HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-18 Bd Comm minutes10-18-1 r-
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVED
September 15, 2011 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
Emma J. Harvat Hall, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Elizabeth
Koppes, Michelle Payne, Tim Weitzel, Wally Plahutnik
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Wendy Ford
OTHERS PRESENT: Jesse Allen, Todd Von Stein, Michael G. Post, John Thomas,
Claire Sponsler, Ross Byer, Blaine Thomas, Judith Pascoe,
Sharon DeGraw, Steve Gordon, Karen Kubby
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
1. The Commission voted 5 -1 (Plahutnik voting no, Payne abstaining) to recommend
approval of CPA11 -00003 an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan to change
the land use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban
Commercial for property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223
E. Bloomington Street and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side
of Linn Street.
2. The Commission voted 5 -1 (Plahutnik voting no, Payne abstaining) to recommend
approval of REZ11 -00012 an application submitted by Allen Homes for a rezoning
from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to Central Business
Service (CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at 221 N. Linn
Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately 3200
square feet of property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican
substation) subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement that will establish the mix
of residential units and number of bedrooms, the design of the building, the
installation of landscaping and street furniture, and improvement to the alley to
provide access to the parking, and the location of signage on the building.
3. The Commission voted 6 -0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of REZ11-
00013 an application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for an amendment to the
Planned Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPD /RS -12) zone to
allow ground floor residential uses in lieu of commercial space and to remove the
requirement to building 20 garage spaces shown on the original approved plan for
approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, and 2871 Heinz Road.
4. The Commission voted 6 -0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of SUB11-
00013 an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for a
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September 15, 2011 - Formal
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preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot, 3.57 acre residential
subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane
5. The Commission voted 5 -0 (Palhutnik abstained) to recommend approval of an
application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSSMID) for
property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone (Downtown) and the
Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support (CB -5) zones
generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace).
6. The Commission voted 6 -0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of the
Riverfront Crossings Renewal Plan for approximately 45 acres of property
bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the Iowa River on
the east and generally Orchard Street on the west.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM:
CPA11- 00003: A public hearing to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land
use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban Commercial for
property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street
and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side of Linn Street.
Payne recused herself as MidAmerican, which owns property in the area, is her place of
employment for this item and the next item, REZ11- 00012.
Miklo suggested that the Commission discuss this along with the second item, REZ11- 00012,
on the agenda. Freerks stated that they would address public comment for the two items
including the next item REZ11- 00012.
REZ11- 00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Allen Homes for a rezoning
from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to Central Business Service
(CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N.
Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately 3200 square feet of
property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican substation).
Miklo stated as noted there are two items for the Commissions consideration. The first one is
an amendment to the comprehensive plan. The Commission is being asked to consider
changing the boundary of the Northside Marketplace to include one additional lot and then to
change the land use designation of four properties from neighborhood stabilization residential to
urban commercial. The Commission will also be considering a rezoning of these properties
from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) to Central Service Business Zone (CB-
2). If this rezoning is approved it would allow the redevelopment of the property for a
commercial building which would have the possibility of retail, office or service uses such as a
hair salon or a bank on the ground floor. Restaurants would also be allowed in this zone.
Miklo stated that bars or liquor stores would not be permitted in this location. The zoning would
also allow up to seventeen apartments. The applicant Allen Homes is proposing a mixture of
apartment types. The proposal includes four efficiencies, two one - bedroom apartments, three
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September 15, 2011 - Formal
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three - bedroom apartments and the remainder would be two - bedroom apartments. Parking for
the apartments would be provided underground. It would be accessed from the alley between
Linn and Dubuque Street. There would also be parking spaces within the ground floor of the
building for the commercial space. Miklo stated that he passed out a new plan; the applicant
has reworked the parking to reduce the number of compact spaces proposed in the plan.
One concern that has been brought up regarding the zone change is if this is approved where
would the line be drawn in terms of future zone changes. Miklo pointed out on the map a half a
block to the north of these properties the Gilbert Linn Historic District begins and immediately to
the north of the property there are three buildings that are identified as being eligible for the
National Registrar and these are noted in the Central District Plan as buildings worthy of
preservation. The policy throughout the Central District Plan is to preserve historic buildings.
Staff thinks that it is clear if zoning is approved the boundary should not go to the north.
Miklo stated that there was also a question that if this is rezoned would this force the properties
to the west to be rezoned. Staff does not feel that there would be an obligation for the City to
rezone property to the west. Any further rezoning would require a comprehensive plan
amendment review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Staff feels
unlike this particular request where there is a main street character or element and that is
something that has been described as being positive to the Central District Plan. Extending that
to the west on Bloomington Street is not called for and there may not be a market for it. Staff
feels that it is possible to rezone the properties without having a domino effect where it would
affect a larger neighborhood.
Miklo stated that it is clear in the Central District Plan and through the preservation plan and the
City's other policies that there is a commitment to the health and preservation to the Northside
Neighborhood. The City has established three historic districts in the neighborhood and they
are cooperating with the University of Iowa on the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership
Program where the City is investing in rental properties and converting them into owner
occupied. Staff has been involved in efforts to preserve this neighborhood for the last twenty
years. They do not see this as being a negative for this neighborhood.
Miklo stated that staff sees it as being a positive in that strong neighborhoods not only contain
residential but also contain services and retail operations with close proximity to homes or within
walking distance. They feel that this addition of commercial on the corner could bring more life
to the commercial district similar to the construction of the building at the corner of Market Street
and Linn Street where the TeaSpoons Cafe, the card shop and the restaurant are located.
Those have been beneficial for the commercial district and the neighborhood as a whole, and
staff thinks this could continue that.
Staff would agree that the building on Market and Linn Street is over scale in that it is too tall for
the neighborhood and that was a concern staff heard during the Central Planning District
meetings. In this particular case the applicant is proposing to limit the building to three stories.
That can be done by a conditional zoning agreement which becomes the zoning for the
property.
Miklo stated that staff also feels that this is unique compared to other rezoning requests that
they have had in that they are agreeing to a mixture of efficiencies, one - bedrooms, two -
bedrooms with only two three - bedroom apartments. This is something the City has wanted. The
participants in the neighborhood planning process for this area also have expressed the desire
for one and two bedroom apartments. Staff feels that is a real positive with this proposal.
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Looking at the policies of the Northside Marketplace within the plan; which talks about
neighborhood scale, main street character, preserving historic buildings and also designing new
buildings to be compatible with the area. Staff feels this meets those goals and the Commission
is not being asked to change the policies of the comprehensive plan just the land use
designation of these properties.
