HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-30 Public hearingNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 23rd day of March*,
1999, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa; at
which hearing the Council will consider an
ordinance changing the zoning designation of
approximately 8.08 acres located at the west
terminus of Langenberg Avenue and
Hummingbird Lane from Medium Density
Single-Family Residential (RS-8) to Planned
Development Housing Overlay/Medium Density
Single-Family Residential (OPDH-8).
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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
*Rescheduled for March 30.
Sent by: TOWA REALTY 3193546432; 03/24/99 3:39PM;Jetr-z~ #48
To: Iowa City Planing and Zoning
From: South Pointo Paxtners
Re: RFZ98-OOI8/SUB-O031
South Pointc Parmers hereby t~qucsts that the above r~feratc~d applioafion be withdrawn
From consideration by the Iowa City City Coun~-il,
Thank you ~or your time and consideration.
Steve Kohli
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that public hearings
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30~' day of March,
1999, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa; at
Comprehensive Plan.
2. An ordinance amending City Code
Subsection 14-4B to change Board of
Adjustment notice requirements and to
incorporate Board powers and procedures into
the Zoning Chapter.
3. An ordinance changing the zoning
designation of 2.78 acres located at the
northeast corner of Duck Creek Drive and
Rohret Road from Low Density Single-Family
Residential' (RS-5) to Sensitive Areas
Overlay/Low Density Residential (OSA-5) to
permit a 14-unit residential development.
Copies of the proposed resolution and
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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Prepared by Melody Rockwell, Assoc. RanMr, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240; 3191356-5251
Resolution No.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND INCORPORATING THE NORTHEAST DISTRICT PLAN INTO
THE IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City has initiated development of detailed comprehensive planning on a
district by district basis; and
WHEREAS, it is the City's policy to adopt district plans, which have been developed
cooperatively with citizens of the community, as part of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan;
and
WHEREAS, the Northeast District Plan incorporates citizen-generated .principles intended to
guide land use and neighborhood development within an area of Iowa City generally
bounded by First Avenue/Hickory Hill Park on the. west, Interstate-80 on the north, Taft
Avenue on the east and Court Street on the south; and
WHEREAS, the Northeast District Plan also incorporates 'the principles and policies of
City: Reyond :2000, and considers the needs and goals of the larger community; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council have held public
hearings on the Northeast District Plan and considered the policies and guidelines for
neighborhood development as presented in the plan; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and Council have found that the Northeast District Plan
warrants adoption and incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Iowa City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY:
The Northeast District Plan is hereby adopted and incorporated into the 1997 Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Passed and approved this
ey'
day of ,1999.
ppdadmin~res%ned.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 28, 1999 (February 4 Commission Meeting)
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission
Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner
Northeast District Plan Concerns/Potential Amendments
First Avenue Extension
At its January 21, 1999, meeting, the Commission voiced its consensus that First Avenue
be extended north and connected to Captain Irish Parkway. There also appeared to be
agreement that the Captain Irish/Scott Boulevard extension and the First Avenue extension
should be constructed simultaneously. Two members of the Commission voiced a
preference to have the Captain Irish/Scott Boulevard street constructed first. A possible
amendment to the text of the plan to reflect the Commission's consensus on the First
Avenue issue is provided below. It is intended to provide a starting point for the
Commission's discussion on amendments to the draft plan for the Northeast District. [The
current text of the plan is shown in italics, and the proposed amendments are shown in
bold print.]
Page 15
The extension of First Avenue has been the subject of much
controversy in this area of the community. This plan
incorporates First Avenue as a necessary link within the
community arterial street system, and calls for the construction
of the Captain Irish Parkway/Scott Boulevard connection
between Rochester Avenue and Dodge Street to be completed
prior to or simultaneously with the completion of the First
Avenue extension. With the completion of these arterial street
connections, traffic burdens will be reduced on local streets
within the nearby North Side and Goosetown neighborhoods,
as well as for the Bluffwood Neighborhood streets, such as
Hickory Trail. To make First Avenue more amenable to the
neighborhood residents, this arterial street will be designed to
ensure safe street crossings. An embargo on large trucks
should be implemented on First Avenue from its connection
with Captain Irish Parkway south to Muscatine Avenue.
Some members of the Commission mentioned the need to institute traffic calming
measures on First Avenue. Staff cautions against installing traffic calming devices, such as
2
traffic circles, chicanes and other physical obstructions in the First Avenue corridor. These
devices are intended to reduce the volume and speed of traffic on local residential streets,
not arterial streets. The traffic calming program approved by the City Council currently
prohibits the use of physical traffic calming devices on streets that carry more than 3,000
vehicles per day.
Using physical traffic calming devices on arterial streets is inconsistent with motorists'
expectations for arterial streets, and can have negative impacts on emergency vehicles and
other public services, such as snow removal and bus routes. However, there are
treatments, such as right-of-way trees and landscaped medians, that may be used to
reduce travel speed on arterial streets without creating public safety hazards for motorists
or pedestrians. Concerning stop signs, staff cautions against installing unwarranted stop
signs as a means to control traffic speed. Studies show that unwarranted stop signs often
result in drivers "rolling through" intersections, which is dangerous for other drivers and
pedestrians expecting vehicles to stop. However, when warranted by traffic conditions,
traffic control devices, including stop signs and traffic lights, should be considered. Any
measures taken to calm traffic on First Avenue need to be carefully considered from a
public safety perspective.
Access to Hickory Hill Park
Suggestions have been made by both members of the public and the Commission that a
small parking lot should be considered on the west side of First Avenue to improve
public access to Hickory Hill Park. Others want the park to remain as natural as
possible with no encroaching development, including paved surfaces, in or near the
park. The Parks and Recreation Commission has indicated that it does not support the
introduction of a paved parking area and vehicles at the east edge of Hickory Hill Park.
However, If no parking is allowed on First Avenue, a small parking 1or could be
beneficial for visitors to the park, especially for people who live some distance from the
park. The location and aesthetics of this parking area would need to be carefully
considered. If the Commission feels that a small parking area off First Avenue would be
considered desirable, the following sentence could be added to the text of the plan as
follows:
Page 15
An embargo of large trucks should be implemented on First
Avenue from its connection with Captain Irish Parkway south
to Muscatine Avenue. If no on-street parking is allowed on
First Avenue in the vicinity of Hickory Hill Park, a small parking
area should be considered on the west side of First Avenue to
facilitate public access to the park."
To Tee or Not to Tee
Some members of the Commission have expressed an interest in changing the tee-
intersection for Captain Irish Parkway with Scott Boulevard so that Captain Irish Parkway
remains an east-west street, and Scott Boulevard continues north of Rochester Avenue as
a north-south arterial street. This would result in a configuration of Scott Boulevard
curving north of Rochester Avenue and across 1-80, and Captain Irish Parkway teeing into
Scott Boulevard in the vicinity of the Krall farm. ( A schematic of the proposed intersection
3
is attached for the Commission to consider.) To encourage the use of Captain Irish
Parkway instead of First Avenue for arterial through-traffic, the citizen planning teams, who
selected the intersection that is currently shown on the draft plan, as well as some
members of the Commission, prefer Captain Irish Parkway to be designed as a direct route
between Dodge Street and the Rochester Avenue/Scott Boulevard intersection.
Staff maintains that traffic traveling to destinations on First Avenue will continue to use
First Avenue, and traffic traveling to destinations on Scott Boulevard will use the Captain
Irish Parkway/Scott Boulevard connection regardless of how Captain Irish Parkway
intersects with Scott Boulevard. The options concerning this "teeing" dilemma appear to
be as follows: 1) leave the plan as it is, 2) include both designs in the plan as acceptable
alternatives, or 3) change the map and the text to keep Captain Irish Parkway generally an
east-west street, and Scott Boulevard primarily a north-south street. Staff would
appreciate the Commission's direction on this issue.
Density on the Larson Tract
Concern has been expressed by members of the public and the Commission that
townhouse and multi-family residential development of properties in the vicinity of First
Avenue will generate traffic, and that this will create additional congestion on First Avenue.
The apartments and townhouses shown on the plan along First Avenue were intended to
"receive" density transferred from the Hickory Hill Park buffer area on the Larson property.
It is not likely that apartments and townhouses in this area will have any greater traffic
impact than if a similar number of dwelling units in a conventional single-family subdivision
were developed on the Larson property. In fact, multi-family dwellings generally generate
less traffic per unit than single-family dwellings. Staff agrees that the number of direct
access points on any arterial street should be limited. In fact, City policy discourages the
provision of direct access from individual lots onto arterial streets. As shown on the draft
plan, access points can be minimized through the use of rear lanes/alleys and shared
drives.
Some members of the public and on the Commission have encouraged a greater use of
multi-family development near Captain Irish Parkway. The plan does show some
apartments and townhouses along Captain Irish Parkway. Additional multi-family
development along Captain Irish Parkway may be appropriate, and could help to increase
the buffer area adjacent to Hickory Hill Park if a developer is agreeable to a simple density
transfer on the Larson property. The draft plan illustrates a mix of housing types on the
Larson property. In exchange for providing a reasonable buffer along Hickory Hill Park, the
plan suggests that some of the density from the buffer area be transferred to a multi-family
residential development along the north and east sides of the property. However, a
developer may not be willing to accept a total density transfer from very desirable single-
family lots located near the park to having only apartments or condominiums at the edge of
the tract along the arterial streets. Based on topographic conditions, the plan illustrates
appropriate locations for multi-family and single-family residential development.
Compact Design
The compact design set forth in the Lindemann Hills area has been questioned in terms
of introducing too much density and not enough housing diversity into one area of the
4
community. The design for the Lindemann Hills Neighborhood is in conformance with
the · pattern of residential development that is encouraged in the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan, A slightly higher density may result from the proposed pattern of
development, e.g. 5-6 dwelling units per acre overall, instead of 2-3 dwelling units per
acre. Although the plan encourages narrower, more affordable lots, absolute lot sizes
are not established either in the text of the plan or on the land use scenario for
Lindemann Hills. The plan allows for flexibility and diversity, and states on page 22
that "future development of the Lindemann Hills Neighborhood is expected to be
primarily single-family housing. Estate homes, duplexes, live-work units, zero lot-line
homes, small apartments, townhouses, manufactured housing and neighborhood-
oriented commercial uses are also proposed to be integrated into the neighborhood."
Because there are numerous property owners in this subarea of the Northeast District,
adherence to the proposed connective street plan for Lindemann Hills is needed if a
cohesive neighborhood design is to be achieved over time across several properties.
Lindemann Square
Concerns have been voiced that a high density development or walled-in effect may
occur around the central green square in the Lindemann Hills quadrant. In actuality, the
plan does not propose high density development in this area. Instead, it encourages
live-work units to be established around the square, and these structures could be
townhouses or even individual residences with offices/businesses on the main floor and
residential uses above. The plan states on page 22 that "Live-work units with small
stores and offices on the ground floor and residential units above are proposed adjacent
to the central square," and on page 23 that "The central green square area with the
proposed live-work units should be governed by design controls concerning parking,
signage and lighting to ensure compatibility of commercial 'activities near the
neighborhood square." The six streets leading toward the green square and the public
street that rings the square are all likely to afford public access and views of the
neighborhood focal point.
The attached sketch illustrates what is envisioned in terms of the density and scale of
structures around the square. To address the concern about scale, the illustration as
well as the text amendments proposed below could be incorporated into the plan.
Page 22
Live-work units with small stores and offices on the ground
floor and residential units above are proposed adjacent to the
central square. These live-work units may be established in
townhouses, duplexes, small apartment houses or detached
single-family residences that are compatible in scale with
surrounding residential development.
Page 23
The central green square area with the proposed live-work
units should be governed by design controls concerning
parking, signage, scale and lighting to ensure compatibility of
commercial act/v/ties near the neighborhood square.
5
Alleys
Concerns have been raised about the extent to which alleys are shown in the
Lindemann Hills section of plan and whether the text of the plan encourages or requires
the use of alleys. Staff cautions against minimizing the use of alleys within the plan to
the extent that they are considered entirely optional and the advantages of connectivity
and attractive streetscape design are lost. The use of alleys is a major part of the
traditional neighborhood design concept, and greatly impacts the ability to achieve the
desired goals or amen/ties that this concept offers. The concern about alleys could
perhaps be addressed by adding a sentence at the end of page 21 to indicate that alleys
are not expected in all situations.
Page 2 1
Visible Edge
Alleys need not be used in cases where marked topographical
changes exist or large lot development is proposed.
A concern has been raised that the plan does not address the need for a "visible edge" '-
where urban development ends and the rural countryside begins. This concept is
referenced indirectly in the conclusion section on page 26: "It has been the City's policy to
encourage development that is compact and contiguous to existing parts of the
community. This avoids the added expense associated with providing services to scattered
or leapfrog development. For the Northeast District, this policy implies that the far eastern
and northeastern portions of the district will not likely develop until areas closer to the
existing city are built out." Staff recommends that a direct reference to the concept of a
"visible edge" be inserted as part of the concluding paragraph of the plan to read:
Page 26
This avoids the added expense associated with providing
services to scattered or leapfrog development. The city/county
Fringe Area policy for the unincorporated area located east of
Iowa City discourages residential development, and works to
reinforce the City's goal of creating a visible edge of urban
development. For the Northeast District, these policies will
logically shape the course of development so that the far
eastern and northeastern portions of the district will not likely
develop until areas closer to the existing city are built out.
If the Commission would like information on other issues related to the Northeast District
draft plan or would like staff to draft other amendments for the Commission's
consideration, please call me at 356-5251, fax to 356-5009, or feel free to bring up your
requests for staff assistance at the upcoming Commission meetings on February 1 or
February 4.
Alternative Captain Irish Parkway/Scott Boulevard Intersection
To nim,hway I
NORTH
Parks and Recreation COmmission
January 13, 1999
Page 6
NORTHEAST DISTRICT PLAN
PRELIMINARY
Subject to Approval
Bob Miklo from the City's Planning and Community Development Department
presented and discussed the draft of the Northeast District Plan. He
noted during the process of developing this plan objections were raised
to the proposed extension of First Avenue connecting to the Captain
Irish Parkway. The objections were that it may have a negative effect
on Hickory Hill Park and would increase traffic for neighborhoods along
First Avenue. First Avenue traffic studies were conducted revealing
that traffic presently cuts through older neighborhoods. The plan
includes extension of First Avenue and a diagonal route. Another
concern expressed was development of the Larson property adjacent to
Hickory Hill Park. The plan calls for up to a 150 to 600 foot buffer
between the park and where development would occur. Miklo stated a
question had been raised as to whether or not there should be a parking
lot/vehicular entrance into the east end of the park.
Stroh referred to a mini-master trail plan for Hickory Hill Park which
included a north/south trail and an east/west trail, which may be
helpful to review in considering any adjacent development plans.
Trueblood indicated there presently is a pedestrian entrance on the east
side of the park, but the adjacent Glasgow property would need to be
purchased in order for a parking lot to be constructed. Stroh noted
during the trail planning exercise citizens felt strongly that Hickory
Hill Park should be preserved and left alone. Trueblood stated the City
Council may want a statement or recommendation from the commission with
respect to the extension of First Avenue and development of the Larson
property as to the impact or non-impact to Hickory Hill Park. Miklo
stated the proposed plan includes a buffer between the park and future
development, and any development of property would need to go through
the rezoning process. If more buffer is desired, the City may need to
spend some money to acquire land for this purpose. Pruess stated he
would like to see the park left alone and no parking lot in order to try
to protect Hickory Hill Park. Klink indicated she was not ready to vote
on the proposed First Avenue extension; Stroh indicated the commission
should not go on record until the Captain Irish Parkway issue is dealt
with. The consensus of the commission was that they did not want to
have a parking lot entrance from First Avenue developed at the east end
of the park, that there be a buffer/protector between the park and any
development, and in general to consider the impact any development may
have on Hickory Hill Park.
LINDEMANN SQUARE ILLUSTRATION
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 29, 1998
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Urban Planning Staff
Re: Comments on Alternative Plan for the Northeast Planning District'
Staff has reviewed the alternative plan developed by a group of concerned citizens, which
shows a variation of the Captain Irish Parkway route, and First Avenue ending in a cul-de-
sac without connecting to Captain Irish Parkway. The differences between the alternative
plan and the draft Northeast District Plan occur in the Bluffwood neighborhood, north of
Rochester Avenue and east of Hickory Hill Park. The alternative plan does not appear to
propose changes for other areas of the Northeast District. The following points are staff
responses to the alternative plan.
