rents for $1,600 per month.
We invite you to drive-by and contact us for more information on these homes for rent in Cedar Rapids.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Week of Monday, September 12, 2011
At Noon on Monday, scheduled to attend the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.
- September 12 : Tom Aller, President, Interstate Power & Light is the program
We are marketing some executive houses for rent. These are new listings, as seen in The Gazette over the weekend. We have a four bedroom in NW Cedar Rapids for rent, along with a newer three bedroom in Marion for rent. Both properties are ranch style homes.
On Tuesday, school board elections will be conducted in Cedar Rapids and across the State of Iowa. There are races for all four positions in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. The polls in Linn County will be open Noon to 8 p.m. Don't forget to vote.
If you have any questions on the school board election in Cedar Rapids, please give me a call or contact the Linn County Auditor's Office.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Two New Executive Rentals in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area in September
We are also advertising this property, pictured to the bottom left, this weekend in The Gazette.
The property is located at 150 Echo Lane NW in Cedar Rapids. Rent is $1,400 per month.
Please give Robin Tucker a call at Tommy Tucker Realty Co., in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for more information on these two executive rentals.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September has arrived with a hot-humid Summer Day in Cedar Rapids
We welcome the month of September and my wife's birthday on September 1St. The College Football season is kicking off today in the college ranks and a week from today we will either tune into our President on the issue of Jobs or the kickoff of NFL Football with the Packers vs. the Saints.
How the first eight months of year have flown by this year. The Summer is winding down as we approach Labor Day weekend, with Autumn arriving soon. For the latest weather information in the Cedar Rapids area ... KCRG WxNow - which was just released!
We have some rental properties coming available at the end of September. Can we interest you in a new property? We have had several calls recently from property owners that may be looking to place their properties on the market for rent. You can find our application [PDF} on our web site.
Celebrations during the month of September (help from our local Civil Rights newsletter and other sources):
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism), Sept. 1
- World War II Began in 1938, Sept. 1
- V-J Day in 1945, Sept. 2
- Iowa vs. Tennessee State in College Football, Sept. 3
- Labor Day, Sept. 5
- Iowa at Iowa State in College Football, Sept. 10
- Patriot Day, Sept. 11
- 10 year anniversary of 9/11, Sept. 11
- Grandparents Day, Sept. 11
- National Pet Memorial Day, Sept. 11
- Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16
- POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 16
- Iowa vs. Pittsburgh in College Football, Sept. 17
- Oktoberfest Begins, Sept. 17
- National Women’s Friendship Day, Sept. 18
- International Day of Peace, Sept. 21
- World Gratitude Day, Sept. 21
- Native American Day, Sept. 23
- Autumnal Equinox, Sept. 23
- Iowa vs. Louisiana-Monroe in College Football, Sept. 24
- Rosh Hashanah (Judaism) Sept. 28 (sundown) - Sept. 30
- Durga Puja (Hinduism), Sept. 28 begins a ten-day festival honoring Goddess Durga
We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable September. Be careful out there, school is back on and children may be tough to see. Let us know, if we can be of service to you. Visit us by e-mail, telephone or by making an appointment and visiting with us face to face!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Iowa District Court Judge rules against City of Cedar Rapids on certain mandated changes in Chapter 29
Court throws out Cedar Rapids Crime-Free Lease -Eastern Iowa Government
“All portions of Cedar Rapids City Code Chapter 29 which reference or implement the 'Crime Free Lease Addendum' are void and unenforceable,” District Court ...
Court Throws Out Cedar Rapids Crime-Free Lease - KCRG-TV9
Includes video link on a TV9 news story
We received the following e-mail on this breaking news on the lawsuit over the City's Chapter 29 change in 2010:
The Landlords of Linn County have won their District Court lawsuit for
summary judgment against the city of Cedar Rapids. Provisions of the city's
chapter 29 which dealt with the crime free lease addendum were found to be
unenforceable.