Miklo summarized stating that staff is recommending approval for this rezoning. They feel it
could have a positive influence on the Northside Marketplace as well as the neighborhood as a
whole. Staff does recommend that if the Commission does approve this that it be tied to a
conditional zoning agreement specifying the particular plan that the Commission has in front of
them. The details of that would be the bedroom mix, the parking configuration, the design of the
building, a limitation of signage on the Bloomington Street side. All of those would be drawn up
in a specific zoning agreement that would apply to the property now and to the future if it is
approved.
Eastham asked how many three bedrooms where proposed. Miklo stated that there were two
units proposed to be three - bedrooms units in the southwest corner of the building.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Jesse Allen, Iowa City, with Allen homes. Allen stated he wanted to talk a little bit about the
project on Linn and Bloomington Street. He stated that Miklo did a good job describing all the
ideas and procedures that they have been working on for the last couple of months. Allen
stated that they have been working on some of the comments that have been brought up by the
neighbors and staff. They are doing a different mix of units as far as smaller density because it
is the Northside District and they are a little bit more sensitive to the surrounding population and
the businesses there. They are trying to do something different, which they feel will be a very
positive outcome.
Allen stated that in the last three weeks as this has been deferred they have received a lot of
interest as far as purchases on the units. At this point they have changed what they initially
planned, which was to rent them. Now they may be selling some of the units for owner
occupied. They feel it would be a great interest for professors or young people that want to
purchase their own place and live closer to town, similar to the Hotel Vetro but more affordable.
Allen stated that the building also has a private washer and dryer in each unit which they feel
would be pretty attractive to keep people, to stay for the long haul. If they do move in they
would be in the units a couple of years at a time if they are going to be purchasing the units.
Other features that have been incorporated with the Northside Marketplace District is they will
be using brick on the entire building. Allen stated that they just chose to use a little bit more
masonry to make the buildings a little bit more decorative and more appealing. All the units
have handicap accessibility which will make it more attractive for people to stay there longer and
more usable for the residents.
They feel it will be an economic benefit for the town as far as bringing jobs into the city, and it's
a nice project that will look good on the corner.
Allen stated he wanted to address concerns raised in Wally Plahutnik's letter. There is a vacant
parking lot across the street when you walk up Linn Street and you get to Bloomington there are
a lot of single family houses in front of you but some day that parking lot is going to have a
building on it. Similar to what they are designing with the features and layout and design and as
a developer it makes sense to incorporate that with the plan that they are proposing and what
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September 15, 2011 - Formal
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the City is proposing. They feel will be an attractive addition to Iowa City.
Freerks asked for any questions.
Dyer stated that she noticed that the apartments were handicap accessible but in connection
with that she noticed that there were no handicap accessible parking spaces for the residents.
There are spots for the commercial. Allen stated that there were two spaces available in the
basement. Dyer asked if in the lower level parking was for the residence. Allen confirmed that
the residential parking is all on the lower level which is under ground. All the residence will
enter and exit off of the alley on Linn Street or Dubuque Street. The commercial is all on the
main floor. Dyer asked if they were all three foot doorways. Allen confirmed yes. Dyer stated
that was good and that was a nice accommodation.
Eastham stated that the proposal replaces three individual buildings, which were at once single
family houses, with one building with a number of residential apartments as well as commercial
space. Eastham asked if they had considered rebuilding three new buildings on the lots rather
than one big building. Allen stated that they did look at that initially and with the fact that it is on
what he calls a commercial intersection with the CB -2 zoning surrounding it and the parking is
the big issue - designing single family houses would not be feasible.
Todd Von Stein, Des Moines, the designer of the building stated he has designed several
buildings in Iowa City, 301 Market Street, 225 S Gilbert Street, 603 S. Dubuque Street, 551 S.
Linn Street, 916 Bowery Street, 909 & 919 Burlington Street, 513 Bowery and several others
that are in the works. Von Stein stated that he was the chairman for the Green committee for
the American Institute of Building and Design National buildings designers group.
Von Stein stated that they are calling this Bloomington Street Commons because it is for
common people on common ground. He stated that the thing about the commercial space in
this building is its going to be a terrific incubator for business. The three bays are about twelve
hundred square feet a piece. That has proven in other communities to be a great incubator for
local artists and local businesses to be able to get a start and then they tend to move on to
better, bigger locations. This building has several elements to it that will both help the
downtown area with both incubating business and bringing in families to the North Marketplace
area.
The design meets all the standards for parking, scale, street level design and building
articulation. The structure provides compatibility and the existing Linn Street historic buildings.
Von Stein stated that Miklo had already described the breakdown of the building. This is one of
the buildings along with one that is on Bowery that they believe will be worthy of preservation in
the future.
Michael G. Post, 440 Kimball Road, Iowa City, stated that he moved to Iowa City twelve years
ago and that he loved this area. Post stated that if this building was put in this area it will raise
the taxes for businesses and it would raise the rents. He said Tennessee Williams lived at 225
N Linn Street when he was in Iowa City so his property should be considered part of the Unesco
City of Literature. There are businesses willing to buy it if this were for sale and renovate it and
put it in part of our heritage. He stated that he would not like to see any more sprawl.
Post asked if there are only two handicap spaces available in the basement, will there be any
Section 8 housing. There are also trees on the corner and those will end up being taken down,
there has been a lot of loss of trees for development.
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Miklo stated that the trees on Linn Street are in the public right of way and would not be
removed they would have to be protected during construction. The trees on Bloomington Street
would be removed.
John Thomas, 509 Brown Street, Iowa City, is the coordinator for the Northside Association.
The Northside Neighborhood Association has spoken to the Commission about its objections to
the proposed zoning. He stated that he is speaking tonight from a different perspective placing
the purpose of Iowa City zoning code and single family residential stabilization classification
within a broader context. Many factors influence the stability and integrity of any inner city
neighborhood. One of the factors is size, the Northside Neighborhood is very small. From
Dubuque Street to Dodge Street it measures .38 miles, from Brown Street to Market Street it
measures .45 miles. The Northside's land area is only five blocks from east to west and six
blocks from north to south, thirty blocks in all.
Each block is roughly four hundred square feet with north south blocks bisected by alleys. The
distance from the edge of the neighborhood to the center is at most three blocks. The small
residential neighborhood, especially with bordering a commercial district and within in walking
distance to a major university is highly vulnerable to the various forces that can destabilize it.