One of the goals of designing a transportation network is to provide adequate options
for community generated traffic to move through the community without traveling
through neighborhoods. Connecting First Avenue to Captain Irish Parkway results in a
more balanced arterial street system, which relieves traffic pressure on neighborhood
streets. By not connecting First Avenue, we would be forcing traffic onto fewer
arterial streets (Captain Irish Parkway, Scott Boulevard, and
Rochester/Dodge/Governor/Burlington/Kirkwood/Muscatine arterial system), causing
greater use of these streets and necessitating longer, less direct automobile travel
because fewer routes are available.
The main destination points on the east side of the city are the First Avenue/Lower
Muscatine commercial area, OraI-B Laboratories, the Towncrest Commercial area,
Regina and City High Schools, the BDI industrial park and businesses with offices near
the Dodge Street/Interstate-80 interchange such as ACT and NCS. Except for the BDI
industrial park, these destination points are located roughly along a north°south axis,
which is the First Avenue corridor. If Captain Irish Parkway is connected to Scott
Boulevard without connecting First Avenue, motorists will cut through some local and
collector streets trying to find a more direct route back to these destination points. For
example, some traffic destined for City High or the Towncrest commercial district will
likely cut through the Pheasant Hill neighborhood using the Rochester Avenue-Mr.
Vernon Drive-Washington Street route. Traffic currently cutting through the Northside
and Goosetown neighborhoods before getting on Rochester Avenue, Court Street, and
Kirkwood to travel back east toward First Avenue will not likely use Scott Boulevard.
The use of cul-de-sac streets and limited access situations in the alternative plan is in
direct conflict with some of the basic neighborhood design principles expressed in the
neighborhood workshops and in the City's Comprehensive Plan. This street pattern
creates an insular, isolated area, distinct from the connected neighborhoods envisioned
in the Comprehensive Plan. The Northeast District Plan has better connectivity of
streets, less overall miles of travel to reach a destination, and less pressure on 'spine
streets' that cul-de-sacs feed into. This connectivity is better for pedestrians, bicycles,
emergency vehicles and other public and private services such as transit, mail delivery,
and snow plowing. The alternative plan's use of cul-de-sacs and limited access
neighborhoods promotes isolated subdivisions rather than the creation of
interconnected neighborhoods.
The alignment of Captain Irish Parkway, as shown in the Northeast District Plan, is the
same alignment that was recommended by 10 of the 14 plans produced at the
neighborhood workshops. The intent of this alignment was to follow as closely as
possible the tops of ridges, and minimize the disturbance of wooded ravines. The
alternative plan's proposed alignment of Captain Irish Parkway appears to require more
filling and grading of wooded ravines, and more disturbance of environmentally
sensitive areas. In analyzing the two options for the location of Captain Irish Parkway,
staff found that the eastern alignment (as shown on the Northeast District Plan) allows
for an arterial street connection and for interior connectivity within the neighborhood,
because more land is available to create street off-sets and other features within the
neighborhood to discourage cut-through traffic.
As shown on the alternative plan, the interior street 'design between Hickory Trail and
Captain Irish Parkway would not deter cut-through traffic and may serve as a arterial
street connection in the absence of First Avenue. The location of Captain Irish
Parkway on the western of the two potential ridges does not leave enough land area to
provide a sufficient number of street offsets to deter cut-through traffic. This is one of
the main reasons that staff did not propose the construction of an arterial street on the
western ridge.
The contention that the alternative plan's alignment of Captain Irish Parkway is more
efficient because it has fewer intersections is overstated. The City attempts to
minimize intersections with arterial streets, but a reasonable number of intersections is
necessary so that arterial streets serve adjacent neighborhoods as well as through
traffic. The intersections in the Northeast District Plan will be controlled so that
Captain Irish Parkway has priority of traffic flow. The Northeast District Plan attempts
to minimize intersections with Captain Irish Parkway, while providing for an
interconnected street system. The Northeast District Plan indicates that there will be
approximately twelve intersections with Captain Irish Parkway between Dodge Street
and Scott Boulevard. Twelve intersections in a distance of two miles is not excessive,
The alternative plan's proposal for the development of the Larson property adjacent to
Hickory Hill Park allows for less of this private property to be developed, so that fewer
houses are visible from the park. This option appears to require the purchasing of a
part of the Larson property to keep it undeveloped. The Northeast District Plan
proposes a reasonable level of development on the flatter, developable portions of the
property adjacent to Hickory Hill Park, while incorporating a buffer along the edge of
the park to mitigate negative effects of the residential neighborhood. Dwellings would
face the park rather than have private back yards abutting the park. The distance from
the front of the houses to the park, which acts as a buffer, would range from 200 to
600 feet. The Northeast District Plan recognizes the desire to have a buffer along the
perimeter of Hickory Hill Park, as expressed at the neighborhood workshops, as well as
the rights of the property owner to develop portions of their property that are not
environmentally sensitive areas. Increasing the buffer between residential dwellings
and the park may require the purchase of property adjacent to the park by a public,
private, or non-profit organization. This would be possible if the property owner is
willing to sell the property and funds can be raised for its purchase. However given the
lack of park land in some other areas of the city, the Parks and Recreation Commission
has not identified the expansion of Hickory Hill Park as a priority.
The use of an interconnected street system of arterial, collector, and local streets
provides for more efficient and compact development, thereby reducing development
pressures on land farther out from the center of the city. The alternative plan results in
a lesser density and more land-consumptive development pattern, which will push
development farther from the center of the city.
The road shown extending south from Captain Irish Parkway in the alternative plan
(labeled as "Area A" on the attached copy) would not be permitted under current City
ordinances. Subdivision regulations permit a maximum length of 900 feet for a cul-de-
sac, due to secondary access concerns. Similarly, there would be a limit on the
number of dwelling units that could use the one access off of Captain Irish Parkway,
also based on secondary access concerns. These secondary access guidelines are in
place to ensure neighborhoods can be entered and exited from a number of directions,
so that during an emergency or natural disaster, residents are not trapped if the one
access is blocked.
Some of the street designs in the alternative plan do not result in areas suitable for
development. For example.the area labeled "Area B" on the attached copy would
contain a long row of lots with frontage on two streets. Double fronting lots are
generally not very attractive because the backyards face one of the streets. This
results in limited privacy in the backyards.
In conclusion, connecting First Avenue will result in a more complete and effective arterial
street system. This will benefit neighborhoods by limiting cut-through traffic and
minimizing travel distances. Staff agrees that not connecting First Avenue will result in
less traffic near the neighborhoods north of Rochester Avenue and east of Hickory Hill
Park. However, this area of the community does not exist in isolation. Not connecting
First Avenue will result in this traffic filtering through local and collector streets to reach
their destinations along the First Avenue corridor, the creation of isolated, limited-access
subdivisions, and in the perpetuation of poor traffic circulation in Iowa City's east side.
F/pcd/analysis
::.::."'i: '.:::. : ':
: . .........:.'.:'.: .' .'.::.'::
"' ':::"X":Z'ZZZ"""""":Z":::Z:ZZ:Z':X:" ":' "'E
"' : .......'/ ......... ...' ""':::::::' ':::""":" ..........:i:: '; '::{' ............"'" "',. "'"-,.s:"
..... ... f:
... "--::-- ::
"...:: ...... . -
............ . ..........
.......................... "':::::"' ~----~CII3X* "" .................................................
....... :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: i}.::""":.,..... '.....,
..::: .... ~:: ~ i-.-.--ii=-,..,,:,......--..':;/i
- :: :. ....:-.., .'..-,:::; .............."" "' .-.i
F'!RST AV~.~.NUE ~ ~: ~ ~'~ ..............~- .............; .............· ....~ :v~
;:.:~.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:C.:.:.X~:C:~:~.:.:.:.:.:~.:.:.:.~:..(5~;~.~..:.~.:.::~::...U;;~;.;.:.%..:.~:.}~ :::::. ~.· .......... . ....... /,,:
.'-...
Citizens' Alternative
Draft Plan
4
'.. i':':;.2'::::.' ....
Citizens' Alternative
Draft Plan
Citizens' Altemative Plan for the
Northeast District of Iowa City
I. Introduction
Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan outlines our community's vision for future development
and is divided into several districts. The Northeast District includes the land east of
Hickory Hill Park or First Avenue and west of Taft Avenue; and south of 1-80 and north
of Court St. The Northeast District is divided into four quadrants: Pheasant Hill, Hunter
Heights, Lindemann Hills, and Bluffwood. The Bluffwood quadrant abuts Hickory Hill
Park and contains the proposed extensions of First Avenue and Scott Boulevard. ACT
and the newly constructed Captain Irish Parkway also lie within the Bluffwood quadrant.
The City staff held workshops with the community and then developed the City's
Northeast District Plan, which is available from the City Planning Department. During
meetings and workshops in 1997 and 1998, the community expressed the strong
consensus that First Avenue should not be extended and that the open vistas of Hickory
Hill Park should be protected. These recommendations were not incorporated into the
City's Plan.
This altemative plan aims to meet the needs of car commuters and developers without
sacrificing the needs of residents, industrial traffic, park users, and school children. Both
the City's Plan and the Citizens' Alternative Plan will be presented to the Planning and
Zoning Commission at a public hearing. That commission will make a recommendation to
the City Council, who will also hold a public hearing. The Council will then pass a
resolution adopting some version of a Northeast District Plan.
II. Four Recommendations .'
The following recommendations were agreed upon unanimously by 265 participants in
the Citizens' Alternative Plan:
· Do not connect First Avenue with (~aptain Irish
· Omit housing development overlooking Hickory Hill Park
(500' buffer)
· Use a more direct route for Captain Irish, with immediate construction to
Scott Boulevard
· Retain these positive features of the City's draft plan:
· traffic-calming turns along Hickory Trail's connection to Captain Irish
(but enhance them with traffic calming along the existing First Avenue).
· public green space and bike trails along Ralston Creek,
· preservation of wooded ravines,
· the neighborhood park at Hickory Trail's current terminus, and
· the stormwater basin / park east of Captain Irish.
1
A version of the City's Plan, incorporating these amendments is shown on two enclosed
maps labelled "Citizens' Alternative Plan," one in color, and one in black and white. The
black and white map can be superimposed on the City's Plan, unamended, by looking
through the two into the light.
III. First Avenue
We recommend against extending First Avenue. We summarize the concerns introduced
on both sides of the issue:
· The existing sections of First Avenue from Rochester to Highway 6 cannot handle
the additional traffic.
The JC-COG Arterial Traffic Study indicates that if the First Avenue Extension is built,
traffic volume will dramatically increase on First Avenue as far south as Highway 6 in
order to get to the Extension. First Avenue is already overloaded, carrying 7000 cars per
day on sections that have a maximum capacity of 6000 at C-level-of-service. Additional
traffic generated by the extension would increase use by many thousands of cars per day,
creating severe safety hazards. Problems would be aggravated by the additional traffic
and would be difficult if not impossible to correct.
· First Avenue and Rochester intersection
The intersection of First Avenue and Rochester is dangerous with existing traffic
volumes. First Avenue has a north-facing, steep grade (10-12%) and a winding alignment
as it approaches Rochester from the north. This section of road has caused many drivers
to lose control of their vehicle.
-Capacity limitations
Along much of First Avenue, the right of way is restricted and is narrower than current
traffic volumes already require. Back-out driveways further limit road capacity and
introduce safety hazards.
· School children
Children already have difficulty crossing First Avenue during the morning rush hour to
attend the four schools .along First Avenue: Regina High/Elementary, Hoover Elementary,
City High, and Southeast Junior High.
· Near-North and Goosetown neighborhoods
Lack of a north-south route in eastern Iowa City has created problems in these
neighborhoods. An extension of Scott Boulevard, routed diagonally to meet Dodge Street,
provides an attractive route to traffic. Recent JC-COG calculations compared the Scott
extension with the First Avenue extension and projected that both options would
significantly reduce traffic on the Rochester-to-Governor route. Cut-through traffic in
Goosetown results from congestion on Rochester, and is thus projected to decrease along
with Rochester congestion if Scott were extended.
2
~' Bl vB'
Citizens' Alternative
Draft Plan
..,,, ,\,,\
· , ,..
:,.. ~-'.; .......................................~,
'..., % : ~,
"
\ '-,..,.-;/
\ ',/
=~. ,, ~.,.
.... "'i', ,,
· . ,.~ % / /
,
i t ........i:'-;=';'-:-:'-:'-:~ '~ .....- ?,, -,.
· ]S~ · . .. ,
i~i.--i :~, 'C',,:';:: .......',. '\
i --I .~. ........'..'. "'.. "',,. ~! ~
i'
T' ~L
Citizens' Alternative
Draft Plan
4
City's
Draft Plan
5
· Emergency vehicle access
The Fire Department has indicated that response times to Northeast Iowa City are
sufficiently short. Both the City's Plan and this amended plan indicate a neighborhood
fire station in the Bluffwood quadrant as it develops.
-Convenience
Car commuters travelling to ACT, NCS, or 1-80 from east Iowa City would save several
minutes each day with a First Avenue Extension. To address their needs, we recommend
that a ScoWCaptain Irish Extension could follow a more direct route with fewer
intersections and fewer driveways, allowing higher speeds.
IV. Scott Boulevard
We recommend a shorter and faster route than the City's draft for the Scott/Captain Irish
connection from Rochester to Dodge. We also request that the City begin cofistmction of
this route as soon as possible. We summarize the concerns raised on both sides of the
issue:
· Route length
The City's proposed route, compared to our recommendation, is 20% longer.
· Route speed
The City's proposed route has 14 intersections and parking lot entrances along the route
between Rochester and ACT. The Citizens' proposal indicates only 3 such intersections,
resulting in faster traffic.
· A north-south route is needed
Scot~ Boulevard, in contrast with First Avenue, was correctly designed as an aneriai
street. Constructing its extension provides a needed north-south route through town.
· Congestion on the Rochester-to-Governor route
A direct, fast route will relieve congestion on Rochester and Dodge Street and will
relieve Goosetown cut-through traffic without overloading the existing First Avenue.
· Truck traffic
Industrial truck traffic from the City's southeast side needs a rome to 1-80. Since First
Avenue cannot handle truck traffic, the Scott/Captain Irish extension needs to be built
promptly whether or not First Avenue is extended.
.Expense
The Scott extension is more expensive than the First Avenue extension. Scott is
extended in both City and Citizen Plans, however. Our recommendations would be less
expensive because the City would not need to pay for the First Avenue extension, and the
shorter route for Captain Irish would reduce its cost. The City's proposal to extend First
6
i
'1
Avenue requires extensive. costly measures to manage traffic on existing segmems of First
Avenue. measures which are unnecessary in the Citizens' Plan.
,Use
According to City projections. a Scott extension would receive about half the traffic of a
First Avenue extension. Nevertheless. projections also indicate that these several
thousand cars per day would be sufficient to address the problems targeted by the First
Avenue extension. In addition. the City calculations used a 25 mph route, twice as long
as the proposed route, to model the Scott extension, and a 35 mph route. with a shorter
distance than is physically possible. for the First Avenue extension. These choices in the
modelling parameters probably result in underestimates of the traffic volume projected for
a Scott extension.
-Topography
Both the City- and Citizen-proposed routes for Captain Irish follow the topography of
the land. Neither route cuts through forested areas. The routes followed are smoother
than the route used for the section of Captain Irish that has already been graded.
V. Hickory Hill Park
We recommend that housing development not be planned v,'here it will overlook Hickory
Hill Park. and we specifically recommend a 500-foot buffer on the north-south boundary
between the park and the Larson tract. The concerns raised on both sides of this issue are
summarized here:
· Open Vistas.
The natural value of Hickory Hill Park would be severely degraded under the Cin,."s
Plan. The northern 80 acres of the Park are open fields nestled between two undeveloped
ridge-lines. Within a short walk from downtown, community members can experience
being away from urban life, and such open vistas will be valued by our grandchildren.
The eastern ridge-line of this valley is shown in the City's Plan with two new cul-de-
sacs with approximately 12 houses overlooking the northern Park. Our amendments
would omit these houses. The following photos show the open vista of the northern
park. compared with the southern park where houses overlook other fields in the park.
Northern 80 acres of Hickor>' Hill Park
7
An insufficient buffer fails to shield
southern Hickory Hill Park from
development.
,Land owner rights.
