HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-12 Public hearingNOTICE OF PUEMC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th day of Septem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chap-
ter by changing the use regulations on an
approximate 2.02 acre tract of land locat-
ed east of Lakeside Drive and south of
Highway 6 from ID-RS, Interim Develop-
ment Single-Family Residential, to RM-12,
Low DensiW, Multi-Family Residential.
(REZ95-0012)
Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file for
public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons
wishing to make their views known for Council
consideration are encouraged to appear at the
above-mentioned time and place.
MARIAN K, KARR, CITY CLERK
ppdadmin~cc9-12.nph
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
ORDINANCE BY CONDITIONALLY CHANGING
THE USE REGULATIONS OF 2.02 ACRES OF
LAND LOCATED EAST OF LAKESIDE DRIVE
AND SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 6, FROM
ID-RS, INTERIM DEVELOPMENT SINGLE-FAMI-
LY RESIDENTIAL, TO RM-12, LOW DENSITY
MULTI-FAMILY.
WHEREAS, Owner, as legal title holder has
requested that the City fezone approximately
2.02 acres df land located east of Lakeside
Drive and south of U.S. Highway 6, from
ID-RS, Interim Development Single-Family
Residential, to RM-12, Low Density Multi-
Family; and
WHEREAS, Iowa Code §414.5 (1995) pro-
vides that the City of Iowa City may impose
reasonable conditions on granting the rezoning
request, over and above existing regulations, in
order to satisfy public needs directly caused by
the requested change; and
WHEREAS, the characteristics of the subject
property, including its unusual shape, the
presence of a sanitary sewer easement over a
large portion of the property, its location at an
entranceway to the Grant Wood neighborhood
and to the city, and its location near industrial
zoning, require careful consideration of site
design; and
WHEREAS, Owner acknowledges that certain
conditions and restrictions are reasonable to
ensure appropriate multi-family development in
this area of Iowa Ciw; and
WHEREAS, the Owner has agreed to develop
this property in accordance with certain terms
and conditions to ensure appropriate urban
development in this area of Iowa City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA, THAT:
SECTION h APPROVAL. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Conditional Zoning Agree-
ment as authorized by Iowa Code §414.5
(1995), a copy of which is attached hereto and
incorporated by reference herein, the property
described below is conditionally reclassified
from its present classification of iD-RS [o
RM-12:
Outlot A of Whispering Meadows Sub-
division, Part One, as recorded in Plat
Book 31 at Page 277 of the records of the
Johnson County, Iowa Recorder's Office.
Ordinance No.
Page 2
SECTION 11. ZONING MAP. Upon final pas-
sage, approval end publication of this Ordi-
nance as provided by law, the Building Official
is hereby authorized and directed to change the
zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to
conform to this zoning amendment.
SECTION III, CONDITIONAL ZONING AGREE-
MENT. Following final passage and approval of
this Ordinance, the Mayor is hereby authorized
and directed to sign, and the City Clerk to
attest, the Conditional Zoning Agreement
between the property owners, applicants and
the City.
SECTION IV.' CERTIFICATION AND RECORD-
ING. Upon passage and approval of this ordi-
nance, and after execution of the Conditional
Zoning Agreement, the City Clerk is hereby
authorized and directed to certify a copy of this
Ordinance and the Conditional Zoning Agree-
ment, and to record the same in the Office of
the Recorder, Johnson County, Iowa, at the
Ciw's expense,.all as provided by law.
SECTION V. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION VI. SEVERABILITY. if any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall De
sdjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication shall not affect the validiw of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
CONDITIONAL ZONING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between the City of Iowa City, Iowa, a Municipal
Corporation (hereinafter "City") and CB Development, Ltd. (hereinafter "Owner").
WHEREAS, Owner, as legal title holder, has requested the City fezone the 2.02 acres of land
located east of Lakeside Drive and south of U.S. Highway 6, from ID-RS, Interim Development,
Single-Family Residential, to RM-12, Low-Density, Multi-Family; and
WHEREAS, Iowa Code {}414.5 (1995) provides that the City of Iowa City may impose
reasonable conditions on granting the rezoning request, over and above existing regulations,
to satisfy public needs directly caused by the requested change; and
WHEREAS, the characteristics of the subject property, including its unusual shape, the
presence of a sanitary sewer easement over a large portion of the property, its location at an
entranceway to the Grant Wood neighborhood and to the city, and its location near industrial
zoning, require careful consideration of site design; and
WHEREAS, Owner acknowledges that certain conditions and restrictions are reasonable to
ensure appropriate multi-family development and ensure adequate traffic circulation upon the
subject tract; and
WHEREAS, the Owner has agreed to develop this property in accordance with certain terms
and conditions to ensure apprepdate multi-family development in this area of Iowa City.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Owner
agrees as follows:
CB Development, Ltd. is the owner and legal title holder of the property located east of
Lakeside Drive and south of U.S. Highway 6 legally described as follows:
Outlot A of VVhispering Meadows Subdivision, Part One, as recorded in Plat Book 31
at Page 277 of the records of the Johnson County, Iowa Recorder's Office.
Owner acknowledges that the City wishes to ensure both appropriate multi-family
residential development and adequate traffic circulation on and around the subject tract,
and therefore, Owner agrees to certair~ conditions over and above existing City
regulations to ensure that the area is buffered from adjacent industrial development and
Highway 6, and has adequate access and on-site traffic circulation to accommodate
multi-family residential development.
In consideration of the City's rezoning the subject property from ID-RS, Interim
Development, Single-Family Residential, to RM-12, Low Density, Multi-Family
Residential, the Owner agrees that development and use of the subject property will
conform to the requirements of the RM-12 zone, as well as the following additional
conditions:
Development of the site in conformance with a concept plan approved by the
City.
Approval by the City of a landscape plan as part of site plan review and approval
on the subject tract to ensure that a vegetative buffer is established between the
residential development and Highway 6 and the residential development and the
adjacent industrial development.
2
Limiting access to the site to one location located at least 200 feet south of the
intersection of Lakeside Drive and the Highway 6 frontage road to minimize
traffic conflicts.
City approval of the parking area and carport layout to ensure adequate traffic
circulation within and outside the developed tract.
Owner acknowledges that the conditions contained herein are reasonable conditions to
impose on the land under Iowa Code §414.5 (1995) and that said conditions satisfy
public needs which are directly caused by the requested zoning change.
Owners acknowledge that in the event the subject property is transferred, sold,
redeveloped, or subdivided, all redevelopment will conform with the terms of this
Agreement.
The Parties acknowledge that this Conditional Zoning Agreement shall be deemed to
be a covenant running with the land and with title to the land, and shall remain in full
force and effect as a covenant running with the title to the land unless or until released
of record by the City. The Parties further acknowledge that this agreement shall inure
to the benefit of and bind all successors, representatives and assignees of the Parties.
Further, upon certification by the City Manager or Designee that all conditions contained
in the Conditional Zoning Agreement have been complied with and satisfied, the Mayor
is hereby authorized and directed to sign, and the City Clerk to attest, a release of all
conditions placed upon the property by reason of the Conditional Zoning Agreement,
and a certified copy of such r~lease shall be recorded in the Office of the Johnson
County Recorder at the Applicant's expense.
The Owners acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve
the Applicant from complying with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
The Parties agree that this Conditional Zoning Agreement shall be incorporated by
reference into the Ordinance rezoning the subject property; and that upon adoption and
publication of the Ordinance, this Agreement shall be recorded by the City Clerk in the
Johnson County Recorder's Office at City expense.
Dated this day of ,1995.
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
OWNER
By:
Susan M. Horowitz, Mayor
By:
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Approved by: .
y s
By:
CB Development, Ltd.
Carol Barker
3
STATE OF IOWA )
)SS
JOHNSON COUNTY )
On this ... day of September, 1995, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in
and for the State of Iowa, personally appeared Carol Barker, to me personally known, who
being by me duly sworn did.say that she is the President and Secretary of C.B. Development,
the corporation executing the within and foregoing instrument, that no seal has been procured
by the corporation; that said instrument was signed on behalf of the corporation by authority
of its Board of Directors; and that Carol Barker as officer acknowledged the execution of the
foregoing instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of the corporation, by it and by her
voluntarily executed.
Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa
STATE OF IOWA )
) SS:
JOHNSON COUNTY )
On tills day-of September, 1995, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in
nd for said County, in said State, personally appeared Susan M. Horowitz and Marian K. Karr,
to me personally known, who being be me duly sworn, did say that they are the Mayor and City
Clerk, respectively of said municipal cbrporation executing the foregoing instrument; that the
seal affixed thereto is the seal of said municipal corporation; that said instrument was signed
and sealed on behalf of said municipal corporation by authority of City council of said municipal
corporation; and that the Susan M. Horowitz and Marian K Karr acknowledged that execution
of said instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of said municipal corporation and by them
voluntarily executed.
Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Prepared by: Charles Denney
Item: REZ95-0012; Outlot A Whispering Meadows Date: July 20, 1995
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant:
CaroiBarker
2002 Dunlap Court
Iowa City, lA 52245
337-5562
Requested action:
Rezoning from iD-RS to RM-20
Purpose:
To allow development of multi-family
residential units.
Location:
Southeast quadrant of the Highway
6/Lakeside Drive intersection.
Size:
2.02 acres.
Existing land use and zoning:
Vacant; ID-RS
Surrounding land use and zoning:
North- Industrial; I-1
East - Commercial; CN-1
South - Residential; RS-8
West - Residential; RM-44
Comprehensive Plan:
Residential; 8-16 dwelling units per
acre.
File date:
June 29, 1995
45-day limitation period:
August 14, 1995
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The applicant, Carol Barker, is requesting a rezoning from ID-RS, Interim development, Single-
Family, zone to RM-20, Medium Density, Multi-Family, zone. The ID-RS zoning remains on
the property from a time when the entire area that is now the Whispering Meadows
Subdivision was zoned ID-RS. In 1990 the apphcant had requested a rezomng to the CN-1,
Neighborhood Commercial, zone. The application was deferred indefinitely, because at the
time it was filed CN-1 zones were limited to seven acres in size, and the adjacent CN-1 zone
is seven acres. The subject property is separated from the remainder of the Whispering
Meadows Subdivision by a storm water retention pond and the Whispering Meadows Wetland
Park.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed rezoning should be reviewed in relationship to the policies contained in the
Comprehensive Plan, the appropriateness of the density for the area, and the adequacy of the
infrastructure.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan currently designates this property for
residential development at 8-16 dwelling units per acre. Surrounding properties have various
Comprehensive Plan designations and zoning. To the west is Lakeside Apartments,
designated in the plan as residential, 25 + dwelling units per acre and is zoned RM-44. East
is a CN-1 zone with an existing convenience store and the Bon Aire Mobile Home Park, both
of which are designated in the plan at 8-16 dwelling units per acre. North of Highway 6 are
industrial use and zoning.
Zoning to a multi-family zone is appropriate for the site, in staff's opinion. As previously
mentioned the site is separated from the remainder of the Whispering Meadows Subdivision
by a storm water management pond and a park. These areas provide an adequate buffer form
the single-family development in the area. The surrounding development south of Highway
6 is multi-family, at various densities, and this site could serve as a good transition between
these existing developments.
Strict interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan designation for this site would indicate that
an RM-12 designation would be the highest density zone appropriate for this property. The
RM-12 zoning is consistent with the intended compatible zoning designation indicated in the
implementation section of the Comprehensive Plan. This section calls for "medium density
single-family and low density multi-family residential development; maximum gross density
at approximately 12 to 16 units per acre; district should have good access to all city services
and facilities, especially parks, schools and recreation facilities." The subject property has
access to city water and sewer, is located within walking distance of a park and schools, and
has good access to the city's transportation system.
If the Planning and Zoning Commission is inclined to recommend approval of the requested
rezoning to RM-20, staff recommends that the Comprehensive Plan be amended so that the
zone and the plan would be compatible. Staff does not feel that there is a compelling reason
to change the Plan at this time.
Site Conditions: The applicant has submitted a concept plan indicated a possible layout for
development of the site. The concept plan is illustrative and does not necessarily indicate
how the site would develop if the requested rezoning is approved. Development of the site
for multi-family housing would require submission and approval of a site plan.
Staff does have some concerns regarding the concept plan, especially the parking lot layout
and location of access points. However, these issues are more appropriately addressed during
the si[e plan Jeview process.
Due to the proximity of this site to the industrial uses across Highway 6, staff recommends
that a condition be placed on the rezoning requiring that a landscape plan for the site be
approved by the City. The plan should include enhanced screening adjacent to the frontage
road. This would help to screen the proposed residential use from the industrial park north
of Highway 6. The plantings should also be compatible with the extensive landscaping
provided by the Lakeside Apartments located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection.
Transportation: The subject property has access to both Lakeside Drive, a collector street,
and a frontage road that provides access to Bon Aire Mobile Home Park. The intersection of
Lakeside Drive and Highway 6 is signalized and there is capacity at this intersection. To avoid
conflicts with traffic queuing on the Lakeside Drive Leg of the intersection the entrance to the
proposed development should be located as far to the south on Lakeside Drive as possible.
The Lakeside Route provides transit service to the site with a stop located near the Lakeside
Drive\Highway 6 intersection.
Schools: The subject property is in the area served by the Grant Wood Elementary School.
There is currently capacity available for additional students in the Grant Wood school.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that a rezoning from ID-RSto RM-12 for property located in the southeast
quadrant of the intersection of Highway 6 and Lakeside Drive be approved subject to a
Conditional Zoning Agreement requiring submission and approval of a landscape plan to be
approved by the City. A rezoning to RM-20 would be inconsistent with the Comprehensive
Plan, and unless the Plan is amended staff does recommend approval of a rezoning to RM-20.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map.
Applicant's Justification for the Rezoning.
Concept Plan
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
13pdadm~',st [mp~,re z 9 512.CD
LOCATION MA?
REZ95-001~. ~D~RS TO RM-20
OUTLOT A, WH~SPEF~NG MEADOWS
SUBD.
r$1TE LOC~'TIONI
C:\WORKINO\RE:Z~ 9 $ -- 12
DEVELOPMENT LTD
2002 Dunlap Court
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Office (319) 337-5562
Fax (319) 337-5562
June 29, 1995
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is to serve as a brief explanation of our submission of
the enclosed zoning request.
The parcel for which the zoning application addresses is currently
zoned IDR5. In studying the zoning map it would appear that a
higher density would be appropriate.
The property to the west (Lakeside Apartments and MeadowLark
Condominiums) currently carry the RM44 zone. The property to the
east (T & M MiniMart) carries a CN1 zone. To the north, across
Highway 6, is a large I1 zone. The property to the South and East
is RFBH and further East is another RM20 zone.
Even though the land to the South of this site is RSS, it is
buffeted by a large stormwater detention pond and the new wetlands
park.
The RM20 zone requested by this developer seems to
choice for this particular tract of ground.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
CB DEVELOPMENT, LTD.
Carol Barker, President
be a logical
It.
2 05 acres
,t
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 3, 1995
To:
Planning and Zoning Commission
From:
Charles Denhey, Associate Planner
Re:
REZ95-0012: Outlot A Whispering Meadows
Attached is a letter from the applicant asking that their application be amended to request a
rezoning to the RM-12, Low Density, Multi-Family Residential zone instead of the RM-20,
Medium Density, Multi-Family Residential zone. Also attached is a revised concept plan
reflecting development of the site with three buildings and a total of 32 dwelling units.
Staff has been working with the applicant in an attempt to devise a concept plan which
addresses concerns associated with this property. We have been unable to arrive at a
concept plan which addresses both the City's concerns and the applicant's preference that
each dwelling unit be served by a carport and make use of a building design previously used
by the applicant.