Thomas stated that he met with the City Manager to discuss numerous threats to the stability to
the central districts residential neighborhoods of which the northside is one. At the time the
discussion addressed three separate but interrelated issues; neighborhood schools, traffic and
the impact of housing rentals. The Iowa City community school district is currently deferred long
overdue improvements to the three remaining historic elementary schools, Lincoln, Longfellow
and Northside's Horace Mann. As it evaluates their viability as educational facilities the
Northside Neighborhood will vigorously advocate for the preservation and renovation of Horace
Mann. Thomas stated that as a school and community center it is essential to the Northside's
integrity as a residential neighborhood.
Thomas stated that with the continued growth of subdivisions in Iowa City and it's surrounding
area the impact of traffic on the Central District have dramatically increased. The Northside
may have more arterials and one way streets imposed on its historic grid than any other
neighborhood in Johnson County. Traffic spills onto the local streets as drivers seek shortcuts
between arterials. He stated that they have urged the City to address this problem through its
traffic calming program and implantation of its complete streets policy.
The impact of rentals is part of a larger and ongoing city wide effort regarding the integrity of the
Central Districts residential neighborhoods composed of single family residences. In 2003 the
City enacted nuisance ordinances to address problems with behavior, property maintenance
and vehicular concerns such as illegal parking and inoperable vehicles. Other City programs
such as the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership and the General Rehabilitation and
Improvement Program have improved the conditions of the residential housing stock and the
balance between owner occupied and rental properties. These ordinances and programs which
require the participation of residence and City staff are helping to stabilize the Northside and
other central district neighborhoods.
Thomas stated that this brings them to the City zoning code and the role of Residential
Neighborhood Stabilization classification RNS -12. Enacted in 1992 the RNS -12 zone sought to
address the destabilizing land use impacts on Iowa City single family neighborhoods. In the
Northside Neighborhood these impacts include Mercy Hospital, the conversion from single
family dwellings to multiple units, apartment's construction and commercial development. The
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RNS -12 classification, the Northside's grass roots efforts and the City's neighborhood
stabilization programs and ordinances have made a great difference. The housing stock has
been reserved and it is becoming increasingly owner occupied by single families including those
with young children which can walk to Horace Mann Elementary school.
Thomas stated that this trend could be easily reversed. The character and integrity of the
Northside Neighborhood indeed in Northside Marketplace is highly sensitive to the size and
scale and use of development. He stated he is urging the Commission to maintain the current
zoning that has been an integral part of the neighborhood revival until the City develops a vision
for North Market Place. Such a vision would ensure the future development that is compatible
with the scale, size and historic character with the commercial district and the neighborhood.
Once that vision has been articulated the zoning could be crafted accordingly.
One possible building type that may serve as a bridge between the existing single family
residences and the commercial buildings is the row or townhouse. Two story townhouses are a
popular option for those wanting to live in cities that retain the neighborhood scale. Iowa City's
Peninsula Neighborhood has examples of two story brick row houses and townhouses that
could be discussed in a visioning program for the Northside Marketplace as a possible option for
the southern edge.
Claire Sponsler, 413 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, thanked the staff and the developers for the
care and attentiveness that has been given to this project. If going in on an empty lot in a CB -2
zone. It would be a wonderful addition to the commercial scene in Iowa City, but the need for
rezoning and for bulldozing three residential properties on the fringes of a very small and
already fragile and vulnerable neighborhood seems to contradict the advantages that this
property would otherwise have.
Sponsler stated that integrity of the existing neighborhood especially those adjacent to
downtown and the University of Iowa campus will require ongoing efforts. She thinks that
speaks to the many efforts that the City has done in recent years to help stabilize a vulnerable
residential neighborhood. Sponsler concluded that there is concern that too much
redevelopment or redevelopment at too large a scale or density could threaten the character of
the neighborhood. She feels the proposed rezoning undermines the goals that were set out in
the Central District Plan and undermines the goals of the RNS -12 rezoning that has taken place
in that area. By undermining the goals of the Central District Plan and the RNS zoning the
project and the rezoning that are necessary to make this project happen do threaten the
neighborhood.
Ross J. Byers, 222 E. Market Street Apartment 34, Iowa City, stated that his major concern with
the rezoning is bulldozing Tennessee Williams' house. Byers stated that this is the world's third
City of Literature and if we are thinking of preserving historical sites, he feels this house, 225 N.
Linn Street, is itself worthy of preservation. Being the City of Literature is not just a title, it is
something lived and breathed that can be experience. Byers stated that in other cities they
preserve great historical figures. They preserve where they lived where they worked and the
equipment they used such as typewriters, note pads or even drafts that were written. By
preserving this house it would improve the way the city appears to the rest of the world and it
would show that we were serious about being a City of Literature.
Byers stated that because he lives in this area the Northside Neighborhood is his favorite in the
city. He came as a student and decided to stay because he likes it here. The combination of
residential areas and shops that are already present is a great balance.
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Blaine Thomas, the applicant, stated he wanted to talk about historic preservation. He stated he
owned a house across the street on the corner. Thomas stated that when he bought the house
he was not aware that it was historical. The wall on the house on the east side fell in. He
discovered that there were items that would need to be repaired on the property and it would be
items that would be not cost productive to do. Thomas stated he contacted the City and told
them about a plan to make it better as a team and he was told very clearly by City staff that this
house was historical, part of the Northside Neighborhood and he could take it down but he
would never be able to put up a new duplex. He agreed that he believed in preserving historical
things.
Thomas stated he chose not to keep the house because he could not make it good enough for
the people living there and that it would not be preserved to his standards. He sold the house.
He feels that getting people to come together as these three properties are is very difficult and
very rarely can you get everyone together and agree on doing something to make it special.
They made an application to the City and it immediately drew attention and made it in the paper.
He stated that after he found out it was Tennessee Williams' house he called his partner and
said there was a problem. His wife, who is a history major, pulled out some books and they
found out that Tennessee Williams lived in this house for two weeks and three days; he resided
in five different residences inside of seven months. Thomas stated that if residing in a home
two weeks and three days make it your home than it is him home, but one of the houses that
Williams resided in the longest is now a parking ramp. So when addressing the historical value
Thomas asks that everyone has the information that is needed because two weeks and three
days does not make it a person's home.
Thomas stated he understands where John Thomas is coming from and stated he agrees with
him. Thomas understood and stated he agreed with what everyone has stated so far. Iowa City
has a variety of things that are surrounding it and one of them is the population is continuing to
grow and providing homes needs to be addressed. When this project started out the intention
was to keep the building in and make it high end rentals something very exciting and different.
They wanted to raise the bar. There is an elevator in this building, it is fully handicap
assessable and not your typical building. Then what started to happen was people started
asking if the units would be sold.