The Larson tract is zoned ID-RS and cannot be developed until a zoning change is
granted. Both the City Plan and the Citizens' Plan allows the Larson land to develop with
a reasonable housing densit,,'. The Citizen Plan shows small apartment buildings on
sections of the Larson land out of view of the Park. These apartments would be walking
distance from the major northside employers (ACT and NCS), and along several arterial
lines likely to can'>,' public transit. The following table compares the City's and the
Citizens' Plans on the 70-acre Larson tract:
City Plan Citizen Plan
Buildings Dwelling Units Buildings Dwelling Units
Houses 46 46 20 20
Townhouses 4 16 4 16
Apartments 6 48 10 80
Total Dwell. 110 116
Units
· Redevelopment of HickoD' Hill Park
The Citizens' Plan shows a govemmentJinstitutional building to the east of the Park,
allowing future use of the northern fields as a Prarie Education Center, for example.
.Wildlife
By concentrating housing in a smaller region, the Citizens' Plan produces fewer breaks in
the wildlife corridor connecting Hickor>' Hill Park with other undeveloped land near 1-80
and to the east of Scott Boulevard.
· Access to Park from Arterial Roads
By shortening the cul-de-sac on the Park's eastern boundary, space is created for a
public access point to the Park accessible directly from Captain Irish. This is shown on
the CitiTcns' Plan as a parking lot adjoining a government/institutional building.
8
· Cost to City
Extending the Park would be costly, but is not necessary. It is possible that the buffer
adjoining the park could be reserved as open space as part of a zoning change from IDoRS
to Sensitive-Areas-Overlay. In exchange, a developer would be granted zoning at a higher
density in other parts of the Larson tract. A park building, however, would presumably
require other arrangements.
VI. Conclusion
The Citizens' Alternative-Plan recommends specific changes and additions to the plan for
the Northeast District prepared by the City's planning staff. It is our hope that these
changes will lead to a plan that can enjoy wide community acceptance. We hope that
other groups will identify themselves and articulate their members' needs. We look
forward to reaching that final consensus solution by working together.
9
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Bennett Brown
Re: Effect of Citizen Amendments on Development
Date: December 21, 1998
At the commision meeting on December 17, you asked how the Citizen
amendments would affect the density of housing development and the distribution
~mong houses, townhouses, and apartments. The tables below show the n-tuber
of dwelling units of each type in both the City's and the Citizens' conceptual plans.
Development on the Larson's land differs because houses overlooking the park are
replaced by small apartment buildings along Captain Irish. Development on the
Harndorf's land differs because slightly more of the wooded ravine there is
preserved in the Citzens' conceptual plan. Differences on the ACT and Krall
properties result from the particular way in which the computer drawing was
shifted to accomodate the new route for Captain Irish. I do not think even these
small differences are inherent in a more direct route for Captain Irish.
Please let me know if I can be of any further help.
Comparison of development:
Plum Grove Estates
Houses
Townhouses
(4-unit)
Total Dwelling.
Units
City Plan Citizen Plan
Buildings J Dwelling Buildings
Units ~ Dwelling
Units
20 20 21 21
8 32 8 32
TownhouSes'
(4-unit)
Townhouses
(6-unit)
Neighborhood
commercial
Graham
City Plan
Buildings Dwelling
3
Units
Citizen Plan
Buildings] Dwelling
Units
3 12
12 2 12
2
Apartments 7 70 7 70
(10-unit)
Total Dwelling. 94 94
Units
Houses
Townhouses
(4-unit)
Townhouses
(6-unit)
Apartments
(8-unit)
Apartments
(12-unit)
Government/
Institutional
Neighborhood
Commercial
Total Dwelling.
Units
City Plan Citizen Plan
Buildings] Dwelling Buiidings[ Dwelling
Units Units
'244' 244 ' '?274' 274
10 40 1 4
3 m 6 36
3 24 0 0
4 48 2 24
1 2
4 2
374 338
Hamdorf
City Plan Citizen Plan
Buildings Dwelling Buildings Dwelling
Townhouses 2
(6-unit)
Apartments 4
(12-unit)
Total Dwelling.
Units
Units Units
12 0 0
48 0 0
Smith Estate
City Plan Citizen Plan
Buildings Dwelling Buildings Dwelling
Units Units
Houses 117 117 120 120
Townhouses 7 28 4 16
(4-unit)
Townhouses 4 24 6 36
(6-unit)
Apartments 1 12 1 12
(12-unit)
Total Dwelling. 181 184
Units
Larsoll
*The corresponding information in the Citizens' I)rai~ Plan differs slightly
because it incorrectly accounted for buffclings along the boundary with the
I-Iamdorf tract.
Houses
Apartments
(S-unit)
Apartments
(12-unit)
Total Dwelling.
Units
City Plan Citizen Plan
2 16 10 80
2 24 4 48
Houses
Townhouses
(4-unit)
Townhouses
(6-unit)
Apartments
(8-unit)
Apartments
(12-unit)
Government/
Institutional
Neighborhood
Commercial
Total Dwelling.
Units
ACT
City Plan
Buildings ~ Dwelling
Units
94
2
2
3
5
1
0
94
8
12
24
60
198
Citizen Plan
Buildings [ Dwelling
Units
"72' 721
9 36
7 42
1 8
3 36
0
2
194
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December I 1, 1998
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: John Yapp, Associate Planner
Re: Northeast District Plan Information
Staff passed out the draft of the Northeast District Plan to you at a recent meeting.
Following a public presentation of the draft plan on November 17, we have received a
number of comments, including an alternative plan for the Bluffwood Neighborhood.
Attached to this cover memo are pieces of additional information for the Northeast District
Plan discussions:
First Avenue Extension Information, which includes staff's ~easons for including
the First Avenue extension to Captain Irish Parkway in the Northeast District
Plan.
2. Northeast District Planning Workshop Team Summaries, from the neighborhood
planning workshops.
3. Comment Sheets, received regarding the draft Northeast District Plan.
FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION
Project Description
The First Avenue extension is a project that would extend First Avenue from where it
currently ends north of Rochester Avenue, to intersect with Captain Irish Parkway, slightly
less than one-half mile to the north. There would be a four-way intersection with Captain
Irish Parkway, First Avenue, and a new entrance drive from ACT to the north. A segment
of Captain Irish Parkway, from North Dodge Street to a point just east of the new ACT
entrance drive will be completed in 1999. In the fall of 1997, a referendum was passed
which delayed consideration of constructing the First Avenue. The First Avenue extension
is currently in the City's Capital Improvements Program for the year 2002.
Benefits of First Avenue Extension
There are community-wide benefits that would result from the construction of First Avenue
to North Dodge Street, including:
· A more balanced arterial street system
· Improved emergency vehicle response times
· Improved efficiency in transit routes
· Reduction in residential cut-through traffic
Should First Avenue be extended to North Dodge Street, some existing traffic volume from
the Rochester/Dodge/Governor/Burlington/Kirkwood/Muscatine arterial system would be
diverted to First Avenue. Motorists traveling between north and east Iowa City are
currently forced to travel out of their way because there are no direct arterial street
connections. The connection of First Avenue to Captain Irish Parkway results in a more
balanced arterial street system in Iowa City.
Extending First Avenue will have benefits to emergency vehicle response times and to the
efficient delivery of public services, such as public transit, snow plowing, mail delivery,
and school busing. The northeast area of Iowa City has been documented as having the
poorest emergency vehicle response times in the community, due largely to the lack of
arterial street connections. Similarly, the Rochester and North Dodge transit routes are
inherently inefficient because they duplicate inbound and outbound route mileage. The
extension of First Avenue would allow a single loop route covering both the Rochester and
North Dodge service areas. Access for other utility and service vehicles will also be
improved to this area of the city.
Northeast District Workshops
During the Northeast District (NED) workshops, most groups expressed either that the First
Avenue extension should not be constructed, or that it should be constructed as a local or
collector street instead of as an arterial street. The main objections to the construction of
First Avenue appear to be related to the projected increase in traffic on the existing
portions of First Avenue, and concern with how the construction of the street and
associated residential development would affect Hickory Hill Park. Other concerns were
expressed about the design of First Avenue in that it has multiple driveways along the
existing street, and a slope of 8-10% north of Rochester Street.
The NED workshop groups also expressed a desire to limit the volume of traffic on local
residential streets, and an adequate arterial street system is important for doing this. If
First Avenue is not constructed, residential development could still occur off of Captain
Irish Parkway. If the arterial street system is not adequate, then local residential streets
will be used to cut through neighborhoods. By connecting First Avenue to Captain Irish
Parkway and North Dodge Street, arterial traffic will stay on the arterial street system
rather than on less efficient local residential neighborhood streets. The desire to limit
traffic on local residential streets is in conflict with the desire not to extend First Avenue.
Some workshop groups advocated constructing Captain Irish Parkway and Scott Boulevard
as an alternative to First Avenue, believing that those streets would divert traffic to far
east Iowa City rather than to the existing portion of First Avenue. There may be some
flawed logic in this argument. Travel patterns are set by what motorists perceive to be the
most convenient route to reach their destination. Motorists traveling to destinations such
as Regina, City High School, Sycamore Mall, and the Towncrest commercial area will likely
not perceive Scott Boulevard to be the most convenient route, because it is about 1 mile
east of First Avenue. If Captain Irish Parkway is connected to Scott Boulevard without
connecting First Avenue, traffic will filter through some local and collector streets to travel
between First Avenue and Scott Boulevard. Similarly, if First Avenue is not connected to
Captain Irish Parkway, traffic currently cutting through the Northside and Goosetown
neighborhoods before getting on Rochester Avenue, Court Street, and Kirkwood to travel
back east toward First Avenue will not be relieved.
Residential Development
Besides traffic and circulation issues, NED workshop participants expressed concern about
the impact of development on Hickory Hill Park and other land in the area. The land on
either side of the proposed First Avenue extension is private property, and the property
owners have the ability to develop their land once utility infrastructure is extended to the
area. The Iowa City Comprehensive Plan and the Northeast District Plan call for this area
to contain residential development.
The style and shape of any subdivision in the City are governed by the requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, the policies in the Comprehensive Plan and the
appropriate District Plan, and the desires of the owner and developer. Neighboring
property owners are also given the opportunity to comment on rezoning and subdivision
proposals for properties in the vicinity. Iowa City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance helps to
mitigate the impact of development on features such as steep slopes, stream corridors,
and woodlands.
The Northeast District Plan contains policies to encourage a buffer of undeveloped property
between Hickory Hill Park and residential development, and to locate infrastructure and
housing to minimize disturbance of the sensitive natural features in the landscape.
Clustering housing away from sensitive environmental features, through a conservation or
traditional neighborhood subdivision design can do this. While the construction of the First
Avenue extension will facilitate residential development by providing access to land in this
area, the type of development that occurs on adjacent properties will be shaped by the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance and the policies in the Northeast District Plan.
Safety Issues
Safety issues along arterial streets are ongoing concerns throughout the community. The
safety of pedestrians and motorists can be enhanced by:
· Providing a continuous sidewalk system
· Providing safe crosswalks and school crossing guards
· Installing traffic signals where appropriate
The proposed First Avenue extension will include sidewalks on both sides of the street
along the corridor. There remain some gaps in the sidewalk system on the west side of
First Avenue between Court Street and Rochester Avenue, which should be constructed as
part of the improvement plans for the First Avenue corridor, Traffic signals are important
for intersection safety when traffic volumes reach a certain level. By installing such
features as walk lights, traffic signals can enhance pedestrian safety. Traffic signals also
create gaps in the traffic stream, allowing side street traffic an easier access to the arterial
street system. These types of improvements should be programmed immediately to
improve the overall First Avenue corridor.
Crosswalks can be made more visible by designing them with an alternative material, such
as brick or aggregate concrete. School crossing guards help assure the safe passage of
children to elementary schools, if children are taught the proper route from their home to
school. This requires a commitment from parents, the schools, and the City. The reduced
school zone speed limit in front of the schools should continue to be enforced.
The section of First Avenue north of Rochester Avenue will become a high-priority winter
maintenance route if it is connected with Captain Irish Parkway and becomes part of the
arterial street system. In the winter it would be among the first streets to be plowed and
sanded.
Conclusion
Arterial streets exist primarily to provide community-wide traffic circulation. Households
living along arterial streets tend to judge them by the direct impact on their individual
residence. While the First Avenue extension would provide an access for some residential
development, the codes and policies of the City will help minimize the impact of
development of sensitive environmental features. The impact of residential development
on Hickory Hill Park can be minimized through the design of the neighborhood by clustering
housing away from sensitive environmental features, and requiring a buffer area adjacent
to the park. The community-wide benefits of First Avenue are significant, and concerns
about traffic impacts can be minimized through good design.
NORTHEAST DISTRICT PLANNING WORKSHOP
TEAM SUMMARIES
The Northeast District Planning Workshop participants were asked to provide input
at a series of three meetings. The first two meetings were brainstorming 'sessions
at which workshop teams produced a draft plan and expressed preferences on a
number of issues. Copies of the plans produced at the brainstorming sessions are
attached. The third meeting was a follow up meeting at which planning teams
reviewed three scenarios developed by staff, which were based on the plans
produced by the teams at the brainstorming sessions. Each team was asked to
evaluate alternatives regarding the following topics and vote on or rank its preferred
alternative. The following is a summary of the results of this session.
(There were a total of eight planning teams involved in the April 23 follow-up session. The figures
below represent team preferences or rankings on specific issues presented for discussion.)
ISSUES
MAJOR STREETS:
Captain Irish Parkway Alignment
Following ridge line, then diagonal to Rochester @ Scott 5
East-west alignment to a more easterly Scott Blvd 3
First Avenue Extension to Captain Irish Parkway
Cul-de-sac north end (do not extend) 5.5
Connect along top of ridge (connect as arterial) 1
Circuitous connection to north through Larson property 1
Other: Connect, but with curvatures .5
Hickory Trail extension alignment
Wrap street around park (as traffic calming measure) 4
Route along Ralston Creek to Captain Irish/Scott 1.5
Extend into discontinuous, off-set street system 2.5
TEAM PRFFERFNCFS
Green Mountain Drive/Westminster extension
Connection to Rochester Avenue 4
No connection to Rochester Avenue 4
TRAILS. PARKS. AND OPEN SPACES:
Trails/pedestrian ways (rank of top three in order of importance - # 1 .t, 2,d, 3rd)
(some teams responded with more than one first place rank)
Trails along stream corridors 5,1,1
Looped trail system 3,0,2
Trails between major neighborhood nodes 2,4,1
Wheel-chair accessible trails 2,1,1
Other: System that includes all of the above 1,0,0
Hickory Hill Park buffer (rank responses as above)
Green space between street and park and preservation of
wooded ravine on Larson Tract 3,2,3
Green space between street and park (not ravine) 2,2,3
Conservation of sensitive features on Larson tract only 0,2, 1
Public or conservation group acquisition of Larson property 4,0,2
Other: Acquire 20 acres on east &north side of park 0,1,0
Neighborhood Parks/Open Spaces (rank responses as above)
Centralized, large neighborhood parks
Linear greenway parks along stream corridors
Preservation of the 100 year floodplain
Conservation of environmentally sensitive areas
Environmental/interpretive nature center
Storm water detention pond park
Green square parks by commercial development
0,3,1
4,0,1.5
2,0,0
1,3,1.5
0,1,0
1,0,1
0,0,0
Interstate 80 Buffer (rank responses as above)
Office research park 2,0,0
Private recreation .5, 1.5, 1
Public/private acquisition (arboretum, trails, prairie reserve) 2, 1,1
Combination of above uses 1,2,0
Agricultural preservation 2,0, 1
COMMERCIAL USES:
Community Commercial Location (if any)
1-80/Herbert Hoover interchange 4
Scott/Rochester intersection 0
Other: None 2
Neighborhood Commercial Centers
At arterial street intersections 1
Neighborhood square within Lindemann Hills 4
Both of the above 3
Either of the above 1
HOUSING:
Location of Apartments/Townhouses (rank responses as above)
Along arterial streets 1,1,1
At intersections of collector &arterial streets 3,1,1
Scattered throughout the neighborhood 2,0, 1
Adjacent to public open spaces 0, 1,0
Clustered near environmentally sensitive areas 0,0,0
Surrounding commercial areas 0,3,1
Bradford J. Roark
217 Post Road
Iowa City, IA 52245
December 8, 1998
City of Iowa City
Planning and Zoning Commission
c/o Bob Miklo
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
The City of Iowa City has ignored the sentiment of the people in developing its Draft Plan
of the Bluffwood Quadrant. The 1997 referendum vote not only asked the city to delay
extending 1a Avenue to North Dodge Street but sent a clear signal to the Council that the
citizenry of Iowa City does not want such an extension to occur.
ACT's "deals" with the city have already taken away the Seven Sisters access that should
have provided the logical east side connection to the Highway 1 and 1-80 corridors. The
Citizens Draft Alternative Plan for the Bluffwood Quadrant restores that clear and logical
route.
