HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-02 Info Packet�1 �
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org May 2, 2013
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
I132 Invitation to reception for retiring Fire Chief Andy Rocca
I133 Article from City Manager: Downtown development yield stronger fiscal returns
IN Article from City Manager: Density done right: Former B.C. planning chief explains how
to do it
IP5 Letter from Mediacom: Channel Lineup Change
IP6 Iowa City / Coralville Bike to Work Week
DRAFT MINUTES
IP7 Historic Preservation Commission: April 11
I138 Human Rights Commission: April 16
IP9 Planning & Zoning Commission (informal): April 15
I1310 Planning & Zoning Commission (formal): April 18
IP11 Police Citizens Review Board: April 29
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Noon -6PM
Strategic Planning
TBA
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J.
Harvat Hall
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IP2
r:
Downtown development yields stronger fiscal returns
• Research
• Development
• Policy
Better! Cities & Towns
The Gulch Neighborhood in Nashville. Photo source: The Gulch.
Three developments were studied in the Nashville area: New urban infill and greenfield neighborhoods and a 1990s
conventional suburban development. The infill development far outdistanced the others in net revenue, according to
a report by Smart Growth America. The Gulch neighborhood in Downtown Nashville, a redevelopment of a 76 -acre
brownfield site originally designed by Looney Rick Kiss, generated $115,720 in net revenue per acre — almost
1,150 times the net revenue generated by Bradford Hills (conventional suburban) and 148 times the net revenue of
Lenox Village (new urban greenfield).
The Gulch cost less per unit to provide services than the greenfield projects. The lesson: Investments required for
infill revitalization generate a higher return on investment (ROI) than building in far -flung suburbs — in this case at
least. When building does take place in distant suburbs, it appears that a new urban design performs better. The
Gulch has additional advantages: It appeals to the young and educated workforce that is a key market segment this
decade, and it supports transit.
The Gulch — and to an extent, Lenox Village — also offer strong placemaking, which creates a distinctive identity
for an urban neighborhood.
The study examines the cost of providing ongoing city services to the residential component of each project,
including police, ambulance and fire service costs as well as the overall impact to the County's general fund,
according to Smart Growth America. Upfront infrastructure cost was not included in the analysis.
Article from City Manager
IP4
;
Density done right: Former B.C. planning
chief explains how to do it
As cities start developing their smart city roadmaps, it makes sense to study lessons learned from cities that
have already been there and done that The insights summarized below from Vancouver B.C.'s former
planning director on successful densification as a key to livability are a case in point.
There are a lot of differences between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, Washington. Vancouver is an international
role model for smart cities planning and its development of a clean, green, sustainable and livable
environment. Seattle has been struggling to correct its overly car - dependent transportation models and their
consequences.
No, Seattle isn't doomed to continue on as a city divided by its transportation system and lacking amenities
urban dwellers increasingly want.
Vancouver's former city planning director and president for the Council for Canadian Urbanism Brent Toderian
told a Downtown Seattle Association that Vancouver's transformation model would be a good fit for the Pacific
Northwest's largest city. In an op -ed piece in the Seattle Times, Toderian stressed what he refers to "density
done well."
No, he's not a shill for developers, but he believes density is a major factor in the success of the city that wants
to be the greenest in the world by 2020.
He explains:
"Density tends to be talked about as something developers want, but the list of public values from smartly done
density is long: facilitating more affordable housing choices; curbing the negative impacts of sprawl; saving
public money on infrastructure and services; mitigating climate change; making walking, biking and transit
more inviting; and improving public health. Not bad for something often framed as being all about developer
profit. "
He added that Vancouver has a history of of "successful densification" in a livable city -by- design blueprint that
is becoming increasingly green. Its EcoDensity Initiative may have been controversial but in the end led to the
adoption of the greenest building design requirements in North America.
In his piece, he outlined three "critical components" for successful densification.
1. Align your land use with how you get around. Car dependent transportation models fragment cities by
"pushing land uses apart and densities down, leading to communities that are unwalkable and not viable for
transit." Gridlock is another consequence of that model, as people who have driven in and through Seattle can
attest.
In the late 1960s, Vancouver said no to freeways running through the city and has maintained its multimodal
theme that values and supports walking, biking and transit — and that "the best transportation plan is a great
land use plan."
2. Be unashamed to have a consistently high urban design standard. Cities that don't ask for much
generally don't get much. But high expectations for design standards protects value for public and private
interests. And, Toderian said, developers understand and appreciate that point. High design standards focus
on developing environments people want to visit and enjoy. They also connect and support assets like port city
Seattle's waterfront. Getting rid of the city's Alaskan Way Viaduct will allow that to happen and removal is
underway now.
Seattle should also take the walking perspective into account and make the buildings that face the street more
appealing and interesting for walkers. As he says, blank walls are boring.
3. Amenities make density enjoyable. It is possible for cities to guarantee failure if they "plan for too many
people without the amenities that make high- density living enjoyable." Toderian contends that as density
increases, so must amenities like parks, recreational and people places, child care, schools and culturally -
oriented facilities.
And if amenities are designed with families and kids in mind, they will come.
Mediacom).
April 26, 2013
Ms. Marian Karr
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
Subject: Channel Lineup Change
Dear Ms. Karr:
M
On or around May 29, Mediacom will no longer carry YouToo, Channel # 215 and
In Demand PPV 5, Channel 505 on your cable lineup.
If there are any questions please call me at 319 - 395 -9699 ext 3461 or e-mail me at
Igrasslev@mediacomcc.com.
Sincerely,
06t 4w't-
Lee Grassley
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Mediacom Communications Corporation
6300 Council St. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 • 319- 395 -7801 • Fax 319 - 393 -7017
May 6 -10 Bike to School Week
S' Monday, May 13
Bike Commuter Breakfast, sponsored by World of Bikes,
7:30am — 10 Proceeds to local charity.
ACT, Inc. Bike Repair Station Launch and Demonstration, 11:30am
VDiscounts and
free stuff
07 bike apparel 15% discount during Bike to
Work Month. Enter "62W" when you checkout
at g7cycling.com
15% discount on entire purchase at
B d I 220E W h' S
OWA CITY I
0
Bike /Bus /Car Race, sponsored by the MPO of Johnson County, beginning us o ogh ei disc r.
Must show helmet to receive discount.
at 11:33am at the Coralville Public Library and ending at the Iowa City Public
Library, featuring elected officials Councilor Gerry Kuhl of North Liberty, Councilor Ride free this week with your bicycle on
Rosanne Hopson from University Heights, and Supervisor Rod Sullivan from the Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit.
Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Show your bike helmet for free entry before
gam to UI Campus Recreation and ON
Think Bicycles Community Survey Results and Discussion, sponsored by Wellness Center, UI Field House, Fitness
Think Bicycles Coalition of Johnson County, 5:30pm, Room 2520D, University East /Halsey Hall, Recreation Building,
Capitol Center (Old Capitol Mall) and Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation
Complex.
Screening of "Single Track High," sponsored by Neighborhood Centers 30th Century Bicycle thanks you for biking
of Johnson County, 7:30pm, The Englert, 221 E Washington St., Iowa City. to work with a raffle of a Twin City bicycle from
Special screening benefits local Youth Off -Road Riders club. Civic. Tickets available at all B2WW events
and all week at the shop. Drawing will be held
�Tuesda , May 14 Friday night 5117 at the shop's very informal
y y happy hour from 5:30pm — 6:30. N&RD
Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7am — 9, sponsored by Johnson County. FOREVER!
Johnson County Admin. Bldg., 913 S. Dubuque St., (rain location, parking ramp think RID [ `
north of Health and Human Service Building, 855 S. Dubuque St.). Free.
t I
CORALVILLE
0
Traffic Skills 101, sponsored by the Think Bicycles Coalition of Johnson
bicycles
County, 5:30pm, Room 2520D, University Capitol Center (Old Capitol Mall).
for the latest
Borg Info!
