BNA Strategic Plan

BNA's strategic plan is done and has been approved by the Neighborhood Revitalization Board, Des Moines City Council, Planning and Zoning and finally Polk County.  On behalf of the BNA board, we would to extend a thank you again to everyone for participating in the surveys, sending the emails, attending the planning sessions in 2012, etc. The BNA now has an updated plan with some clear direction for the next 5-10 years.  The BNA Board would like the thank, Revitalization Board, the City of Des Moines, Polk County and the ISU students for the opportunity and help to put a new plan together. 

Download Beaverdale Plan Update - Final - Feb 2013

 

BNA Quarterly Meeting - Tues., May 14

Neighborhood Finance Corp. (NFC) Director, Holly Olson, will attend the BNA Quarterly Meeting to discuss how the forgivable loan program works. For those who are considering home improvements, this is an excellent way to learn more about NFC. You can ask Holly your questions and prepare to apply for a forgivable loan. Remember that Beaverdale will only be eligible for forgivable loans for a two-year period; so, it’s important to begin planning now. (See pages 6-7 for more information on NFC forgivable loans.)

We will also have Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor, provide updates, and Mike McCarthy will speak about the BNA’s focus on the Neighborhood Watch program.

Please join us for this very informative meeting. Nick Bavas of Jersey Guy’s pizza will supply pizzas for the meeting.

Date: Tuesday, May 14
Time: 6:30 p.m. social/pizza; 7 p.m. meeting
Location: Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

Beaverdale Farmer's Market - starts Tues., June 4 in new location

What is the BNA’s Involvement in Streetscape?

By now you’ve probably heard about Beaverdale’s Streetscape project, but do you know why/how Streetscape originally started?  And, how is the BNA supporting the Streetscape efforts?  Read on to learn more . . .

The History

Streetscape is the brainchild of a small group of individuals associated with the Beaverdale Main Street Iowa Initiative (“BMSI”).  BMSI was the predecessor to the organization known today as the Beaverdale Betterment Coalition (“BBC”).  BBC is a non-profit organization that provides support for Beaverdale businesses and commercial property owners and focuses on ways to improve the neighborhood.  In a way, you can think of the BBC as the BNA’s equivalent for local businesses.  The BNA tends to focus on residential issues, while the BBC tends to focus on business issues, but both organizations are committed to making Beaverdale a better place to live, work, grow and play.

Several years ago (even before the most recent recession) Beaverdale’s business district was in transition, and many storefronts sat empty.  Local business leaders and concerned citizens joined together to determine how best to counteract this trend.  It was decided that a makeover of Beaverdale’s business district was one way to make the commercial corridor more palatable for new businesses and sustainable for existing businesses.  BMSI established sub-committees specifically charged with focusing on a Streetscape design and fundraising program.

What is the BNA’s role?

A few years ago, some of the key people working on Streetscape were no longer able to dedicate time to the effort; so, the BBC approached the BNA for help.  The BNA Board took a vote and decided to formally support the Streetscape project.  Since then, the BNA has been an active partner with the BBC on Streetscape, and we’ve provided support in a number of ways, including:

A)     Committing leadership resources to fundraising efforts.  BNA Board Member, Sheila Navis, Co-Chairs the Streetscape Fundraising Committee, along with BBC President, Lexi Wornson.  Three other BNA leaders are also active participants on this committee.

B)      Working as a liaison with City leadership/staff to navigate the legal and political hurdles necessary to move the project to the finish line.

C)      Serving as a communication conduit for the project with local residents and businesses.  The BNA has hosted multiple public meetings and has donated free publication space in the Sidewalk newsletter to help keep the community informed of the project’s status.

D)     Providing significant financial support.  To date, the BNA and its sub-committees have donated over $5,500 in cash, plus pro bono Sidewalk space to the Streetscape project.

E)      Adopting the proposed Streetscape efforts into its recently updated Strategic Plan.  Streetscape is just one aspect of a broader BNA goal to promote a vibrant, sustainable business district within Beaverdale.