The applicant's preferences combined with the unusual shape of the property and the
limitation that approximately 30% of the site cannot be built upon due to a sanitary sewer
easement may make it difficult to achieve the maximum allowable density for multi-family
development in the RM-12 zone of 16 units per acre. Issues related to site design and layout
are usually better dealt with at the time of site plan review. However, in this case, due to the
difficult site conditions and the location of this property at an entrance to Iowa City and the
Grant Wood neighborhood, it may be appropriate to consider a conditional zoning agreement
that includes site design guidelines.
Staff proposes a conditional zoning agreement for this property that requires development of
the site in conformance with a concept plan which addresses the following:
Staff recommends that only one access drive be provided to the site and that this drive be
located at least 200 feet from the intersection of the frontage road with Lakeside Drive.
This distance is based on a review of existing peak hour queues at the intersection and an
allowance for future growth in the Whispering Meadows and Sycamore Farms areas.
Staff recommends that a detailed landscape plan be submitted and approved as part of the
site plan r~,view. The landscaping sho,ld provide a buffer between the proposed dwellings
and the industrial area to the north.
The concept plan shows a series of carports arranged in a T shape. These carports are
surrounded by a driveway and additional outdoor parking spaces. Given this configuration,
staff is concerned about traffic circulation within the site. A secondary concern is the
prominent appearance of the carports from Lakeside Drive. Staff would recommend that
a more conventional parking lot layout be required.
At the July 20 Commission meeting, a question was raised regarding provision of stormwater
management on the site. The stormwater from this site flows to the north away from the
existing stormwater basin. In the approval of Whispering Meadows, Part 1, compensating
storage was provided in the basin south of this site to account for the stormwater from the
entire subdivision, including this site,
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the requested rezoning from ID-RS to RM-12 be approved subject to
a conditional zoning agreement containing the following conditions: 1 ) development of the site
in conformance with a concept plan approved by the City, 2) approval by the City of a
landscape plan as part of site plan review approval for the site, 3) limiting access to the site
to one location located at least 200 feet south of the intersection of Lakeside Drive and the
Highway 6 frontage road, and 4) City approval of the parking area and carport layout.
bc~lCO
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning
and Community Development
DEVELOPMENT LTD
2002 Dunlap Court
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Office (319) 337-5562
Fax (319) 337-5562
July 24, 1995
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter is to request our zoning application be changed from
RM20 to RM12 to comply with the City's comprehensive plan.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
CB DEVELOPMENT, LTD.
Carol Barker, President
0UTLOT "A~
88.282 sq fl
2.03 ocres
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
September 1, 1995
To:
From:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Charles Denney,(~ssociate Planner
Re:
REZ95-0012: Outlot A Whispering Meadows
To date staff has not received any new information regarding the requested rezoning of the
subject property. Staff has met with the applicant to discuss the concerns raised by the
Commission relative to rezoning of the site. The applicants may have a revised concept plan
available prior to the September 7 Commission meeting.
Staff continues to recommend approval of the requested rezoning from ID-RS to RM-12 subject
to a conditional zoning agreement containing the following conditions: 1) development of the site
in conformance with a concept plan approved by the City, 2) approval by the City of a landscape
plan as pan of site plan review approval of for the site, 3) limiting access to the site to one
location located at least 200 feet south of the intersection of Lakeside Drive and the Highway
6 frontage road, and 4) City approval of the parking area and carport layout.
Mary Lewis, President
56 Regal Lane
Iowa City, IA 52240
September 11, 1995
The Iowa City City Council
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council:
I would like to convey to you the feelings of members of our
neighborhood about the proposed development at Frontage Road and
Highway 6.
As a neighborhood, we would prefer to see this lot developed to the
lowest density possible, considering the many apartments and
duplexes in the area.
The developers unwillingness to work with members of the City staff
make it even more difficult to accomplish anything positive with
this proposed development. If zoned RM12, we support the
recommendations and conditions the staff has recommended along with
the site plan review before approval°
Thank you for your consideration in the matter.
Sincerely,
Mary Lewis
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 29th day of August,
1995, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa CiW, Iowa; at
AbyiCh hearing the Council will consider:
n ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
changing the use regulations of an ap-
proximate 29 acre tract of land located west
of Mormon Trek Boulevard and south of
Rohret Road from RS-50 Low Density Single-
Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned
Development Housing Overlay.
2. An amendment to City Code Title 14,
Chapter 6, Article V, "Minor Modification
Procedures," to allow parking for persons
with disabRitie~ in the front yard of a
commercial zone even when located adja-
cent to a residential zone.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons
wishing to make their views known for Council
consideration are encouraged to appear at the
above-mentioned time and place.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
ppdadmin~ccS-29.nph
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
September 7, 1995
City Council
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Mormon Trek Village
At the August 29 public hearing on Mormon Trek Village, a question was raised regarding the
potential presence of wetlands on the property. Wayne Peterson of the Environmental
Technical Advisory Committee and also an employee of the Soil Conservation Service and Tim
Thompson of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducted a field inspection of the
property on September 6, 1995. Based on this inspection, both concluded that there are no
jurisdictional wetlands on the property.
september 7, 1995
City Council
City of Iowa City
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are writing this letter to clarify our concerns and
thoughts relative to the proposed rezoning of the southeast
corner of Morman Trek Blvd. and Rohert Rd.
Our main concern is the density of this development. Under
the current RS5 zoning the density of a development would be
approximately 105 units. This development is for more than
double, 232 units. That is a very significant change in
density. We believe that you should be presented with
compelling reasons to vote yes for such a significant
change.
The City Staff supports the rezoning and provides some
compelling reasons for their support. They point out that
1) Iowa City needs more affordable housing, 2) there are not
many good locations in Iowa city for this type of
development and 3) Morman Trek and Rohert can absorb the
additional traffic.
These reasons are compelling and would support a yes vote
for most areas of Iowa City. However, this is not most areas
of Iowa City. This is Morman Trek; which we believe has the
highest density (i.e. most affordable housing) of any area
in Iowa City, excluding the dorm/Greek areas. At the last
council meeting we provided you with a density analysis
(Morman Trek - Melrose to Hwy. 1) that clearly shows this
high density. There are 32 developments, with density higher
than RS5; and only 3 with RS5 density. 1585 units (87%) rs.
238 units (13%).
The problems that Iowa City needs more affordable housing
and that there are not many options for such housing, do not
exist because of the Morman Trek area. This area has done
the most to el~m~late these problems. As to whether the
neighboring streets can handle the traffic increase, we're
not sure. We believe that most of this traffic will dump on
to Benton (during the rush hours), which is already heavy
and passes two elementary schools. Also, we believe that the
design of this development encourages its traffic to dump on
to Morman Trek right where it goes from four lanes to two,
at the bottom of two hills where traffic speed is at its
greatest and where the church daycare is located.
These concerns are shared by all the neighborhoods near the
development. These neighborhoods include many of the current
condo zero-lot, and townhouse developments. All of the
neighbors within 200 feet signed the zoning protest, except
one who is a partner of the developer and two we weren't
able to contact. We have two to three hundred petitions
signed by neighbors in the Morman Trek area.
In summary: We believe that we have nearly unanimous
neighborhoods' support to keep the current zoning. We have
demonstrated that this development adds high density to one
of, if not, the most dense areas of the city. We believe
that this development will add to and create new traffic
problems. Therefore, we do not believe there are any
compelling reasons for you to vote yes for this significant
change in zoning.
Thank you, we greatly appreciate the attention you've given
this matter.
Sincerely,
We have other comments as follows:
* We do not understand why the city would back a development
with narrow private streets that 1) requires adults and
children to cross busy streets to get to bus stops, 2)
encourage parking problems and 3) create challenges for
emergency vehicles.
* There is nothing in the Conditional Zoning Agreement that
expected prices for the development units. During the entire
Planning and Zoning Committee process the minimum expected
prices per the developer, as noted in the minutes, was in
the low $90,000. Then when this issue came before you, the
minimum became $65,000. If affordable housing is a main
issue than shouldn't the expected prices be reflected in the
conditional zoning agreement.