The first issue in the lawsuit had to do with use of home
rule power by the city in proposing the rewrite of chapter 29 which broadened
the provisions of the state home rule law. Landlords could have lost their
licenses to operate if they didn't follow the provisions of chapter 29. Here is
what the court said:
"This Court concludes that new Chapter 29 was not
enacted incident to an exercise of an
independent city power. The
independent city power must be something other than the general
police power
granted in the first sentence of §364.1, to “preserve the rights, privileges,
and
property of the city or of it residents, and to preserve and improve the
peace, safety, health,
welfare, comfort, and convenience of its residents”.
Defendant has not identified any
independent power to justify the ordinance
and their reliance on their power to enact housing
safety codes is
misplaced. Because new Chapter 29 violates the limitation imposed by Iowa
Code § 364.1, the Court concludes new Chapter 29 is unenforceable."
The second issue raised by the Landlords of Linn County dealt with the
conflict between the provisions of the state clear and present danger law with
particular provisions of chapter 29. The issue is whether the city could be more
stringent than the state law. Here is the court's findings:
"The grounds
for eviction and the lack of cure provisions in
new Chapter 29 render it
irreconcilable with state law. The conflict between the two laws is
obvious,
unavoidable and not a matter for reasonable debate. The only way to resolve the
conflict between the two is, as the Defendant points out, to choose the
provisions of § 562A.27A
to protect a tenant who has followed the cure
provisions afforded by that statute or who has
committed a crime that is not
enumerated in § 562A.27A. Therefore, this Court finds that the
conflict
preemption form of implied preemption applies to preempt the ordinance in this
case and
provides an additional basis for finding that new Chapter 29 is
unenforceable."
Landlords of Linn County had two other provisions in
their summary judgment argument. The court didn't find their arguments
compelling on the points of the city's ordinance being "vague" in violation of
Iowa's constitution and the argument that the ordinance amounted to a violation
of the "taking" provisions of the Iowa Constitution.
However, the losses on
those points didn't mean anything. Winning on two counts was enough for the
court to find on behalf of the Landlords of Linn County.
We congratulate
this chapter for standing up for their rights. The document should be useful for
any other chapter finding themselves similarily situated.
Joe Kelly
Lobbyist for Landlords of Iowa
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The week of July 5, 2011 for Tommy Tucker Realty Co.
Before listing your property to sell, have you considered, whether marketing the property for rent would be better suited in our current housing market?
Over the Holiday weekend, we advertised the following ads:
ttrco
Friday, July 1, 2011
We want to salute our Men and Women who serve this Independence Day Holiday!
Our Rotary Club has begun a new Rotary year, as of July 1, 2011. Thank you to our outgoing President Doug Laird and best wishes to our new President Ted Townsend.
- July 1 - Happy Canada Day to our neighbors to the North
- July 4 - Our offices will be closed due to Independence Day
- July 7 - Global Forgiveness Day
- July 11 - World Population Day
- July 11 - DAY with the Kernals sponsored by Collins CCU and The Gazette
- July 13 to July 22 - A Tucker family Homecoming with our special guests Tommy and LaVerne Tucker
- July 15 - Kernals Game with the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
- July 18 - Mandela Day
- July 20 - Realtor monthly luncheon discussing Chapter 29 Tenant-Landlord Housing
- July 24 - Parents' Day
- July 27 - National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
- July 28 - The anniversary of the beginning of WWI in 1914
- July 28 - RPAC Grill Out at Noelridge Park Duck Pond Pavilion
We are here to be of service for your property management and general real estate brokerage needs.
- Buying
- Selling
- Like-kind exchange
- Leasing
- Property Management
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer has arrived; June has been a busy month and we look forward to increasing business
- It may be a better time to lease one's home in today's market?
When thinking about selling your property, you may want to determine all aspects before listing with a Realtor, since the housing market isn't what it used to be. Many people find themselves upside down, due to falling home values and the downturn in The Economy.
Many people need to sell a house elsewhere, so there is a need for both Executive Housing, as well as affordable rental housing in the Cedar Rapids/Marion marketplace. Your property may make a good rental property?
One may want to look at more than one marketing option.