Wednesday, May 15
Bike Commuter Breakfast, 7:30am — 9, sponsored by the City of
BZWW is brought
University Heights and Geoff's Bike and Ski. University Heights City Office,
t0 by
1004 Melrose Ave. Free.
you
Old Pi to New Pi Ride, sponsored by New Pioneer Coop, 5:30pm Begins
ACT
Bicyclists of Iowa City
at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City and ends at New Pioneer Coop in Coralville.
sE
Broken Spoke
Live music, food, and door prizes. Preregistration not required.
g
City of Iowa City
City of Coralville
Thursday, May 16
City of University Heights
S
Donald Baxter Design
Rain date for Old Pi to New Pi Ride — see details above
m
Geoff's Blke and Ski
Critical Lass — Iowa City, 5:15 pm, A leisurely ride for women cyclists of all
€
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
ages and abilities. Meet at old fountain entrance, UIHC. Ride to Levitt Center,
a
Iowa City Bike Library
Iowa Department of Transportation
UI Main Library, IC Public Library, around downtown, and to party TBA. Rain date
Z
Johnson County
for Old Pi to New Pi Ride? We'll do Critical Lass with that ride.
Metropolitan Planning Organization
s
of Johnson County
OP Friday, May 17
n
New Pioneer Coop
Bike Commuter Lunch, 11 am — 1 pm at The Broken Spoke (602 S. Dubuque
x
A
Think Bicycles Coalition
301h Century Bicycles
St.), sponsored by Griddle Me Thisl and The Broken Spoke.
s
World of Bikes
i�
■
Fol 77
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
APRIL 11, 2013
EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Ackerson, Esther Baker, Thomas Baldridge, Kate Corcoran,
Frank Durham, David McMahon, Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Litton, Dana Thomann, Frank Wagner
STAFF PRESENT: Chery Peterson, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Thomas McInerney, Brad Pouleson, John Shaw, Mike Wright
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
None.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
339 East Prentiss Street.
Peterson said the Commission held a meeting a month ago regarding this property's
designation as a landmark. She said this property also goes by the 529 South Gilbert address.
Peterson said she included some of the images from the previous presentation to show the
historic look of the building. She showed images from 1966 and images showing how the
building looks today.
Peterson showed views of all sides of the building. She said the plan is to demolish everything
behind the little, one -story former garage and add the new stair and elevator tower on the north
side of the building. Peterson said there would be masonry restoration on all sides of the
original building and complete renovation of the three stories that will become apartments. She
said the lowest level where the bar and restaurant are currently located would remain the same
establishment and would be renovated.
Peterson said that on the south side there is proposed landscaping that would create terraces
for an outdoor dining area. She said the entry door would stay in the same place, although,
because it is not handicapped accessible, the threshold would be lowered. Peterson said she
believes there is also a change with the door head. She said the style proposed is for a similar
type of door, and the awning is to remain.
Peterson stated that on the east/Gilbert Street side, the existing front door will stay as it is and
will open into one of the apartments. She showed the front fagade, which would be retained, of
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 2 of 12
the garage and said the infill of the door and window would be changed out to a modern
storefront, because that is the entrance into the new stair tower for the apartments. Peterson
showed a view on the other side of the front door on the east side of the building.
Peterson said the original windows will be restored and the masonry repair will be minimal or as
required. She showed a view of windows at the lowest/restaurant level.
Peterson said the packet contains images of the new construction, which would be very modern
looking. She added that the Secretary of the Interior Standards would require that the addition
be of its own time. Peterson said the siding material of the addition is listed as a composite
panel system with painted cement board. She said other new materials in the project would be
concrete paving on the south side terraces, and the retaining walls would be an exposed
aggregate with a cast concrete cap.
Peterson said staff is recommending approval of this subject to several conditions. She said the
guidelines recommend removal of the vines as part of masonry restoration. Peterson said staff
would typically expect to see product information on any new windows, including storm
windows, and the new doors.
Shaw, the architect for this project, said the composite panels are really a cement board system.
He said it is just painted cement board with metal tracks in between. Shaw said he used
something similar on the renovation of the Free Medical Clinic behind the CVS Pharmacy. He
said the cement board is similar in character to brick masonry in that it is a cement product with
that rough surface and would be an appropriate material to use.
Shaw said, regarding the door that is being lowered, the head would remain in the same place,
and there would be a standard -sized door. He said there are two steps that are non -code
compliant, because they are directly inside the door inside the bar. Shaw stated that they will
lower the entry on the outside by fourteen inches so that someone can use a wheelchair to get
into the building. He said they will use a standard height door with a transom window up above
it. Shaw said that the current door is not an historic door but is a fiberglass door.
Shaw said that what is notable about the building itself from the exterior is the fact that it is
virtually unchanged, if one looks at the old photographs. He stated that they will not be
changing any of that. Shaw said they will leave the fire escape on the south side, although they
will not rely on its use. Shaw said they are following the Secretary of the Interior Standards, and
when they provide accessibility to the upper levels of the historic building with the new
stair /elevator tower, that accessibility helps an historic building stay in service and makes it
more viable.
Michaud asked where the cement work is going. Shaw responded that it is going on the outside
of the addition on the north — the tower. He said it will be painted.
Michaud stated that on the east side of the building, facing Gilbert Street, the vines are
obscuring some pipes. Shaw said the vines would be removed to tuck point the building. He
said it would be the owner's preference to let those vines grow back, simply because of the
name of his business and the fact that they are symbolic of the building.
Shaw said it might be noted that in the Amana Colonies, it is a requirement to let vines grow on
the masonry buildings. He said the Amana Colonies comprise an historic landmark, and vines
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 3 of 12
are encouraged there. Shaw asked the Commission to make an exception to allow the vines to
grow back, simply because of what the building has always been known as and because it is a
well -known landmark in Iowa City, partly because of the foliage on the side of the building.
Michaud asked if, when the inside is gutted, the contractor will be re- piping and rewiring so that
the outside pipes will no longer be there. Shaw replied that the pipes Michaud is referring to are
all abandoned anyway and will be removed. He said they will be installing a completely new
electrical system.
Shaw said this building was a factory, so there was never much inside. He said the things that
will be removed are 100% non - historic materials. Shaw said this building was partitioned in
1985 or 1986 to accommodate small artists' studios. He said it is all wood and plastic and
gypsum board walls and hollow core doors.
Corcoran asked about the windows. Shaw said the windows will be taken down, cleaned, and
repaired, and the original glass will be retained where possible. He added that when glass does
have to be replaced, it will be kept as low as possible on that north wall where it is really not
visible. Shaw said they are not putting in new windows except on the old garage front. He said
they will retain that front wall with the brick and tile coping as it is, and then put an aluminum
storefront system here, because that will be the entry into the stair tower.
Swaim asked about the small windows higher up on the stair tower. Shaw said these are very
purposely not in the same proportion or style.
Swaim said she is relieved to hear that the vines are to be removed for the masonry repair. She
said it is fairly well recognized that vines can do quite a lot of damage. Swaim said the Amana
Colonies may be a different situation in that the trellises were there for decades and decades,
as opposed to these vines that may only date to the 1980s. She said the Commission is trying
to look at this building historically to say, 1905, with the vines not being there. Swaim said it is
in service to the building to remove the vines. Shaw said they would repair any damage that
has been done to the mortar over the years.
Durham asked about the garage addition and if the existing fagade would be moved back. Shaw
answered that it would stay in place. He said the cross - section in the drawings shows the wall
and shows it staying in a line with the front wall. Durham said it looked different in another
drawing.
Shaw stated that actually that is not in the wrong location; that section is cut to the north,
through the wall that the Old Capitol Brewery has. He said it is intended to be as the cross -
section shows.
McMahon asked about the vines and the owner wanting them to grow back. Peterson replied
that it is in the guidelines that one would not want that, because it damages the masonry. She
said one thought was to have an arbor over the new terrace that could have the vines. Peterson
said there are other ways to have vines besides up the side of the building. She said that
restoring the masonry is the first concern, and then determining how detrimental the vines have
been should be considered.
Michaud said the plan looks very nice. She asked where the patio would be and if it would be in
conjunction with the bar. Shaw responded that it will be right up along the space between the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 4 of 12
building and the sidewalk on the south side and will be terraced. He said the property owner is
actually building the walls beyond the property line, but there is a code provision that allows this.
Michaud said that if the fire escape is going to stay and is non - functional, perhaps the vines
could be trained around that. Shaw said he had thought of that and would have to look into it.
He said if there is a fire escape there, he thinks he has to maintain access to it, because he
would be giving someone false hope of egress if he somehow closed it off.
