Doesn't Look Good for Iowa City Buyouts

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Doesn't Look Good for Iowa City Buyouts

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

By Becky Ogann

IOWA CITY - Iowa City says it doesn't look good for most of the 247 flooded-out homeowners who are waiting for buyout options.

So far only one house has qualified for a buyout. Yes, and all the homes in the Idyllwild condominium community will be classified as one property. The city and homeowners say the news is disheartening.

Time is running out for flood victims in Iowa City waiting for financial help.

"It's a challenge. The clock is ticking. People are facing foreclosure. People are facing bankruptcy," said Michael Lombardo, City Manager, Iowa City.

Some homeowners say the guessing game has gotten old.

"It does no good to speculate about this could happen if we get a buy-out or this could happen if we don't get a buy-out," said Steve McGuire, waiting for word on a home buy-out.

McGuire's home sits in the 100-year flood plain. But he still doesn't know if the city will be able to help him. And, neither does the city.

"We need to know funding now. Not two months from now. Not five months from now. We need to get these people relief and we can't move forward with that until we know what's coming our way," said McGuire.

But the city says it doesn't expect an answer for a few more months. Meanwhile, homeowners want the city to start focusing on mitigation efforts.

"If 100 homes remain in this neighborhood alone that's well over $3 million in property tax. I would hope the city would make an investment in significant mitigation," said McGuire.

And the city says it wants to protect the neighborhoods in way that protects their quality of life and aesthetic appeal.

"Right now we're looking at various flood wall or levy type systems. I don't know if wrapping a wall around these neighborhoods is really the best solution," said Lombardo.

Some homeowners in the Idylldwild neighborhood say that the city's use of an old flood plain map to determine which homes receive money is hurting their chances. But it looks like no matter how much money Iowa City gets for buyouts, it won't be enough for everyone. So the city will be forced to pick and choose which homeowners to help.
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Monday, Oct 6 at 6:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Did anyone in the flood plain have INSURANCE? Did anyone have an emergency fund? Did anyone have high credit card bills? Dont rely on the govt to give handouts, that only apllies to lazy people in the form of welfare checks.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 11:07 PM 17 wrote ...

To bad, take care of yourselves. Does anyone agree with me that citezens should step up and take care of things without counting on the government?

Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:48 PM mark wrote ...

the university isn't the federal government but they sure do spend money as if they are. they now have a university hospital building/remodeling project which is estimated at this point to cost over $700 million. part of that is for a new "children tower"---well, what about the $28 million redo of the children's wing in the present hospital which they bragged so much about? they spend money like drunken sailors. of course, it's just tax money, right?

Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:57 AM Alfred Joes Boy wrote ...

Fear Not! A Republicrat (or is it a Democan?) will save us! A hero always arrives to save the day--after all, this is America.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

aha another idiot a waits the democratic messiah.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 11:22 AM Tax payers are ???? wrote ...

You have brought this on your selves down in hell. Oh i mean Iowa city... You have allowed them to give your tax dollars to a university that no one can afford to go to millions and millions of dollars and you get nothing. hahhahah. you truly deserve it. hahaha. Yea nothing is comming for you home owners so get over it.. You are nothing to them except money and you better keep paying or else.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 5:40 AM * wrote ...

There's plenty of money to spend on any whim, when taxed by a DEMOCRAT.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 5:25 AM Bobby wrote ...

Could be because these are all expensive houses and not lower income homeowners who really need the help. Cedar Rapids homeowners are more deserving as they don't have the means to repair on their own.

Friday, Oct 3 at 8:36 PM Their name isn't Wall Street wrote ...

We can bail out Wall Street for over $700 Billion dollars but we can't help taxpayers who have been struck by a natural disaster. Welcome to the world of the Republican Party.

Friday, Oct 3 at 7:33 PM annon wrote ...

No worry, the theater and arts building at the UOI will be back! So much for priorities. I send good luck to those of you who lost their homes.

Friday, Oct 3 at 7:28 PM ummm wrote ...

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!

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