Rather than pursue its draft plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission should adopt the
Citizen's Drat~ plan as its own. This would provide a solid development plan for the
Bluffwood Quadrant that would, in addition, have broad voter appeal.
sincere|y,
t
January 7,1999
Planning and Zoning Committee
Iowa City. iowa
Richard and Debbie Pretorius
855 Cypress Court
Iowa City, Iowa
Dear Ms. Supple and Members of the Planning and Zoning Committee:
We have been participants in the Northeast District Planning workshops this past spring and fall and have become
increasingly concerned about the long range implications of the traffic patterns in the Northeast District. We would like to
draw your attention to three concerns that seem particularly troublesome--congestion on First Avenue, safety on First
Avenue, and unbudgeted road construction costs.
Congestion
As you are already aware, the current proposal by the City Planning Office to connect First Avenue and to build Captain
Irish Parkway will result in extreme congestion along First Avenue between South East Junior High and Rochester Street
and will make this stretch of First Avenue virtually impassable during periods of peak usage. The traffic volume on First
Avenue south of Rochester Street is currently at 7,000 by actual count over 24 hours, which slightly exceeds the current
street capacity of 6,000 needed to keep traffic congestion at the preferred maximum congestion level of C. The City
Planning Office, based on the computer modeling that they did in December, is currently projecting an immediate increase
of traffic volume to 21,000 on this stretch of First Avenue with the implementation of their plan--that is, the completion of
both the First Avenue Extension and Captain Irish Parkway. A traffic volume of 21,000 on First Avenue would exceed the
capacity of this street by a factor that is unprecedented in Iowa City and would make this two mile stretch of road the most
congested of any street in Iowa City.
Please take into consideration how the traffic volume on First Avenue compares with traffic volume elsewhere:
A traffic volume of 21,000 on First Avenue would exceed the current traffic volume of 15,000 on
Mormon Trek Boulevard, which is a true arterial street with four lanes of traffic and no private
residential curb cuts.
A traffic volume of 21,000 on First Avenue would exceed the current traffic volume of 11,000 on
North Dodge by a factor of almost twofold. North Dodge currently has congestion problems
because it also is a connector street and not a true arterial street; however, moving traffic from
one connector street to another connector street only perpetuates the original problem.
A traffic volume of 21,000 on First Avenue would greatly exceed the current traffic volume of
10,000 on Melrose Avenue at West High School, even though Melrose functions as a true arterial
in that section---and still is subject to considerable congestion during the opening and closing of
school. As an example, one of our colleagues got off of highway 218 at Melrose Avenue at 8:00
a.m. yesterday, waited through three traffic lights in front of West High School, waited through
three traffic lights at Melrose and Mormon Trek, and took 20 minutes to travel east 2.5 miles
from highway 218 to the Family Care Center at Hawkins and Melrose. If travel times are so poor
on an arterial street such as Me[rose, what will be the projected travel times for someone to drive
the length of a collector street such as First Avenue at 8:00 a.m.--20 minutes, 30 minutes,
longer, don't bother?
These questions are not trivial concerns and need to be seriously addressed. Although we understand that the computer
modeling of traffic paRems is not an exact science, it can still point to real problems and should give approximate numbers
within a variance of plus or minus 20%. The current computer model, to its credit, does include traffic flow for the entire
Coralville and Iowa City area, which makes it more accurate and less susceptible to local perturbations. The current
computer model, to its discredit, does not include the new Coral Ridge Mall as a destination of cars in Iowa City, including
on First Avenue, and would--if included--make the traffic on First Avenue even heavier than the current projection of
21,000.
Safc~v
Not only does the Northeast District Plan proposed by the City Planning Office omit discussion of congestion concerns on
First Avenue, the 28-page report omits any discussion of the impact of the plan on the schools. School related traffic, as you
well know, is a major issue due to the number of students that atlend a school located on First Avenue (South East. Hoover,
City High) or immediately adjacent to First Avenue (Regina). There are currently 3,565 students attending these four
schools (78:5 at South East, 330 at Hoover, 1,600 at City High, and 850 at Regina) with about half of these students needing
to cross First Avenue every day. We should also point out that, in addition to parents who participate in school activities,
there are nearly 500 employees who travel to these four schools each day.
Even with traffic calming measures on First Avenue, any increase either in number of students or in number of cars is going
to increase proportionately the number of car-pedestrian accidents. Although the student population is likely to increase
only slightly, adding additional through traffic on First Avenue is going to adversely the affect the safety of both drivers and
pedestrians, The 3,565 students attending these four schools represents 40.1% of all children aRending schools within Iowa
City. No other street in Iowa City comes even close to having this number of students. It does not make sense to make the
street with the heaviest population of students also be the street with the heaviest congestion of car traffic.
Cost
Despite the frequent references to First Avenue as an arterial street, it actually meets the American Society of State Highway
standards for an arterial street only in the southern portion from Highway 6 to South East Junior High. It meets the
American Society of State Highway standards for a collector street--as does Rochester and North Dodge, for that matter--
for the two miles from South East to its northern terminus. The attempt to make a street that is structurally a collector street
to function as an arterial street is fraught with expense, not to mention poor planning.
We understand the current projected cost for the First Avenue Extension to equal about $2,000,000 and the cost for Captain
Irish Parkway to equal about $7,000,000. What we do not know arc the projected costs over the next five to ten years that
will be needed to upgrade the two miles of First Avenue from South East 3unior High to its current northern terminus. This
is a very substandard route for the current p~ojected traffic volume--narrow, two lane, frequent curb cuts (138 to be exact),
many private residencies, no turning lanes except at First and Muscatine, no shoulders, narrow sidewalks, and a steep and
curving hill north of Rochester with a 10% grade (less than 8% grade is required for an arterial street). Although a number
of these features will likely be left in a substandard condition (and hazardous), some changes such as widening First Avenue
to three lanes and adding turning lanes and additional traffic lights will be inevitable. Because of the length of First Avenue
and the amount of work that would need to be done, there is likely to be a minimum of $3,000,000-4,000,000 in additional,
unplanned expense. These expenses need to be included in the planning and in the construction budget in order for the City
Council to make fiscaily responsible decisions.
Summary
The planning workshops that were organized by the City Planning Office included representative from all of the constituents
that are concerned about prudent development in the Northeast District--home owners, developers, businesses, schools,
community services, environmental groups, and city officials. Ten of the thirteen working groups at the workshops did not
connect First Avenue and supported the position presented by the Citizens' Alternative Plan (which is really not an
alternative plan at all but the consensus plan of the workshop participants). As you make your decisions, please give serious
consideration to the issues of congestion, safety, and cost on the existing First Avenue. We would urge the Planning and
Zoning Committee to recommend not connecting First Avenue and to adopt the Citizens' Alternative Plan as the plan to be
presented to the City Council.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission
David Forkenbrock
December 28, 1998
First Avenue Extension
I am writing to offer a few suggestions for partially resolving the divisive issue of extending
First Avenue. Having participated in the several northeast area planning sessions and
having taught transportation planning and policy at the University of Iowa for over 20
years, I think I have a fairly complete grasp of the central issues.
Quite clearly, the majority of city councilors want to complete the First Avenue extension,
so I take it pretty much as a given that the extension will occur. In my opinion, that is not
entirely bad. If done well, the extension could be a useful part of a rational circulation
system for northeast Iowa City:.
Simply stated, I think there are three actions certainly that need to be taken if First Avenue
is extended. The three actions would help (but not completely) mitigate the unfavorable
impacts that most planning session members rather forcefully expressed. Let me briefly
discuss the three actions in turn:
Build an arterial connecting the first phase of Captain Irish Parkway with Scott
Boulevard at Rochester Avenue. In the planning sessions, I suggested a diagonal
alignment that would work with the topography, cross Ralston Creek only once, and
minimize the distance motorists travel between Captain Irish Parkway and Scott
Boulevard.
The arterial should be constructed at the same time that First Avenue is extended.
Much of the anxiety over extending First Avenue is related to potentially high traffic
volumes on this street, and with the arterial these volumes would be much lower. I
haven't run a traffic model yet, but common sense tells me that people within the
area defined by Rochester Avenue, Scott Boulevard, Muscatine Avenue, and First
Avenue would tend to use the arterial to reach Highway 1 North and associated
destinations. If the arterial has a 35 m.p.h. speed limit (like Scott Boulevard), few
curb cuts, and direct routing, it will enable lower times enroute then will First
Avenue, for most travelers. By building the arterial as quickly as possible, First
Avenue will never need to car particularly high traffic volumes. If First Avenue is
not allowed to become the pr~r~lem so many.people fear it will, perhaps calm can
be restored.
Slow traffic speeds on First Avenue. A second action I highly recommend is to keep
speeds as low as practicable on First Avenue north of Rochester Avenue. A neighbor
of mine measured the slope of First Avenue just north of Rochester Avenue at ten
percent; with a northern slope, the street often is quite icy in the winter. To make
Public Policy Center 227 South. Quadrangle Iowa City, Iowa 52242-! 192 3 i 9/335-6800 FAX 319/335-6801
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission
December 29, 1998
Page 2
matters worse, the street bends to the left at the base of the steep slope. In the
winter, vehicles occasionally build up sufficient.speed heading down the hill that
they are unable to negotiate the left curve. I have noticed that several mailboxes are
knocked down each winter. A city sand and salt truck lost control on this slope and
turned over two years ago. This slope should not be ignored.
You should consider posting a speed limit of 20 m.p.h. down the hill and placing a
stop light at the first cross street, Stuart Court. Together these approaches would
make travelers less inclined (no pun intended) to allow their vehicles' speeds to
build up as they drive down the hill. I do not think a speed of 25 m.p.h. north of
the slope would be a problem.
While First Avenue will be a through street, it would be a mistake to think of it as an
arterial. Due to its slope and meandering alignment, it cannot function as an
arterial. Although the city staff usually opposes lower speed limits and stop lights on
arterials (except where two arterials intersect), First Avenue is a very different case
than a street that is built to true arterial standards.
· Recommend approval of re-zoning and subdivision applications onl when they
follow the northeast area plan. Park advocates are very concerned ~Yaout traffic
noise on First Avenue reducing the serenity of Hickory Hill Park. By following the
area plan, no houses would have their backsides facing the park, and housing
would help attenuate road noises from First Avenue. The residents along Hickory
Trail would be pleased that the route from their street to the Captain Irish
Parkway/Scott Boulevard diagonal arterial would be circuitous enough not to be an
attractive short cut.
The area plan has some highl appealing features that I have noticed seem to
moderate many peoples' displeasure with extending First Avenue. Standing firm on
the neighborhood recreational space at the eastern terminus of Hickory Trail and
insisting on the storm water retention basin on Ralston Creek near the diagonal
arterial will be good land use planning. It also will calm many. people who doubt
their interests were adequately taken into account when the plan included extending
First Avenue.
Nothing I have suggested is particularly new, and it certainly is not extreme. It is not clear
to me at what point in time the diagonal arterial fits into the city's capital improvement
program, but I hope you argue that it should be in 2001 or 2002, along with First Avenue.
Managing traffic speeds on First Avenue has positive implications for public health, safety,
and welfare. Adhering to the northeast area plan makes the city's comprehensive plan
alive and vital.
Many thanks for considering my suggestions. Feel free to call me at 335-6800 (office) or
354-5188 (home) if I can be of any assistance.
' I z_
Feel fr~ to at~d y~ c~ts ~to addit~/ ~ts of ~p~, ~d ~d sketchy, photos or
~. Co~uts should ~ ~bmitt8d to 806 ~iklo, A~ocmt8 P~f , ~ZO E W~hi~ton, ~ Ci~,
· o~ ~22~ ~// co~ts ~ill b8 for~rdud for th8 Z~ ~i~ P~i~ ~ Z~i~ [ommi~i~
co~id~ti~ ~ it ~i~ to hold public m8eti~ ~ the ~rth~t District D~ft P~.
~tici~te t~t tht Commi~i~ first ~blic h~ri~ ~ the d~ft p~ will occ~ ~ Dec~b~ Z7 at
Z'30 p.m. in th8 Civic C~tu Co~il ~m~s.
November- December 1998
Northeast District Dnoft Plan Comment Sheet:
Please note your ideas & opinions about the draft plan for the Northeast District on thl~" sheet.
Feel free to extend your commu?ts onto additional sheets of ~pe?, and odd sketchy, photos oP
mop~ Commits should be submitted to Bob ~iklo, Associate Planner, 410 ~ Washilton, Iowa City,
Zo~ 5Z~40 AH commits will be for~rd8d fop the Zowa City Plonni~ & Zont~ Commission~
consideration as it bept~s to hold public m88ti~s on th8 ~?th~st District Omit Plan. We
onticpot8 that the Commission~ first public h~ri~ on the draft p~n will occur on Oec8mber Z7 at
7'30 p.m. tn th8 Civic C~te? Council Chorebus.
What do you like about the Northeast District Plan?
What chd~8s would you s~t for th8 ~rtheast District Pla~2
Whot informotion wou ~ you o ~ to the No? eost Oistr~ t PIon, YL~ "7 ~ cc ~ ~
November- December 1998
Northeast District Draft Plan Comment Sheet:
P/ease note your ideas d opinions about the dr~lct plan for the Northeast D/strict on this sheet.
Fee/free to extend your comments onto add/liana/sheets of paper, and add sketches, photos or
maps. Comments should be submitted to gob A4i/</o, Associate Planner, 410 E Washir~ton, Zowa City,
Zowa 5ZZ40. A//comments witl be forwarded for the Zowo City Planning d Zoning Commission~
consideration .as it begins to hold public meetings on the Northeast District Draft Plan. We
anticipate that the Commission~ first public hearing on the draft plan will occur on December 17 at
7'30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers.
What do you like about the Northeast D/strict Plan]
Z--b
What chang~ would you s~t fop the Northat D/strict Plan]
~af infoemafion woo/d you add to the No~tb~sf District P/an?
November- December 1998
Northeast District Draft Plan Comment Sheet:
Please note your ideas d opinions about the d?olet p/on for the Northeast District on this sheet.
Feel free to extend your comments onto additional sheets of paper, and odd sketches, photos or
mops. Comments should be submitted to Bob A4il<lo, Associate Planner, 410 E bVoshirngton, _Towo City,
Zowo 5ZZ40. AH comments will be forwarded for the Zowo City Plonning d Zoning Commt~sion~
considerotian as it begins to hold public meetings on the Northeast District Draft Plan. We
anticipate that the Commission~ first public hearing on the draft plan will occur on December 17 at
7'30 p.m. ~ the Civic Center Council Chambers.
What do you like about the Northeast District Plan;
H/hot cham}es would you stnTqest [or the Northeast D/strict Plan;
'~f._ rye l
What information ~ould you odd to the No~th~st District Plon~ ~ H~ ~
/Aiscellaneous Comments:
IT £ co T 'r (341'12,
l'
'c- ~c-/,,,, 5ct C. t p --[o,-, 4x ,c Po ,,. ~ ,,,-, eo ]'--
November - December 1998
Nontheost bistnict broft Plon Comment 5beet: '
P/~e note your/deds d op/n/ons about the draft p/dn for t~¢ NoPth~t D~tPict ~ th/$ sheet.
Feel f~ee to ~t~d your commits onto additio~l sheets of ~per, and add sketchy, photos o~
~s. Commits should be submitted to gob ~iklo, Associate Planner, 410 E ~asht~ton. ~o~ Ci~,
· owa 52240. All commits will be for~rded for the ~o~ Ci~ Planni~ d Zonin9 Commission~
c~siderafion as if bqins to ham public meetings on the Norfh~st District Dmft P/an. We
ant/~/~fe that the Comm/~s/on~ first public h~P/~9 on the draft p~n wi// occur on December I7 at
Z'30 p.m. in the Civic C~ter Council Chambers.
What do ,you like about the Northeast Di~etrict P/an?
What chan~tes would you su~ye~t for the Northeast District P/an?
What infor~fion would you add to the NaPthrust District Plan2
A4isce/laneous Comments:
~o~embe~ - L)ecembe~ 1998
Northeast District Draft Plan Comment Sheet:
Please note your ideas ~ opinions about the draft plan For the Northeast t)~Strict on thin sheet.
Feel free to extend you? comments onto additional sheets of popu, and odd sketchss, photos or
maps. Caromsots should be submitted to ~ob /H/k/o, Associate Planner, 410 e. Woshinpton, Zowo City,
.ToWn 52240. All comments w/I/be forwarded {or the .Towo City Planmh9 ~ Zonin9 Commission~
consideration as it bepins to hold public meet~ps on the Northeast Oistrict Draft P/on. We
anticipate that the Commiss/on~ First public hear/n9 on the dralet p/on will occur on December 17 at
7'30 p.m. ~ the Civic Center Council Chambers.