MOTION: Michaud moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application
for 339 East Prentiss Street, as presented in the application, with the following
conditions: confirm removal of vines; provide product information for new storm /screen
windows and any replacement windows; provide product information for the new door
on the south side at the restaurant entrance; and provide above information for review
and approval by Chair and staff. McMahon seconded the motion. The motion carried on
a vote of 8 -0 (Litton. Thomann, and Wagner absent).
829 Kirkwood Avenue.
Peterson distributed photographs in the file showing more clearly the conditions before and
after. She said this is another landmark property.
Peterson said that several years ago the Commission approved the replacement of the entire
foundation under this house — an all -new basement. She said that what was approved was not
built, but the new owners plan to make this right. Peterson said the new owners are starting
with the critical issues of the brick and the stone foundation.
Peterson showed the front, north side of the house, which faces Kirkwood. She showed the
new, concrete block foundation and the new windows, which are set in new window wells, on
the west side. Peterson said the Commission had approved a proposal of taking the old stone
that had been removed from the foundation, slicing it, and reapplying it, but that is not going to
happen.
Peterson said the new proposal is to have Anamosa stone that will be applied to the face of the
new concrete block. She said the proposal discusses this being a regular coursing but a rough
cut, which will be historically appropriate.
Peterson showed the south side of the building and said part of the previous project created a
walkout basement. She said this view shows how contrary to the original layout the new
window placement is. Peterson said one can see the arches where the old windows were and
how the new windows don't match that at all. She said that in addition to the stone facing for
the concrete block, most of the arches will be removed, and there will just be a straight course
of brick.
Peterson showed the east side of the building. She said there are new basement windows on
every elevation except on the north side. Peterson said that this proposal would replace those
also. She added that the foundation needs to be covered with new stone on all four sides.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 5 of 12
Peterson showed a close up on the west side toward the south end of the house. She said
there needs to be a lot of brick repair and replacement here. In the work sequence, the brick
repair will follow after the stone work on the foundation.
Peterson showed the front on the north side, where the owners need to install windows, which is
part of this proposal. She said staff recommends that they can actually salvage the arches and
make the windows fit the width of the arched openings.
Peterson showed a stone mockup done by the previous owner for the west side. She said the
idea was to put back the original stone. Peterson said it is really unacceptable, because it is too
random of a pattern; the joints are not created correctly; the joints are too wide, and the profile is
wrong. She said that would be replaced. Peterson showed a photograph of the Mansion on
Gilbert Street, which is the same style of building, and said the foundation there is a better
example.
Peterson showed a photograph looking into one of the new window wells. She said the
proposal is to use the limestone to cap the top of the window wells so that it fits in with the new
stone of the foundation.
Peterson said staff recommends approval of this application. She said that because it is such a
critical thing to get this stone correct, the owners have agreed to do a mockup, to show that this
will work. Peterson said one of the conditions of the recommendation is to have the mockup
approved. She said staff also recommends that the window wells get a stone cap, confirm that
the entire masonry repair follows the Secretary of the Interior Standards, and that staff and chair
receive product information on the two new basement windows that need to go in on the north
side.
Pouleson, one of the owners of the property, said the mason had told him the original stone was
probably quarry from quite near or maybe even in Iowa City, and that is no longer available. He
said the next best thing was Anamosa stone.
Pouleson said the photograph of the Mansion is not quite what the original foundation of this
house looked like from the pictures he has seen. Peterson agreed that the Kirkwood house
foundation is a little rougher. Pouleson said the Mansion foundation was a little more
symmetrically cut. He said his foundation was rough cut rock with even coursing, so that is
what they are trying to match. Pouleson showed a photograph of the original foundation, before
the house was lifted, so they know what it should look like.
Regarding the window wells, Pouleson said they will cap the U- shaped wall with the same
stone. He said there is a gap between the foundation wall and the U- shaped wall, adjacent to
the sides of the windows. Pouleson said they plan to run stone down there as well, on either
side of the window and probably across the bottom too to cover all the block of the foundation
wall.
Pouleson said he looked at the front two windows. He said they can preserve those arches, as
there is just the one brick missing. Pouleson said those arches correspond to the windows
above. He added that the windows they will be putting in the basement are the same width as
the windows up above, so they will line up perfectly.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 6 of 12
Pouleson said the concrete block that was put in between is not in the right location and is also
too wide. He said they will have to take that out and re -lay some blocks centered at the
appropriate width to allow the windows to be put in. Pouleson said that his mason has a plan for
doing that.
Pouleson said they are pretty much the only two arches they will be able to preserve, because
they do line up with the windows they will be putting in. He said that for most of the other ones,
for whatever reason, the previous owner did not take any care to do that. Pouleson said that
they will just be running a straight course on the rest of the house.
Regarding the windows he will be putting in, Pouleson said he sent the information to staff.
Peterson said the owners are proposing Jeld -Wen, and that will match everything else that is in
the house now. Pouleson said that the windows that they will be putting in are made by a
subsidiary on the West Coast that Jeld -Wen bought that makes historically approved windows.
He said the sills and all of that match what one would see in a traditional house. Pouleson said
they are Jeld -Wen windows but they are from a different line than the ones that are in the house
now.
Swaim asked if the house sustained any damage to the foundation during the time it was
vacant. Pouleson said there was surprisingly little damage. He said there were a few cracks
here and there in some of the plaster, but the damage is very minor. He said there is also some
interior damage at an interior brick wall that used to be an exterior wall.
Corcoran asked how thick is the proposed stone veneer. Pouleson responded that it is going to
line up with the ledge that was left, which is about three and one -half inches.
Michaud asked Pouleson if he will be able to match the brick that is there. Pouleson said he
actually has quite a bit of the original brick and will be putting that all back, as well as using brick
from a chimney that was taken out from an interior wall that was originally an exterior wall. He
said he believes it was taken out in order to raise the house. Pouleson said that if they cannot
do it all with the original brick, it will be very close.
Baldridge said that the owners are to be congratulated for saving this house. He said this is a
very significant neighborhood in Iowa City.
Michaud said that she likes the irregularity in the original stone foundation. She said there were
some wide or high stones and narrow stones that made it look more like it was field- constructed.
Michaud said the Mansion is very formal, but this house predates the Mansion. Pouleson said
he did not know the age but said this is definitely a different style. He stated that on the
Mansion, each block is the same dimension, at least height -wise.
MOTION: McMahon moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application
for 829 Kirkwood Avenue, as presented in the application, with the following conditions:
provide mock -up of stone veneer at foundation; confirm proposed use of stone veneer at
window wells; confirm appropriate repair methods for historic masonry; confirm the size
of the two new basement windows and their placement relative to the existing brick
arches; and provide above information for review and approval by Chair and Staff.
Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann, and
Wagner absent).
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 7 of 12
30 North Clinton Street.
Peterson said this is another Iowa City landmark. She said the proposal is to replace, repair,
and do work on four different doors on the building.
Peterson referred to a picture from before the addition on the south and before the front
entrance had been changed. She showed the front pair of doors to be replaced and referred to
a drawing in the packet that shows the proposed replacement doors.
Peterson showed the addition to the south and the door that would be replaced. She also
showed the north side of the building at the steeple tower, where existing wooden doors will be
repaired. She also showed the north side of the building where there is a newer door, and said
this door and side windows will stay the same, but the applicant wants to add a handicapped
operator. The handicapped operator should not change anything that will be seen from the
exterior.
Peterson showed a close up view of the doors on the north side that go into the steeple tower.
She said the design of the new doors on the front is very similar, with the tall panels over the
lower, shorter panels.
Peterson said they are proposing for the front, instead of solid panels, that it would be all glass.
She said that is not typical of an historic door. Peterson said one could put glass in the upper
panels but not the lower, so that is staff's recommendation.
Peterson said the door on the west side of the south addition will get changed out with a new,
hollow metal door with an upper window. She said the south addition is from the 1950s or
1960s. Peterson said the existing door is in the style of that era.
Peterson showed the doors that would become the panel doors with glass. Swaim asked if they
would be like the gray doors with the tall panels. Peterson confirmed this and said they would
be wood doors. She said the architect has told her that it will be a true stile and rail
construction. Peterson said the packet includes drawings of what is being proposed. She said
the plans show glass in every panel, which she does not think is appropriate.
Peterson said staff recommends approval of this application with the condition that the front
door will be wood stile and rail construction and that chair and staff will review the profile details
at the panels. She said the proposal was not very clear about what the new door on the south
addition would be, so staff will need that confirmed as well. Also, the applicant needs to confirm
that the newer door on the north side would not change from what is seen now.