* From a public hearing process standpoint, we are a little
confused as to why it seems that we are having to
demonstrate why the zoning should remain the same, instead
of the developer and the staff having to demonstrate why the
zoning should be changed.
As to the comments noted at the last council meeting:
* Could single family units be developed on this site?
Fact: there is one RS5 housing development on the west side
of 218, just north of Rohert. Also, one of the most
expensive RS5 developments just went in on the east side of
218, on the south and north sides of Melrose.
* As to the "voices" that Mr. Cook stated were not at the
meeting. Most of them live in the Morman Trek area and many
of them signed the protests and petitions.
Finally, we want to emphasis that we do not want the zoning
to remain the same because of a fear of crime, gangs, or the
fact that the proposed housing will be substandard.
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o
0
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Mortgage Amortization
Key Figures
Annual Loan Payments $600.00
Monthly Payments $50.00
Interest in First Calendar Year$184.09
Inlerest Over Term of Loan $I 1,497.00
Sum of All Payments $18,000.00
Inputs
Loan Principal Amount $6,503.00
Annual Interest Rate 8.50%
Loan Period In Years 30
Base Year of Loan 1995
Base Month of Loan Sep
Payments In First 12 Months
Beginning Cumulative CumulaUve Ending
Year Mont Balance Payments P~cipal Interest Principal Interest Balance
Sep $6,503.00 $50.00 ' $3.94 $46.06 $3 94 $46.06 $6,499
Oct 6,499 06 50.00 3.96 46 04 7.90 92 10 6,495
Nov 6,495 10 50.00 3.99 46.01 11.89 138.11 8,491
Dec 6,491.11 50.00 4 02 45.98 15.91 184.09 6,487
1996 Jan 8,487.09 50.00 4.05 45.95 19.96 230.04 6,483
Feb 6,483.04 50 00 4.08 45.92 24.04 275.96 6,479
Mar 6,478.96 : 50.00. 4 11 45 89 28.15 32t.85 6,475
Apr 6,474.85 ¢ 50.00 4.14 45.86 3229 367.71 6,471
May 6,470.71 50.00, 4.17 45.83 36.46 413.54 6,467
Jun 6,466.54 50.00 4.20 45 86 40.66 459.34 6,462
Jul 6,462.34 50.00 4.23 45.77 44 89 505.11 6,458
Aug 6,458.11 50.00 4.26 45.74 49.15 550 85 6,454
Yearly Schedule of Balances and Payments
Beginning Cumula~ve Cumulative Ending
Year Balance Payments Principal Interest Principal Interest Balance
1996 $8,487.09 $600.00 $51 549 $66.81 733.19 $6,436
1997 6,436.19 600.00 55 545 121.84 1,278.16 8,381
1998 6,381.16 600.00 60 540 181.74 1,818.26 6,321
1999 6,321.26 600.0d 65 535 246 94 2,353.06 6,256
2000 6,256.06 600.00 71 529 317 89 2,882.11 6,185
2001 6,185.11 600.00 77 523 395.12 3,404.88 6,108
2002 6,107.88 600.00 84 516 479.18 3,920 82 6,024
2003 6,023.82 600.00 91 509 570 66 4,429.34 5,932
2004 5,932 34 600.00 100 500 67023 4,929 77 5,833
2005 5,832.77 600.00 108 492 778 61 5,421 39 5,724
2006 5,724.39 600.00 118 482 89656 5,903.44 5,606
2007 5,606.44 .600 00 128 472 1,024.94 6,375 06 5,478
2008 5,478.06 600.00 140 460 1,164 66 8,835.34 5,338
2009 5,338.34 600.00 152 448 1,316.74 7,283.26 5,186
2010 5,186.26 600.0~. 186 434 1,482.25 7,717.75 5,021
2011 5,020.75 ~600.OE 180 420 1,662.40 8,137.80 4,841
2012 4,840.60 ,~00.00 196 404 1,85847 8,541.53 4,645
2013 4,644.53 -600.00' 213 387 2,071.87 8,928.13 4,431
2014 4,431.13 600.00 232 368 2,304.14 9.295.86 4,199
2015 4,198.86 600.00 253 347 2.556.93 9,643.07 3,946
2016 3,946 07 600.00 275 325 2,832.07 9,967.93 3.671
2017 3:670.93 600.00 299 301 3,131.53 10,268.47 3,371
2018 31'371.47 600.00 326 274 3,45746 10,542.54 3,046
2019 3,045.54 600.00. 355 245 3,812.20 10,787.80 2,691
2020 2,690.80 600.00 386 214 4,198.29 11,001.71 2,305
2021 2,304.71 600.00 420 180 4,618.51 11,181.49 1,884
2022 1,884.49 600.00 457 143 5,075.87 11,324.13 1,42.7
2023 1,427.13 600.00 498 102 5,573.66 11,428 34 929
2024 920.34 600.00 542 58 6,115.45 11,484.55 388
2025 387.55 400.00 388 12 6,503.00 11,497.00 0
Mortgage Amortization
Key Figures
Annual Loan Payments $900.00
Monthly Payments $75.00
Interest in First Calendar Year ' $276.11.
Interest Over Term of Loan $17,246.00
Sum of All Payments $27,000.00
Inputs
Loan Principal Amount $9.754.00
Annual Interest Rate 8.50%
Loan Period in Yearn 30
Base Year of Loan 1995
Base Month of Loan Sep
Payments in First 12 Months
Beginning
Year Mont Balance Payments Principal Interest
Sep $9,754.00 $75.00 $5.91 $89.09
Oct 9,748.09 75.00 5.95 69.05
Nov 9,742.14 75.00 5.99 69.01
Dec 9,736.15 75.00 6.04 68 96
1996 Jan 9,730.11 75.00 6.08 68.92
Feb 9,724.03 75.00 6.12 68.88
Mar 9,717.91 75.00 6 16 68.84
Apr 9,711.75 75.00 6.21 68.79
May 9,705.54 75.00 6.25 68.75
Jun 9,699.29 75.00 6.30 68.70
Jul 9,692.99 75.00 6 34 68.66
Aug 9,686.65 75.00 6.39 68 61
Yearly Schedule of Balances and Payments
Beginning
Year Balance Paymen~ Prindpal Interest
1996 $9,730.11 $900.00'- $76 824
1997 9,654.29 900.00 83 817
1998 9,571.73 900.00 90 810
1999 9,481.88 900.00 98 802
2000 9,384.09 900.00 106 794
2001 9,27766 90000' 116 784
2002 9,161.81 900.00 126 774
2003 9,035.73 900.00' 137 763
2004 8,898.51 900.00 149 751
2005 8,749.15 ~00.00 163 737
2006 8,586.59 ~900.00 177 723
2007 8,409.66 900.00 193 707
2008 8,217.10 '900.00 210 690
2009 8,007.51 900.00 228 672
2010 7,779.40 900.00 248 652
2011 7,531.12 900.00 270 630
2012 7,260.90 90000 294 606
2013 6,966.79 900.00 320 580
2014 6,646.69 900.0~ 348 552
2015 6,298.29 900 0~' 379 521
2016 5,919.10 900.00 413 487
2017 5;506.39 ~00.00 449 451
2018 5,057.21 900.00 489 411
2019 4,568.31 900.00 532 368
2020 4,036.21 90000 579 321
2021 3,457.07 900.00 630 270
2022 2,826.74 900.00 886 214
2023 2,140.69 900.00 747 153
2024 1,394.00 900.00 813 87
2025 581.32 600.00 581 19
Cumulative Cumula~e Ending
P~nclpal Interest Balance
$5 91 $69.09 $9,748
11.86 138.14 9,742
17.85 207.15 9,736
23.89 276.11 9,730
29.97 345.03 9,724
36.09 413.91 9,718
42 25 482.75 9,712
48.46 551.54 9,706
54.71 620 29 9,699
61.01 688.99 9,693
67.35 757.65 9,687
73.74 826.26 9,680
Cumulative Cumulat~e Ending
Principal Intem~ Balance
$99.71 1,100.29 $9,8~'
182.27 1,917.73 9,572
272.12 2,727.88 9,482
369.91 3,530.09 9,384
476.34 4,323.66 9,278
592.19 5,107.81 9,162
718.27 5,881.73 9,036
855.49 6,644.51 8,899
1,004.85 7,395.15 8,749
1,167.41 8,132.59 8.587
1,344.34 8,855.66 8,4t0
1,536.90 9,563.10 8,217
1,748 49 10,253.51 8,008
