DSM's record-breaking evictions — No bar hopping for vaxxed Drake students

Plus: The newest dessert cafe | Thursday, April 29, 2021

Open in app View in browser     Axios Des Moines By Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta ·Apr 29, 2021 Hey, Des Moines, it's Thursday! The sun is shining for a balmy 72°. Where's our piña colada? 🎉 Our state's milestone: More than one million people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 💉 Hy-Vee is offering walk-in vaccinations at all its pharmacies. Remember when we were obsessively refreshing appointment pages? Today's Smart Brevity count is 908 words, a 3.5-minute read.     1 big thing: Evictions surge despite moratorium Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios   Metro-area evictions are being filed at record pace despite an ongoing federal moratorium, affordable housing advocates told Axios this week. The problem is expected to get worse as pandemic assistance programs end later this year, Alex Kornya, Iowa Legal Aid's litigation director, told us. Driving the news: One reason for the recent spike is that landlords know tenants will likely be offered assistance through pandemic rental assistance programs once they arrive in court, Eric Burmeister, director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, told Jason. By the numbers: The most recent housing pulse survey from the Census Bureau shows that 69,528 people in Iowa are not caught up on rent, and that 109,515 have no or only slight confidence that they will be able to make their next payment. In Polk County, 2,111 eviction filings have been recorded since Jan. 1, on pace to break the record of 6,561 in 2019, according to court data compiled by Iowa Legal Aid. People of color, women and the disabled are disproportionately affected, the data shows. What's happening: The federal moratorium on evictions was extended last month through June 31. It's intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 but does not relieve the tenant of payment obligations. Yes, but: To qualify, tenants must file a declaration form with their landlord, a step some renters don't realize is necessary. Iowa Legal Aid has opened offices in Polk, Linn and Black Hawk county courthouses in recent months to assist families in eviction cases. Hundreds have avoided eviction thanks to rental assistance from emergency pandemic programs, but that help is set to expire unless more funding is allocated, Anne Bacon, director of IMPACT, an organization assisting tenants in central Iowa, told Jason. "People are getting vaccinated, booking vacations and it feels like things are getting back to normal. But for many, many of our most vulnerable families, this is far from over," Bacon said. Resources: Iowa Legal Aid, 1-800-532-1275; IMPACT, 515-518-4770.     2. A cool save: Historic factory building The Market One building at 103 E. 3rd St. Photo courtesy of Neumann Monson Architects   Architects of the Market One building restoration this month won a COTE Award for environmental and design excellence. Why it matters: The building was the first major reinvestment in Des Moines' planned Market District. It helps set a standard for future investments. Flashback: The building at 103 E. 3rd St. was constructed in 1901 for the Advance-Rumely Thresher Company. Its 41,000 square feet was converted to office space in a $17 million renovation that was completed in 2015. It's considered a "net zero energy" building, using LED lighting as well as on-site solar panels and geothermal systems. Driving the news: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced Neumann Monson Architects as an award recipient this month. It was the only Midwest project winner this year. What they're saying: The project tells an important story about the role historic buildings can play in anchoring urban revitalization, AIA's five-person jury wrote.     3. How much restaurants actually make off delivery Visual: Axios charts; Data via Restaurant Engine If you're hunkering down and decide to support a local restaurant, they may not be earning as much from you as you think. Third-party delivery companies take around 30% commission on average from each order. And that's not counting hidden fees or "marketing" fees restaurants are charged to be on the apps. Why it matters: Our proclivity for delivery, while well-intentioned, takes a chunk of revenue from our local businesses. By the numbers: Restaurants typically operate on 5% net profit per meal, said Jessica Dunker, president of the Iowa Restaurant Association. If someone orders $30 worth of food — that's $1.50 net profit. Add on a 30% commission and that's only $1.05. The state of play: Gov. Kim Reynolds is preparing to sign a bill allowing third-party alcohol deliveries, which we shared with you a few weeks back. Details: Delivery companies must have a contractual agreement with restaurants to deliver alcohol — a step toward preventing delivery apps from featuring local businesses without their consent, said Jessica Dunker, president of the Iowa Restaurant Association. What's next: Dunker said the association will be exploring legislation that controls delivery fees in the future.     A message from Axios Advertise in Axios Des Moines     If you're a marketer or business owner interested in supporting local journalism and reaching civic minded Des Moines leaders like yourself, we'd love to speak with you. Click here to learn more about how to advertise with Axios Local.     4. No bars, even for vaccinated Drake students Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios   As Drake students prepare to celebrate the end of the school year, a COVID-19 agreement undergraduate students had to sign last year stipulates they can't go to bars — even if they're vaccinated. The contract requires students to agree to surveillance testing, social distancing, and wearing face masks, as well as avoiding parties and bars. Though some of the rules have relaxed for vaccinated students, such as quarantine and testing requirements, vaccinated students still aren't allowed to hit the town, said Jarad Bernstein, spokesperson for Drake. Yes, but: That doesn't mean students aren't venturing out. The contract is difficult to enforce unless the university finds out about an infraction. School officials sometimes receive reports from students who are "concerned" about other students' behavior, Bernstein said. The university then undergoes an investigation to see if any action is warranted. Disciplinary action is taken on a case-by-case basis. "We're not out there actively policing Instagram accounts," he said.     5. ☕️ Coffee AND ice cream? Yes, please The Japanese Affogato. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios   Jason recently checked out The Bean & Leaf Café, which opened about three months ago. Their specialties include espresso and ice cream, often combined and with an Asian spin. Jason's choice: The Japanese Affogato, espresso and soft serve ice cream with a brulee topping. ($4.56) His thought bubble: 🤤 🕰 Monday-Friday: 6am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday: 8am-9pm 5814 Hickman Rd, Des Moines; 515-277-7994; www.thebeanandleaf.com/     A message from Axios Advertise in Axios Des Moines     If you're a marketer or business owner interested in supporting local journalism and reaching civic minded Des Moines leaders like yourself, we'd love to speak with you. Click here to learn more about how to advertise with Axios Local.   Thanks for joining us, Des Moines. 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