- Cash sale
- Contract sale
- Rent with an option to purchase
- Renting the property and waiting for the market to rebound
- Dual marketing: for sale, for rent
We often find people enquiring about property management and leasing service, after they have had their property on the market for sale. How many are investigating all aspects, prior to listing? Not investigating all aspects could decrease your cash position and your market value.
We have had a busy month, as we mentioned.
- 226 31st Street NE is now Lease Pending - thank you for those who were interested!
- The Summer Sostice arrived on June 21st
- We celebrated another Father's Day
- We had a busy Association Broker's Meeting this month
- We had a good Realtor Luncheon in June
- We attended our Association's government affairs meeting - Local and Federal issues
- Three Rotary meetings are in the book for June and Monday should be a good one!
- My mother and retired Realtor LaVerne Tucker celebrated a June birthday
- We were happy to help a family on corporate relocation, locating a nice property in Marion for them to rent
- I.L. 'Tommy' celebrated another anniversary as a Rotarian in June, 47Th year
We want to thank you for visiting us. If you are needing to improve your cash position on your real estate, please feel free to contact us to discuss the following services:
- Property Management
- Leasing
- Rental Registration
- Rental Licensing
- City Inspection requirement
- Should I sell?
- Should I buy?
- Should I lease?
- Would my property make a good rental property?
- MLS services
- Like-kind exchange questions?
- Leasing my property to the U.S. Government
- General Real Estate Brokerage
Tommy Tucker Realty Co. has been licensed in Iowa, since 1958. We invite you to take a look at our property managment and brokerage services in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. ttrco
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Closing out May 31, 2011
We are in the process of working on a couple of new executive house listings this week. In addition, we have two house for rent that we are promoting at the present time.
- Two bedrooms two-story at 1625 12Th Avenue SE for $650.00 per month
- Three bed one and half story at 226 31st Street NE for $750.00 per month
Let us know, if we can be of service ...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memoral Day 2011
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Here's a link to the history of Memorial Day in the USA. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have given service to our Country and have paid the highest price for that service.
We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day 2011.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Community Topic for June 4, 2011: Racial Profiling vs. Criminal Profiling Forum
The forum is June 4 from 2:00 - 4:00pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (1340 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA) and is free and open to the public.
Panel will consist of representatives from the following:
- Cedar Rapids Police Department
- Hiawatha Police Department
- Marion Police Department
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office
- NAACP
- Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
Panel Moderator: Beth Malicki of KCRG
I have attached a flyer with details; please feel free to post in your office or pass on to anyone you think might be interested.
We hope you will plan to attend! Let me know if you have questions.
Information submitted by:
Investigator and Mediator, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
City of Cedar Rapids, 425 2Nd Street SE, Suite 960, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Office: 319-286-5036
Fax: 319-286-5136
E-mail: s.robinson@cedar-rapids.org
Website: http://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/civil-rights/
Homeless is a situation - not a population.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Nice 2 bedroom house in SE Cedar Rapids for Rent
Monday, May 9, 2011
Founder's Day: Happy Birthday to I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker
We proudly wish I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker a Happy Birthday, this 9Th day of May, 2011. For many who know Tommy, it is just another day in the life of a 39 year-old, though Tommy Tucker shares the same age with Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
Tommy likely will share the day with his daughter, since his wife has a busy day on the putting green and playing bridge with her girl friends. Talking to Tommy this morning, we were talking about today's news items and the changes going on in the Cedar Rapids community.
Tommy graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids and attended Coe College, where he met his wife, LaVerne, of 62 years. Tommy was at Great Lakes in the U.S. Navy, when the first bomb was dropped in Japan.
Tommy began in business in 1940s with his father, I.L. 'Irv" Tucker with Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc. The business remains in service today in Cedar Rapids, sharing the location of Tommy Tucker Realty Co.
In 1955, Tommy left working with his father full-time to begin a career in the Real Estate industry. In 1958, Tommy founded Tommy Tucker Realty Co. In 1964, Tommy joined Irv as a member of Rotary International and continues in membership. He is a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1988, Robin Tucker joined his father Tommy in business. In 1989, Tommy asked Robin, his youngest son, to join Rotary International, as a member of Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids.