1,974.60 10,925.40 7,779
2,222.88 11,577.12 7,531
2,493.10 12,206 90 7,261
2,787.21 12,812.79 6,967
3,107.31 13,392.69 6,647
3.455.71 13,944.29 6,298
3,834.90 14.465.10 5,919
4,247.61 14,952.39 5,506
4,696.79 15,403.21 5,057
5,185 69 15,814.31 4,568
5,717.79 16,182.21 4,036
6,296.93 16,503.07 3,457
6,927.26 18,772.74 2,827
7,613.31 16,986.69 2,141
8,360.00 17,140.00 1,394
9,172.68 17,227.32 581
9,754.00 17,246.00 0
Mortgage Amortization
Key Figures
Annual Loae Payments $1.200.00
Monthly Payments $100.00
Interest in First Calendar Year $368.17
Interest Over Term of Loan $22,994.00'
Sum of All Payments $36,000.00
Inputs
Loan Principal Amount $13.006.00
Annual Interest Rate 8.50%
Loan Pedod in Yearn 30
Base Year of Loan 1995
Base Month of Loan Sep
Payments In First 12 Months
Beginning ;. Cumulative Cumula~e Ending
Year Mont Balance Payments Principal Interest Principal Interest Balance
Sep $13,006.00 $100.00 $7.87 $92.13 $7.87 $92.13 $12,998
Oct 12,998.13 100.00 7.93 92.07 15.80 184.20 12,990
Nov 12,990 20 100.00 7 99 92 01 23.79 276.21 12,982
Dec 12,98Z21 100.00 8.04 91.96 31.83 368.17 12,974
1996 Jan 12,974.17 100.00 8.10 91.90 39.93 480.07 12,966
Feb 12,966.07 "100.00. 8 16 91.84 48.09 55191 12,958
Mar 12,957.91 100.00 821 91.79 56.30 643 70 12,950
Apr 12,949.70 100.00 8.27 91.73 64.57 735.43 12,941
May 12,941.43 100.00 8.33 91.67 72.90 827.10 12,933
Jun 12,933.10 100 00 8.39 91.61 81.29 918.71 12,925
Jul 12,924.71 100.00 8.45 91.55 89.74 1,010.26 12,916
Aug 12,916.26 100.00 8.51 91.49 98.25 1,101.75 12,908
Yearly Schedule of Balances and Payments
Beginning CumuMUve Cumula~e Ending
Year Balance Payments Principal Interest Principal Interest Balance
1996 $12,974.17 $1,200.00 $102 1,098 $133.62 1,466.38 $12,872
1997 12,872 38 1,200.00 110 1,090 243.69 2,556.31 12,762
1998 12,762.31 1,200.00 120 1,080 363.49 3,636.51 12,643
1909 12,642.51 1,200.00 130 1,070 493.88 4,706.12 12,512
2000 12,512.12 1,200.00 142 1,058 635.79 5,764.21 12,370
2001 12,370.21 1,200.00 154 1,046 790.25 6,809.75 12,216
2002 12,215.75 1,200.00 168 1,032 958.36 7,841.64 12,048
2003 12,047.64 1,200.00 183 1.017 1,141.33 8,858.67 11,865
2004 11,86467 1,200.00 199 1,001 1,340.47 9,859.53 11,666
2005 11,665.53 1.200.00 217 983 1,557.21 10,842.79 11,449
2006 11,448.79 1,200.00 238 964 1,793.12 11,806.88 11,213
2007 11,212.88 lf200 00 257 943 2,049 87 12,750.13 10,956
2008 10,956.13 1,200 00 279 921 2,329.32 13,670.68 10,677
2009 10,676.68 1,20000 304 896 2,633.47 14,566.53 10,373
2010 10,372.53 1,200 00 331 869 2,964.51 15,435.49 10,041
2011 10,041.49 1,20000 360 840 3,324.80 16,275.20 9,881
2012 9,681.20 1,200.00 392 808 3,716.94 17,083.06 9,289
2013 9,28906 1,200.00 427 773 4,143.74 17,856.26 8,862
2014 8,862.26 1,200.00 465 735 4,808.27 18,591.73 8,398
2015 8,397.73 1;200.00 506 694 5,113.86 19,286.14 7,892
2016 7,892.14 1,200 00 550 850 5.664 14 19,935.86 7,342
2017 7;341.86 1,200.00 599 601 8,263.06 20,536.94 6,743
2018 6,742.94 1,200.00 652 548 6,914.92 21,085.08 6,091
2019 6,091.08 1,200.00 709 491 7,624.39 21,575.61 5,382
2020 5,381.61 1,200.00 772 428 8,396.58 22,003.42 4,609
2021 4,609.42 1,200.00 840 360 9,237.02 22,362.98 3,769
2022 3.768.98 1,200.00' 915 285 10,151.75 22,648 25 2,854
2023 2,854 25 1,200.00 '996 204 11,147.33 22,852.67 1,859
2024 1,858.67 1,200.00 1,084 116 12.23091 22,969.09 775
2025 775.09 800.00 775 25 13,006.00 22,994.00 0
Rohret
Road
Coil Driv;/
Waiden Road
Mormon Trek Bird
I
Benton St
The Mormon Tre!',/Rohret Road Intersection is the small
end of a big funnel. Will a Stop Light solve all
The SAFETY iSSUES g CONCERNS?
Many Americans are choosing to live m private, guarded communities llke Klahanie, which is east of Scotde.
Many Seek Security 'in Private Communities
By TIMOTHY EGAN
BEAR CREEK, Wash., Sept. 2 --
Them are no pesky doorbellers, be
they politicinns or Girl Scouts, al-
lowed Inside this community of high
ceilings sprouting under the fir trees
east of Seattle. A random encounter
is the last thing people here want.
There is a new perk, every blade
of grass in shape -- but for members
only. Four private guards man the
entrance gates 24 hours a day, keep-
ing the 500 residents of Bear Creek
m ~ .early clime-free bubbin. And
should a dog try to stray outside its
yard. the pet would be instantly
The Serene Fortress
A special report.'
zapped by an electronic monitor.
The streets are private. The sew-
ers are private. There is gun control.
Residents tax themselves heavily,
dictate house colors and shrubbery
heights for their neighbors. and have
built in the kinds of natural buffers
and environmental protections that
are the envy of nearby middle-class
communities that remain open to the
public
Bear Creek is doing for Itself vlr-
tually everything that local govern-
ment used to do. But in place of
municipal rules are a set of regula-
tions so restrictive that many could
be found unconstitutional should a
city government enact them.
More than ever, a walled-in pri-
vate town like Bear Creek Is exactly
what the American homeowner
wants -- even here in the Pacific
Northwest, a largely white, low-
crime corner of the country with
barely a hundred-year history of
city-building·
The fastest-growing residential
c,~mmunitlc~ m the nation arc pri-
Continued on Page 10, Column
Many Seek Security Behind Walls and Guards of Private Col
-probably aren'~ that different than
The Issue of Loyalties
Community Spirit
'Is Put to the Test
Whether communities as a whole
are still withng to tax themselves to
pay fro' public space and common
amenities wig be tested soon in Se-
,attle, a city consistently named one
o! the nation's most livable·
In what seems to some people like
an old-fashioned effort to build a
better city, Seattle voters will decide
on Sept. 19 whether to raise their.
taxes to build a huge new park and
residential community, called the
Seattle Commons, in the center of
the city, near the downtown area. On
the same ballot will be a King Coun-
ty proposal to raise taxes to build a
$270 million major league baseball
stadium with a retractable roof. The
votes from the fast-growing private
communities in the county will be
crucial to the outcome of the sta-
dmm proposal.