Thomas stated that if there was the interest than they would sell the units. He stated they have
an architecture that is ready to design the space; they have been contacted by a doctor and an
attorney for purchasing. They are hoping that the type of people that are buying will stay there
for a long time. They are not cutting corners with the building; it is consistent with the
neighborhood. It is only 35 feet tall and it could have been 45 feet. He feels that they are doing
a number of things to enhance the neighborhood and it is totally self- sustaining for parking.
Thomas asks that everyone take a look because it is a rare opportunity and they are trying to do
something special and they are trying very hard.
Judith Pascoe, 317 Fairchild Street, Iowa City, stated that she appreciated all the thought that
people have put into the project the developer and designer have really tried to make it look like
a nice building and that City staff has worked with them and is trying to help. There is a case for
possibly considering having a line of development on Linn Street. She stated that she is not
opposed to any kind of development and can imagine a way in which it could add to the
neighborhood. A concern is the Bloomington house, the wrap around the corner aspect. There
is logic to continuing the business section but Bloomington is like turning the corner and going
straight down a residential street. The Bloomington house is one of the nicest houses of the
three. It means that the two houses on the other side of the street would then be looking at the
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September 15, 2011 - Formal
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new development rather than other houses which wouldn't happen if the development was
limited to Linn Street. Pascoe stated she was sympathetic to what Thomas stated and she
understands how expensive it is to fix up old historic buildings. She asked that the Commission
think of all the issues and understands it is a complicated case because of pros and cons.
Overall she stated she was worried about the creep down Bloomington and how that will change
the character of the block.
Sharon DeGraw, 519 Brown Street, Iowa City, stated she thinks this is chipping away at what is
trying to be preserved with the historic homes. Part of the problem is that they are not
maintained well but there should be an effort to encourage landlords to do a better job or wait
for the properties to change to someone who will do a better job. Once the nature of the
neighborhood is changed you can't go back and it will cause creep, in terms of having more
modern buildings on Bloomington. During a time that we are trying to get businesses downtown
it doesn't seem right to be adding businesses to the Northside which would potentially take
away from people going into downtown. There is an adjustment that needs to happen with rent
prices or taxes in the downtown and that should be worked out first before expanding to the
Northside with businesses.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Koppes made a motion to approve CPA11 -00003 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to
change the land use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban
Commercial for property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E.
Bloomington Street and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side of Linn
Street.
Eastham seconded.
Weitzel stated that he appreciates the work that has gone into this building and all the
comments from the neighbors. One thing that keeps being brought up is if its historic property
or not and he clarified that there was a survey done on the three properties and none of them
were found to be historic. At the same time there are designations right across the street for
buildings that are historic and that would provide some protection. Weitzel stated he likes the
idea of accessibility. He also likes the fact that there are already limits on what can be placed in
the commercial buildings.
Freerks stated that on Monday night the Commission discussed a further amendment to the
comprehensive plan to remove the three properties located on Linn Street out of the Northside
Marketplace map. Weitzel stated he agreed and was not sure what else can be done in a CZA
but there are some things that could be suggested in terms of the comprehensive plan,
conservation districts or district amendments. Miklo asked Weitzel if he was suggesting that the
designation from Northside Marketplace be moved to the street rather than the three properties.
Freerks confirmed and stated that they have said they were historic and they didn't want to see
the properties redeveloped. She feels that having those as residential property in a residential
zone and still being in the Northside Marketplace sends a bit of a message that the Commission
doesn't necessarily agree with.
Plahutnik stated that there are also historic properties on the east side of Gilbert Street. Freerks
stated it was a different zone and Miklo confirmed they were zoned as Commercial Office.
Weitzel stated that there was once a proposal for the historic district on Gilbert Street. Dyer
asked if that could be done at a different time. Weitzel stated that it wouldn't be done without
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the recommendation for the Historic Preservation Commission. Freerks asked if the three
properties could be pulled out now or if a public hearing is needed. Miklo stated that would
need to occur at the next meeting or the following meeting because it wasn't advertised.
Freerks stated that she would like to look into that at a future meeting.
Plahutnik stated that there was a specific reason that they were discussing the comprehensive
plan. That is the project proposed by Allen Home and that is the only reason. A couple of
months ago the comprehensive plan looked good for the area. The commission all agreed and
the public gave a lot of input. Discussion of removing these three properties never came up as
the public was giving their input on what they would like to see on the comprehensive plan for
this area. Now there is a proposal for a development and someone has come up with a
thoughtful design. They came up with creative ways to manage parking. For them in the end
the question is do the numbers work when the numbers didn't work for Mr. Thomas on the
properties across the street. This is not a business decision; the Commission's decision is not
to determine whether the plan is financially viable.
Plahutnik stated what the Commission is trying to make a decision on if changing the
comprehensive plan for the northside. The fragility the stability of the northside is still in
question. It is assailed by the University, rental pressures, Mercy Hospital and their designs to
expand and compete with the University of Iowa Hospital. If you change the comprehensive
plan in this spot and change some of the language, it needs to state that this area is okay and
will no longer need to take special effort to protect it.
Plahutnik stated that is the only reason for this change to the comprehensive plan is because
the numbers have worked for the applicants. Freerks stated that what is being looked at is the
land use designation and when it comes to the comprehensive plan that needs to be taken into
consideration.
Eastham asked Plahutnik if he wanted to expand on his comments. Plahutnik stated that the
RNS -12 has been helping to stabilize the neighborhood, it's not done, and a cutting out a
sizeable portion of it is a rash decision.
Dyer stated that given the nature of the houses there and how they are used it seems to be that
the argument that nobody will buy them and fix them up, which would be stabilizing them, helps
make an argument that this particular project would be a way of stabilizing the neighborhood. It
would provide housing for people and small commercial spaces with parking. The design is
compatible with the rest of the block down Linn Street. Dyer stated she thought about Oak
Park, Illinois, that mixes up preserved houses and buildings like this, one after another on
blocks throughout the community and it seems to work there. Dyer stated that she would
support the project.
Eastham stated that one of the primary purposes of the City's overall comprehensive plan for
the community is to provide housing types that meet the needs of the range of people that live in
the community. There has been creditable information to suggest that the kind of housing mix
proposed by this development would be attractive to and would be eventually occupied by
people within that general range more so than the homes that are being replaced by this one
building. Eastham stated the community would benefit by revisiting of housing types that are
appropriate for the northside area: housing types that would enable single family larger homes
to coexist over the long term with attractive row houses, duplexes or other housing types that
may come closer to the housing needs of smaller families, professional people and so forth.