What do you like about the Northeast District P/on?
What chanpes would you su~pest lear the Northeast Z)istrict P/an?,
What information would you odd to th8 NoPth~st b/st?ict Plon2
iscsIIonsous Comments:
November- December 1998
Northeast District Draft Plan Comment 5heat:
P/ease note your ideas & opinions about the draft plan for the Northeast D/strict on this sheet.
Feel free to extend youc comments onto additional sheets o{ paper, and odd sketches, photos or
maps. Comments should be submitted to ;ob A~/i</o, Associate P/artner, 410 e 14/ash/nptonj Io~a City,
Zo~/a 52240. All comments will be forwarded for the .rows Ci~ Plonnin9 d Zonin9 Commisst~n~
consideration as it bepins to ham public meetinps on the Northeast D/strict Draft Plan. live
ant/c/pate that the Commission~ first public hearing on the draft p/an wi// occur on December 17 at
Z'30 p.m./~ the Civic Center Council Chambers.
What intrormotion would you add to the Northeast D/strict Plan?
110 Glenn Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
December 4, 1998
Mr. Robert Miklo
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Department
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: Northeast District Plan
We are residents of the Northeast Planning District and we have reviewed the draft report
presented to the neighborhood last month as well as the alternative plan developed by the
citizens group.
Please advise the commission of our support for the plan contained in the draft report prepared
by your staff. We feel that the First Avenue link is essential to the northeast Iowa City
transportation system. This .link cannot walt until Captain Irish is extended to Scott Boulevard,
for it is badly needed now. Although First Avenue is busy now and will become busier with
the link in place, we feel that should be solved with future planning and improvements to this
major arterial or collector street from Rochester Avenue south to the new Hy-Vee. The
solution is not to pretend that First Avenue is a quiet local street (which it hasn't been for
years) and attempt to divert traffic around it.
Very truly yot:rs,
Stew '.~d ~,~ Lau ;hlin
\
SFL:sb
Dec 11, 1998
Mr. Robert Miklo
Senior Planner
410 E. Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Miklo and Planning and Zoning Commission:
I attended the Northeast Distdct Planning Program because my neighborhood,
Goosetown, borders this district. Growth in the northeast quadrant of Iowa City has and
will continue to have a tremendous impact on my neighborhood.
What impressed me most about the planning process was the strong and neady
unanimous agreement by the one hundred or so citizens participating that First Ave
should not be extended as a north-south artedal street. In fact, it seemed to me that
participants who did not agree on anything else agreed on "no First Avenue extension."
This agreement is consistent with the city-wide referendum, passed by a large majority,
to delay First Ave construction. I therefore write to ask you to respect the wishes of the
citizens of Iowa City and propose extending Scott Boulevard as the north-south artery
rather than First Ave.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Janz
328 Reno St
Iowa City, IA 52245
December 14, 1998
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission
% Bob Miklo
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Planning and Zoning Commission Members:
This December 17th you will be discussing at your meeting the
northeast district development options. A draft plan will be
presented by the city as well as a citizens alternative plan.
As a resident within this northeast corridor of Iowa City,
residing at 967 Evergreen Court, I would like to have some
input with regards to consideration by the Planning and Zoning
Commission members. Due to previous commitments, I will be unable
to attend the December 17th meeting personally and therefore, I
have elected to state my opinions in this letter.
Although I do not favor the extension of First Avenue through
to Captain Irish Parkway, I must say that my resistance to this
proposal has certainly diminished over the years. My objections
to First Avenue being extended are numerous and include not
only the fact that residents along the First Avenue portion, just
north of Rochester, will have profound limitation for parking in
particular. Should First Avenue be extended, I believe that
neighbors in this area are going to need some sort of parking
area in the event that they elect to have any sort of party or
function, at their house, or get-together such as anniversary,
weddings, etc. As this is a very steep portion of First Avenue, I
fully expect no parking will be allowed on First Avenue after
extension. I believe the city should be committed to purchasing
some land on the west side of First Avenue, across from these
neighbors, to allow them some sort of parking access for
special functions in their homes. Should this not happen, any
guests that may come to their house will be forced an inordinate
amount of distance away in order to park their cars. A parking
area located west of First Avenue would also serve as a parking
site for citizens interested in using the East entrance of Hickory
Hill Park.
Furthermore, I am concerned about the number of schools along First
Avenue and the amount of student/pedestrian traffic that will put
these individuals at risk should First Avenue be extended. First
avenue provides access directly for three public schools (Southeast
Page 2
Junior high, City High, and Hoover), and one private school
(Regina). In addition, two public elementary schools also are
located near First Avenue (Lemme, Lucas). Sidewalks will be
required on both sides along the entire course of First Avenue to
accommodate these students.
In addition, I am concerned about the number of curb cuts along
First Avenue making access in and out of peoples' driveways more
hazardous. Any attempt should be made to divert traffic to Scott
Boulevard, which has far fewer curb cuts.
As the JCOG study has shown, First Avenue is currently overly
traveled. With First Avenue extension, I think you are going to
put a tremendous amount more traffic onto an already busy First
Avenue. In this regard, I do believe the Citizen Alternative Plan
may offer some reasonable alternatives to the current city
proposal.
I think the most devastating possibility for NE district residents
is if First Avenue is not extended and some alternative pathway is
allowed for citizens to drive through Captain Irish Parkway and
somehow connect to Hickory Trail. Should a connection be made from
our current neighborhood to Captain Irish and First Avenue not
extended, I am concerned about the amount of traffic that may flow
down Captain Irish Parkway, throughsome secondary alternative site
and back onto First Avenue, creating, in a sense a 'round about
First Avenue extension'. This, I think, would be most devastating
for the neighbors in the area.
I believe both the citizens draft and the city draft do seem to
take into account environmentally sensitive areas. I think both
drafts have done a good job. However, the citizens draft has done
a better job, especially along Hickory Park borders.
Furthermore, I believe that the number of curb cuts along Captain
Irish Parkway as outlined within the Citizens Draft Alternative
Plan versus the city plan are far fewer. This would allow us a
faster speed on Captain Irish Parkway, making this a more
desirable route in and out of the northeast section of Iowa City.
In reviewing the Citizen's Alternative Plan, the city may have a
problem with singular access to NE district. The city in the past
has desired secondary access. I suspect this is of less concern to
neighbors as we have all lived with single access for some time.
In closing, I feel the commission has a difficult decision to make.
Both citizen and city plans have merit. Though I do not favor a
First Avenue extension , my resistance is waning. I, furthermore,
would hope that this community is not polarized and politicized
over a single issue. There are far too many issues and tasks more
serious than to divide a community in an attempt to change council.
To do so would truly drive a road right through this town.
Page 3
If I can be of any further assistance,
give me a call.
Sincere~~m j~/~
Cam F.
CFC:cw
please don't hesitate to
Nor,t'h:elltt.; -" ""':'
~ this
Fee/ft'ee to extend }anlr Cotinherits onto oddit~/ ~ts of ~p~, ~ ~'skttch~, photos or
~. ~o~ts sh~H ~ ~mittei to 8~ Miklo~ Z~ociate P~, ~10 E W~hi~t~, ~ ~i~,
· ~ ~. ~/] c~ts will be f~ded foe the ~o~ ~i~ P~ ~ Z~i~ ~om~i~
c~id~ti~ ~ it ~i~ to hold poblic meeti~s ~ t~e ~eth~ Diarict Ddt P~. ~e
~tici~te t~ the ~~s.[i~ ~lic h~i~ ~ the dud ~ will occ~ ~ Dec~ 17 at
Z'30 p.m. in the Ci~c C~t~ C~ci/ ~m~s. ..
What do you like abotrt: the Northeast D/strict Plan?
What chan~es would you sa~ for the Northeast D/strict P/an?
What information would you add to the Northeast District Plan?
Miscellaneous Comments:
ld s>. md dJ
Mayember - L~ecernber 1998
33 f- l~r
Northeast District Draft Plan Comment Sheet:
P/ease note your ideas ~ opinions about the draft p/an for the Northeast b/strict on this sheet.
Feel free to extefid your comments onto odditiofial sheets of paper, arid add sketches, photos or
mops. Comments should be submitted to ~lob tHil<lo, Associate Plannet', 410 e. laJashington, Zowo City,
Zoevo 5Z240. All comments will be forwot'ded for the Zowo City Plennin9 & Zonin9 Commission~
cons/dePot/on as it begins to hold public meetings on the Northeast b/strict Draft Plan. We
anticipate that the CommiSsion~ first public hearin9 on the draft p/on w/l/occur on December 17 at
7'30 p.m. m the Civic Center Council Chambers.
What do you like about the Northeast b/strict Plan?
What chat~es would you suggest for. the Northeast b/strict Plan?
Miscellaneous Comments:
Additional copies of this petition containing a total of
~,~ ~ signatures were also submitted.
We request these amendrnents
City's Northeast District Draft
· Do not connect First Avenue with Captain Irish
· Omit housing development overlooking Hickory Hill Park
(500' buffer)
· Use a more direct route for Captain Irish, with immediate
construction to Scott Boulevard
· Retain these positive features of the City's draft plan:
°traffic-calming turns along Hickory Trail's connection to Captain Irish
(but enhance them with traffic calming along the existing First Avenue),
· public green space and bike trails along Ralston Creek,
· preservation of wooded ravines,
· the neighborhood park at Hickory Trail's current terminus, and
°the stormwater basin / park east of Captain Irish.
to the
Plan:
Name [ Address [ Phone
3 3 g",5'5'~! 0
3~g- s q n
59~--
,3,~ -0 bz,
.3 3, -/34q'
.~ 3 ~ - 125 q t[
Ho 4e Bu coems Ass', ON OF IOWA C] TY
Iowa Ci~ Council MembersF _ m a : I . O
Ci~ of Iowa Ci~ c o m ~ s e ~ v e. c o m
410 E. Was~ngton S~eet
Iowa Ci~, Iowa 52240
Re: Northeast Planning District
March 1999 - Draft
Dear Mayor Lehman and Council Members:
The Home Builders Association of Iowa City held a special meeting with our Legislative Committee and
developers to review the Northeast Planning District Draft for Iowa City. Our Association recognizes the
time and effort that was put into this document by the planning staff. Many aspects of this draft are well
researched and are important elements of modern development. Trails, open space and plans for
increased density all improve a subdivision or neighborhood. Our association also recognizes the
importance of neighborhood input and the overall process in planning developments for our community.
We appreciate the willingness of the city staff and council to include us in developing these policies so
critical to our industry.
The concern of our Legislative Committee is that the plan sets up a neighborhood design concept that is
unproven in Iowa City and that the plan is so specific that design standards for individual. housing types
are laid out with no consideration for market acceptance or cost feasibility. No where in this document
does it address the issue of affordable housing.
We respectfully ask the council to continue the discussion of this plan, and remove the neo-traditional
elements -- primarily single loaded streets, the mix of residential and commercial uses and the mix of
housing types -- until this concept has been tested. Our hope is that Iowa City will use the Peninsula as a
pilot project, before mandating unproven standards throughout the city. Our Association also asks that
this document be reviewed and revised to address the issues of structure design and subdivision layout.
The Home Builders Association of Iowa City is interested in ALL elements of design, development and
construction in Iowa City. We ask that all future plan drafts for the various districts be sent to the
Association and comment given by representatives of the Association to the planning staff before
documents are brought before the council. Involving our Association in the process and the willingness
of staff to work with our builders and developers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely
Horn Builders Association of Iowa City
Dennis Sip
President
cc: Karin Franklin
Stephen Atkins
affiliated with
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
& HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF IOWA
Visit our Website: www. iowacitylmmes.com
March 26, 1999
Mayor Ernie Lehman
Iowa City Council Members
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
__, !OAREWAACITY
:~25 E. Washington Street
P.O. Box 2:t58
Iowa City, Iowa 52244
:I19-3:t7-96:I7 (tel)
:I19-:t:18-9958 (fax)
Re: Northeast Planning District - Draft Plan
Dear Mayor and Council:
The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the Northeast Planning District Draft for
Iowa City and has a few comments. The Chamber recognizes the importance of community
involvement in the planning process and appreciates the efforts of your talented staff. The Chamber
also recognizes the importance of neighborhood input and the overall process in planning
developments for our community.
The Chamber is concerned that this plan establishes design concepts that are unproven in Iowa City.
While a neighborhood with a mix of commercial and retail property might be successful in
Celebration, Florida, it may not be an appropriate mix for the Iowa City market. The Chamber feels
market forces are a more reliable regulator of supply. Additionally, this plan does not seem to
consider market acceptance or the cost feasibility of its proposed elements. Single loaded streets
increase the cost of remaining lots, as do other types of design requirements. The Chamber is
concerned this plan may lead to mandating unproven standards throughout the city. Our hope is that
Iowa City will use the Peninsula as a pilot project.
I would request that copies of all plan drafts be sent to the Chamber. We feel the planning process
will benefit from business input and the involvement of our members. Thank you for your
consideration on our point of view.
Sincerely,
John Beckord
President
CC: Steve Atkins
Karin Franklin
"To advocate for a vibrant local economy, provide opport"'~nities
and valuable services to our members and contribute to the quality
of life in Johnson County."
Serving the Communities of Johnson County
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that public hearings
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30t~ day of March,
1999, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa; at
which hearing the Council will consider:
1. A resolution adopting and incorporating
the Northeast District Plan into the Iowa City
Co ehensive Plan.
Su Board of
Adjustment notice requirements and to
incorporate Board powers and procedures into
the Zoning Chapter.
3. An ordinance changing the zoning
designation of 2.78 acres located at the
northeast corner of Duck Creek Drive and
Rohret Road from Low Density Single-Family
Residential' (RS-5) to Sensitive Areas
Overlay/Low Density Residential (OSA-5) to
permit a 14-unit residential development.
Copies of the proposed resolution and
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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Prepared by Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner, 410 E.' Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319/356/5251
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE
SECTION 14-4B TO CHANGE BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND TO
INCORPORATE BOARD POWERS AND
PROCEDURES INTO CHAPTER 14-6, "ZONING
CHAPTER," BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE W,
ENTITLED "BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT POWERS
AND PROCEDURES"
WHEREAS, the City Council expanded the
public notice requirements for the Board of
Adjustment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Council directive,
the Board now sends notification letters to the
owners of property within 300 feet, instead of
within 200 feet, of the request property; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment submittal
requirements specified in the City Code should be
amended to comply with this change in the public
notification policy; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Chapter currently
contains sections on the administration and
implementation of the zoning regulations .and on
the procedures and criteria for obtaining minor
modifications to those regulations; end
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment's
authority pertains only to the Zoning Chapter of
the City Code in that the Board only considers
special exceptions, variances and appeals to
Zoning Chapter requirements; and
WHEREAS, when the City Code was
recodified in 1994, the Board of Adjustment
section was removed from the Zoning Chapter
and placed in the Land Control and Development
section of the Code; and
WHEREAS, it is more appropriate for the
Board of Adjustment powers and procedures to be
set forth in the Zoning Chapter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENTS.
A. Title 14, Chapter 4, entitled "Land Control and
Development," Article B, entitled 'Board of
Adjustment,' is hereby amended by repealing
subsections 14-4B-4 through subsections 14-
4B-9 in their entirety, and adding a new
subsection 14-4B-4, as follows:
4: POWERS AND PROCEDURES: The
Board's powers and procedures concerning its
hearings and decisions on applications for
Ordinance No.
Page 2
appeals, special exceptions and variances to
the City's zoning regulations are set forth in
Article 14-6W of this Title, which is entitled
'Board of Adjustment Powers and
Procedures."
Title 14, Chapter 6, entitled "Zoning Chapter,"
is hereby amended by adding a new Article W,
entitled "Board of Adjustment Powers and
Procedures," as follows:
CHAPTER 6
ZONING
ARTICLE W. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT POWERS
AND PROCEDURES
SECTION:
14-6W- 1:
14-6W-2:
14-6W-3:
14-6W-4:
14-6W-5:
14-6W-6
14-6W-7
Purpose
Powers
Procedures Generally
Appeals
Special Exceptions and Variances
Fees
Petition for Writ of Certiorari
14-6W-1: PURPOSE:
are intended to:
A.
These provisions
Set forth the authority of the Board of
Adjustment and its standards of review for
hearing and deciding on. appeals, special
exceptions and variances to the City's
zoning regulations in this Chapter.
B. Provide a general description of the
Board's application, fees and appeal
process and requirements.