Michaud asked if the applicant's proposal is to have four glass panels in each door. Peterson
confirmed this. She said that historically there would be glass in the upper panels but not the
lower panels.
Referring to the west elevation, Swaim asked if the existing stained glass transom would
remain. Peterson answered that the plan does not include any changes to the stained glass.
Swaim said that on the original, the doors were proportionally much taller relative to the stained
glass. Peterson said there would not have been as much stained glass originally. She said the
old photo shows a nicer proportion, but the applicant is not changing the stained glass now.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 8 of 12
Baldridge said it is obvious the inside of the church has been modified, because as one goes
into the church now, it is flat in the vestibule. Peterson pointed out the work that was done last
year involving the wood restoration and the roofing that came for review before the Commission.
MOTION: Baldridge moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the
application for 30 North Clinton Street, as presented in the application, with the following
conditions: confirm stile and rail construction of new doors at main entry, also confirm
profile at panels; confirm final design of new service door; confirm location of exterior
actuator for auto operator at north door; provide above information for review and
approval by Chair and Staff. Ackerson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann, and Wanner absent).
513 South Summit Street.
Peterson said this project has been before the Commission a couple of times already this year.
She said that this proposal is for the replacement of the small window on the back side.
Peterson showed the drawing of the proposed window, which is a change from the original
packet. She said the change would make this match all of the other windows with regard to the
trim. Peterson showed a photograph of the trim boards and their relationship to the window
trim. She said this new design should match that.
Peterson said that when this was first presented there was not to be a window change; it was
just the addition of a transom. She said that now there would be a new window.
McInerney, the architect for this project, said the header for the window would match. Peterson
said staff would suggest a condition of providing product information on the new window.
McInerney said the detail around the top of the window would be identical to how the band will
be interrupted by the window. He said that is the way it is matching the head.
McInerney said the project is coming along really well.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application for
513 South Summit Street, as presented in the application, with the condition that product
information for the window be reviewed and approved by staff and the chair. Baldridge
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann, and Wanner
absent).
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Peterson stated that in the future she would try to include pictures of some of these items. She
said that Swaim signed off on the certificates of no material effect. Peterson said there were no
intermediate applications. She stated that the two minor applications include a Brown Street
property where a non - historic house was having windows replaced and a house on Bella Vista
for which the Commission previously reviewed an application that incurred a lengthy time lag
between the application coming before the Commission and the owner coming back with the
proposal.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 9 of 12
REVIEW AND APPROVE PLANS FOR CITY PARK CABINS:
Peterson said the City is applying for a grant to repair the City Park cabins. Miklo said the City
is applying for an HRDP grant. He said that staff is sending a proposal to the City Council in
May and would like the Commission's endorsement of that proposal.
Miklo said the Commission discussed this several weeks ago, and it was the Commission's
consensus to apply for grants to help restore these buildings.
MOTION: Corcoran moved that the Commission endorse the City's application for
grants to repair the cabins in City Park. McMahon seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann, and Wagner absent).
DISCUSS HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORK PLAN FOR 2013:
Miklo said the North Side Neighborhood Association submitted a written proposal requesting
that the Commission consider a conservation district for parts of the North Side.
Miklo said another project discussed by the Commission was a possible historic district in the
Manville Heights area. He said the Commission and staff are also in the process of working on
a local historic district for the Melrose National Register Historic District. Miklo said that has
basically been put on hold while the neighborhood does some of its organizing but staff
anticipates that it will come back in the summer.
Wright, the North Side Neighborhood Association representative, said that the proposal
submitted is a draft at this point. He said the project was accelerated a little bit so that the
boundaries are going to be subject to change. Wright said he could answer any questions.
Swaim said it would be great if the neighborhood association could submit some photographs of
some of the houses and streetscapes. Wright said he could arrange this and said the North
Side Neighborhood Association is prepared to do whatever ground work needs to be done.
Swaim said that is critical, because the Commission does not have a full -time staff person or
consultant.
Wright said the area has been surveyed. He said that is a huge accomplishment that will not
have to be dealt with at this time.
Durham asked about the printout and the curlicues in the property on Bloomington Street.
Wright said that there are houses there in the 600 block that were not intended to be in the
district. He said those properties along the north side of the street were meant to be edited out.
Miklo said if the Commission does decide to go forward with studying a North Side conservation
district, the boundaries should be looked at very closely. He said that one of the issues with a
conservation district is that the State Historical Society, when it approved the City ordinance,
wanted to make sure that if there was an area that was actually eligible for an historic district, it
would not be cut short by going with a conservation district instead.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 10 of 12
Miklo said therefore that each property and what the survey says will have to be looked at
carefully. He said the Commission might even want to expand the district a little to the north,
including the Ronalds Street district area. Miklo said staff is looking for some indication as to
whether the Commission wants to include this in its work plan, and then the boundaries can be
redefined as the area is studied.
Swaim said the areas to be looked at therefore include Melrose, which is in process, this North
Side project, and Manville Heights, although the Manville Heights neighborhood has not come
before the Commission to propose anything. She asked if there are any other projects or
initiatives the Commission would like to take on.
Michaud asked if there is any way the 500 block of East College could be conserved. She said
the area is between Van Buren and Johnson Streets.
Michaud said that with the 20 -story building proposed for a half block away from there, this area
is severely at risk. She said the Bradley Building is very likely to go down next week. Michaud
talked about the salvageable material in the building.
Regarding the area on College Street mentioned by Michaud, Miklo stated that when the
College Hill Conservation District was looked at, that block just to the north that is on
Washington Street was removed from the district. He said the Commission had considered it
and then took it out because of property owner objection.
Miklo said that there was an attempt by the City to downzone the area on College Street in
2005. He said that because of property owner objection, the City Council chose not to do that.
Miklo said, regarding whether it should be revisited this soon, he would suspect that the owners
of the property would still object. He said it was the Mental Health Center that owned it at the
time, and the Mental Health Center said it wanted the possibility of selling those properties for
development purposes.
Miklo said he believes it would be an uphill battle in terms of creating a conservation district
there. He said that because there are at least three properties in the area that have been
remodeled or had buildings built, he does not think it would quality as an historic district. Miklo
said he suspects that the fact that the College Street Historic District ends where it does is
because that issue was looked at and it was decided that the buildings to the west did not really
qualify, and also it was zoned commercial.
Michaud asked if the whole block is zoned CB2. Miklo confirmed this. Michaud said she thinks
the only salvation for it is to keep Gilbert Street CBS. She said that if it goes to CB10, there is
nothing to keep this from continuous development. Michaud said the proposal for the 20 -story
building is really a threat to her neighborhood. She said there are a lot of 30 -year occupants
around College Green Park.
Durham asked for specifics about the Goose Town District. Miklo stated that about 15 years
ago there was a proposal for a Goose Town Conservation District. He said that it ran into quite
a bit of opposition. Miklo said the Commission decided at that time not to pursue it, unless the
neighborhood was supportive. He said the area of the North Side has kind of an overlap into
Goose Town, so that might cover part of it. Miklo said in this case it was owner - occupants who
opposed the district, rather than absentee owners, which tends to make the Commission less
likely to move forward.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 11 of 12
Miklo said one other factor to consider is the level of threat to the historic resources in the area.
He said that the farther one gets from downtown, the less threat there is. Miklo said that should
have some bearing on whether the Commission works on Manville Heights, the North Side, or
Goose Town. He added that at this point he feels it would be better to work on only one
additional district.
Swaim asked if Manville Heights has a neighborhood association. Miklo said it does, but he
does not think it meets often, nor does it cover the entire neighborhood.
MOTION: Baker moved to have the Commission's work plan for the coming year focus on
the Melrose Historic District and a potential Near North Side Conservation District.
McMahon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann,
and Wanner absent).
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MARCH 14, 2013 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING:
Swaim said that the last sentence of the first paragraph on page seven should read, "... has also
been accomplished."
MOTION: Ackerson moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation
Commission's March 14, 2013 meeting, as amended. McMahon seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 8 -0 (Litton, Thomann, and Wagner absent).
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 12 of 12
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012 -2013
NAME
TERM
EXP.