This is a well- designed building and he would only vote for rezoning if the proposed building is
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 11 of 21
part of the rezoning. He stated he would not vote for a comprehensive plan amendment
followed by rezoning request unless the building was well designed and meets the functional
needs of the comprehensive plan in this area. Eastham stated that there was logic to not
extending commercial zoning past the its current north boundary, which is the alley, between
Bloomington and Davenport as well as on down Linn Street across to Bloomington Street
because of historic nature of those structures. He stated he was in support of the change to the
comprehensive plan for this specific purpose.
Freerks stated she was a part of the Neighborhood Task Force and the UniverCity
Neighborhood Partnership and has voted in favor of historic districts and has been a supporter
of the Northside Neighborhood. She stated that this area deserves some special attention and
that this proposal would enhance the Northside Marketplace. This building has been well
thought out. Freerks stated she would not support anything further down on Bloomington Street
or march further up Linn Street. She supports removing the three properties on the west side of
Linn Street north of Bloomington Street from the Northside Marketplace area because having
them in the Northside Marketplace sends a message to people that perhaps they are looking for
redevelopment there.
Dyer stated that this project meets some of the objectives of the university collaboration in
making residential properties available near campus. These particular houses are too big and
too expensive a project to buy and fix. Freerks stated that she feels there is a need for this type
of commercial with the parking.
Weitzel stated that he has spent eighteen years working on his historic house and there has
been a lot of change to his neighborhood even without rezoning so those things can happen.
He stated he would not buy a house next to the electric sub - station. He doesn't feel that it is
realistic and if they provide this opportunity and draw a line this is actually good for the
neighborhood and other urban planning goals.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -1, (Plahutnik voted no, Payne abstained).
Koppes made a motion to approve REZ11 -00012 an application submitted by Allen
Homes for a rezoning from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to
Central Business Service (CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at
221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately
3200 square feet of property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican
substation) subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement that will establish the mix of
residential units and number of bedrooms, the design of the building, the installation of
landscaping and street furniture, and improvement to the alley to provide access to the
parking, and signage on the building.
Eastham seconded.
Eastham stated that this is a well- designed building. The staff and developers have put in
efforts to make the Bloomington Street side of the building to appear more like a residential
building and less like a commercial building. He stated he was unsure on what to do about the
parking access being on Bloomington Street. There wasn't a good solution other than to have
the access from Bloomington Street. The advantage for the parking is it is underground and off
the surface and it provides parking for commercial space. The building is functional and the mix
of the residential dwelling units is keeping with the comprehensive plan and the statements in
the downtown market analysis that was completed in 2007. Eastham stated he would support
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 12 of 21
the building request with the conditions stated.
Plahutnik stated that more than once during the discussion he has heard the phrase, `we would
stop before any further erosion.' The phrase itself is considering this an erosion of the
neighborhood and an odd thing that even some of the supporters have admitted. Plahutnik
noted comments about these three properties calling attention to themselves and being out of
place in a commercial main street. He stated he has a serious concern about turning the corner
of Bloomington and putting a large scale building there. There has been a lot of opinion
presented as data. Staff has a hunch that this will stimulate the area rather than a collection of
data supporting that. Without data he stated he has a good hunch that this will radically change
the nature of Bloomington Street. It is one more section of the Northside changing in a
dramatically different way that will never go back.
Weitzel stated that the Commission cannot separate the zoning comprehensive plan change
and the building design, both necessitates each other. If it was cost effective to do this project
with two lots on Linn Street, they probably would have only used the two lots and not added the
cost and expense of a third lot. Plahutnik stated that their expense is not the Commissions
concern. Weitzel stated that the comprehensive plan says they need to take things into account
such as economic development as well as good urban design which are legitimate concerns.
He stated base on what he has seen one could not come to the conclusion that this would be
bad for the community.
Eastham stated that this approach provides a diversity of house types for a diversity of
residences Eastham feels that the housing needs for nonstudents in a heavily student occupied
area in the community is going to be met by something other than maintaining exclusively single
family residences that have already been converted to multiple units. This information that has
been provided by the staff and the developers is evidence of that.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -1, (Freerks absent, Payne abstained).
REV 1- 00013: Discussion of an application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for an
amendment to the Planned Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPD /RS-
12) zone to allow ground floor residential uses in lieu of commercial space and to remove
the requirement to building 20 garage spaces shown on the original approved plan for
approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, and 2871 Heinz Road.
Miklo stated that this plan was approved in 2005 and the buildings were built in 2006. He
showed the location of the property on Heinz Road east of the Bon Air Manufactured Housing
Park. One of the properties contains residential on the ground floor and the upper floor. Two of
the properties have a mixture of commercial and residential on the ground floor and then solely
residential on the second floor. The applicant has requested that the plan be amended to allow
additional residential uses on the ground floor. The applicant indicates that there has not been
a market for commercial in this area. Staff feels in the future with the extension of Heinz Road
and the future arterial street there may be the possibility for commercial demand in the area.
Staff would recommend approval of the applicant's request which would allow up to five
additional dwellings on the ground floor. The zoning will allow the flexibility of allowing the
ability to convert some or all of the space to commercial in the future if there is a market.
Miklo stated that the original plan showed two garages containing 20 stalls along the west
property line adjacent to the Bon Air Manufacture Housing Park. The garages were not built
when the buildings were built. There were parking spaces installed where the garages would
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 13 of 21
have been and there was an evergreen hedge planted. Because the garages were shown on
the Plan Development they are a requirement of the plan. The applicant is requesting that the
garages be removed from the plan and the screening act in lieu of the garages. The screening
does do a good job of blocking headlights or the view of the parking. Staff feels that is a
judgment call, but one thing he asks the Commission to think about is if garages were not
proposed when originally considering this rezoning, would they have approved it anyway.
Payne asked if this was a Planned Development and not a CZA. Miklo confirmed that was
correct.
Koppes opened the floor to the public for comment.
Steve Gordon, 605 Grandview Court, University Heights, stated he was with AM Management
and they provide the management for Main Gate LLC. Saddlebrook was brought into the city
many years ago and there was some commercial contemplated for the area. At that point it was
thought that the Parkway and Heinz Road might be completed quicker than what it was. He
stated that without the Parkway going through and Heinz Road connecting to that it is basically
just a residential neighborhood. When this was originally built they worked with the city and
they wanted to have it all residential but because of the discussion they agreed to put in some
sort of commercial which ended up being over nine thousand square feet of commercial. For
five years they have tried to fill it and a lot has been empty for most of that time. It is just not a
high traffic area and unless you live there you really have no reason to go down Heinz Road.