C. Ensure due process and equitable
consideration of each application.
D. Allow for the reasonable use of property
while ensuring that the requested use or
modification will not impart special
privileges not enjoyed by other property in
the vicinity and in identical zoning
districts.
E. Guide Board decisions to serve the public
interest, meet the intent of the Zoning
Chapter and be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
14-6W-2: POWERS: The Board shall have
the following powers:
A. Appeals: To hear and decide appeals
where it is alleged there is error in any
order, requirement, decision or
determination made by the City Manager
or designee in the enforcement of the
Ordinance No.
Page 3
Zoning Chapter or of any ordinance
adopted pursuant thereto.
Special Exceptions: To hear and decide
applications for special exceptions to the
terms of the Zoning Chapter in accordance
with the general standards contained in
this Article and the specific regulations set
forth in the Zoning Chapter.
1. Review: The Board shall review all
applicable evidence regarding the site,
existing and proposed structures,
neighboring uses, parking areas,
driveway locations, highway access,
traffic generation and circulation,
drainage, sanitary sewer and water
systems, the operation of the specific
proposed exception and such other
evidence as deemed appropriate.
2. Standards: In order to permit a special
exception, the Board must find that
the applicant meets the standards set
forth in the Zoning Chapter with
respect to the specific proposed
exception. The Board must also find
that the applicant meets the following
general standards or that the following
standards do not apply:
a. The specific proposed exception
will not be detrimental to or endanger
the public health, safety, comfort or
general welfare.
b. The specific proposed exception
will not be injurious to the use and
enjoyment of other property in the
immediate vicinity and will not
substantially diminish or impair
property values in the neighborhood.
c. Establishment of the specific
proposed exception will not impede
the normal and orderly development
and improvement of the surrounding
property for uses permitted in the zone
in which such property is located.
d. Adequate utilities, access roads,
drainage and/or necessary facilities
have been or are being provided.
e. Adequate measures have been or
will be taken to provide ingress or
egress designed so as to minimize
traffic congestion on public streets.
f. Except for the specific regulations
and standards applicable to the
exception being considered, the
specific proposed exception, in all
other respects, conforms to the
Ordinance No.
Page 4
applicable regulations or standards of
the zone in which it is to be located.
g. The proposed use will be
consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan of the City.
3. Conditions: In permitting a special
exception, the Board may impose
appropriate conditions and safeguards,
including but not limited to planting
screens, fencing, construction
commencement and completion
deadlines, lighting, operational
controls, improved traffic circulation
requirements, highway access
restrictions, increased minimum yard
requirements, parking requirements,
limitations on the duration of a use or
ownership or any other requirement
which the Board deems appropriate
under the circumstances upon a
finding that the conditions are
necessary to fulfill the purpose and
intent of the Zoning Chapter.
Variances: To authorize upon appeal in
specific cases such variances from the
terms of the Zoning Chapter. as will not be
contrary to the public interest, where
owing to special conditions a literal
enforcement of the provisions of the
Zoning Chapter will result in unnecessary
hardship and so the spirit of the ordinance
shall be observed and substantial justice
done. No variance to the strict application
of any provision of the Zoning Chapter
shall be granted by the Board unless the
applicant demonstrates that all of the
following elements are present:
1. Not contrary to the public interest.
a. The proposed variance will not
threaten neighborhood integrity, nor
have a substantially adverse effect on
the use or value of other properties in
the area adjacent to the property
included in the variance; and
b. The proposed variance will be in
harmony with the general purpose and
intent of the Zoning Chapter and will
not contravene the objectives of the
Comprehensive Ran.
2. Unnecessary hardship.
a. The property in question cannot
yield a reasonable return if used only
for a purpose allowed in the zone
where the property is located; and
b. The owner's situation is unique or
peculiar to the property in question,
Ordinance No.
Page 5
and the situation is not shared with
other landowners in the area nor due
to general conditions in the
neighborhood; and
c. The hardship is not of the
landowner's or applicant's own
making or that of a predecessor in
title.
3. Conditions: In permitting a variance,
the Board may impose appropriate
conditions and safeguards, including
but not limited to planting screens,
fencing, construction commencement
and completion deadlines, lighting,
operational controls, improved traffic
circulation requirements, highway
access restrictions, increased
minimum yard requirements, parking
requirements, limitation on the
duration of a use or ownership or any
other requirement which the Board
deems appropriate under the
circumstances, upon a finding that the
conditions are necessary to fulfill the
purpose and intent of the Zoning
Chapter.
D. Interpretation of Zoning Provisions: To
interpret the Zoning Chapter in any case
where it is alleged there is an error in any
decision, determination or interpretation
made by the Zoning Code Interpretation
Panel or by the City Manager in cases
where the Panel was unable to reach a
unanimous decision regarding the meaning
of Zoning Code provisions. Interpretations
rendered by the Board under this Section
shall be binding upon the City Manager or
designee in the enforcement of the Zoning
Chapter. (1978 Code §36-91; 1994
Code)
14-6W-3: PROCEDURES GENERALLY: The
Board shall conduct hearings and make
decisions in accordance with the following
requirements.
A. Public Meetings: All meetings shall be
open to the public.
B. Public Notice: Notice of the time and
place of hearings shall be published in a
paper of general circulation not more than
twenty (20) nor less than seven (7) days
prior to the hearing. It shall contain the
street address or location of the property
and a brief description of the nature of the
appeal.
C. Record of Proceedings: The Board shall
keep minutes of its proceedings, showing
Ordinance No.
Page 6
the vote of each member upon each
question or if absent or failing to vote,
indicating such fact, and shall keep
records of its examinations and other
official actions, all of which shall be
immediately filed in the office of the
secretary of the Board and shall be a
public record.
Written Decisions: The Board shall render
written decisions, including findings of
fact and conclusions of law, which shall
be filed with the City Clerk and recorded
in the Johnson County Recorder's office.
E. Orders: Unless otherwise determined by
the Board, all orders of the Board shall
expire six (6) months from the date the
written decision is filed with the City Clerk
unless the applicant shall have taken
action within the six (6) month period to
establish the use or construct the building
permitted under the terms of the Board's
decision, such as obtaining a building
permit. and proceeding to completion in
accordance with the terms of the permit.
Upon written request and for good cause
shown, the Board may extend the
expiration date of any order without
further public hearing on,the merits of the
original appeal or application. (1978 Code
§36-91; 1994 Code)
14-6W-4: APPEALS:
A. Initiation of Appeal: Appeals to the Board
may be taken by any person aggrieved or
by any officer, department or board of the
City affected by any decision of the City
Manager or designee or by a decision of
the Zoning Code Interpretation Panel or of
the City Manager when the Panel cannot
reach a unanimous decision. Such appeal
shall be taken within a reasonable time as
provided by the rules of the Board by filing
with the City Clerk a notice of appeal
specifying the grounds of the appeal. A
duplicate copy of such notice shall be filed
with the Board secretary. The City
Manager or designee shall forthwith
transmit to the Board all the papers
constituting the record upon which the
action appealed from was taken.
B. Stay of Proceedings: An appeal stays all
proceedings in furtherance of the action
appealed from, including without limitation
a permittee's right to proceed with
development or other activities authorized
under a building permit, the issuance of
which is a subject of the appeal, unless
Ordinance No.
Page 7
the City Manager or designee certifies to
the Board after the notice of appeal has
been filed that, by reason of facts stated
in the certificate, a stay would in the City
Manager's or designee's opinion, cause
imminent peril to life or property. In such
case, proceedings or development shall
not be stayed otherwise than by a
restraining order, which may be granted
by the Board or by a court of record and
on notice to the City Manager or designee
for due cause shown. (1978 Code §36-
91; 1994 Code)
14-6W-5: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS AND
VARIANCES: Applications for special
exceptions and variances shall be'filed with
the City Clerk. At a minimum, the application
shall include the following:
A. The name and address of each applicant.
B. The names and addresses of the owner of
the property in question and of the
architect, professional engineer and
contractor, if any.
C. The names and addresses of the record
owners of all property located within three
hundred feet (300') of the property in
question.
D. A map or plat showing the location and
record owner of each property opposite or
abutting the property in question.
E..A narrative statement of the grounds
offered as support for the special
exception or variance.
F. A map or plot plan, drawn to scale, of the
property in question. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-6W-6: FEES: A filing fee shall be paid at
the time any appeal or application is filed.
Filing fees shall be established by resolution of
the City Council. No fee shall be charged for
an appeal or application filed by any officer,
department or board of the City. (1978 Code
§36-91 )
14-6W-7: PETITION FOR WRIT OF
CERTIORARI: Any person or persons, jointly
or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the
Board under the provisions of the Zoning
Chapter or any taxpayer or any officer,
department or board of the City may present
to a court of record a petition for writ of
certiorari, duly verified, setting forth that such
Board decision is illegal, in whole or in part,
and specifying the grounds of the illegality.
(1978 Code §36-91; 1994 Code)
SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts
of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Ordinance No.
Page 8
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or
part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance
shall be in effect after its final passage, approval
and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this day of
,1999.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
roved b
amend.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 27, 1999 (for February 4 Commission meeting)
Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission
Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner
Proposed Amendment to City Code 14-4B, Board of Adjustment
Notice Requirements
In July 1998, the City Council expanded the notice requirements for the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the 'Board of Adjustment. This included sending notification letters
to the owners of property within 300 feet (instead of within 200 feet) of the request
property. The Board of Adjustment procedures are spelled out in Article B of the Land
Control and Development section of the City Code. At present, subsection 14-4B-7C
requires that the applicant submit 'the names and address of the record owners of all
property located within two hundred feet (200') of the property in question. "To bring this
subsection into technical conformance with the current City notification policy, staff
recommends that this section of the code be amended as follows:
The names and addresses of the record owners of all property located
within three hundred feet (300')' of the property in question.
Codification Shuffle !.'
When the City Code was recodified in 1994, the Board of Adjustment section was
removed from the Zoning Chapter and placed in the Land Control and Development section
of the Code. (See Attachment 1: Chapter 4, Land Control and Development, Article B.
Board of Adjustment) This was apparently done to group the Board's establishment and
rules of appointment and organization in the same Chapter as those of other Commissions,
such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission and
the Design Review Committee. Staff suggests that the Code be amended to return the
sections on the Board of Adjustment' s powers and procedures to the Zoning Chapter.
The Board of Adjustment' s authority pertains only to the Zoning Chapter of the City Code
in that the Board is allowed to grant exceptions, variances and appeals only to zoning code
requirements. The Zoning Chapter currently contains sections on the administration and
implementation of the zoning regulations and on the procedures and criteria for obtaining
minor modifications to those regulations. It also may be more understandable to the
general public to have information on the Board of Adjustment procedures within the
Zoning Chapter, instead of having to search for it in a separate section of the City Code.
Further, the State Code references to the Board of Adjustment are contained within the
section on municipal zoning powers.
Staff recommends that the initial sections of Article 4B concerning 1) the establishment of
the Board of Adjustment, 2) removals from office and 3) organization (meetings, secretary
Proposed Amendment
January 28, 1999
Page 2
and quorum) be retained without change, and that the remainder of the Article concerning
powers and procedures be incorporated into the Zoning Chapter. Staff recommends that
subsection 14-4B-4 be amended to read:
POWERS AND PROCEDURES: The Board' s powers and procedures
concerning its hearings and decisions on applications for appeals,
special exceptions and variances to the City' s zoning regulations are
set forth in Article 14-6W of this Title, Board of Adjustment
Procedures.
Staff recommends that subsections 14-4B-4 through 9, including 4) powers concerning
appeals, special exceptions and variances to the Zoning Chapter, 5) general procedures, 6)
appeal procedures, 7) special exceptions and variance applications, 8) fees and (9 the right
to appeal the Board' s decision to District Court, be incorporated at the end of the Zoning
Chapter as Article W. Staff further suggests that a purpose section be added at the
beginning of Article W as follows:
14-6W-1 PURPOSE: These provisions are intended to:
A. Set forth the authority of the Board of Adjustment and its
standards of review for hearing and deciding on appeals, special
exceptions and variances to the City' s zoning regulations in this
Chapter.
B. Provide a general description of the Board' s application, fees and
appeal process and requirements.
C. Ensure due process and equitable consideration of each
application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Section 14-4B of the City Code be amended by incorporating
subsections 14-4B-4 through 14-4B-9, the powers and procedures of the Board of
Adjustment, into the Zoning Chapter as Article W, Board of Adjustment Procedures, and
that subsection 14-4B-4 be amended to reference Article W (14-6W). Please refer to
Attachment 2 to review the proposed text amendments to Section 14-4B and the addition
of Article W, Board of Adjustment Procedures, to the Zoning Chapter of the City Code.
The amendment text includes the change to extend the notice requirement from property
owners within 200 feet of the request property to property owners within 300 feet of the
request property.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Chapter 4, Land Control and Development, Article B. Board of Adjustment
2. Proposed Board of Adjustment Ordinance Amendment
Proposed Amendment
January 29, 1999
Page 3
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Dept. of Planning & Community Development
ppdadm/mem/boa14-4b,doc
ATTACHMENT 1
14-4B- 1
144B-3
CHAPTER 4
LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE B. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SECTION:
14-4B-1:
14-4B-2:
14-4B-3:
14-4B-4:
14-4B-5:
14-4B-6:
14-4B-7:
14-4B-8:
14-4B-9:
Board Established; Appointment;
Qualifications; Compensation
Removals from Office;
Vacancies
Organization
Powers
Procedures Generally
Appeals
Special Exceptions and
Variances
Fees
Petition for Writ of Certiorari
14-4B-1: BOARD ESTABLISHED; AP-
POINTMENT; QUALIFICA-
TIONS; COMPENSATION: The Board of
Adjustment previously established shall
continue. The Board shall consist of five (5)
members appointed by the Mayor with the
consent of the City Council for a term of
five (5) years. Members shall be residents
of Iowa City and shall serve without com-
pensation. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-4B-2: REMOVALS FROM OFFICE;
VACANCIES: Members shall be
removable for cause by the City Council
upon written charges and after public hear-
ing. Vacancies shall be filled for the unex-
pired term of any member whose position
becomes vacant. No members shall be ap-
pointed to succeed themselves. However, a
member originally appointed to fill an unex-
pired term with one year or less remaining
may be reappointed for one full five (5) year
term. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-4B-3: ORGANIZATION:
Meetings; Rules of Procedure: Meet-
ings of the Board shall be held at least
once a month when applications are
pending before the Board. The Board
shall adopt rules to establish the time
and place of meetings, the procedure
for selecting a chairperson and vice
chairperson, who shall act as chair-
person when the chairperson is ab-
sent or abstaining, and such other
procedural rules as are necessary to
implement the provisions of this Arti-
cle. Copies of all rules shall be kept
on file in the office of the Board's
secretary and in the office of the City
Clerk. The chairperson or, in the
chairperson's absence, the acting
chairperson may administer oaths or
compel the attendance of witnesses.
Secretary: The Director of Planning
and Community Development shall
designate one staff member to serve
as the Board's secretary, The secre-
tary, who shall not be a member of the
Board, shall be responsible for main-
taining the office of the Board, receiv-
ing and filing Board decisions and
orders, posting and publishing notices
as required by law and for maintaining
Iowa City
14-4B-3 14-4B-4
minutes and other records of the
Board's proceedings.
Quorum; Voting: A majority of the
Board shall constitute a quorum. The
concurring vote of three (3) members
of the Board shall be necessary to
reverse any order, requirement, deci-
sion or determination of the City Man-
ager or designee or to decide in favor
of the applicant on any matter upon
which it is required to pass under the
Zoning Ordinance or to effect any
variation in the Zoning Ordinance~.
(1978 Code §36-91 )
14-4B-4: POWERS: The Board shall have
the following powers:
Appeals: To hear and decide appeals
where it is alleged there is error in any
order, requirement, decision or deter-
mination made by the City Manager or
designee in the enforcement of the
Zoning Chapter~ or of any ordinance
adopted pursuant thereto.
Special Exceptions: To hear and de-
cide applications for special excep-
tions to the terms of the Zoning Chap-
ter in accordance with the general
standards contained in this Article and
the specific regulations set forth in the
Zoning Chapter.
1. Review: The Board shall review all
applicable evidence regarding the site,
existing and proposed structures,
neighboring uses, parking areas,
driveway locations, highway access,
traffic generation and circulation,
drainage, sanitary sewer and water
systems, the operation of the specific
proposed exception and such other
evidence as deemed appropriate.