4/12
5110
6/14
7112
8/9
8129
9113
10/11
1118
12113
1/10
2114
311
3114
4111
ACKERSON, KENT
3/29/16
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BALDRIDGE, THOMAS
3/29/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BAKER, ESTHER
3/29/15
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CORCORAN, KATE
3/29/16
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
X
DOWNING, WILL
3/29/13
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
- --
DURHAM, FRANK
3/29/16
—
—
—
--
--
--
--
—
—
--
--
--
—
--
X
GASSMAN, SHANNON
3/29/13
- --
--
--
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- --
LITTON, ANDREW
3/29/14
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
MCMAHON, DAVID
3/29/14
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
MICHAUD, PAM
3/29/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
SWAIM, GINALIE
3/29/15
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
THOMANN, DANA
3/29/14
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
WAGNER, FRANK
3/29/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
KEY: X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused - -- = Not a Member
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 16, 2013 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
PRELIMINARY
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Joe Coulter, Katie Anthony,
Shams Ghoneim, Dan Tallon.
Members Excused: Diane Finnerty, Kim Hanrahan.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers
Recommendations to Council: No.
Call to Order:
Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:00.
Consideration of the Minutes of the March 19,2013:
Coulter moved to approve minutes, seconded by Olmstead.
Motion passed. 5 -0. (Ghoneim Absent)
Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda: None.
New Business:
Iowa City Pride 2013
The Human Rights Commission will participate in this year's events. It will be decided at the next
meeting who will be available on the particular date. Olmstead moved to participate in Pride 2013,
seconded by Coulter. Motion passed. 6 -0.
Old Business:
Proposed Justice Center
No discussion.
Fair Housing
Anthony or Olmstead will introduce this program being held on the 23`d of the month.
Youth Awards
Talon and Townsend will serve on the subcommittee for the youth ally award. Finnerty will introduce
recipients, Townsend will do the opening and Ghoneim will do the closing.
Undates/Renorts:
Learn over Lunch
Ghoneim reported the program was very informative but turnout was less than ideal. Commissioners
proposed spreading the word of the program in the future to departments at the University and also the
school district.
Proclamations
Anthony received the Days of Remembrance proclamation. If Finnerty or Hanrahan cannot accept the
Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation then Coulter will so do.
SEATS
Olmstead spoke on a recently held meeting that discussed the County's contribution to the SEATS
program. Olmsted is waiting to see if there will be any future hearings on the matter.
Education Subcommittee
Coulter and Finnerty have not had an opportunity to meet with members of the school board. Coulter
handed out a report he put together that shows the link between free and reduced price lunch and whether
a school is on the No Child Left Behind list. Coulter noted that the Commission should identify specific
concerns and also see how the school board implement's the new diversity policy.
Immigration Subcommittee
No report.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
Coulter stated the Commission should make a statement on the recommendations of the ad hoc diversity
committee because the Commission has a very big stake in those recommendations. Olmstead moved for
the Commission to strongly support the findings of the ad hoc diversity committee, seconded by Coulter.
Motion passed. 6 -0'.
Building Communities
The next event will be held on April 30. Townsend noted that the committee is not trying to duplicate or
mimic work already occurring in the community but trying to reach the Black community in hopes of
forging better alliances.
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
Olmstead reported that the next full board meeting will be held on the 26 of this month and that several
subcommittees have been created to maintain the spirit and mission of the Center.
Building Blocks to Employment
The job fair will be held on April 18 at the Eastdale Plaza from 4 -6 pm. 11 employers are signed up.
Commission
Anthony, informed that the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors is sponsoring a fair housing poster
contest. Olmstead reported that he and Coulter attended a Human Rights Summit sponsored by the Center
for Human Rights and that in the future he hopes that a partnership can be formed with the Center and the
Commission to organize and sponsor this event (February or March 2014). In addition, Olmstead hopes to
present workshops on the rights of persons with disabilities in the fall of 2013. Ghoneim and Coulter
discussed the need to put the human rights of persons incarcerated in the Johnson County Jail on future
agendas and/or establish a subcommittee. Ghoneim moved and Coulter seconded, to place human rights
issues for those incarcerated in Johnson County on the May agenda. Motion passed 6 -0.
Staff
Nothing.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn at 19:23. (5 -0) (Olmstead absent)
2
Next Regular Meeting — May 21, 2013 at 18:00.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012/2013
(Meeting Date)
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member
4
TERM
5/15/
6/19/
7/17/
8/21/
9/18/
10/16
11/20
12/18
1/15/
1/28/
2/19/
3/19/
4/16/
NAME
EXP.
12
12
12
12
12
/12
/12
/12
13
13
13
13
13
Diane
1/14/14
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
Finnerty
Orville
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
Townsend,
Sr.
Dan Tallon
1/1/14
-
-
-
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Kim
111115
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Hanrahan
Shams
111115
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
Ghoneim
Jessie
111115
-
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
R
Harper
Katie
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
X
X
Anthony
Joe D.
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
X
X
Coulter
Harry
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Olmstead
Connie Goeb
1/1/13
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
-
-
-
-
-
Howard
1/1/13
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
-
-
-
-
-
Cowen
David B.
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
-
-
-
-
-
Brown
Henri
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
-
-
-
-
-
Harper
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member
4
VM4
i
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 15 — 5:15 PM — INFORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe
Martin, Paula Swygard, John Thomas, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, John Yapp, Sarah Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM.
Rezoning Item
REZ13- 00009: Discussion of an application submitted by Rockne Cole, Jon Fogarty and
Mark McCallum for a rezoning from Public (P -1) zone to Central Business Support (CB -5)
zone for approximately 0.38 -acres of property located at the northeast corner of Gilbert
and College Streets.
Yapp said he had been asked by a member of the public to clarify what else is going on
immediately around this property. He showed the Commissioners what was to the immediate
north and east of it.
He addressed the questions that the Commissioners had for staff at the last Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting. Yapp said one question was how does the Comprehensive Plan
address downtown historic buildings. He said the current Plan refers to the Historic Preservation
Plan, which is very much oriented to preserving individual buildings through designation of
historic landmark status and encouraging fagade improvements on historic buildings. He said
the number one objective for the downtown area is to emphasize the improvement of key
historic building, and the number two objective is to encourage fagade improvements. He said
other goals include designating landmarks, supporting a downtown manager, and encouraging
building fagade renovation on Iowa Avenue. He said downtown has a number of historic
landmark buildings but is neither a historic district nor a conservation district.
Eastham asked if the Historic Preservation Plan primarily addresses residential neighborhoods.
Miklo said yes, but there is a section of the Plan concerning downtown. He said the Historic
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 15, 2013 - Informal
Page 2 of 6
Preservation Commission did do a study of downtown identifying a potential national register
historic district, which could also lead to a local historic district, but the downtown business
organization had limited interest in pursuing that.
Yapp said the next question was how does the Comprehensive Plan address transitional areas
between downtown and near downtown areas. He said that the Plan states that the city should
preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods by supporting historic preservation goals, which
are to designate historic districts and conservation districts where the neighborhoods qualify for
that status based on the percentage of qualifying historic structures in that neighborhood. He
showed the Commission a map of the historic and conservation districts. He said there is little in
the Plan regarding prescribed methods for transition areas. He said in the proposed
Comprehensive Plan there are two areas noted that have the potential to redevelop at higher
densities due to proximity to downtown and the university and should comply with the policies
and goals of the Central District Plan in terms of design review requirements for multifamily
buildings. He said design review is not required for projects in the Downtown Planning District.
Freerks asked why that was so. Miklo responded that the Multi- family Infill Guidelines were
initially developed for the Central Planning District. They were later expanded to include other
multi - family construction in other areas of the city, but not downtown. That might have been
because up to that point there had not been much multi - family built downtown. That has
changed in recent years. He said when they were drafting the Plan the two areas noted in the
paragraph above are where they saw the potential for development and decided that they
should be subject to some design review.
Eastham asked if those two areas are still covered by the Vision 2000 Plan. Miklo said they are.
Thomas asked if Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) is part of the transition zone. Yapp explained
that he included that in the staff memo to give a bigger view of the current zoning pattern
transitioning from west to east the Central Business (CB -10), then to the Public (P) zone, then to
Central Business Service (CB -2) and Central Business Support (CB -5) to the east of Van Buren
Street, and then to Low - Density Multifamily (RM -12) and Neighborhood Stabilization Residential
(RNS -20) starting around Johnson Street, and then ultimately further to the east single family.