Gordon stated that they did have some commercial uses. The proposed five residential units fit
within the density for that size of lot. That will take approximately less than four thousand
square feet so there will still be over five thousand square feet of commercial. Some of that is
used by offices and there will still be some empty spaces available for future use even after the
five units are converted. As Miklo stated that if and when the Parkway goes through to Heinz
Road and becomes more of a major traffic route, this area would be conducive to commercial.
What they are requesting is to have the flexibility to consider either commercial or residential.
Gordon stated he feels they have given it a good effort in trying to get it leased out, they have
leased a few spaces and they have had some tenants that stayed a couple of years and then
left and they have had some permanent tenants. There is just a quite a bit of commercial space
sitting empty and very difficult to rent in that location. He stated he would just like the
opportunity to put that space to use and allow five more families to move into the area.
Koppes asked Gordon to talk about the garages. Gordon stated that they have some garages
for other apartments that they own in the area. In a residential apartment setting there isn't a lot
of demand for garages. Not everyone wants them and there is an extra cost for them, if you
want one your rent is higher. They do not justify themselves from a financial aspect. People
are not willing to pay extra for a garage based on what they cost. He stated that there was not a
demand for them.
Eastham asked if there was demand for them in the future would he add the garages. Gordon
confirmed that he would.
Payne asked how Gordon would convert the commercial space to residential space. What
would be done with the large windows and how would it look in the end. Gordon stated that
they would replace the large windows with residential style windows, which was shown in the
elevation drawings. There would be some exterior construction as well as interior construction.
Payne asked with the matching brick. Gordon confirmed that was correct. He stated that the
units that are there now are one and two bedroom units and that is what they would build.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 14 of 21
Weitzel asked that if there was a need to go back to the commercial or to build the garages,
how Gordon would approach that. Would that be done as a vote through the condo association
or as an owner would you just decide that. Gordon stated that at this point there are thirty units
there that are apartments so there is one common owner and it would be their decision.
Koppes closed the public hearing.
Eastham moved to approve REV 1-00013 application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for
the a amendment to the Plan Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPD /RS-
12) zone to allow ground floor residences to use some nine thousand feet of commercial
space for approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, 2871 Heinz Road.
The plan be amended to allow open parking space where the garages on the associated
property.
Payne seconded.
Koppes asked if they should add a requirement for the evergreens. Miklo stated that the
evergreens are already in and it would be a requirement of the code. If you have parking you
have to have it screened.
Koppes asked for discussion.
Weitzel stated that it seems appropriate. As time has gone by the design did not live up to it
and it is time to change it.
Payne stated that the garages were originally put in the plan as a buffer and she thinks that now
that the evergreens are growing up they are just as good of.a buffer as the garages would be. If
they built garages and nobody wanted to rent them they would be taking parking space away
from the area.
Koppes stated that she is glad that not all of the commercial is not being removed. She stated
she would like to see some of it remain there.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent).
DEVELOPMENT ITEM:
SUB11- 00013: Discussion of an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows
Development for a preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot, 3.57 acre
residential subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane.
Miklo stated that the application meets the subdivision standards and the Staff recommends
approval.
Payne stated she was going to talk about the mailbox clusters. Miklo stated that they have
added a mailbox cluster in the vicinity of Lot 59.
Koppes opened the public hearing.
Steve Gordon, 605 Grandview Court, University Heights, stated he was with AM Management.
They planned Saddlebrook Meadows Part One about four or five years ago as they finished the
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 15 of 21
development to the north Whispering Meadows Part Two and Three. Thinking they would
continue on and then the economy and housing went bad. They were never able to move
forward. Looking back they would have included this part of it to double load the streets.
Gordon stated they are ready to develop this land now and they have started on part one
moving dirt. If they are building the streets, Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane with
part one they felt it makes sense that while they are doing that they should continue on and
utilize the land on the other side of the street for additional lots. They came up with the concept
for part two. He feels it meets all the codes of the RS -8, the current zoning, and they have
worked with the engineering department as well as City staff to make changes.
Koppes asked if there were any questions. There were none.
Koppes closed the public hearing.
Payne moved to approve SUB11 -00013 an application submitted by Saddlebrook
Meadows Development for a preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot,
3.57 acre residential subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane.
Eastham seconded.
Koppes asked for discussion.
Payne stated that her concern was that there is no place to pull over to get your mail. That
people would be blocking part of the street to get the mail. She understands that the existing
codes and ordinances do not do anything with that for this subdivision but she would like to add
it for the future. Miklo asked if she wanted to add it to the program as something to look into for
the future. Eastham stated he would support it. Weitzel confirmed.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent).
SELF SUPPORTED MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ITEM:
Discussion of an application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District
(SSSMID) for property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone (Downtown) and
the Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support (CB -5) zones
generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace).
Ford stated that Council received a petition to create a SSMID district on August 25 and that the
petition meets the statutory requirements for the number of owners and the valuation required
for signatures on that petition. The Commission's job on this agenda item is to review and make
an evaluative report to the City Council on the merits and the feasibility in the proposed Self
Supported Municipal Improvement District. Consideration for the evaluation, merits, and
feasibility revolve around the property included to the taxes levied and the plan itself.
Ford stated that the property included in the proposed district meets all of the criteria required
by Iowa law in that it is contiguous, it is zoned commercial, it is within Iowa City boundaries and
it is related in the manner that it is the Central Business District and the Central Business
Support zone, including Northside Marketplace. The proposed tax rate is two dollars per
thousand of valuation. The funds are proposed to be used for new and enhanced activities or
services within the district.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 16 of 21
The operational expenses will include developing and managing a marketing program for the
area; developing and managing special events, activities, doing business retention and
attraction, expanding the park and shop and bus and shop program, and making physical or
other improvements or enhancements to the downtown area including beautification, flower
boxes, plantings and holiday lights. Finally, the SSMD would create two new jobs —a business
development manager and assistant business development manager.
Ford stated that the petition states specifically that the City will not diminish the type and extent
of any of the services that it already provides for the area within the SSMID district if enacted.
The proposed district and plan of work appear to be consistent with all existing laws, plans, and
City policies including the City- University Urban Renewal Plan, the 2008 Central District Plan,
the 2007 Downtown Market Niche Analysis recommendations and the Comprehensive Plan
which states the goals of keeping the downtown area vibrant.