2. Standards: In order to permit a
special exception, the Board must find
that the applicant meets the standards
set forth in the Zoning Chapter with
respect to the specific proposed ex-
ception. The Board must also find that
the applicant meets the following
general standards or that the following
standards do not apply:
a. The specific proposed exception
will not be detrimental to or endanger
the public health, safety, comfort or
general welfare.
b. The specific proposed exception
will not be injurious to the use and
enjoyment of other property in the
immediate vicinity and will not sub-
stantially diminish or impair property
values in the neighborhood.
c. Establishment of the specific
proposed exception will not impede
the normal and orderly development
and improvement of the surrounding
property for uses permitted in the
zone in which such property is locat-
ed.
d. Adequate utilities, access roads,
drainage and/or necessary facilities
have been or are being provided.
e. Adequate measures have been
or will be taken to provide ingress or
egress designed so as to minimize
traffic congestion on public streets.
f. Except for the specific regulations
and standards applicable to the ex-
ception being considered, the specific
1. See Chapter 6 of this Title.
Iowa City
14-4B-4 14-4B-4
proposed exception, in all other re-
spects, conforms to the applicable
regulations or standards of the zone in
which it is to be located.
g. The proposed use will be consis-
tent with the Comprehensive Plan of
the City.
3. Conditions: In permitting a special
exception, the Board may impose
appropriate conditions and safe-
guards, including but not limited to
planting screens, fencing, construction
commencement and completion dead-
lines, lighting, operational controls,
improved traffic circulation require-
ments, highway access restrictions,
increased minimum yard require-
ments, parking requirements, limita-
tions on the duration of a use or own-
ership or any other requirement which
the Board deems appropriate under
the circumstances upon a finding that
the conditions are necessary to fulfill
the purpose and intent of the Zoning
Chapter.
Variances: To authorize upon appeal
in specific cases such variances from
the terms of the Zoning Chapter as
will not be contrary to the public inter-
est, where owing to special conditions
a literal enforcement of the provisions
of the Zoning Chapter will result in
unnecessary hardship and so the
spirit of the ordinance shall be ob-
served and substantial justice done.
No variance to the strict application of
any provision of the Zoning Chapter
shall be granted by the Board unless
the applicant demonstrates that all of
the following elements are present:
1. Not contrary to the public interests.
a. The proposed variance will not
threaten neighborhood integrity, nor
have a substantially adverse effect on
the use or value of other properties in
the area adjacent to the property in-
cluded in the variance; and
b. The proposed variance will be in
harmony with the general purpose and
intent of the Zoning Chapter and will
not contravene the objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Unnecessary hardship.
a. The property in question cannot
yield a reasonable return if used only
for a purpose allowed in the zone
where the property is located; and
b. The owner's situation is unique
or peculiar to the property in question,
and the situation is not shared with
other landowners in the area nor due
to general conditions in the neighbor-
hood; and
c. The hardship is not of the
landowners or applicant's own making
or that of a predecessor in title.
3. Conditions: In permitting a vari-
ance, the Board may impose appropri-
ate conditions and safeguards, includ-
ing but not limited to planting screens,
fencing, construction commencement
and completion deadlines, lighting,
operational controls, improved traffic
circulation requirements, highway
access restrictions, increased mini-
mum yard requirements, parking re-
quirements, limitations on the duration
of a use or ownership or any other
requirement which the Board deems
appropriate under the circumstances,
upon a finding that the conditions are
Iowa City
14-4B-4 14-4B-6
necessary to fulfill the purpose and
intent of the Zoning Chapter.
Interpretation of Zoning Provisions: To
interpret the Zoning Chapter in any
case where it is alleged there is an
error in any decision, determination or
interpretation made by the Zoning
Code Interpretation Panel or by the
City Manager in cases where the
Panel was unable to reach a unani-
mous decision regarding the meaning
of Zoning Code provisions. Interpreta-
tions rendered by the Board under this
Section shall be binding upon the City
Manager or designee in the enforce-
ment of the Zoning Chapter. (1978
Code §36-91; 1994 Code)
14-4B-5: PROCEDURES GENERALLY:
Board shall conduct . hearings
and make decisions in accordance with the
following requirements:
Public Meetings: All meetings shall be
open to the public.
Public Notice: Notice of the time and
place of hearings shall be published in
a paper of general circulation not
more than twenty (20) nor less than
seven (7) days prior to the hearing. It
shall contain the street address or
location of the property and a brief
description of the nature of the ap-
peal.
Record of Proceedings: The Board
shall keep minutes of its proceedings,
showing the vote of each member
upon each question or if absent or
failing to vote, indicating such fact,
and shall keep records of its examina-
tions and other official actions, all of
which shall be immediately filed in the
office of the secretary of the Board
and shall be a public record.
Written Decisions: The Board shall
render written decisions, including
findings of fact and conclusions of
law, which shall be filed with the City
Clerk and recorded in the Johnson
County Recorder's office.
Orders: Unless otherwise determined
by the Board, all orders of the Board
shall expire six (6) months from the
date the written decision is filed with
the City Clerk unless the applicant
shall have taken action within the six
(6) month period to establish the use
or construct the building permitted
under the terms of the Board's deci-
sion, such as by obtaining a building
permit and proceeding to completion
in accordance with the terms of the
permit. Upon written request and for
good cause shown, the Board may
extend the expiration date of any
order without further public hearing on
the merits of the original appeal or
application. (1978 Code §36-91; 1994
Code)
14-4B-6: APPEALS:
Initiation of Appeal: Appeals to the
Board may be taken by any person
aggrieved or by any officer, depart-
ment or board of the City affected by
any decision of the City Manager or
designee or by a decision of the Zon-
ing Code Interpretation Panel or of the
City Manager when the Panel cannot
reach a unanimous decision. Such
appeal shall be taken within a reason-
able time as provided by the rules of
the Board by filing with the City Clerk
a notice of appeal specifying the
Iowa City
14-4B-6 14-4B-9
grounds of the appeal. A duplicate
copy of such notice shall be filed with
the Board secretary. The City Manag-
er or designee shall forthwith transmit
to the Board all the papers constitut-
ing the record upon which the action
appealed from was taken.
Stay of Proceedings: An appeal stays
all proceedings in furtherance of the
action appealed from, including with-
out limitation a permittee's right to
proceed with development or other
activities authorized under a building
permit, the issuance of which is a
subject of the appeal, unless the City
Manager or designee certifies to the
Board after the notice of appeal has
been filed that, by reason of facts
stated in the certificate, a stay would,
in the City Manager's or designee's
opinion, cause imminent peril. to life or
property. In such case, proceedings or
development shall not be stayed oth-
erwise than by a restraining order,
which may be granted by the Board or
by a court of record and on notice to
the City Manager or designee for due
cause shown. (1978 Code §36-91;
1994 Code)
14-4B-7: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS AND
VARIANCES: Applications for
special exceptions and variances shall be
filed with the City Clerk. At a minimum, the
application shall include the following:
The name and address of each appli-
cant.
The names and addresses of the
owner of the property in question and
of the architect, professional engineer
and contractor, if any.
The names and addresses of the
record owners of all property located
within two hundred feet (200') of the
property in question.
A map or plat showing the location
and record owner of each property
opposite or abutting the property in
question.
A narrative statement of the grounds
offered as support for the special
exception or variance.
A map or plot plan, drawn to scale, of
the property in question. (1978 Code
§36-91 )
14-4B-8: FEES: A filing fee shall be paid
at the time any appeal or appli-
cation is filed. Filing fees shall be as estab-
lished by resolution of the City Council. No
fee shall be charged for an appeal or appli-
cation filed by any officer, department or
board of the City. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-4B-9: PETITION FOR WRIT OF CER-
TIORARI: Any person or per-
sons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any
decision of the Board under the provisions
of the Zoning Chapter or any taxpayer or
any officer, department or board of the City
may present to a court of record a petition
for writ of certiorari, duly verified, setting
forth that such Board decision is illegal, in
whole or in part, and specifying the grounds
of the illegality. (1978 Code §36-91; 1994
Code)
ATTACHMENT 2: PROPOSED BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
· Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Reference Board of Adjustment Powers and
Procedures in the Zoning Chapter:
14-4B-4: POWERS AND PROCEDURES: The Board' s powers and procedures concerning its
hearings and decisions on applications for appeals, special exceptions and variances to the
City' s zoning regulations are set forth in Article 14-6W of this Title, Board of Adjustment
Procedures,
· Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Incorporate Board of Adjustment Procedures into the
Zoning Chapter from the Land Use and Control Chapter by Adding a New Section, Article
W:
CHAPTER 6
ZONING
ARTICLE W. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURES
SECTION:
14-6W-1: Purpose
14-6W-2:
14-6W-3:
14-6W-4:
14-6W-5:
14-6W-6:
14-6W-7:
Powers
Procedures Generally
Appeals
Special Exceptions and Variances
Fees
Petition for Writ of Certiorari
14-6W-1: PURPOSE: These provisions are
intended to:
Ao Set forth the authority of the' Board of
Adjustment and its standards of review for
hearing and deciding on appeals, special
exceptions and variances to the City's
zoning regulations in this Chapter.
B. Provide a general description of the
Board's application, fees and appeal process
and requirements.
C. Ensure due process and equitable
consideration of each application.
14-6W-2: POWERS: The Board shall have the
following powers:
A. Appeals: To hear and decide appeals where
it is alleged there is error in any order,
requirement, decision or determination made by
the City Manager or designee in the
enforcement of the Zoning Chapter or of any
ordinance adopted pursuant thereto.
2
B. Special Exceptions: To hear and decide
applications for special exceptions to the terms
of the Zoning Chapter in accordance with the
general standards contained in this Article and
the specific regulations set forth in the Zoning
Chapter.
1. Review: The Board shall review all
applicable evidence regarding the site, existing
and proposed structures, neighboring uses,
parking areas, driveway locations, highway
access, traffic generation and circulation,
drainage, sanitary sewer and water systems, the
operation of the specific proposed exception and
such other evidence as deemed appropriate.
2. Standards: In order to permit a special
exception, the Board must find that the applicant
meets the standards set forth in the Zoning
Chapter with respect to the specific proposed
exception. The Board must also find that the
applicant meets the following general standards
or that the following standards do not apply:
a. The specific proposed exception will not
be detrimental to or endanger the public health,
safety, comfort or general welfare.
b. The specific proposed exception will not
be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other
property in the immediate vicinity and will not
substantially diminish or impair property values
in the neighborhood.
c. Establishment of the specific proposed
exception will not impede the normal and orderly
development and improvement of the
surrounding property for uses permitted in the
zone in which such property is located.
d. Adequate utilities, access roads,
drainage and/or necessary facilities have been
or are being provided.
e. Adequate measures have been or will
be taken to provide ingress or egress designed
so as to minimize traffic congestion on public
streets.
f. Except for the specific regulations and
standards applicable to the exception being
considered, the specific proposed exception, in
all other respects, conforms to the applicable
regulations or standards of the zone in which it
is to be located.
g. The proposed use will be consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan of the City.
3. Conditions: In permitting a special
exception, the Board may impose appropriate
conditions and safeguards, including but not
limited to planting screens, fencing, construction
commencement and completion deadlines,
lighting, operational controls, improved traffic
circulation requirements, highway access
restrictions, increased minimum yard
requirements, parking requirements, limitations
on the duration of a use or ownership or any
other requirement which the Board deems
3
appropriate under the circumstances upon a
finding that the conditions are necessary to fulfill
the purpose and intent of the Zoning Chapter.
C. Variances: To authorize upon appeal in
specific cases such variances from the terms of
the Zoning Chapter as will not be contrary to the
public interest, where owing to special
conditions a literal enforcement of the provisions
of the Zoning Chapter will result in unnecessary
hardship and so the spirit of the ordinance shall
be observed and substantial justice done. No
variance to the strict application of any provision
of the Zoning Chapter shall be granted by the
Board unless the applicant demonstrates that all
of the following elements are present:
1. Not contrary to the public interest.
a. The proposed variance will not threaten
neighborhood integrity, nor have a substantially
adverse effect on the use or value of other
properties in the area adjacent to the property
included in the variance; and
b. The proposed vadance will be in
harmony with the general purpose and intent of
the Zoning Chapter and will not contravene the
objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Unnecessary hardship.
a. The property in question cannot yield a
reasonable return if used only for a purpose
allowed in the zone whi~re the property is
located; and
b. The owner's situation is unique or
peculiar to the property in question, and the
situation is not shared with other landowners in
the area nor due to general conditions in the
neighborhood; and
c. The hardship is not of the landowner's
or applicant's own making or that of a
predecessor in title.
3. Conditions: In permitting a variance, the
Board may impose appropriate conditions and
safeguards, including but not limited to planting
screens, fencing, construction commencement
and completion deadlines, lighting, operational
controls, improved traffic circulation
requirements, highway access restrictions,
increased minimum yard requirements, parking
requirements, limitation on the duration of a use
or ownership or any other requirement which the
Board deems appropriate under the
circumstances, upon a finding that the
conditions are necessary to fulfill the purpose
and intent of the Zoning Chapter.
D. Interpretation of Zoning Provisions: To
interpret the Zoning Chapter in any case where
it is alleged there is an error in any decision,
determination or interpretation made by the
Zoning Code Interpretation Panel or by the City
Manager in cases where the Panel was unable
to reach a unanimous decision regarding the
meaning of Zoning Code provisions.
4
Interpretations rendered by the Board under this
Section shall be binding upon the City Manager
or designee in the enforcement of the Zoning
Chapter. (1978 Code S36-91; 1994 Code)
14-6W-3: PROCEDURES GENERALLY: The
Board shall conduct hearings and make
decisions in accordance with the following
requirements.
A. Public Meetings: All meetings shall be open
to the public.
B. Public Notice: Notice of the time and place
of hearings shall be published in a paper of
general circulation not more than twenty (20) nor
less than seven (7) days prior to the headng. It
shall contain the street address or location of the
property and a brief description of the nature of
the appeal.
C. Record of Proceedings: The Board shall
keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the
vote of each member upon each question or if
absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact,
and shall keep records of its examinations and
other official actions, all of which shall be
immediately filed in the office of the secretary of
the Board and shall be a public record.
D. Written Decisions: The Board shall render
written decisions, including findings of fact and
conclusions of law, which shall be filed with the
City Clerk and recorded in the Johnson County
Recorder's office.
E. Orders: Unless otherwise determined by the
Board, all orders of the Board shall expire six (6)
months from the date the written decision is filed
with the City Clerk unless the applicant shall
have taken action with the six (6) month period
to establish the use or construct the building
permitted under the terms of the Board's
decision, such as be obtaining a building permit
and proceeding to completion in accordance
with the terms of the permit. Upon wdtten
request and for good cause shown, the Board
may extend the expiration date of any order
without further public hearing on the merits of
the original appeal or application. (1978 Code
S36-91; 1994 Code)
14-6W-4: APPEALS:
A. Initiation of Appeal: Appeals to the Board
may be taken by any person aggrieved or by
any officer, department or board of the City
affected by any decision of the City Manager or
designee or by a decision of the Zoning Code
Interpretation Panel or of the City Manager
when the Panel cannot reach a unanimous
decision. Such appeal shall be taken within a
reasonable time as provided by the rules of the
Board by filing with the City Clerk a notice of
appeal specifying the grounds of the appeal. A
duplicate copy of such notice shall be filed with
the Board secretary. The City Manager or
5
designee shall forthwith transmit to the Board all
the papers constituting the record upon which
the action appealed from was taken.
B. Stay of Proceedings: An appeal stays all
proceedings in furtherance of the action
appealed from, including without limitation a
permittee's right to proceed with development or
other activities authorized under a building
permit, the issuance of which is a subject of the
appeal, unless the City Manager or designee
certifies to the Board after the notice of appeal
has been filed that, by reason of facts stated in
the certificate, a stay would in the City
Manager's or designee's opinion, cause
imminent peril to life or property. In such case,
proceedings or development sh~ll not be stayed
otherwise than by a restraining order, which may
be granted by the Board or by a court of record
and on notice to the City Manager or designee
for due cause shown. (1978 Code S36-91; 1994
Code)
14-6W-5: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS AND
VARIANCES: Applications for special
exceptions and variances shall be filed with the
City Clerk. At a minimum, the application shall
include the following:
A. The name and address of each applicant.
B. The names and addresses of the owner of
the property in question and of the architect,
professional engineer and contractor, if any.
C. The names and addresses of the record
owners of all property located within three
hundred feet (300') of the property in question.
D. A map or plat showing the location and
record owner of each property opposite or
abutting the property in question.
E. A narrative statement of the grounds offered
as support for the special exception or variance.