Thomas said in his mind, what's there around College Green is single family, and that's the
neighborhood. Yapp said it's zoned RM -12 but part of it is conservation or historic district.
Thomas said if they are talking about transition from the downtown to the residential
neighborhoods, the latter would be RM -12. Yapp agreed. Thomas said he would like to see a
map in which the current CB -10 zone will be one color, any residential zones will be another
color, and the area in between would be a third color. He said they could overlay the
conservation and historic districts on the map, because he considers them reinforcements in a
way. Thomas said he thinks the zoning and the historic and conservation districts are two tools
the Commission uses, and they are not a consistent pattern.
Eastham said that he is grappling with the issue that while he partially agrees with the point that
the Comprehensive Plan talks about transitions, the specifics of how to do that are somewhat
elusive in the Plan. He said that the purpose of all the commercial zones, except for CB -10, is in
some way transitional. He asked staff to comment on that in terms of what they are trying to get
to in achieving some transition between CB -10 and less intensive areas.
Yapp replied that traditionally a transition is a stepping down in zoning from one density or
intensity of land use and trying to avoid that being directly adjacent to a much lower density or
intensity use. He said that can be done in stepping down in zoning, incorporation of green
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 15, 2013 - Informal
Page 3 of 6
space, topography and other ways.
Greenwood Hektoen said that would be good to explain at Thursday's meeting.
Eastham said that the Gilbert Street sub - district of the Riverfront Crossings /Downtown Plan is
one plan that has a specific discussion about achieving transition between neighborhoods and
higher density development by limiting building height.
Freerks said the lack of discussion or methods of transition is showing in the kind of tension
along that whole area, so as they talk about what's going to happen in the future in terms of
growth, this is an area the Commission wants to look at more closely.
Miklo said the Riverfront Crossings /Downtown Plan actually talks about parts of Downtown
being less intense, so it's not going to be a hard and fast rule that the zoning has to CB -10, then
CB -5 then CB -2. It's not always a formula where you step down the zoning: much depend on
the context of the property.
Eastham said the Riverfront Crossings /Downtown Plan shows in the downtown area fourteen
sites that are suggested or recommended for redevelopment. He said only five of those are
actually recommended for redevelopment above the CB -5 standard. Miklo said in the back of
the Plan there is height map which shows a range of seven to fifteen stories, and that is the
guide to use for individual properties.
Thomas said that map shows a six story maximum on the west side of Gilbert Street. Eastham
said whatever map you use that is the height recommendation along Gilbert Street.
Dyer asked about developing procedures for defining transitional zoning in the future. Freerks
said it does seem like the Commission is always trying to put out fires in terms of great things
that are going to happen or bad things that might occur. She said it does seem like something
that has fallen to the bottom of the list as they take care of other business, and it's coming to
that point where they really need to look at it.
Miklo said that in terms of zoning for downtown and transitioning to neighborhoods it's as much
of an art as it is a science, and he thinks what the Commission is asking for is a scientific
methodology. He said he doesn't think there is a formula. He said you look at sites specifically,
the surroundings, and the conditions on that site, which was done in the Riverfront
Crossings /Downtown Plan. He added that you look at the characteristics such as availability of
parking immediately adjacent to the development, what the zoning next door would allow, and
just like any other zone in town, you consider all of those factors in making your decision.
Eastham said he agrees with Anne in that the Commission is always being urged to react to a
particular recommendation or request either from the standpoint of excitement or dismay.
Miklo said in terms of the Comprehensive Plan, it's a vision and a guide, not a hard and fast
rule, so there's some judgment call on the part of the Commission and on the Council.
Thomas mentioned the 500 block of Washington Street and how Council did not take the
Commission recommendation to rezone that block mixed use in the mid- 2000's. He said it
remains CB -2, and he feels as staff did that it is classic transition. He said where you have
commercial zones to low density residential zones to residential zones that's a jump. Miklo said
that's why that area has been called out for further study in the draft Comprehensive Plan.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 15, 2013 - Informal
Page 4 of 6
Yapp said another question asked by the Commission was which Comprehensive Plan should
they consider. He said the current Comprehensive Plan and the Riverfront Crossings /Downtown
Plan are adopted, so it is appropriate to use both of them in considering development proposals.
He said the Commission should also consider the proposed Comprehensive Plan update but to
keep in mind that it had not been adopted and has the potential for revisions.
Eastham said he was perplexed by the recommendation that he assess this specific zoning
request and consider something that doesn't actually exist because it hasn't been adopted yet
with the recognition that the recommendation for adoption may be changed. Miklo said he
doesn't see a conflict between the current Comprehensive Plan and the draft plan.
Greenwood Hektoen reminded Eastham that many times the Commission makes
recommendations at the same time they make a recommendation on an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Miklo said that neither of the Comprehensive Plans is at odds with each other.
Eastham said that the subject property is specifically included in the current Comprehensive
Plan. He said that contrary to what the staff memo says, it seems like the Comprehensive Plan
does address this property, as it is included in the area covered by that Plan and is on a map of
this area. Yapp said the Comprehensive Plan does not address this property specifically in the
narrative.
Yapp said that questions were asked by the Commission about the zoning history of this
property, and he provided them with a history. Eastham asked if the substation was rezoned to
CB -5 in 2005. Miklo said it was and explained that there were plans to eliminate the CB -2 zone;
and staff had to find alternatives to the properties that were zoned as such. He said after
objections to eliminating the CB -2 zone came from property owners on the 500 block of
Washington Street, Council agreed not to eliminate it, but the plan was already put forward with
rezoning CB -2 to alternatives, and that's how the power station and the Unitarian Church
properties were zoned from CB -2 to CB -5.
Thomas said he wanted to be clear on the rezoning for south of Burlington Street. He asked if
the only areas they need to be aware of in discussions of CB -5 and CB -10 were the
MidAmerican power station, the Unitarian Church and a piece of the Hieronymus property south
of Burlington Street. Miklo said there was some property on Market Street changed to CB -5
before 2005.
Eastham asked if there had been any discussion about zoning the MidAmerican power station
and the Unitarian Church CB -10. Miklo said he didn't recall.
Yapp said that both sixteen and twenty story options were presented to the City Council when
this project was presented to them. He said the specific height of the building is currently being
negotiated, which would ultimately be brought to the Commission in association with a rezoning
application for the property. He said the City and the developer have agreed that it will not be a
twenty story building. Freerks asked if any of the proposals were within the City CB -5 height
limitation. Yapp said there were two — the Clark family proposal for a five story building, which
did not make it as a finalist, and one of the five final proposals that was also a five story
building, which was one floor of commercial with four floors of residential above it. He said four
of the five finalists would have required CB -10.
Swygard asked for clarification about wording in a section of the minutes from the April 1
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 15, 2013 - Informal
Page 5 of 6
Informal Meeting. The tape of the meeting was reviewed, and a change was made in Hektoen
Greenwood's response to a question by Eastham.
Election of Officers
The Commission discussed who was interested in filling the vacancies for officers of the
Commission.
Discussion of Work Program
There was discussion about what would be the priorities for the Commission for the Fiscal Year
beginning in July 2013 and what the Commission has accomplished to date.
OTHER
ADJOURNMENT:
Swygard moved to adjourn.
Thomas seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 6 -0 vote. (Weitzel had to leave before adjournment)
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012 -2013
FORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
7/19
8/2
8/16
9/6
10/4
10/18
11/8
11/15
12/6
1/3
1117
2/7
2/21
317
3/21
4/4
DYER, CAROLYN
05/16
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS, ANN
05/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
VO/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
INFORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
4/30
6/4
6/18
7/30
8/13
9117
10/1
12/3
12117
1114
2/4
3/4
4/01
4115
DYER, CAROLYN
05/16
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS, ANN
05/13
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
- -- = Not a Member
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
APRIL 18 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Paula Swygard, John Thomas, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, John Yapp, Sarah Walz, Sarah Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Rockne Cole, Mark McCallum, Jon Fogarty, Rudolph Kuenzli,
Charles Stanier, Ben Webb, Phil Beck, Adrianne Behning,
Regenia Bailey, Evan Fales, Cecile Kuenzli, Chelsea Bacon,
Janiece Piltingsrud, Pam Michaud, Mary Gravitt, Ashley Shields,
Louise Young, Hannan Papineschi, Paul Hanley, Yale Cohn,
Dana Thomann, Will Downing, Mary Bennett, Erin Fleck, Jiyun
Park, Liz Moon
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 2 -5 ( Dyer, Freerks, Martin, Swygard, Weitzel) to recommend
denial of an application submitted by Rockne Cole, Jon Fogarty and Mark McCallum for a
rezoning from Public (P -1) zone to Central Business Support (CB -5) zone for
approximately 0.38 -acres of property located at the northeast corner of Gilbert and
College Streets.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
Rezoning Item
REZ13- 00009: Discussion of an application submitted by Rockne Cole, Jon Fogarty and
Mark McCallum for a rezoning from Public (P -1) zone to Central Business Support (CB -5)
zone for approximately 0.38 -acres of property located at the northeast corner of Gilbert
and College Streets.