Later in the fall, Seattle voters will
decide whether to raise rexes again
to help build housing for first-time
homeowners and low- to moderate-
income renters.
These three measures are de-
signed to shore up the kinds of basic
amenities that cities have always
provided. MayOr Norm Rice said the
Seattle Commons proposal. a $100
million property tax levy that would
cost the average Seattle homeowner
about $48 a year for elghl years,
would lure fatalhas into a well-
planned neighborhood close to
schools, parks and open space.
As il Is, Seattle Is not exactly a
paradigm of urban decay. The num-
ber of jobs, new housing and prop-
erty values are all rising, and crime
is falling. It Is a city of detached
homes on hillsides, with views of
mountains and water. The city, with
a population of 530.000. has had 34
murders this year, a 37 percent drop
compared with the number at this
Iime last year.
Still, many have simply given up
ou the concepl of a workable public
city. With so many residents retreat-
ing rate neighborhoods with their
own private parks and open space,
and with distrust of government so
high, the fate of Seattle's nearly $500
rafthen effort at urban renewal is in
doubt.
"Residential areas In Sealtie will
simply not improve," said Hal Mills,
president of the community associa-
tion at Bear Creek, reflecting a fair-
ly common view of people who live
here, across Lake Washington from
Seattle. The east side suburbs, in-
cluding the private communities, ris-
ing from the forests, now have a
dents and their guests. hi Klahanie, above. a private dents wekome restnc:~ons that Keep the predn
combined population nearly half thai
of Seattle.
Mr. Mills, a retired oil company
executive, lived in Hawaii and the
San Francisco area before moving to
the suburbs east of Seatlie in 1989.
He goes to Seattle to see plays or an
occasional baseball game and for
restaurants, he said. But he cannot
see much of a future for Seattle, the
biggest city in the Northwest, as a
place where people would want to
live.
In places like Bear Creek, Mr.
Mills said: "The citizens have
moved ahead of government. The
government has not kept up with
what people want."
In Bear Creek, most homes range
in cost from $300,0011 to $600,000, and
there are at least a half-dozen pri-
vate committees governing every-
thing from house colors (usually
nothing stronger than beige or gray)
to whether basketball hoops can be
attached to the garage (they are
prohibited).
Back in Seattle, a dream of the
Commons visionaries is to return
salmon to a creek that would flow
from the center of the new park,
near downtown, to nearby Lake
Union. But m Bear Creek, Mr. Mills
says with pride, salmon already
swim in the local stream. Residents
not only tax themselves to pay far
their private green space, but they
practice a sirtel environmental ethic
as well, he said.
The Life Style
A Plethora of Rules
Seek Perfect World
The private toGns seek to create
an idealized America, and their bast-
ness Is booming. The Wait Dmney
Company. betler known for pro-
ducing fantasy theme parks. j~
nouncod plans to develop
complete city, called Celebra
planned communily of 20.001
dents south of Orlando. Fla.
Pnvale communities are p
in many areas of the nab
Southern Callforms, real
agents say a third of all new
ments built in the last five
have been dated and are red
by private governments. Th
urbs outside Dallas, Phoenix.
region. D.C., and major cities i
ida are also big strongholds
rate communities. Last year,
soto's hrst dated community.
path, was buth near Eden Pr~
Typically. the development.,
unincorporated areas. Often,
Garreau pointed out in hi``
"Edge City: Life on the New
tier," (Anchor/Doubleday,
they are named for the
landscape thai was ehmina
make way for Ibe developm
many instances. they are not c
Prosecution Weighs Removing Oklahoma Ju&
OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 2 (AP)
-- The United States Attorney pros-
ecuting the Oklahoma City bombing
case says that the Justice Depart-
ment has not decided wbether to
support the defense's effort to re-
move the judge.
"The Department of Justice Is
considering the motion to recuse,
trying to decide what the position of
the Government ought to be," the
United States Attorney, Patrick
Ryan, said In an article published
today in The Daily Oklahoman.
Mr. Ryan did not say what his
recommendation was, or would be.
to the Justice Department, but he
spoke favorably of the Judge, Wayne
Alley of United States District Court.
Late last month, defense lawyers
asked Judge Alley to step aside,
questioning whether he could be ira.
partial because of his personal con.
neettons to the case.
Judge Alley's courtroom. across
the street from the Federal Building
that was destroyed in the Aprd 19
bombing, was heavily damaged and
a member of his staff received cuts
and bruises. The judge was not in the
courthouse at the time, and he said
in a statement issued before the de-
fense motion was filed that he saw no
reason to step aside.
"None of my personal property
was destroyed or damaged except
for minor nicks to two el
items." the judge said. "I
family or friends in the bomb
attended no funerals. No one
staff lost any family membe
Judge Alley, reached at h
Friday mght, had no caramel
the article in The Dally Okla
Judge Alley was chosen at
on Aug. 10 after a grand jur.~
ed Timothy J. McVelgh and ']
Nichols. If convicted, they f
death penally.
The defense Is also seeking
the real moved out of O1~
City, saying that passions
local people were too great I,
that defendants got a fair tr
IDF, AS
CATCH FIRE.
Ideas ahout improving your world.
your career, your community,
your home, your investments, your
wardrobe, your meals, your free time
and more, Ignite in the pages of
Gay Officer in Air Force Faces Dischar
OMAHA, Sept. 2 (AP) -- An Air
Force officer who is homosexual
says he has been told he will be
discharged, ending his 10-year mili-
tary career.
The Air Force informed the offi-
cer, Capt. Rich Rlchenberg, of its
decision on Thursday, said his la~v-
yet. Tom Kayset of Mlnneapohs.
The lawyer, quoted In The Omaha
World-Herald, said Captain Rlchen-
berg, 37, would seek a Federal court
order to delay the discharge.
The discharge, which was set for,
next week. would stop his pay and
benefits.
Caplain Richenberg has I
sisting Air Force efforts
charge inm since 1993, whel
his commander of his sexual
tion. Later that year, a panel
senior officers recommende~
be discharged.
The Pentagon later inst
policy that allowed bomose
serve as long as they aveida
activity and kept their sexm
vale.
Captain Ricbenberg was
hearing under the new po:
was again recommended
charge.
Mormon Trek Blvd. and Rohret Rd.
1994 Average Daily Traffic Counts
and Estimated Roadway Capacity
Melrose Ave.
1994 Count: 5,700 vehicles per day (vpd)
Capacity: 20,000 vpd
1994 Count: 3,190 vpd
Capacity: 10,000 vpd
Rohret Rd,
[-- Proposed
I Mormon Trek
I Village I
Benton St.
~L~1994 Count: 11,500 vpd
Capacity: 20,000 vpd
~,1994 Count: 7,900 vpd
Capacity: 20,000 vpd
Abbey Lane
1994 EST.
pacity:
8,800 vpd
11,000 vpd
cot eldm~Faphics~oco'~nt-rrmap.cdr
Christine McLennan
2553 Walden Road,
Iowa City. la. 54426.
Ph. 13191358.8111
11 September, 1995.
Susan Horowitz,
Mayor of Iowa City,
Chairperson of City Council,
Civic Center,
IOWA CITY. IA. 52242.
Dear Mayor and Members of City Council,
I write regarding the proposed development, bounded by Rohret Road,
Mormon Trek Blvd and Highway 218, I would make the following brief
points -
1. The development is being promoted by one group lthe
developers] and being opposed by many individual unrelated personsiThere
has been no compelling reason put as to why change the existtng:oning,
excepting a developer's plan. There Is no compelling need forthIs
development, especially with the major employers in Iowa Cityeither static
or declining. The only need demonstrated is a business need of one
individual, balanced against the business needs of the near community.