Tommy has served the Real Estate industry at a variety of levels, as former President of both the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors and Iowa Association of Realtors. He served the National Association of Realtors, as a regional vice president for five states and as a board member, serving on a variety of committees. He helped in the founding of Real Estate Department at the University of Northern Iowa, among his many accomplishments over the years. Locally, he was a founding commissioner of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commissioner, serving 31 years. He was very active in a variety of community activities over the length of his business career paying his civic rent.
Today, Tommy Tucker Realty Co. serves a variety of residents in the Cedar Rapids area.
- Real Estate Brokerage
- Property Management
- Buying
- Selling
- Leasing
- Like-kind exchanges, such as 1031 exchanges
- Consulting
- Community Advocacy
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
We welcome May 2011 and reminder that May 3rd is Voting Day in Linn County, Iowa for Sales Tax Vote
MONTH LONG CELEBRATIONS
- Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Month - Jewish-American
Heritage Month - Haitian Heritage Month
- Older Americans Month
- Labor History Month
WEEK LONG CELEBRATIONS
- National Family Week, May 1-7
- World Trade Week , May 15-21
- Black Single Parents Week, May 29-June 4
DAY LONG CELEBRATIONS
- May Day, May 1
- World Laughter Day, May 1
- Yom Hashoah/Holocaust Memorial Day, May 1
- Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Club Breakouts, May 2
- Sales Tax Vote in Linn County, May 3
- National Day of Prayer, May 4
- Cinco de Mayo, May 5
- World Fair Trade Day, May 7
- VE Day, May 8
- Mother’s Day, May 8
- Realtor Robin Tucker's Birthday, May 8
- Harry S. Truman was born on this day, May 8
- Founder and Realtor Emeritus I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker's birthday, May 9
- Buddha Day, May 10
- Int’l Day of Families, May 15
- Armed Forces Day, May 21
- Memorial Day, May 30
We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable May. Are you looking for a house to buy or rent? Please consider contact Tommy Tucker Realty Co.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Local Homebuilders' Parade of Homes is coming up this week
- April 30 - Noon to 5:00 pm
- May 1 - Noon to 5:00 pm
- May 3 - 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Tickets: $9 at all Casey's General Stores
Monday, April 25, 2011
April 26, 2011: Easter Monday
- Property tax relief (10 percent),
- Flood protection systems for the east and west side of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids (50 percent) and
- Existing road infrastructure (40 percent)
The Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors have endorsed the tax for Cedar Rapids. For more information on the local sales tax in Linn County, you can visit the County Auditor's site. For more information on the "yes" side of the vote, you can visit the following web site.
Talked to a prospect for a house for sale on the west side. We do anticipate some Executive Houses coming this Summer for Rent.
Friday, April 22, 2011
We wish you a Good Friday, Happy Earth Day; Safe and Enjoyable Easter Weekend
We want to wish everyone a Good Friday. Friday, April 22Nd is also Earth Day.
Our offices will reopen, with normal business hours on Monday, April 25Th. Please contact us by e-mail or you can call our office at 319.365.6956, leave a message and it will be forwarded to someone, so we can follow-up with you.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Happy Tax Day to all: April 18, 2011
This morning, the radio was at 3Rd Street East and the underpass of I-380 for the beginning of demolition for the new Events Center in Cedar Rapids.
City Hall to Start Demolition at Convention Complex Site on April 18 - KCRGTV9
We attended our monthly local Realtor Government Affairs meeting this morning. Good lively conversation on a variety of issues.