The petition states that notwithstanding the fact that part of the proposed SSMID district is within
a TIF district the amount of funds that would be derived from an annual SSMID levy from
properties in that TIF district will still be made available annually to the SSMID activities and that
the City should take all necessary actions to make that happen. The petition states that the tax
levy would begin in fiscal year 2013 and sunset in four years generating roughly $280,000 per
year.
Ford stated that the University of Iowa has also announced their intention to partner with the
SSMID efforts by contributing $100,000 annually to the SSMID budget. The combined sources
and uses of these funds appear to allow for the feasibility for SSMID to actually work.
Plahutnik recused himself as he is employed by a business with the proposed district.
Payne asked about the wording for the number of property owner representatives on the SSMID
board. Hektoen stated that that would be a question for the petitioners because it is their
phrasing.
Eastham asked if the University does not contribute their promise of $100,000 per year to the
activities of the district is the amount of tax revenue available in the district sufficient to
accomplish all of the elements set out in the petition. Ford stated that the primary elements
would be able to be accomplished. The $100,000 is right now a spoken intention and there can
be no stronger commitment from the university because the SSMID Board, with whom they
would be contracted, has not yet been formed. Ford stated that she could not state anymore
regarding the commitment, the budget would allow for some flexibility. She has heard from
appropriate parties that there is interest in getting this off the ground sooner than later.
Dyer asked if businesses that rent property would be taxed twice, once as renters and the other
as tacked on by their landlords. Ford stated that generally landlords pass taxes on through to
their tenants. Any additional taxes associated with this levy would be handled in the same way
by the landlords passed on once through the lease. Dyer asked if renters could be taxed
separately as well. Hektoen stated it is just the property owners. Koppes clarified that it is a
part of the property tax bill.
Koppes opened the public hearing.
Karen Kubby, 1425 Ridge Street, Iowa City, stated she was the chair of the Downtown
Association SSMID committee. As an update, they have received more petition signatures and
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 17 of 21
they now have 54 out of 143 unique property owners signed, getting them to just below thirty -
eight percent in the proposed district and forty -eight percent of assessed value represented.
They are excited because even though they were done collecting signatures, there were people
that still wanted to sign. It is an indicator of some of the enthusiasm for this project. When you
look at the signatures on the petition there is a nice balance between Northside and downtown.
There is a nice balance between retail on the ground floor and office uses on the second or third
floor.
Kubby stated that in terms of the petition itself they feel they have been very clear about the
intent of the language about how the board will be composed and that it is clear to the
committee and it is clear to those that signed the petition. To clarify Payne's question, Kubby
stated that there would be two different, unique people representing certain categories of size of
business and size of property. They feel that if any language change made now it would
denigrate the integrity of the signature process. They would like to keep the language as it is
with a clear understanding of what their intent was, how they explained it to people and the
general understanding of those who signed the petition.
Payne stated that the first time she read it didn't make sense. It says, 'two from property
owners or their representatives from a single property.' She stated she read that as one
property is going to have two people not two separate properties each having a representative.
Payne stated that once she went back and read it she understood what it meant it is just not
clear up front. She stated that if they were going to have a board that picks your first board
member and everyone understands what it means than that is the important part. Kubby stated
that she felt it was clear to the signers as they were shepherding the process of gathering
signatures.
Dyer stated she was confused by the one representative from the Northside. Kubby stated that
they wanted to guarantee that there was at least one but it could be multiple. She stated there
also could be people who lived there, whether they owned or rented their dwelling downtown, or
someone who doesn't live, work or own a business downtown who might wants to be on the
board. They wanted multiple seats for more diversity in terms of stake holders in the
community.
Dyer asked what the marketing directors are going to market. Kubby stated that they would
market the SSMID area. They want people to know the diversity of things and that there is
something for everyone. They also want to do some larger regional marketing so people know
they can come for the weekend or extended visits. They can park once and walk to do lots of
different activities and then get in their car once to get back home.
Eastham asked if organization committee has given some thought to the possibility of property
owners that did not sign this SSMID petition having representation on the SSMID board. Kubby
stated that anyone that meets the criteria will have the opportunity to apply to be selected to be
on the board so it will not be limited to just those that signed the petition. There are a lot of
people out there that didn't sign the petition, not because they were against it, but because they
made a choice to be neutral on the issue. So just because someone didn't sign the petition
doesn't mean they are against it.
Koppes closed the public hearing.
Weitzel moved to approve an application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement
District (SSSMID) for property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 18 of 21
(Downtown) and the Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support
(CB -5) zones generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace).
the SSMID.
Payne seconded.
Weitzel stated that he was excited to see this move forward it has great potential to bring great
things to downtown.
Payne stated that it is a unique way for businesses to partner together to promote the downtown
and the Northside area. It will be a good thing for the community.
Eastham stated that the University of Iowa seems to be willing to contribute money to the
marketing efforts is commendable step on their part as well as the business owners and their
willingness to pay a small additional amount of property taxes in order to support the marketing
activities of the district.
Koppes stated that SSMIDs have been proven to work in other cities so she feels it is a good
addition for the downtown and the Northside Marketplace to help get the word out about what is
down there.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0, (Freerks, Plahutnik excused).
URBAN RENEWAL PLAN:
Discussion of the Riverfront Crossings Urban Renewal Plan for approximately 45 acres
of property bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the Iowa
River on the east and generally Orchard street on the west.
Ford stated that the Commission's job on this agenda item is to review the Riverfront Crossings
Urban Renewal Plan for its conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and to submit a
recommendation to City Council. The purpose of an urban renewal plan is to provide a vision
and to enable the possibility of city- assisted development and public improvement projects
through the use of TIF. Public projects in this case might include things such as beautification
of the Riverside Drive commercial corridor, connecting the trail system along the river, and fixing
conditions that impair the environmental or economic health of the community.
Ford stated that an Urban Renewal Plan can be established for the purposes of economic
development or slum and blight. This area was beginning to show the signs of blight before the
flood of 2008 which worsened existing conditions and added new ones. Blight tends to lead to
the disinvestment of the area, drawing down property values and slowing the growth of the city.
It can be a liability physically, economically and socially. In an analysis of the properties in the
area it was revealed that there was a significant finding of blight which merits the establishment
of Urban Renewal Plan for blight purposes.
Ford stated that there are slides to show the type of condition meriting the blight designation
and the language from the Iowa code that is used to describe blight in this case. One of the
conditions is defective or ineffective street layout. Ford pointed out on the slide the various
street layout issues. Another condition in the definition of blight is a faulty layout in relation to
the size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness of a lot.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 19 of 21
Ford stated the plan appears to be in conformity with both the 2002 Southwest District Plan and
the Comprehensive Plan.
