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The Iowa Stater
Dec. 15, 1995

Throwing in the towel: Chelsea tried

After being ravaged five times during the great flood of 1993, the 136-year-old rural Iowa community sought relief from the pains of the flood plain. Working with an ISU College of Design team led by professors Jerry Knox and Robert Findlay and involving a number of students, the community worked out a plan to move the town to higher, drier ground nearby. It might have happened, too, if the town's patience had not dried up.

Several government agencies involved in the town's move never quite coordinated the funding, making it impossible for Chelsea residents to see their flood plain escape plan through. Instead, residents are opting for buy-outs of their homes and moving to other towns in the area.

There is logic in the decision, as most are moving closer to where they work or where their children go to school. There is tragedy, also, as Chelsea, like so many small towns, gradually fades.

"It is sad to see another Iowa town die, but small towns are dying," Findlay said. "In the end, however, the experience of working with Chelsea was great for the (Iowa State) students involved in the project, and beneficial for many of the people of the community. At our last meeting, we had residents with flipcharts leading the discussion. In terms of community leadership development, it was wonderful.

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