- Congress and President's Obama repeal of the 1099 Landlord Reporting Law
- Update on various RPAC events and fundraising
- The Chair asked a short report on the Charter Review Commission, which I and 12 other citizens were appointed to. Work will be from May 5, 2011 to August 15, 2011
- We discussed the upcoming May 3Rd LOSST votes for Linn County, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins and Fairfax
- Chapter 29 lawsuit update that will be held April 22Nd at 11 a.m. in Linn County Court - local landlords are suing the City of Cedar Rapids over Chapter 29
- Discussed the Melrose Avenue matter in the City of Iowa City
- Discussed the Mortgage Interest Deduction and the proposed $40 dues increase from the National Association of Realtors for all members
- Discussed the local sign ordinances for Cedar Rapids and Marion
At Noon, attended the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program from Jim Schnoebelen and Dave Elgin on Transportation, with an update on the Highway 100 extension for the City of Cedar Rapids.
Other notes for the week of April 18, 2011
- 4/18, Passover
- 4/18, Revolutionary War began on this date in 1775
- 4/22, Good Friday, our offices will be formally closed for our work families to enjoy the Easter holiday with family and friends
- 4/24, Easter
Have a great week! If you are traveling, be careful, take it easy and play it safe!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Realtor Robin Tucker appointed to City's Charter Review Commision
The Resolution appointed Paul Pate (co-chair), Kay Halloran (co-chair), Nancy Bruner, LaNisha Cassell, Monica Challenger, James Craig, Patricia (Tricia) Miller, Mary Nelson, Fatima Smejkal, Scott Overland, Robin Tucker, Nancy Welsh and Carleton Whiting (terms effective through 08/15/11) to the Charter Review Commission. Many of the Commissioners were taken from applications.
Background: The City’s Home Rule Charter Section 7.02 requires that a Charter Review Commission be established in 2011. The commission shall review the existing charter and may recommend any charter amendments that it deems appropriate to the council. Mayor Corbett along with all Council members each chose one individual and four at-large individuals to serve on the Charter Review Commission. The group’s final report should be submitted by 08/15/11. Recommendations by the charter can either be approved by the Council or submitted for voter approval. Ballots are printed in September for the November election and therefore recommendations from the Charter Review Commission must be submitted by August.In 2004-05, the local Home Rule Charter Commission was formed, as 15 member commission to recommend to the voters an alternative form of goverment to the the current Commission form of government, at the time. In May 2005, the Home Rule Charter was constructed and presented to Mayor Paul Pate and the City Council. In June of 2005, by a vote of 69% support, the City of Cedar Rapids voted to move to Home Rule. The City had been under the old Commission form of government from 1908 to 2005. Cedar Rapids was one of the last cities above 100,000 still using the Commission form.
Today, the City of Cedar Rapids operates under the Home Rule Charter form of government as prescribed by Chapter 372 of the Code of Iowa. As section 4.01 as the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Code of Ordinances points out: The Home Rule Charter ("the charter") is set forth in this code as an unnumbered chapter. The Home Rule Charter [PDF] draws from the popular Iowa form of government: the Council-Manger form, along with some of the traditions of local government in Cedar Rapids, such as "citizen participation" in boards and commissions, which was a popular part of our commission form of government.
Robin Tucker served together on the Home Rule Charter Commission in 2004-05, along with Nancy Bruner. Ms. Bruner served as one of the co-chairs, while Mr. Tucker served as drafting chair on that previous commission. I look forward to the opportunity to serve with Nancy again, along with the other members who have been appointed the Commission.
The two co-chairs of the recently appointed Charter Review Commission are the most recent outgoing mayors for the City of Cedar Rapids. Mr. Pate was the last Mayor under the previous form of government, while Ms. Hollarn was the first Mayor elected under our Home Rule form of government. The other nine members of the Commission appear to represent a cross section of our community. Commission work is schedule to begin on May 5, 2011 and the Mayor and Council have instructed the Commission that they have until August 15, 2011 to compete the work of the Commission.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Happy First Monday in April to Everyone!
We have a couple of two bedroom houses for rent in SE and NE Cedar Rapids. There are plenty of properties for sale in the Cedar Rapids area, as well. Are you interesting in an in-fill lot in a residential neighborhood in NE Cedar Rapids, near Daniels Park?