2. A member of the group who developed Iowa 2000 spoke at the
last Council meeting, quiteeloquently about taking this document seriously -
I believe that the quality of life, opportunity, etc., that are dIscussed lrihat
document apply equally to those of us already resident in '.he area and
who feel threatened by this development. These several hundred people are
no different than the 9people who drew up the document - and resil~tssured
I do take this document very seriously.
3. A speaker at the meeting l? anotherdeveloper] expressed the
view that single family housingwould fail in this area as it was too close to
Highway 218. Similar developments in Coralville seem to argue againsthat
supposition - and why should multifamily dwellings be built where single
families would not live? If it is unityable - declare it a parkl
4. The Iraifs: issues and the full quota of studentsat Weber
Elementary School have been discussed for a number ooioeeks, without any
evidence that traffic conditions on Mormon Trek, or surrounding streets,
would not be adversely affected by the development. Indeed, the
information available is that Mormon TrekIs already quite saturated - and
no other evldenceto the contrary has been tabled. Nor do I believe has the
Weber Elementary School issue has been discussed in a factual way.
5. This development is not about affordable housing, and I do not
know why that was raised as an issue. The housing will besoid for market
value; and as always people will get what they pay for. And have to pay
extra for snow removal and other like services.
6. The issue of crlrne was raised - this was not as a personalssue
but by an obviously concerned elderly individual. He asked, in his own
way, whether high density areas are more prone to crime. I would think
that examining that notion objectively in Iowa City may provide a
satisfactory answer - currently no-one perhaps knows -but ~f that is the
case one would have to try to plan the area differently.
7. I think too we should keep in mind the welfareof the children
who will undoubtedly live in this proposed development. A very popular
catch phrase used these days is 'children are our future' and that phrase
should be remernbered when we are creating environments for our children
to grow in. It is an example that will stay with them through their lives and
the example should be one of safety and space not one of crowded
accommodation, lack of playing areas and fear for their own well being. It
is unfortunate enough that those feelings are~bundant in some larye cities
and there is no reason to bring them into our cornmunity.
8. Finally, Iowa City is a great place to live - people usually pay
r~re or buy less for this type of experience. Iowa City has to be careful not
to disturb that unique quality of life that weail cherish,. and allowing dense
development in an already densely populated area ]when the expectation
was RS 5 when we all moved here] has the capacity to do Just that. The
neighborhood currently is soctally fragilebecause of the current density -
something we all feel but have difficulty in expressing.
In summary, all of the concerns expressed here and overthe last few weeks
have been with regard to density -impacting on traffic, schools, quall/41 of
life and social harmony. There is ~ compelling reason for this development
excepting a business decision by one individual. Unless those concernare
objectively answered ina positive manner, and compelling reasons pu!for
the development~ then I would have to remain opposed to lhe density
aspects of the development.
Yours respec!fully,
CHRISTINE McLENNAN.
August 30, 1995
Mr. Ernie Lehman, City Council
c/o Engler's of Iowa City, Inc.
118 S. Clinton St.
Iowa City, Ia. 52240
Subject: Mormon Trek Village Development Proposal
Dear Mr. Lehman:
It was a pleasure to speak with you during a break in the city
council meeting last Tuesday evening. As I explained to you then,
I do not want to speak publicly because I am a realtor who needs to
deal with Gary Watts in my profession. Obviously that would put us
both in a very awkward position because I personally oppose this
development.
Would you please share this information with the other members of
the city council before voting on the proposed development.
Housing affordability and availability - Real Estate sales for the
first half of 1995 are down approximately 30% compared to the same
period last year. Reasons include a decrease in the number of
buyers - estimates of about three hundred positions at the
University Hospital vacated but not filled, the U of I hired only
about half the number of people compared to previous years, coupled
with personnel layoffs at other area companies such as Rockwell in
Coralville and Louis Rich. Perhaps in your position you can see
farther than I, but from what I have heard, this is a trend that
could continue for some time.
As of this morning there are:
46 single family homes available from minimum $49,000 to $99,900
31 zero lot line homes available from minimum $79,900 to $99,900
46 condominium styles available from minimum $39,900 to $99,500
(24 on Westside Drive Alone - which is behind New Life Fitness)
That is a lot of housing available UNDER $100,000. I have also
included copies of the same categories from $100,000 to $120,000
(single family 41, zero lot 24, condos 17).
Why are there the same number of condos on the market in this low
price range as there are single family homes, even though the
demand for condos is typically much less? Read on for
affordability.
-2-
Purchase Monthly Assoc. Income
Price Paym't Fees Required
($85,500 mortg. (minimum)
@ 8 1/2%fixed)
Single Fam. $90,000 $807.41 $00 $34,603.
Condo " ,' $75 $37,818.
(Monthly payment includes $657.41 princ. & interest, plus $150
estimate for taxes and insurance)
All things being equal, a person buying a condo must make
approximately $3,215. more a year than a person who buys a single
family home. Why? Because the increase in their monthly payment to
cover association dues means they will qualify for less of a
mortgage.
In addition, the above example assumes that both housing types can
be purchased with only 5% down. In reality, if a condo project has
not been approved by Fannie Mae (and most of the projects in Iowa
City/Coralville have NOT), the lenders will require a 25%
downpayment to receive a fixed rate mortgage. That means the buyer
for this "low cost" housing needs $22,500. as a downpayment to buy
a condo. That is why many "affordable" condos here are bought by
investors who turn around and rent them. The covenants and
restrictions could state that these could not be rented, but the
downpayment is still a major factor. In-house financing could
possibly be obtained with 20% down but at higher rates and for much
shorter terms. So, condos with a smaller price tags do not
necessarily equate with affordable family housing. Thus the reason
most lower income buyers do not buy condos.
Street Size and Parking -- The condo project to the north of Walden
Woods (Sylvan Glen, Clearwater, etc.,) at about 8 p.m. will show
city council members why we are concerned about rentals and
adequate parking.
As you and I agree, the current zoning requirements in the area of
parking are inadequate. Underground parking in this proposed
development would probably allow for one car per unit, with a space
for one more outside. But what about when these people have
visitors or if there are three roommates each owning a vehicle?
With the 25' streets having ADJACENT sidewalks, vehicles may pull
up on the sidewalks or possibly "jump the curb" accidentally
causing a potential for injury.
-3-
I know members of this council live on 25' city streets in older
neighborhoods; 15 or so years ago there were a lot less vehicles
traversing IC than there are now, the sidewalks are not adjacent to
these streets and the density is not as high. If the city planners
felt 29' streets would better accommodate our city's traffic, than
I think this should be consistent. Other developers have had to
comply and pay the additional costs for implementation of the wider
streets.
Most privately owned developments maintained by association fees
are also typically much smaller than 28 acres. Even in Walden
Woods where the density is 4+ units per acre, and the streets are
29' wide, maneuvering out of driveways is extremely difficult when
cars are parked on the street. Because of the smaller lots here,
the only available street parking is always directly across from
someone's driveway. Certainly this problem is magnified with
higher density and narrower streets~
This area of land will be developed in the future. If all else
fails, there were bids lower than 1.3 million dollars for these 28
acres. Mr. Carson may have to receive less of a sale price in order
to make the development costs more reasonable and therefore more
affordable for less density.
One more point. Zero lot/single family homes have been built and
sold along Interstate 80 in Coralville. As far as noise level,
etc., this compares very closely to this same parcel along 380 and
stating that this type of housing wouldn't sell has already been
proved to the contrary.
This is longer than I would like but as short as I can make it and
hopefully make sense. If you have more questions, need further
elaboration or clarified, don't hesitate to give me a call. My
numbers are 354-0581 (w), 354-4847 (h), 331-2230 (m).
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for bringing this to
the other council members attention.