Payne asked why this area is to be included in the Riverfront Crossings area and why was it this
area that was picked to do first over other areas on the other side of the river. Miklo answered
the first question by stating that when the first round of the Riverfront Crossing Plan was done
staff was focusing on the east side of the river. During that process, members of the public,
counselors, and commissioners stated that if you fix up that side and leave the other side as it
was it would not be a good relationship, so staff has broadened the Riverfront Crossings to the
west side of the river.
Eastham stated the railroad trestle across Riverfront is an unsightly landmark. His personal
preference would be to improve the appearance of that trestle. It was mentioned in the Miller
Orchard Neighborhood Improvement plan as well. Ford stated that is privately owned property
and the city would entertain ideas to partner on an improvement.
Koppes opened the public hearing.
There was none.
Koppes closed the public hearing.
Payne moved to approve the Riverfront Crossings Renewal Plan for approximately 45
acres of property bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the
Iowa River on the east and generally Orchard Street on the west.
Weitzel seconded.
Koppes asked for discussion.
Dyer stated that there wasn't any designation about where the flood plain would be. She asked
if any of them would have to be elevated. Ford confirmed that was correct. Hektoen stated that
there are other ordinances that guarantee buildings be flood proof or out of the 500 year flood
plain.
Payne stated that it was helpful to have a better understanding of what blight means and
wanted to reiterate that blight doesn't necessarily mean that something is unkempt or disorderly.
It can just mean poor traffic flow or something to that effect.
Eastham stated that to him the term blight as it is defined by the statute does not apply to a
number of the businesses and properties in the proposed urban renewal area. There are a
number of businesses that are quite attractive. Miklo stated that blight is usually a negative but
it is often not of the making of the property owner. Payne stated that it did not necessarily mean
the property owner was at fault. Weitzel stated that this area has always been gritty but this
area from the tornado and the flood has really contributed to the declining trends.
Koppes stated that she was excited that something is going to get done to this area. The TIF
district gives some options for business owners to redevelop and to put new businesses there.
Payne stated that it was a gateway into the city and it could use some beautification.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent).
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 15, 2011 - Formal
Page 20 of 21
OTHER:
Miklo stated the Commission is familiar with fringe area agreement between the City and
Johnson County that deals with the land within two miles of the city. It gives the City the ability
to comment on the zoning actions of the county, but also gives them the ability to approve or
deny subdivisions in that area. The fringe area agreement has been in place for a number of
years. It does have a time line where it is reviewed every five years. Either it is reviewed and
amended or automatically renewed. The five year time limit is October 16, 2011 and the County
has asked if there are any concerns or is the agreement okay as is. From staffs perspective
there have not been that many cases dealing with the fringe area agreement. It is not
promoting development in the two miles and it is leaving that area for future annexation and
control by the City. From staffs perspective they do not see any reason to revisit the agreement
and suggest continuing as is.
Koppes asked when annexing something into the city does those two miles go from the new
annex or from where it was. Miklo stated that whenever they annex the fringe area agreement
states that the City will decide to expand it on a case by case basis. In most cases they have
chosen not to because it has been just a small bump out.
Miklo stated that there did not need to be a vote but if there was a concern we would put it on
the future agenda. The consensus of the Commission was to continue the Fringe Area
Agreement as is.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: August 29th 2011 and September 1St, 2011:
Eastham moved to approve the minutes.
Weitzel seconded.
The motion carried 6 -0 (Freerks excused).
ADJOURNMENT:
Weitzel moved to adjourn.
Payne seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 6 -0 vote (Freerks excused).
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4b(2)
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sunday, September 11, 2011- 4:30 PM
Lobby Conference Room, CITY HALL
Members Present: Jerry Gao, Alexandra
Chris Nepola
Members Absent: Leah Murray
Liaison Present: Ross Wilburn
Staff Present: Marian Karr
Others Present: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
FINAL
Tamerius (4:35), Caroline Van Voorhis, Sam Fosse,
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Chair Gao.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Members introduced themselves to new member Chris Nepola. City Clerk Karr stated that Van
Voorhis, Tamerius and Wilburn would be leaving at 5PM to attend the Youth Salute Awards,
and suggested a discussion of FY13 budget and annual report be done prior to their departure.
MINUTES:
Van Voorhis noted under "Annual Report for Youth Advisory Commission, page 2, the end of
the first sentence had a duplicate phase "for the next" that should be removed. Karr said that
the starting time of the September 11 meeting under "Meeting Schedule" should read 4:30 PM.
Moved by Van Voorhis seconded by Tamerius, to approve the minutes as amended. The
motion passed unanimously, 5/0, Murray absent.
UPDATE ON VACANCIES:
The Commission currently has the Tate vacancy.
BUDGET UPDATE:
City Clerk Karr stated the FY12 budget was in the packet but she had been informed that the
FY13 budget was due by September 27. She asked if the Commission was prepared to discuss
this evening to whether a special meeting would be needed. Chair Gao stated he felt a decision
could be made at this meeting. After discussion a majority felt the same amount of $3250
should be requested. Tamerius suggested changing the line item from "forums" to
"miscellaneous" to allow greater flexibility in planning events. Council Liaison Wilburn
suggested that it be firmed up, noting that "miscellaneous" be too broad and open- ended.
Majority agreed to "Community Outreach (events)" for the new line item. The Commission
agreed to discuss individual categories, appointments, and application /process at the need
meeting.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
No report, review next meeting. Subcommittees may meet and provide reports to Karr for
distribution with meeting materials.
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
September 11, 2011
Page 2 of 3
ANNUAL REPORT FOR YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Karr provided the Commission with a second draft of Annual Report for the Youth Advisory
Commission in the packet and asked if there were any changes prior to adoption. Moved by
Tamerius, seconded by Van Voorhis, to approve the Annual report. The motion carried
unanimously, 5/0. Murray absent.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE:
Council Liaison Wilburn reported this was an election year and City Council would have at least
three new Members, including himself. In the past government classes at the high schools have
conducted candidate forums and that might be something YAC members would be interested in.
City Council is getting back into a meetings schedule, having fewer meetings during the summer
months, and is scheduled for strategic planning sessions in November and December.
MEETING SCHEDULE:
The Commission set a date for their next meeting, Sunday, October 2 at 4:00 PM. Tamerius left
the meeting at 4:48. Moved by Van Voorhis, seconded by Nepola, to adjourn 4:55 PM. The
motion to adjourn passed unanimously, 4/0, Murray and Tamerius absent
Minutes submitted by Karr
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