With all of these forms of support, it’s easy to assume that the Streetscape project is the BNA’s project; however, that’s not the case.  Rather, Streetscape is a public/private project partnership between the BBC, the BNA, and the City of Des Moines.  Polk County and the State of IA will also be major contributors to the project.  It must have full support from all of these stakeholders and you—the community—in order to be successful.    Streetscape has been in the works for over five years, during which time it has definitely seen its share of challenges.  But, the good news is that project is now on-track to become a reality in 2014, provided that the community raises another $131,000 to help fund construction.  ($169,000 of our $300,000 community commitment has already been raised.) 

How can you help?

If you would like to make a financial pledge to the Streetscape effort, or buy a brick to be used in the project’s construction, you may do so by clicking on the “Donate” option on the following website:  www.genus-la.com/beaverdale.htm.  All donations are tax-deductible and will be applied towards the project’s construction.  For questions or comments, please send an e-mail to:  bdalestreetscape@gmail.com.

Thanks to all in the community who have contributed in some way to this project, whether it be time, money, or actively voicing your support.  Together, we can make Streetscape a reality.  Let’s all keep Believing in Beaverdale!

By Sasha Kamper

Appreciation for Business Support

Thank you to the following for their BNA Business Membership support! We appreciate that you are involved with our community and appreciate all the support for the neighborhood. Local residents are encouraged to stop by these businesses and The Sidewalk advertisers and thank them for their support:

Acanthus Lodge #632
Advantage Printing & Promotions, Inc.
Aim Construction Co., Inc.
Asphalt Maintenance & Construction Company
Back Country Outfitters
Beaver Avenue Chiropractic Center
Beaver Avenue Cleaners
Beaverdale Confections
Beaverdale Living Magazine
Beaverdale Tees
Beaverdale VFW Post #9127
Bell Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Bone-A-Patreat
Brittain & Son Concrete Construction
Calvin Community
Catching Rayz Tanning
Chef's Kitchen
Community Youth Concepts
Davis Insurance Agency
Edward Jones
Everything Doormats.com
Farrell's US Martial Arts
First American Bank
First Church of the Open Bible
Generation Green Builders
Grace Lutheran Church
Green Family Flooring
Guys & Dolls Hair Care
Holtorf Photography
Home Pest Care
Hy-Vee Food Store #1136 Harding Hills
Illuminator Coaching, Inc.
Iowa Dental Arts, P.C.
J.Sayles Design
Knapp Interests, LLC
Koester Construction
Medicap Pharmacy
Meylor Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PC
Michael's Pizza
Midwest Financial
Moab Construction Company
Mote CPA
Next Step, Inc.
O'Donnell Ace Hardware
PAT Brokerage
Peterson Painting
Player's Sports Bar and Grill
Polk County Board of Supervisors
Reynolds General Construction
Riordan Pet Hospital
Snavely Family Dentistry
Snookies Malt Shop
State Farm Insurance - Tim Ford Agency
Tally's Restaurant, Bar & Catering
The Backroom
The Classy Closet
The Music of Scott Davis
West Bank
Westminster Presbyterian Church

Beaverdale Hawkeye and Cyclone Signs

A Kinder Touch now has Beaverdale Hawkeye and Cyclone yard signs available.  Cost for a special order yard sign is $30 with a shorter pole or $35 with a longer pole.  Please contact A Kinder Touch for more information. 

A Kinder Touch

• 2217 Beaver Ave
 ·
• Des Moines


• (515) 255-5312

Youth Community Garden

Community! Youth Concepts is looking to engage youth in community gardening this summer. With two plots in the Franklin Community Garden, CYC is inviting all young people interested in learning more about gardening and giving back to our community to join them.

There will be opportunities for youth to plan and plant the garden. There will also be opportunities to keep it looking beautiful! The most important piece of this summer project, however, is how the produce will be used. Everything that grows will be donated to Des Moines Area Religious Council’s food pantry, Move the Food (DMARC).

Not only is this an opportunity to be outside and learn this summer, this is an opportunity to learn more about how to give back.

Families and community members are also invited to join CYC in this effort! If you have any questions or are interested in giving your time, please get in touch with Michelle Raymer at (515) 242-4292 or Michelle@cyconcepts.org.

Learn More About NFC Forgivable Home Improvement Loans

Beaverdale became eligible for forgivable home improvement loans through the Neighborhood Finance Corp. (NFC) in January 2013. Click here to read more: Download Beaverdale NFC-eligible article.

