Return to Nicholas Johnson's Iowa Rain Forest ("Earthpark") Web Site

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Dear Citizens,

It is certainly an exciting time for the City of Pella. Since the announcement of Earthpark’s plan to locate at the Point Development, I am sure there are questions in the minds of many citizens. For this reason, I would like to this month re-print some obvious questions and answers that were printed in the Chronicle earlier. Also, for those of you on the internet, there is a very good Earthpark web site at http://www.earthpark.org/

Q. What is the Point Development and is it separate from Earthpark?

A. The Point Development is a 250 acre resort that is planned for the north shore of the Lake Red Rock area. The development includes a hotel/water park, conference center, and a retail center. In addition, the Point Development is now the proposed home for Earthpark, which will be the largest environmental learning center in North America. Earthpark will be a complex, high tech structure featuring galleries and exhibits on several ecosystems including a large rainforest biome and an integrated aquarium. Earthpark will also have links to global environmental hot spots and other ‘green’ facilities. Earthpark’s mission is to “inspire generations to learn from the natural world”.

Q. Where is the $25 million community contribution to Earthpark coming from?

A. The developers from the Point Development will be making the community’s financial contribution to Earthpark. To date, the City has not committed any financial resources for the local match. However, now that Earthpark has selected their site, a feasibility study will be done on the entire Point Development. This study will help quantify the economic impact of the Point Development and Earthpark as well as assist the City in making sound financial decisions in regards to the development.

Q. Since the Point Development is outside the City limits, will it be annexed into the City? If the Point Development annexes into the City, will there be any involuntary annexations in conjunction with the development?

A. Currently, the Point Development plans to submit a voluntary annexation petition to the City of Pella. Furthermore, the City is not planning any involuntary annexations in conjunction with this development.

Q. Will the Point Development be required to follow City development rules and procedures?

A. The Point Development will be a planned urban development and subject to the City’s development rules. This includes rezoning, annexation, and the subdivision platting process.

Q. What are the potential economic benefits of Earthpark and the Point Development to the Pella area?

A. Based on previous feasibility studies, the regional economic benefit from Earthpark is conservatively estimated between $100-$130 million annually. The similar Eden Project in Cornwall, U.K. generates approximately $250 million (USD) in annual economic activity. With more than 600,000 visitors anticipated annually, local and statewide tourist attractions will be enhanced. It is predicted that Earthpark will bring 150 new permanent jobs with a ripple effect of up to 2,000 jobs. In addition, due to the significant commercial development being planned, the Point Development could help diversify the City’s strong industrial and residential tax base, which is important in this day and age.

Q. Are there any other benefits of Earthpark besides the economic impact?

A. Earthpark as proposed will be a world-class center for learning. This will be an incredible resource for students and teachers who will visit Earthpark, especially for those from public and private schools in the Pella area. Faculty and students from Central College, Indian Hills, DMACC, and other public and private higher education institutions will also benefit. A science team for Earthpark is also being assembled and expects to research issues such as ecological restoration. With the growing interest in environmental issues and renewable energy, Earthpark may play a huge part in defining “green” principles and applications for decades to come.

Q. Will my taxes increase because of Earthpark?

A. Throughout this process, the City has been guided by the principle that our citizens should not pay for the increased costs directly attributed to the Point Development and Earthpark. It is our intention that these costs should be covered by taxes generated from the development.

Summary

It is important for our citizens to understand that the formal development process has just started and there will be ample opportunity for public input. For example, the architects who planned the Eden Project are also designing Earthpark and are interested in participating in local meetings to gather ideas for what could be included in Earthpark, inside and out. Furthermore, any City commitments or approvals will be done in a public forum. If you have any questions or concerns over this process, please feel free to contact the Mayor, any Councilman, or the City Administrator at 628-4173.

I hope this information is helpful in answering some of the more obvious questions.

Darrell Dobernecker