Yapp showed an aerial photo, to explain the context of the property, and maps that had been
requested by the Commission at their informal meeting on April 15 that show the existing CB -10
zone, the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, Public (P) property both City and University- owned, residential
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 2 of 13
property, conservation and historic districts around College Green, and historic landmarks in the
downtown area. He said that staff recommends that this property remain zoned Public until a
development proposal is brought forward, at which time staff anticipates a request for rezoning
to CB -10. He named the characteristics this property has that leads staff to believe that it is best
zoned CB -10.
Swygard asked if this property is rezoned now to CB -5, would it be required to come back
through the Commission before the site could be developed. Yapp said not if it were developed
under the CB -5 rules and regulations. He said if the property owner sought a different zone,
then it would come back before the Commission.
Eastham asked if public land in conservation and historic districts is subject to the rules and
regulations of historic preservation. Miklo said if it's owned by the City, county or School District,
he believes that it would be. He said if it is owned by the State or Federal government, it would
not be.
Freerks opened public hearing, and invited the applicants to speak.
Rockne Cole of 1607 E. Court said he wants to discuss why CB -5 is appropriate for this
location. He said on the map presented tonight, the MidAmerican power station is zoned CB -5.
He said what the applicants are asking the Commission to do is to expand that existing zoning
on that block. He said the location has never had anything higher than one or two stories on it —
he said no one had even thought about putting an Iowa City Sears Tower on this location
before. He said he believes the community has recoiled in shock from the idea that a building
will suddenly shoot up as much as ten times higher than the adjacent areas. He said that past
use dictates a CB -5 zone here.
Cole said he thinks the most critical point is the neighbors. He stated that zoning is about
community, respect for neighbors and allowing the whole community to have access to Planning
decisions. He implored the Commission to listen to what the neighbors at Trinity Church have to
say. He said he has been most disheartened that Trinity Church, good neighbors who have long
served the community well, hasn't really been heard. He said there is the possibility that with
CB -10 zoning they will leave downtown. He asked the Commission to listen to the neighbors,
the people who will be most directly affected by this zoning. He said this is all about protecting
neighborhoods, and he cited the case of Pam Michaud, who now has a four story building
directly behind her house, with the prospect of something that's five times larger than that not
far away.
Cole read directly from the Downtown Planning District where it states that "as the downtown
prospers, care should be taken in providing proper transitions between intensity of downtown
development and surrounding residential neighborhoods ". He said he doesn't feel that such
care has been taken in this process, so he asked the Commission to be the ones who take care
that Trinity's concerns are addressed. He said the Central Business District is where the most
density occurs, and he said he thinks everyone can agree that College Green is less dense. He
said the applicants are asking the Commission to provide the transition between the two.
Cole summarized by saying that zoning is for allowing access for the community for those of the
community who don't have millions of dollars in TIF money to have a say. He asked the
Commission to listen to the neighbors and decide in favor of CB -5 zoning, then let the City
Council explain to the community why they made this rash, unpredictable and unforeseen
decision.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 3 of 13
Mark McCallum of 1610 Crescent Street distributed pictures to the Commission showing a view
from College Green Park toward the downtown. He said you can see how the city is already
encroaching upon the park area. He stressed that the applicants are not against development
on this corner, but asked if it had to be the tallest building in Iowa City. He argued that once you
build the tallest building on the proposed site, that's going to re- establish the city center, and all
the other development is going to revolve around that.
Jon Fogarty of 1111 Church St. said there is a somewhat grand vision for how downtown is
supposed to grow south of the Central Business District, and if The Chauncey is as great as it's
been cracked up to be, why wouldn't we want it in this new area where public funds are targeted
for redevelopment of land that is in dire of need of new cash, new activity and new vision. He
said all the criteria that the staff has listed as reasons for the desirability of CB -10 zoning on the
subject property also fit numerous sites in the Riverfront Crossings areas. He said the City
Council's plan lacks the vision that this parcel demands. He said this is a highly desirable piece
of land that fits better with the CB -5 zone and has more flexibility to meet some development
needs while being good neighbors and still supporting the existing CB -10 zone. He urged the
Commission to look at how the staff's set of criteria in the staff report apply to properties in the
Riverfront Crossings area.
Rudolph Kuenzli of 705 S. Summit Street said his concern is if this parcel is zoned CB -10 at a
future date, it will be spot zoned demanded by City Council. He said if that happens, he's afraid
that our City Council will no longer be able to stand up to developers' demands for making
similar exceptions to the Comprehensive Plan. He said this land currently belongs to all of us,
and we should oppose such a break with the Comprehensive Plan, a break that we are asked to
subsidize with TIF.
Charles Stanier of 529 Brown Street distributed a report of calculations of shadow length of a
two hundred foot tall building versus a seventy -five foot tall building on various parts of Trinity
Church at different times of the day and the year. He summarized that the higher building would
create significantly more shadow than the seventy -five building for at least one -third of the year.
Eastham asked Stanier if his calculations were coordinated to reflect the times of the worship
services. Stanier said they were.
Ben Webb pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church said at the Commission's work session this past
Monday, he heard from staff that transitional zones are not well defined in the City Plan, but the
general expectation is that they will provide a buffer between high intensity and lower intensity
uses to protect the neighborhoods. He said that rezoning the eastern side of College and Gilbert
Streets to CB -5 would be consistent with the progression of uses that currently exist. He said
that rezoning to CB -10 would constitute a step back up in intensity. He said the height of the
building will influence construction costs and TIF requests and thus other public values that
Trinity advocates, such as environmentally sustainable construction and provision for workforce
housing. He said Trinity understands that sustainable development is much more difficult as
building height increases, and many of those kinds of development are much more expensive
on the front end. He said the lax City Code doesn't demand enough of developers in achieving
sustainable building. He also said that the height of a CB -10 building would be more likely to
yield residential units that are too expensive to accomplish the stated goals of increasing the
amount of workforce housing near downtown. Lastly, he said they are very concerned about the
amount of shadow that would be produced by a CB -10 building, much more than what a CB -5
building would produce for at least one -third of the year.
Phil Beck of 2230 Russell Drive mentioned how the area in question, as stated in "Iowa 2030" is
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 4 of 13
eventually intended to be included in the Central District Plan. He said this document states that
it will be used as a general guide to future development or redevelopment within the district and
for preserving valuable assets already present within established neighborhoods. He said it also
states that staff, the Commission and City Council will use the Plan as a guide when reviewing
development in rezoning requests, and any effective planning effort must take into account the
existing local conditions and any community -wide goals and policies that have already been
agreed upon.
Beck said that another part of the Central District Plan says that a goal of future development or
redevelopment within this Plan is to provide for an attractive and functional transition between
residential areas and adjacent commercial areas through management of traffic, landscape
buffering and screening, and outdoor lighting. He read from another portion of the Plan that
states that residential density and building bulk and height should gradually decrease the further
these areas are from the Central Business District in order to provide a transition to lower
density residential areas that surround the downtown. He said he doesn't think this language is
at all ambiguous. He said the Central District Plan specifically recommends that the height of
buildings decrease the further one gets from downtown. He said the 2030 Plan intends for this
site to eventually be part of the Central District Plan, so it needs to be zoned appropriately. He
said CB -5 would restrict the height to something proportional to the surrounding area as the
Central District Plan intends. He said a CB -10 zone would open the area to the kind of
development that the Central District Plan does not endorse, but rather specifically argues
against.
