5 Things for Your West Des Moines Day Planner

West Des Moines Council Backs Doo Wop in the Val-Gate District
The West Des Moines City Council will consider the Grand Avenue redevelopment plan Monday at a regular meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Pkwy. The plan allows for improvements between First and Fourth Streets in an area known as the Val-Gate District.

How can the appearance of the Val-Gate area – Grand Avenue from First to Fourth Street – be improved? Do you think a towing business should be allowed in Valley Junction neighborhood? Tell us in comments.

This segment of Grand Avenue saw the majority of its original development in the 1950s, also a time of dramatic growth for the city. Mid-Century architecture showed off advances in construction methods and technologies allowed for the use of large areas of glass, the structure of the building became something to show off and experiment with. Roadside architecture and “Doo Wop” or “Googie” styles reflected ease of travel with use of bright colors and lighting with shapes that expressed movement.

The Val-Gate redevelopment plan sets forth guidelines for greater pedestrian travel, pedestrian travel, outdoor use areas, parking and landscaping.

Register for Library Programs Monday
Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, register all day for children’s programs at the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy., either in person, by calling 222-3405 or online. Registration for teen programs also will take place Monday – in person, online, or at 222-3403.

Should Towing Business be Allowed in Valley Junction Neighborhood?
In a Wednesday meeting, the West Des Moines Board of Adjustment continues its January discussion of whether to allow Custom Towing to locate in an existing building at 1105 Maple St., contrary to zoning requirements. The 5:30 p.m. meeting will be held at City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Pkwy.

Adam Kirkpatrick told the board in January that he and the property owner, Tom Ruan, are investigating installing shrubbery along the perimeter of the property to shield residential property owners from movements within the property.

In January, neighbors voiced concern that the towing business disrupts their enjoyment of the neighborhood, especially with trucks going in and out of the business at night. The towing business would be the second in the immediate area, and residents worried that would return their section of Valley Junction to what it was several years ago – a mixed-use area without a distinctive residential flavor.

Chamber Membership Luncheon Thursday
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership luncheon is Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, 1600 Jordan Creek Town Center. Register online at www.wdmchamber.org.

West Des Moines Hosts Annual Heart Ball Saturday
The American Heart Association’s annual Greater Des Moines Heart Ball is Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. at Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel, 1800 50th St. The evening includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and dance music to Final Mix. Event co-chairs are Susan Bunz and Julie Ross.

Local sponsors include The Iowa Clinc, Hy-Vee, Principal Financial Group, Iowa Home Care, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and Willis Auto Campus.

For more information, contact Brooke Foster at (515) 246-4567.