As summer winds down and a new school year begins, I’m glad to share another important milestone in our community’s recovery from the 2024 flood: Northshore Drive is now open to through traffic following its permanent reconstruction. Thank you to the residents who have endured months of construction and disruption, along with everyone who adjusted their routes and helped keep this project moving forward. There is still work to finish over the coming weeks, but reopening Northshore Drive is an encouraging step forward as progress continues on recovery projects throughout the community.

-Mayor Chris Bogenrief

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve recently held its annual Adams Homestead Celebration, so this month’s trivia is all about one of our area’s most familiar outdoor destinations. What were the names of the two sisters who donated the land that became Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve? Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer.

This month, we're recognizing Jesse Henley, Utility Operator for the City of North Sioux City. Jesse has been part of the City team since 2017 and has called North Sioux City home for about 11 years.

Jesse’s work helps keep City utilities functioning safely and reliably. His role includes locating and mapping utilities for safe digging and quicker response during emergencies, along with helping maintain parks, rights-of-way, and other public areas throughout the community.

One of Jesse’s favorite parts of working for the City is seeing North Sioux City grow and being part of that progress. Outside of work, he enjoys the local restaurants and gathering spots, along with spending time with the people who have made the community feel like home.

“It is a pleasure serving, working, and getting to know new people in North Sioux City.”

Thank you, Jesse, for your years of service and for the work you do each day to help keep North Sioux City running, maintained, and moving forward!

🚦 Roadway Safety Planning: North Sioux City participated in a SECOG-led regional transportation safety planning process that included the development of a Local Safety Action Plan for the City. The City Commission has now adopted the plan, which identifies opportunities to improve roadway safety, access, pedestrian and bicycle connections, and speed management. It will help guide future planning and position the City to pursue transportation safety grant funding. Learn More →

🏗️ Building & Code Services: The City Commission approved moving forward with a new Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer position. Until now, responsibilities such as building permits, inspections, property-maintenance concerns and code enforcement have been handled across several City employees, state inspectors and outside professionals. Creating a dedicated position will provide a clearer point of contact and help improve consistency, communication and follow-up for residents, property owners, contractors and developers.

🚲 New Trail Connection: Plans are underway for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new trail connection between North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes. A date and additional details are still being finalized, so stay tuned to the City’s Facebook page for more information coming soon!

🌱 Yard Care Reminder: As mowing season continues, residents are reminded to keep grass clippings and yard debris out of streets and gutters. Clippings can clog storm drains, create slippery conditions for bicyclists and motorcyclists, and eventually make their way into local waterways. A quick sweep or blow back onto the lawn helps keep streets safer and storm drains clear.

It was a busy summer at the North Sioux City Community Library! A total of 480 readers participated in the Summer Reading Program, while more than 1,100 people joined library programs and activities throughout the summer. Some of the most popular events included the Zoo Mobile, The Magic of Travis Nye and the foam cannon, along with plenty of story times, crafts, crochet and special guests along the way.

Fall programming will be announced at the end of August, so keep an eye on the Library’s Facebook page and website for what’s coming next!

🚧 Northshore Drive Reconstruction: Northshore Drive is now open to through traffic following its permanent reconstruction, marking a major step forward in the area’s flood recovery. Crews will continue work over the coming weeks on residential driveways, striping, signage, the pedestrian path, and other final project items. Drivers are encouraged to continue using caution while crews finish their work. View project updates →

🏘️ Flood Recovery Assistance: TIF #6 has been established in the flood-impacted area and is now moving through the final steps needed to make assistance funds available to eligible property owners. The program is intended to provide additional support to eligible property owners significantly impacted by the 2024 flood as they continue recovering and reinvesting in their properties and community.

🚜 City-Owned Properties: Phase 2 of grading and stabilization work is moving forward on City-owned properties in the flood-impacted area. This work is part of the City’s continued effort to address properties acquired through the recovery process and improve conditions throughout the area.

🌊 Lower Big Sioux River Flood Risk Management Study: The Lower Big Sioux River Flood Risk Management Study, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is now underway. The multi-year study will evaluate longer-term flood risk and ways to improve flood resiliency along the Lower Big Sioux River. The City will share updates as the study progresses.

More Housing Options Taking Shape in North Sioux City: Located at 202 Sodrac Drive, Lakewood is a new apartment and townhome development by Lloyd Companies that will include 116 total units and represents an approximately $20.5 million investment in North Sioux City.

The first residents began moving in earlier this summer, and the development is currently about 45% leased. Three additional buildings with 58 apartments remain under construction, with completion planned in phases through November and the full project expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Lloyd Companies pointed to the city’s recent growth, demand for additional housing, and its positive experience with previous local developments as factors behind the investment.

Want to learn more about the development? Visit LakewoodSD.com.

Answer: Maud and Mary Adams donated the land that became Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. Their grandfather, Stephen Searls Adams, originally homesteaded the area in 1872. Today, the preserve encompasses about 1,500 acres and features more than 10 miles of trails, historic buildings and natural areas along the Missouri River.

We hope you enjoyed this issue of North Sioux City News! This newsletter is just one way to keep you informed, connected, and proud to call North Sioux City home. We’d love to hear what you think: what you liked, what we could improve, or what you'd like to see in future issues. Just hit reply to this email to share your thoughts.

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