The Carroll City Council is moving toward vacating its interest in a portion of East Street to facilitate the planned expansions to Kuemper Catholic’s campus in southern Carroll. As required by Iowa Code, the city hosted a public hearing on the questions during the Feb. 23 meeting. City Attorney Dave Bruner outlines the multi-step process.
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The stretch of East Street being considered functionally runs from the northern end of Kuemper’s Campus south to the northern edge of St. Anthony Regional Hospital’s campus. During the public hearing, Ward 2 Councilman Jason Atherton asked City Manager Aaron Kooiker which entity is responsible for buried utilities if the council were to approve the transfer.
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Atherton also requested that the council slow down the process somewhat to allow for potential input, particularly because the city is releasing publicly owned land. Kuemper President John Steffes says a two-week delay should not significantly impact their construction timeline. Steffes also provided a project update to city officials during the public hearing.
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At-Large Councilman Jeff Cayler asked about the future of the St. Lawrence building, and Steffes says that it will house various parish programs and offices once students move to the consolidated campus.
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Under the current timeline, Kuemper Catholic would break ground on the project next month, and the improved campus would be ready to welcome students by the fall of 2028. City officials received no further public comments regarding the East Street vacation. The council unanimously approved the first reading of the required ordinance. The second reading will appear on the March 9 agenda, and the council will likely waive the third reading to expedite the process.