PowerPoint Presentation

Identifying Suitable Parcels for a New Fire Station Cedar Rapids, IAForGIS 200 at NVCCBy Tyler Weepie

ContentsGoal and Objectives

Data

Analysis

Conclusion

Summary

Data Sources

Goal and ObjectivesGoalFind a suitable location for a 10th fire station in Cedar Rapids, IA.

ObjectivesGeocode existing fire stations to TIGER/Line files from US Census Bureau.Calculate parcel size and engine needs based on existing fleet.Visualize perceived gaps within city.Process data from US Census Bureau and Cedar Rapids GIS Department to show candidate locations based off population, parcel values, existing stations, major roadways, and personal knowledge of city layout.

DataObtained addresses of existing stations from the City of Cedar Rapids FD.

Received parcel values for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in metro area from the Cedar Rapids GIS Department.

Population statistics and TIGER/Line files via the US Census Bureau.Additional data retrieved from Linn County, IA GIS.

Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9Parcel Size90,000 Sq. Ft129,065 Sq. Ft39,365 Sq. Ft87,120 Sq. Ft7,652 Sq. Ft8,320 Sq. Ft24,291 Sq. Ft43,392 Sq. Ft25,874 Sq. FtEngines311111111

Existing Fire Department Fleet

Average parcel size is approximately 50,000 square feet. A proper candidate should be sized between 8,000 and 60,000 square feet.

Proposed station would house a single fire engine

Support vehicles such as HAZMAT, water rescue, battalion chief vehicles are not calculated.Analysis

Current Station Locations andCoverage Gaps in Metro AreaGaps Exist in these Regions

Northern Cedar Rapids between stations 4, 7, and 9

Southwestern Area of City

Southern areas that include the Eastern Iowa Airport and major industrial and commercial propertiesAnalysis

Parcel size between 8,000 sq. feet and 60,000 sq. feet.

Originally processed parcel value for candidates between $0.00 - $100,000. This led to some unexpected problems.

Recalculated parcel value of candidate properties to be between $1000 - $350,000.

Within US Census Bureau block groups of 1,100+ people.

Near a major roadway.

Outside a one-mile buffer radius from existing fire stations, to prevent heavy overlap service area.AnalysisCandidacy Requirements

Northern Candidate ZoneMany commercial and residential parcels outside of current one-mile radius of existent fire stations.

Areas along Collins Road NE and Blairs Ferry Road NE and near Interstate 380 ideal for major road access.Analysis

Southwestern Candidate ZoneMultiple major roadways accessible. Fast access to Interstate 380 via US Highway 30.

Region experiencing growth and revitalization of properties.

Candidate zones near major industrial properties such as General Mills and ADMs corn processing and ethanol plants.

Eastern Iowa Airport and Nordstrom warehouse can be serviced via access on Edgewood Road SW.Analysis

SouthernCandidate ZoneCandidate parcels all within short distance on Interstate 380.

Quick access to Eastern Iowa Airport and ADM properties in event of emergency.

Recent growth and development of areas around the Wright Bros Blvd & Interstate 380 interchange.

Analysis

Each region has strengths on population density and commercial/industrial build up that can benefit from additional fire protection.

Some parcels must be considered better candidates than others due to their location in relation to roadway access and size/shape of the parcel. Of these regions of the city each zone contains:Northern Zone: Approx. 95 candidate parcelsSouthwestern Zone: Approx. 200 candidate parcelsSouthern Zone: Approx. 30 candidate parcelsConclusions

In conclusion, the Southwestern region of Cedar Rapids should be considered the primary candidate for a new fire station based on evidence such as:Proximity to multiple major roadways such as Edgewood Road, Williams Blvd, and US Highway 30.Census data shows population density that meets or exceeds the population baseline that is assumed for the needed service area.Major commercial and industrial properties in regional proximity. Examples given: ADM, General Mills, Nordstrom, Eastern Iowa Airport, Westdale Mall development zone, Wal-Mart, Target, and more.Parcels meet the needed space requirements and many areas could be purchased by city without reaching the assumed maximum price of $350,000 to obtain.Conclusions

Cedar Rapids, IA currently has 9 fire stations within the metro area.Average station size is approximately 50,000 square feet.The city is in need of a 10th station that meets assumed criteria such as:Establishment outside of one-mile buffer of existing locations.Parcel size between 8,000-60,000 square feet.Value of parcel should be between $1,000 - $350,000.Along or in proximity of major roadways within metro area.Population 1,100+ based upon US Census Bureau block groups.Results of this criteria show three regions: Northern, Southwestern, and Southern.Analysis shows a recommended location be based in the Southwestern area of city. This is due to criteria being met, along with multiple high value properties that can be serviced as needed, along with growth and revitalization of residential and commercial properties in region. Summary

Cedar Rapids GIS Department:http://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/informationtechnology/gis/pages/default.aspxUS Census Bureaus TIGER/Line Datahttps://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.htmlUS Census Bureaus Factfinderhttp://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtmlLinn County, IA GIShttp://gis.linncounty.org/webapps/gis/DataDownload/City of Cedar Rapids Fire Departmenthttp://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/fire/pages/default.aspx

Data Sources