F. A map or plot plan, drawn to scale, of the
property in question. (1978 Code S36-91 )
14-6W-6: FEES: A filing fee shall be paid at the
time any appeal or application is filed. Filing fees
shall be established by resolution of the City
Council. No fee shall be charged for an appeal
or application filed by any officer, department or
board of the City. (1978 Code S36-91 )
14-6W-7: PETITION FOR WRIT OF
CERTIORARI: Any person or persons, jointly or
severally, aggrieved by any decision of the
Board under the provisions of the Zoning
Chapter or any taxpayer or any officer,
department or board of the City may present to
a court of record a petition for writ of certiorari,
duly verified, setting forth that such Board
decision is illegal, in whole or in part, and
specifying the grounds of the illegality. (1978
Code S36-91; 1994 Code)
ppdadmin/ordrooa.doc
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that public hearings
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30~ day of March,
1999, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa; at
which hearing the Council will consider:
1. A resolution adopting and incorporating
the Northeast District Plan into the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
2. An ordinance amending City Code
Subsection 14-4B to change Board of
Adjustment notice requirements and to
incorporate Board powers and procedures into
the ing Chapter.
:~at?3n ojfdi~.n;; changing the zoning
de acres located at the
northeast corner of Duck Creek Drive and
Rohret Road from Low Density Single-Family
Residential' (RS-5) to Sensitive Areas
Overlay/Low Density Residential (OSA-5) to
permit a 14-unit residential development.
Copies of the proposed resolution and
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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship
opening the doors of Iowa City
P. O. Box 1402
Iowa City, IA 52244
(319)35g-9212
March 12, 1999
Iowa City City Council
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: REZ98-0019. Rezoning Request for Property Located at the Northeast
Comer of Rohret Road and Duck Creek Drive
Dear Members of the Council:
I am writing to inform you that Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship is
withdrawing the application to re'zone 2.78 acres at the comer of Rohret Road and
Duck Creek Drive. We have encountered delays in securing financing for the
project.
Sincerely,
Maryann Dennis
Executive Director
Scott Kugler, Associate Planner, City of Iowa City
Robert P. Bums, Bums & Bums Architects
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30th day of
March,1999, in the Civic Center Council
Chambers,410 E. Washington Street, Iowa
City, Iowa; at which hearing the Council will
consider:
1. A resolution of intent to convey 2709
Wayne Avenue, also described as East 60'
Lots 1 & 2 Block 4 Subdivision of Part 1
Towncrest Addition to the tenant and
setting a public hearing for March 30, 1999.
Copies of the proposed resolution 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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
hisadm/nph-pine/doc
$
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30th day of
March,1999, in the Civic Center Council
Chambers,410 E. Washington Street, Iowa
City, Iowa; at which hearing the Council will
consider:
1. A resolution of intent to convey 2409
Aster Avenue, also described as Lot 2,
Whispering Meadows Sub Div Part 1, to the
tenant and setting a public hearing for March
30, 1999.
Copies of the proposed resolution 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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
hisadm/nph-pine/doc
-i- .
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 30th day of
March,1999, in the Civic Center Council
Chambers,410 E. Washington Street, Iowa
City, Iowa; at which hearing the Council will
consider:
1. A resolution of intent to convey 2308
Lakeside Drive, also described as Lot 185,
Lakeside Addition to the tenant and setting
a public hearing for March 30, 1999.
Copies of the proposed resolution 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
hisadm/nph-pine/doc
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT
AND ESTIMATED COST FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE IOWA RIVER DAM
RENOVATION 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 construction of the Iowa River Dam
Renovation Project at 7:00 P.M. on the 30"' of
March, 1999, said meeting to be held in the
Council Chambers in the Civic Center in said
City, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next
meeting. df the City. council thereafter as posted
by the City Clerk.
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 improvements.
This notice is given by order of the City Council
of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by
law.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Lisa Mollenhauer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kyran "Casey" Cook [kcook@avalon.net]
Thursday, March 25, 1999 2:22 PM
lisa_mollenhauer@iowa-city.org
Eagles at the IRP Dam
Dear City Council,
The purpose of this letter is to encourage you to approve the cooperative
renovation of the Iowa River Power Company Dam for the pedestrian trail to
the Peninsula. I make this request in light of recent opposition due to
concerns over disturbing the eagles that roost in the trees near this trail.
There are costs and benefits to any changes we make to our land. In this
case, whatever disturbance the eagles would suffer from trail users is
considerably less than truck traffic and auto traffic from First Avenue and
the Restaurant across the river as well as the coal terminal which adjoins
this site.
The area opposite the IRP is open space and the presence of the trail will
help insure that it remains open space. In the future I would expect
families using the trail to educate their children about the eagles and the
fragile environment in which we coexist.
As a side note, I played golf on Vancouver Island last year and remember
seeing a bald eagles nest 50 yards from the fareway. The two babies in the
nest had been raised successfully despite the procession of golf carts at 8
minute intervals.
Respectfully,
Casey Cook, President
Friends of the Iowa River Scenic Trail
Kyran J. Cook kcook@avalon.net
East Iowa Commercial Real Estate Appraisers
1929 Keokuk St, Iowa City, 52240
319-351-2044
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF
CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
KIWANIS PARK DEVELOPMENT AND
TY'N CAE STORMWATER PROJECT IN
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER PERSONS IN-
TERESTED:
Public notice is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will
conduct a public hearing on plans, specifica-
tions, form of contract and estimated cost for
the construction of the Kiwanis Park
Development and Ty'n Cae Stormwater Project
in said City at 7:00 p.m. on the 30th day of
March, 1999, 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
persons interested.
Any persons interested may appear at said
meeting of the City Council for the purpose of
making objections to said plans, specifications,
contract or the cost of making said improve-
ment.
This notice is given by order of the City
Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND
ESTIMATED COST FOR THE IOWA CITY CIVIC
CENTER ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS 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 Iowa City Civic
Center Additions and Renovations Project in said
City at 7:00 p.m. on the 30"~ day of March, 1999,
said meeting to be held in the Council Chambers
in the Civic Center in said City, or if said meeting
is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City
Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk.
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 conceming
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
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
Project
March 26, 1999
Steve Atkins
Chuck Schmadeke
Foster Road and Water Facility Site Development Phase ZZ Zmprovements
Following is a cost breakdown of the Engineers Estimate between the three components
of the above referenced project:
Foster Road Reconstruction
from Zdyllwild Drive to the Peninsula
) Peninsula Site Development, Phase IZ
), Water Main, Phase ZZIB
(Peninsula to Dubuque Street
and Peninsula to new Water Plant)
TOTAL ENGINEE, q ~q ESTIMATE
$ 2,849,000
$ 1,234,000
$ 2,270,000
6, 353, 000
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT
AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF IOWA CITY STREET &
WATER FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT, DIVISION 1: FOSTER ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS AND DIVISION 2: WATER
FACILITY SITE DEVELOPMENT - PHASE II
IMPROVEMENTS 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 Iowa City Street &
Water Facility Improvements Project, Division 1:
Foster Road Improvements and Division 2:
Water Facility Site Development - Phase II
Improvements, in said City at 7:00 P.M. on the
30~ of-March, 1999, said meeting to be held in
the Council Chambers in the Civic Center in said
City, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next
meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted
by the City Clerk.
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.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Prepared by: David Schoon, Economic Development
Coordinator, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA
52240 (319) 356-5236
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED NORTHGATE
CORPORATE PARK URBAN RENEWAL
PLAN FOR A PROPOSED URBAN RENEWAL
AREA IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
The City Council of the City of Iowa City,
Iowa, will hold a public hearing before itself at its
meeting which commences at 7:00 p.m. on
March 23*, 1999 in the Council Chambers, Civic
Center, Iowa City, Iowa to consider adoption of a
proposed Northgate Corporate Park Urban
Renewal Plan (the "Plan") concerning a
proposed Urban Renewal Area in Iowa City,
Iowa legally described as follows:
Lots 1-20, Highlander Development,
First Addition, Iowa City, Iowa
which land is to be included as part of this
proposed Urban Renewal Area.
A copy of the Plan is on file for public
inspection in the office of the City Clerk. Civic
Center, Iowa City, Iowa.
The City of Iowa City, Iowa is the local public
agency which, if such Plan is approved, shall
undertake the urban renewal activities described
in such Plan.
The general scope of the urban renewal
activities under consideration in the Plan is to
assist qualified industries and businesses in the
Urban Renewal Area through various public
purpose and special financing activities outlined
in the Plan. The general scope of the urban
renewal activities under consideration in the
Plan is to encourage and cooperate in the
development of an office and research
development park. with a limited amount of
acquisition, clearance, resale and improvement
of land for various purposes specified in the
Plan. To accomplish the objectives of the Plan,
and to encourage the further development of the
Urban Renewal Area, the Plan provides that
such special financing activities may include, but
not be limited to, the making of loans or grants
of public funds to private entities under Chapter
15A of the Code of Iowa. The City also may
install, construct and reconstruct streets, parking
facilities, open space areas and other
substantial public improvements. The Plan
provides that the City may issue bonds or use
available funds for such purposes and that tax
increment reimbursement of such costs will be
sought if and to the extent incurred by the City.
The Plan initially proposes no specific public
infrastructure or site improvements to be
undertaken by the City, but provides that the
Plan may be amended from time to time to
respond to development opportunities.
Any person or organization desiring to be
heard shall be 'afforded an opportunity to be
heard at such hearing.
This notice is given by order of the City
Council of Iowa City, Iowa, as provided by
Section 403.5 of the Ci~y6~de of Iowa.
Dated this day of
March ,1999.
*Rescheduled for March 30.
~^ ,>~, = ,~.,~;
March 30 ,1999
The City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, met in
Chambers, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa, at 7: O0
There were present Mayor Lehman
named Council Members:
requl ar session, in the Council
o'clock p.M., on the above date.
, in the chair, and the following
Champion, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, O'Donnell,
Thornberry. Vanderhoef
Absent: None
-1-
This being the time and place fixed for a public hearing on the matter of the
adoption of the proposed Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan, the Mayor first
asked for the report of the Economic Development Coordinator with respect to the
consultation held with the affected taxing entities to discuss the proposed Plan. The
Council was informed that the consultation was duly held as ordered by the Council, and
that no written recommendations were received from affected taxing entities. The
report of the Economic Development Coordinator with respect to the consultation was
placed on file for consideration by the Council.
The Council also was informed that the proposed Plan had been approved by the
Planning and Zoning Commission as being in conformity with the general plan for
development of the City as a whole, as set forth in the minutes or report of said
Commission previously placed on file for consideration by the Council.
The Mayor then asked the City Clerk whether any written objections had been
filed with respect to the proposed Plan, and the City Clerk reported that no
written objections thereto had been filed. The Mayor then called for any oral objections
to the adoption of the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan and none were
made. The public hearing was then closed.
[Attach summary of objections here]
-2-
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
15
Date:
To:
From:
March 25, 1999
-\,
City Council a~
David Schoon, Economic Development Coordin
Fie: Public Hearing on the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan
On March 30, 1999, the City Council will hold a public hearing on the Northgate Corporate Park
Urban Renewal Plan. The adoption of an urban renewal plan is a prerequisite to establishing a tax
increment financing (TIF) district. The urban renewal plan outlines how the City intends to use the
tax increment revenues.
Since the setting of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission has met and
reviewed the urban renewal plan for its conformity with the comprehensive plan. The
Committee's written recommendation is attached.
In addition to the Commission's review of the Plan, staff has held the formal consultation with
representatives of the affected taxing entities. A representative form Johnson County (Jonathan
Jordahl) and a representative from the Iowa City Community School District (Lesley Finger) were
in attendance. The formal consultation allowed the affected taxing entities the opportunity to ask
questions regarding the urban renewal plan, and more specifically the use of tax increment
financing. There was little discussion regarding the impact of using tax increment financing on
the other taxing jurisdictions.
The Code of Iowa outlines a process by which the affected taxing entities may provide written
recommendations regarding the division of revenue (tax increment financing). As of the date of
this memo, neither the County nor the School District have provided written recommendations
regarding the division of revenue.
As requested by Councilor Kubby, attached is a list of current tax increment financing projects in
Iowa City. Those active projects are all jobs training projects established and administered by
Kirkwood Community College.
Also attached is a revised time schedule for establishing the Northgate Corporate Park Urban
Renewal Plan & Tax Increment Financing Ordinance. As you will note, the time schedule no
longer includes steps entering into a developer's agreement with the owner of Northgate
Corporate Park. After further discussion with Ken Haynie, our bond counsel, we determined that
in this instance there is not a need for a developer's agreement at this point in time. This urban
renewal plan is different from the Scott-Six Industrial Park Urban Renewal Plan, in that a number
of other issues were involved with Scott-Six, such as sanitary sewer and water main tap-on fees
and the city assuming ownership of the storm water management area. There are no such items
involved with the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Area. As Northgate Corporate Park
develops, project specific development agreements will be negotiated with the specific businesses
requesting tax increment financing.
Cc:
Harry Wolf
Ken Haynie
Jonathan Jordahl
Lesley Finger
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 18, 1999
To:
From:
City Council
Lea Supple, Chair ~;~ '
Planning and Zoning Commission
Re:
Planning and Zoning Commission Review of the Northgate Corporate Park Urban
Renewal Plan
At its regular meeting of February 18, 1999, the Planning and Zoning Commission
reviewed the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan for its conformity with the
Iowa City Comprehensive Plan - 1997, which is the general plan for the development of
the City of Iowa City as a whole. By a vote of 5-0, the Planning and Zoning Commission
found that the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan conforms with the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan - 199 7.
\prospect~ngate~p&z
TIF PROJECT TYPE
Kirkwood -
Release International
Jobs Training
Kirkwood -
General Mills
Jobs Training
Kirkwood -
Moore Business Forms
Jobs Training
Kirkwood -
NoeI-Levitz
Jobs Train i ng
Kirkwood -
NCS
Jobs Training
Iowa City-
Scott-Six Industrial Park Urban Renewal
TOTAL FOR TIFS in
IOWA CITY
CURRENT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROJECTS IN IOWA CITY
Incremental Taxes Payable 1997-1998
BASE INCREMENT
BASE VALUE
YEAR VALUE
1991 $10,895,622 $ 2,064,579
1989 $ 390,800 $ 4,621,807
1993 $ 7,742,611 $ 937,093
1992 $ 68,920 $ 986,121
1993 $10,518,286 $ 6,356,881
NA NA 0
$29,616,239 $14,966,481
INCREMENT COUNTYLEVY SCHOOLLEVY CITYLEVY
AS % OF ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL
TOTAL INCREMENTAL INCREMENTAL INCREMENTAL
VALUE TAX TAX
15.9% $ 10,575 $ 23,691 $
92.2% $ 23,672 $ 53,035 $
10.8% $ 4,800 $ 10,753 $
93.5% $ 5,051 $ 11,316 $
37.7% $ 32,559 $ 72,945 $
$ $ $
NA
33.6% $ 76,657 $ 171,740 $
TOTALLEVY
ANNUAL
INCREMENTAL
TAX TAX
23,084 $ 59,193
51,677 $ 132,510
10,478 $ 26,867
11,026 $ 28,273
71,077 $ 182,256
$
1.67,343
$ 429,099
Page 1 f:\tifabat\tif97
Time Schedule
Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Plan & Tax Increment Financing Ordinance
Meeting
Date
Tuesday
February 9
Action
City Council considers resolution of necessity and resolution setting a public hearing
on the urban renewal plan for March 23
Thursday
February 18
Prior to public hearing on plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and
submits a written recommendation to City Council regarding the urban renewal plan
(Commission has thirty days in which to make its recommendation).
Monday,
February 22
Consultation with affected taxing bodies (community college, county, school district).
· Prior to public hearing on plan, a City representative holds a consultation with
affected taxing bodies regarding the urban renewal plan
Monday,
March 1
Affected taxing bodies may make written recommendations for modification
to the proposed division of revenue no later than seven days following the
date of the consultation.
Monday,
March 23
The City shall, no later than seven days prior to the public hearing on the
urban renewal plan, submit a written response to the affected taxing entity
addressing the recommendations for modification to the proposed division of
revenue.
Tuesday
March 30
· City Council holds public hearing on the urban renewal plan.
Tuesday
April 6
· City Council adopts resolution approving urban renewal plan.
· City Council gives first consideration of TIF ordinance
Tuesday
April 20
· City Council gives second consideration of TIF ordinance.
Tuesday
May 4
· City Council passes and adopts TIF ordinance.
Wednesday · Publication of ordinance.
May 12
(Assumes schedule follows regular council meeting dates; city council could hold special council
meetings and could combine and wave readings to expedite the process)
f:\ngate\ngatesch .doc