Beaverdale Tree Committee

Seeking Adoptive Homes for Trees

The Beaverdale Tree Committee, with the City of Des Moines Forestry Department, wants to make sure we maintain a healthy and beautiful neighborhood for years to
come. Beaverdale already boasts many large, mature trees, and we must ensure that leg- acy continues by planting younger trees to provide age and species diversity for our current neighborhood canopy. Further, pests and disease like the Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease show the importance of proactively maintaining diversity in our neighborhood. Let’s start adding to our urban forest today!

If you request that a city tree(s) be planted at the curb in front of your property, and commit to regular watering during the establishment period, the City of Des Moines will plant an ap- propriate species absolutely free of charge. Together we can make a huge difference in our community. Call our Public Works 24-hour Customer Service Center at 283-4950 to re- quest your spring street tree planting. Since not every site can accommodate a mature tree, the Beaverdale Tree Committee members will help the City perform site assess- ments prior to plantings, to ensure that your location will be a suitable home for the tree.

While the City of Des Moines will plant the tree for free, the Beaverdale Tree Committee would gladly accept a donation of $25 or more. This is strictly voluntary and will not affect your elibility to receive a free tree. Your welcomed donation would help fund future tree planting projects and tree care activities in Beaverdale! Please send donations to: Beaverdale Neighborhood Association, PO Box 30175, Des Moines, IA 50310. Simply write “Tree Committee” on the memo line of your check. Thanks for your help!

Des Moines TreeKeepers

The Beaverdale Tree Committee invites you to find out more about the new Des Moines TreeKeepers program. The City of Des Moines and Trees Forever TreeKeepers program is designed for people who want to become more knowledgeable about urban tree planting and care, and who wish to become a stronger voice for trees in their neighborhoods and communities.

In a series of classroom and hands-on training sessions, participants will learn about:

•   Tree Identification & Physiology

•   Proper Planting & Maintenance

•   Benefits of Trees

•   Urban & Community Tree Issues

•   Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement
  Each class will also have a volunteer service component.

  Des Moines TreeKeepers Details & Sign-up

  When: Tuesday, March 20, 27 and April 3
  Time: 6:00-9:00pm, light dinner provided!
  Where: Argonne Armory Building, 602 Robert Ray Dr., Des Moines, IA
  Who: Co-sponsored by the City of Des Moines and Trees Forever
  Cost: $30 – includes registration, dinner, training handbook, Trees Forever membership, and t-shirt
  Register: Contact Leslie Berckes at 515-681-2295 , or e-mail Leslie
  at LBerckes@treesforever.org or for more information, visit www.treesforever.org.

 

Beaver Avenue Streetscape Survey Results Announced - City of Des Moines Receives $350,000 for Roundabout

The City of Des Moines has released results of a survey to the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association (BNA) and the Beaverdale Betterment Coalition (BBC). The survey was designed to gather public input after a November 15^th public meeting relating to the Beaver Avenue Streetscape Project.

Of the 329 respondents to the survey, 85.7 percent supported streetscape improvements. The most important factors cited were pedestrian safety, improved traffic flow and beautification enhancements.

In total, 85.2 percent of respondents supported improvements to the Beaver Avenue and Urbandale Avenue intersection, with the roundabout intersection garnering the strongest support at 58.4 percent.

The survey results reinforce the consistent support for this project from the neighborhood and the BNA and BBC will continue to work with the City of Des Moines in making this project become a reality. As Mike Kamper, President of the BNA, noted, “This is exciting news for us and shows strong community support for this development.”   

The City of Des Moines also announced that a Iowa Traffic Safety Program grant had been awarded for $350,000 for the roundabout intersection. This is in addition to the $600,000 Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program grant for the roundabout as well.

Sheila Navis, Chair of the Streetscape Fundraising Committee and BNA Board Member, outlined future efforts. “We’ll continue to work with the City of Des Moines to make this project something that the entire community can be proud of as we build on the great attributes of Beaverdale. We are committed to making this a more inviting area to shop, eat and live. We believe in Beaverdale and in its future.”

 

  Download a copy of the proposed roundabout plan