We had a visit from the local steering committee today on the MedQuarter Regional Medical District, which is proposing a second SSMID for Downtown Cedar Rapids. They are proposing a $3.75 per $1,000 of valuation tax for roughly 50 blocks East of the current Downtown SSMID. The petition requires at least 25 percent of all owners of the property within the proposed Cedar Rapids Medical SSMID.
At Noon today, attended our weekly Rotary Meeting. This month's theme is Transportation and we heard today from our local representative on the state's transportation commission, along with the Director of the Iowa DOT.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Welcome to April everyone ... Spring is arriving in Greater Cedar Rapids
- Warmer temperatures and the sighting of a Robin and other birds
- The passing of the Vernal Equinox
- The switch to Daylight Savings Time
- Major League Baseball has started
- April Fools Day - April 1
- New Moon - April 3
- Birth date of Thomas Jefferson, 1743 - April 13
- Palm Sunday - Sunday, April 17
- Federal Taxes Due for 2010 - April 18
- Passover and the Revolutionary War Began, 1775 - April 19
- Good Friday - April 22
- Easter - Sunday, April 24
- Easter Monday (Canada) - April 25
- Administrative Professionals' Day - April 27
- Father In-Law's Birthday - April 30
- 2 Bedroom for Rent for $575.00
- 2 Bedroom for Rent for $650.00
- We anticipate a new listing of a 5 Bedroom later this month
If you have any questions about our community, our property management or real estate brokerage services, please let us know. We want to wish all our readers, customers, clients, vendors, peers in the industry and neighbors... A Safe and Happy April!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Downtown redevelopment and the new proposed Medical District for Cedar Rapids
The Downtown Framework plan and the plans of PCI expanding operations into one campus are exciting for Cedar Rapids. However, much is misunderstooded at times. Information in the media has been wrong at times. Hindsight being 20/20 likely would say the process should have been handled differently.
Medical mall parking concerns council members - The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS — The City Council could re-examine parking requirements in the proposed medical district, including plans for a medical mall that call for demolishing a nearly century-old church. A standing-room-only crowd of more than 150 people filled the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art auditorium last night to voice their opinions on the forthcoming medical [...]
[PDF] CEDAR RAPIDS File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View 18 cedar Rapids Framework Plan create a vibrant cohesive downtown character that diversifies the urban fabric, reconnects east and west, and accommodates ...www.cedar-rapids.org/.../floodrecoveryplanning/.../REPORT.11.01.09%20framework%
An early plan was released in May 2007. But, the revision above came in December 2008, after the historic flood of 2008 in Downtown Cedar Rapids. Ironically, the talk now is all about the Medical District. But, the original framework plan was about more than one more self-sustaining taxing district for the core of Cedar Rapids.
- Taxing Districts
- Destination Districts for Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas
What is a SSMID?
[PDF] SSMID Frequently Asked Questions What is a SSMID? A “self ... File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
Several communities in Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Des .... the new SSMID Downtown District organization. ...
Cedar Rapids Medical District MedQuarter: New Name For "The Cedar Rapids Medical SSMID". Streetscape. December 3, 2010: Cedar Rapids, IA – A new name has been adopted for the emerging ...
The original plan in 2007 called for multiple districts. But, we appears to be focusing solely on the taxing districts, rather the broader community discussion that should be about the multiple districts (i.e. Destination Districts) that fall within both SMMID districts, the proposed and our current Downtown SMMID.
The proposed districts from page 6 the May 2007 framework plan were as following:
- Cultural District
- Medical District
- Industrial District
- Commercial District
- Collegiate District
- Municipal District
- Warehouse District
While the December 2008 framework plan expands on the original framework plan, brought out by the City's response to the aftermath of the Flood of 2008. Not incorporating the subcategories found in the two SSMID groups is something we hope the community may relook at the above language used in the original framework plan. After all, as Reatlors we want as we take from part of our [PDF] Preamble ...
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day Cedar Rapids!
Update: The SaPaDaPaSo Parade from Downtown Cedar Rapids kicked off at 1 p.m. Thursday, with a good turnout for the parade. Our office is one-half block off the parade route at 613 Second Avenue SE. The Parade will start on Sixth Street SE and make the left turn on Second Avenue SE, just down from Tommy Tucker Realty Co.