Sincerely,
Karen A. McEwen
Broker Associate, Iowa Realty
NOTICE OF PUBI-IC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th day of Septem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance am,)nding Title 14, Chapter
4, "Land Control and Development,"
Article C, "Historic Preservation Regula-
tions," Section 3, "Historic Preservation
Commission," by increasing the required
number of at large appointments to the
Historic Preservation Commission, and by
amending the provisions for filling vacat-
ed, unexpired terms.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file for
public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons
wishing to make their views known for Council
consideration are encouraged to appear at the
above-mentioned time and place.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
ppdadmin~cc9-12.nph
ORDINANCE NO. ~ '
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER
4, "LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT,"
ARTICLE C, "HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGU-
LATIONS," SECTION 3, "HISTORIC PRESER-
VATION COMMISSION," BY AMENDING THE
MEMBERSHIP RULES OF THE HISTORIC PRES-
ERVATION COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the City Coun(~il has directed ar
CiW boards and commissions to amend their
bylaws with regard to the filling of vacated,
unexpired terms; and
WHEREAS, the requested amendments to the
bylaws of the Historic Preservation Commission
necessitate changes in Title I~,, Chapter 4,
Land Control and Development, Article C,
Historic Preservation Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council
wish to also amend the Commission's member-
ship rules by requiring the appointment of a
greater number of at large members to the
Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, a greater number of at large
members is r~quired in order to ensure that the
membership of the Commission consists of
individuals with the techr~tcal expertise neces-
sary to make sound decisions regarding historic
preservation issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 14, Chapter
4, Land Control and Development, Article C,
Historic Preservation Regulations, Section 3,
Historic Preservation Commission, is hereby
amended as follows:
a. Section 14-4C-3B is hereby amended to
read as follows:
B. Members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the City Council. At least
one resident of each designated historic
district shall be appointed to the Com-
mission. Other members shall be chos-
en at large from an,/ part of the City
and shall have some expertise in histo-
ry, urban planning, architecture, ar-
chaeology, law, sociology or other
closely related field, or shall demon-
strate interest in the area of historic
preservation. At least thrcc {3} four |41
members shall hold appointments at
large. Should the number of officially
Ordinance No.
Page 2
designated City historic districts exceed
fc'J; {'!.} three (3} in number, a 'new
member shall be added to the Commis-
sion for each new district in excess of
...... ) three (3) districts. The new
member shall be appointed by the City
Council as soon as practicable after the
official designation of the historic dis-
trict triggering the operation of the
preceding clause.
b. Section 14-4C-3D is hereby amended to
read as follows:
D. Vacancies occurring in the'Commission~
other than by expiration of term of
office, shall be filled only for the unox
~ ...... shall be filled by appoint-
ment ~,t~ the City Council in accordance
wlth the by-laws of the Commission.
SECTION I1. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication ~hall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
September 7, 1995
City Council
Douglas Russell, Chair
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Proposed Ordinance Amending the Historic Preservation Regulations.
The Rules Committee has recently asked all City Boards and Commissions to amend their
by-laws to allow the Council more flexibility when appointing replacements for vacated,
unexpired terms. The Historic Preservation Commission agrees that the proposed
amendments make sense and will streamline the process by removing unnecessary steps
in filling vacated seats on the various City Boards and Commissions. However, amending
the Commission's by-laws in this manner will also require amending Section 14-4C-3D of
the City Code, which specifies that such vacancies in the Historic Preservation
Commission "shall be filled only for the unexpired term." The Commission does not know
why that provision was specifically included in the Historic Preservation Regulations to
begin with, and has no problems with amending it in accordance with the recommendation
of the Rules Committee. The ordinance under discussion revises this section by stating
that appointments to the Commission shall be made by the City Council "in accordance
with the by-laws of the Commission," A resolution amending the Commission's by-laws
by adopting the language suggested by the Rules Committee will be introduced to the
Council at the time that this ordinance receives its final reading.
Since amendments to the Historic Preservation Regulations are required for the
recommended change, the Commission felt it would be a good opportunity to amend
another section of the regulations that deals with its membership. The Code of Iowa
requires that a local historic preservation commission include a representative from each
locally designated historic district, as well as at large members with expertise in one of a
number of specified fields, such as architecture, history, planning, law, etc. No specific
number of et large members is mentioned, but City Code specifies that et least three at
large members are required. When the number of historic districts exceeds four, the
Commission membership is to expand to make room for the new district representatives.
In the past, the Commission has had no problems in including e representative from each
district as well as people with the experflsa necessary to conduct the Commission's
business.
The proposed amendment would increase the number of at large Commission members
from three to four and retain the requirement of one representative per historic district. As
a result, the Commission would expand when the number of historic districts exceeds
three. Thus, an eighth member would be added next spring when the Moffitt Cottage
Historic District representative is appointed to the Commission.
If no changes are made to the current regulations, the Moffitt Cottage Historic District
representative would displace one of the existing at large seats on the Commission. There
are currently four at large representatives because prior to this there were only three
historic districts. The terms of two at large Commission members expire next spring, one
of which is currently filled by the only architect on the Commission, and one by the
Commission's only historian. The Commission feels that it is essential to have both fields
represented. Maintaining the status quo will place the Council in the position of having to
choose between the two fields at that time, leaving the Commission without the services
of the other until the next opportunity comes along. The proposed amendments would not
only help solve the curront situation, but will provide more flexibility in the future for the
Council to appoint individuals with the necessary expertise for the effective operation of
the Commission's business. In addition, the additional at large appointment will help to
ensure that the Commission does not become a neighborhood interest group, but retains
its focus on history.
I will be in attendance at your September 12 public hearing on this item to answer any
questions that the Council may have.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT
AND ESTIMATED COST FOR
THE IOWA RIVER CORRIDOR TRAIL,
IOWA MEMORIAL UNION BRIDGE
TO IOWA AVENUE, PROJECT
IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED
PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will con-
duct a public hearing on plans, specifications,
form of contract and estimated cost for the
construction of the Iowa River Corridor Trail,
Iowa Memorial Union Bridge to Iowa Avenue,
Project in said City at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th
day of September, 1995, said meeting to be
held in the Council Chambers in the Civic Cen-
ter in said City.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract
and estimated cost are now on file in the office
of the City Clerk in the Civic Center in Iowa
City, Iowa, and may be inspected by any
interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said
meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to and comments concerning
said plans, specifications, contract or the cost
of making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as
provided by law.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Howar~ompany
Projeyo. ~_15-J
SECTOr 00031
Water System Improve~'~, ~.1
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND
ESTIMATED COST FOR WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS, JORDAN WELL NO. 1
PROJECT IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED
PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct
a public headng on plans, specifications, form of
contract and estimated cost for the construction
of the Water System Improvements, Jordan Well
No. 1 Project in said City at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th
day of September, 1995, said meeting to be held
in the Council Chambers in the Civic Center in
said City.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimated cost are now on file in the office of the
City Clerk in the Civic Center in Iowa City, Iowa,
and may be inspected by any interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said
meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to and comments concoming
said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of
making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City Council
of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by
law.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
NO EARING
, "~a C~ty Water '~sion
Ground Storage Resetvol. Pump S~..m I~.vements
SEC~3t~3'I
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND
ESTIMATED COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF GROUND STORAGE RESERVOIR PUMP
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED
PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct
a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of
contract and estimated cost for the construction of
the Ground Storage Reservoir Pump System
Improvements, In said City at 7:30 P.M. on the
12th day of September, 1995, said meeting to be
held in the Council Chambers in the Civic Center
in said City.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimated cost are now on file In the office of the
City Clerk in the Civic Center in Iowa City, Iowa,
and may be inspectted by any interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said
meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to and comments concerning
said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of
making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City Council
of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by
law.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
NOTIC~RING
.oo
NOTICE OF PUBUC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City Council
of Iowa City will hold a public hearing on the
12th day of September, 1995, at 7:30 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of the City of Iowa City,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa,
regarding the intent to convey approximately
433 square feet of vacant, landlocked, City-
owned property abutting the Roberts Home
Town Dairy at North Dodge Street and Prairie
du Chien Road to Roberts Home Town Dairy.
Persons interested in expressing their views
concerning this matter, either verbally or in
writing, will be given the opportunity to be
heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
3330