The SaPaDaPaSo Parade debuted on March 17th, 1975. The original parade took four minutes, which is certainly a sharp contrast to today's parade.
On behalf of everyone at Tommy Tucker Realty Co. in Downtown Cedar Rapids, we want to wish you a safe and joyful St. Patrick's Day 2011.
On Saturday, a little Red will be in the air, with the St. Joseph's Day Parade in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. But, today's it is all about the Green! Happy St. Patrick's Day...
Interested in a 2 Bedroom or 5 Bedroom house for Rent in Cedar Rapids?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Local Realtor Association supports extention of the Local Option Sales Tax for the City of Cedar Rapids
At the end of the day, we noticed the following e-mail from our local association of Realtors ...
At the February Board of Directors meeting the Local Option Sales Tax
extension was discussed. It was agreed that although the Corp of Engineers has
recommended a plan that only protects the East side of the river, both sides
need protection. Without flood protection on both sides another flood could
result in a significant loss of jobs and a corresponding impact on both
residential and commercial real estate sales. Property values in the downtown
commercial district and residential neighborhoods could decrease in value which
would affect the overall tax base of the City. The Board of Directors feel the
best way for the city to acquire matching funds for any state and/or federal
funding to create the flood protection plan needed is to support the extension
of the local option sales tax. The Board of Directors unanimously voted to
support the extension.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Are your smoke alarms/detectors functioning?
We welcome March today and we want to remind property owners and residents it is always a good thing to check your smoke detectors regularly.
Whether you have hard wired or battery operated smoke detectors in your property you own or rent, you should check them periodically.
If something isn't right, get it fixed or call someone. Don't risk your life. Accidents do happen and proper working equipment is your first defense.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Happy President's Day: Government Affairs and Realtor Bus-In to Capitol Hill in Des Moines highlight the start of the week
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mayor Ron Corbett speaks to area Realtors on local economy, flood protection and upcoming May 3rd local option sales tax
Mayor Corbett didn’t need a name tag at Statehouse - The Gazette
At noon on Wednesday, Corbett spoke to more than 100 Cedar Rapids area Realtors, telling them that Iowa lawmakers aren’t apt to help the city fund its flood-protection system unless city residents are willing to put some local dollars into the pot. Federal dollars for the system also will require local dollars, he said ...
After the Mayor's thirty minute presentation to Realtors, which may have served as a warm up to his scheduled State of the City address on March 2Nd, the Mayor took questions from the audience on a variety of subjects.
- Dredging
- Project Labor Agreements
- Questions on the local option sales tax
- Discussion of Federal funding
- Discussion on State funding
- The Mayor's visit to the State House this week on funding flood protection for Cedar Rapids
- Property tax vs. sales tax for funding flood protection and residential street repairs
- The options and powers of local government
- The term "urban myth" was discussed, regarding the use of the current LOST monies and charges monies have not been used as stipulated by the public measure
- What happens, if the LOST vote is not approved by the voters?
Clearly, the Mayor supports financing flood protection and additional street repairs with sales tax, as opposed to increasing property taxes on the community. It was a candid and strong presentation from Mayor Corbett.
Next week, Realtors from across the State of Iowa will meet in Des Moines and make a visit to State House to speak to state lawmakers on issues that concern our industry.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Chapter 29 and Chapter 69 conversations in the City of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids landlord group fighting city’s crime-free ordinance
- The Gazette article is linked on the pending lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids
Roemerman is representing a group of Cedar Rapids landlords seeking summary judgment in their lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids over the “Crime Free Lease Addendum." (Gazette file photo)A group of landlords filed a motion for summary judgment Friday in its lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids over the “Crime Free Lease Addendum,” which was approved last summer. The Landlords of Linn County, a non-profit group comprised of 150 landlords, and Rehman Enterprises, owner of 14 rental properties, claim in the lawsuit ...
The City of Cedar Rapids is considering changing Chapter 69 of the municipal code in 2011. Some of the new recommendations have property owners, landlords and proponents of limited government concerned. Should a property owner, landlord or agent be required to accept Section 8 housing?
Cedar Rapids landlord group fighting city’s crime-free ordinance
- The Gazette article is linked on the pending lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids
A group of landlords filed a motion for summary judgment Friday in its lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids over the “Crime Free Lease Addendum,” which was approved last summer. The Landlords of Linn County, a non-profit group comprised of 150 landlords, and Rehman Enterprises, owner of 14 rental properties, claim in the lawsuit ...
The City of Cedar Rapids is considering changing Chapter 69 of the municipal code in 2011. Some of the new recommendations have property owners, landlords and proponents of limited government concerned. Should a property owner, landlord or agent be required to accept Section 8 housing?
We have a couple of two bedroom houses for rent in the Cedar Rapids area. Also, there are plenty of houses for sale in the Cedar Rapids area. If you are in need of assistance, please call and talk to one of our Realtors.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Gazette Headline: Area Roadways still Challanging is the truth
- LIVE mobile streaming weather coverage from SouceMedia, our neighbor here in C.R.
- Delays and cancellations
- Road conditions
- Latest forecast information
- NEW TODAY: Winter storm photos from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
Our offices at 613 Second Avenue SE are currently today. Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.
Much of our staff opted to make it a Snow Day, due to the snow overnight, but we are currently open for business. We are going to avoid showing properties on Wednesday, due to some residential streets not being passable and many properties have far too much snow to get up to the door.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Attended Government Affairs Meeting for January 24, 2011 at CRAAR
- Introductions and update on the Chamber Government Affairs meeting on Friday was presented
- IAR Bus-In Day is February 22
- New Business
- Old Business
- IAR Video Conference
- Recap of Chamber Legislative update
- Sen Rob Hogg's promotion of Flood Control for Community legislation was mentioned again
- We discussed the local ordinance change on Chapter 69 of the municipal code, which covers our local civil rights laws
- Some discussion on Government Leases and Crime Free Leases
- Children in need of assistance - impacts of a Meth House and proposed legislation. What will the impact be on property owners, including Landlords
- Minnesota adopted a strict bill that lead to occupancy being pulled, foreclosure
- SF 24 - Mandates for home inspectors to be licensed in Iowa
- Property Taxes - Iowa House has proposed legislation
- Schools and Mental Health expenses being shifted to State to relieve property taxes?
- State Boards and Commissions
- Realtor proposed legislation: unlicensed, out of state companies doing business in Iowa
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Event at St. Paul's UMC on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 7 p.m.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Hosts Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Service
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. King through a Humanitarian Award and the Voices, Talents, and Dreams of Children
Monday, January 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
1340 Third Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed that we would live in a world where his children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” At the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Service, we will Remember Dr. King’s words, Celebrate our dreams for the future, and Act to make these dreams a reality.
This year, a special message for children is included in this uplifting service as well as the formal recognition of members of the newly established “Civil Rights Youth Advisory Panel.”
Keynote Speaker, Karl Werner will share innovative approaches he uses in Cedar Rapids Schools to help students understand the importance of diversity in learning. His programs have garnered many accolades and awards around the country.
The Martin Luther King Planning Committee is proud to recognize this year’s Percy and Lileah Harris “Who Is My Neighbor” award recipient. This award is “In recognition of a lifelong faith commitment to living in harmony with others and to promoting equality and social justice in the community.”
Magnificent music has always been a component of this celebration service and this year is no different. Come enjoy the musical talents of The Chorale Midwest, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Men’s Choir, and the Gospel Choir from Johnson Elementary School of the Arts.
We invite you to Remember, Celebrate, and Act on the words and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Contact:
Jerry Matchett matchett.jerry@gmail.com
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
1340 Third Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
319-363-2058
http://stpaulsumc.org/
This is event is open to the entire community.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 10-11, 2011: New Chapter 69 Ordinance Focus Groups by trhe Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
6:00-7:00pm, Familial/Marital Status
or other attributes regardless of the person’s assigned sex at birth.
JANUARY 11, 2011 - ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,