Adrianne Behning of 1100 E. Jefferson Street said she has never attended a City meeting
before, but she feels passionate enough about this issue that now is the time to start. She said
Iowa City doesn't need to compete with bigger Midwestern cities by growing bigger and shinier
and more expensive. She said she can understand the reasons for the City wanting the chosen
project because of its tax money and return from property taxes, new businesses and growth,
but to her it feels wrong for Iowa City. She said we want to be a destination city, but to do that
we need to retain our small town character. She said Iowa City is exploding with developments
right now, and although it can be a good thing, if we move too fast, we aren't going to recognize
ourselves. She said if we want to be the city that we have come to be loved for then we need to
look very carefully at what is developed here. She said, ultimately, this is not all about height or
the money, but it's about how our City government listens to us and whether or not we feel we
have some say in the type of community we become.
Regenia Bailey of 310 Reno Street claimed that this discussion became concerned about scale
and scope when one particular business was left out of the chosen development. She said this
block is already pretty intensively developed with a parking garage. She said the Request for
Development (RFP) was pretty clear about what was desired, and none of the finalists would
have been allowed in a CB -5 zone. She said that suggests to her an economic feasibility and
viability for what needs to be built here to fulfill the community desires for the kind of building we
want on this corner. She said she doesn't think the shadow on Trinity is going to be the
strongest argument for a CB -5 zone, as any building on the subject site will create some
shadow. She said we sell ourselves short when we build a shorter building that doesn't return as
much to the citizens of Iowa City.
Evan Fales of 1215 Oakcrest Street said he wants to place this in a much larger context. He
said about twenty years ago, he started thinking about the growth rate of Iowa City and the
political climate that seems uniformly to appreciate growth. He said he has been tracking the
census figures for decades. He said if Iowa City continues at its current growth rate, in another
one - hundred and fifty years it will be the size of Los Angeles. He said people claim that it will
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 5 of 13
stop growing before that. He questioned whether it will stop growing because it will become so
unattractive that people won't want to live here or because people have enough foresight to
think hard about the long distance. He said we get to long distances by three percent
increments every year, by variances in zoning and exceptions that get made and all sorts of
other market forces and things that are putting pressure on us for the short term. He said he is
here to speak for his grandchildren, because we need to think about them and what kind of
community they will inherit.
Cecile Kuenzli of 705 South Summit Street said this is a ridiculous "wanna -be" building that
wants to be somewhere else — Chicago or some other big city — but not in Iowa City, a block
from a historic district on a site where it's surrounded by four story buildings at the highest. She
related how in her small university hometown many years ago, an administrator left his mark on
campus by having a building erected near the original university building that was six times as
high as the buildings around it. She said to this day locals still ridicule this inappropriate and out
of place building. She urged the Commission to approve the rezoning to CB -5 because it is
most appropriate for the site and so as to avoid a public embarrassment in Iowa City.
Chelsea Bacon of 1211 E. Burlington Street said she is also in favor of the CB -5 zoning.
Janiece Piltingsrud of Coralville said she works in the area of the subject property and has seen
four new structures in the area in the past year, and none of them are more than six stories. She
said she believes that most of them are zoned as CB -5.She said that whatever is built on the
corner of Gilbert and College Streets will last a long time, and she hopes that the Commission
will give Council a well thought -out decision about the rezoning.
Pam Michaud of 109 S. Johnson Street showed the Commission images of streetscapes in the
area of the subject property to show what has been lost in the past two years and what can be
lost in the future. She said the parking ramp is only three and four stories high, although it has
been termed by one speaker as highly developed. She showed existing buildings from the
1870s in the area. She showed the block of Washington Street where ten businesses have
been displaced and the Bradley Building will face the wrecking ball. She said the City gives a lot
of lip service to supporting small businesses, but it didn't keep these alive because of the
intense development. She took issue with the new building on the site of the former Red
Avocado. She said Gilbert Street is the natural dividing line for protecting historic districts.
Mary Gravitt of 2714 Wayne Street disagreed with the former mayor that this building is about
money and business. She said the community is against the twenty story building. She said
many in the community are willing to take the financial loss in order to protect their private
property. She said the business she is in favor of is the New Pioneer Co -op, which is a part of
Iowa City culture. She said it's on a flood plain, and the City won't consider that. She took issue
with the use of the term "workforce housing ", and said that refers to the immigrants who came
over in steerage. She said we are talking about housing for citizens, and they are not workforce,
but workers, who need affordable housing.
Ashley Shields of 913 Dewey Street said she doesn't think that the community wants a huge,
high rise building. She said she doesn't have any friends or neighbors who want this huge
building. She said they want a building kept in scale with the neighborhood.
Louise Young of 320 E. Washington Street said that as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church,
she knows how much they do for the community at times other than during worship service. She
said they need a comfortable place for the people they reach out to, and a mammoth building
doesn't make anyone comfortable. She asked what would happen to a twenty story building if
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 6 of 13
we got hit by a tornado comparable to the one several years ago. She said that needs to be
considered. She said the City could have done much better in choosing one of the projects that
offered more affordable housing units. She said this proposed building does not offer a very
good percentage of that type of housing. She asked what is going on when the City first states
that they would like New Pioneer to have a space in that area and then they choose the one
proposal that doesn't include it.
Hannan Papineschi of 905 S. 7th Avenue showed a three dimensional model of the transitional
zone fashioned out of Legos and indicated how a twenty story building would look. She said she
thinks the CB -5 zone and a lower building will fit in much better with the surroundings.
Paul Hanley of 518 Meadow Street said he is there to speak in support of the staff
recommendation to keep the zoning as it is now. He agrees with the comment of the applicant
that this is a great exercise in getting the publics' voice heard in local government, and he is
completely supportive of that, but he doesn't see how that relates back to the merits of changing
the zoning from P to CB -5. He said he thinks the comments of the speakers support leaving
zoning the way it is for the time being.
Yale Cohn who works for the Public Access Channel said he thinks that everyone has come out
tonight because when something has the potential to happen in Iowa City that might have less
than positive results we come together. He said when the Council chose The Chauncey as their
preferred choice, emotions in the community ranged from taken aback to astonished that the
Council would make that choice. He said the Commission is in a good position to help steer the
Council toward abiding by the Comprehensive Plan. He said the proposed structure is a good
building, but this is not the right place for it.
Dana Thomann of 208 Fairchild Street said that Iowa City is really disappointing her right now
because it isn't sticking to its strategic plan as it said that it would. She said the Commission
should think about the slippery slope the city has been going down with all the new buildings
that are being built. She said her generation is not into development for development's sake but
are rather in favor of smart development, and she doesn't think that CB -10 here is smart.
Will Downing of 411 S. Summit Street said this is already a substantially urban zone, with the
transitional zone to the east of it, and he favors the proposed building that would bring new
things to do to the area.
Mary Bennett of 1107 Muscatine Avenue said it's very disturbing to her that this kind of major
transformation will take place without due consideration. She said she thinks Council abdicated
some of their responsibility by not examining their criteria carefully. She said she feels that
decisions so far have been driven by profit and by the need to increase the tax base. She said
she has been at enough Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to know that there other
sources of tax revenue planned, like the unfortunate office park that will take up the last rural
land at the entrance to Iowa City and all the redevelopment south of Burlington. She pleaded
with the Commission not to do that in the subject area because far too many in the community
object to it, and it goes against our core values about the historic character of the community.
Erin Fleck of 1506 Crescent Street spoke about the character and charm and texture of Iowa
City. She said to her, this building blots out the openings for connection and community you find
in Chauncey Swan Park. She said she thinks parking in the Chauncey Ramp may be a concern,
as it is already well used and to add a twenty story building to the mix might well push parking
onto the street. She said if the City is going to move toward higher density growth, they need to
reconsider the Code and the fact that there aren't enough transitional, systematic ways of
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 7 of 13
grading buildings. She said the way it is now prevents planning within scale as the zones jump
from a seventy -five foot height limit to unlimited in the CB -10 zone.
Jiyun Park of 20 Rocky Shore Drive said she thinks the subject site is something of a legacy
site. She said she loves the tall buildings in New York City and Chicago, but not here. She said
Chicago has very strict guidelines that protect their light and green space. She said if there is
anywhere else that the winning proposal could be developed, she thinks it would be an
enormous asset to the City, but she doesn't feel that on the subject site they ought to be doing
more than C13-5.
Freerks called for a five minute break, after which she called the meeting back to order.
Liz Moon of 423 Ronalds Street said there are grade differences in the area, and cited the
parking ramp as an example of a four story structure that feels shorter when viewed from certain
directions because part of it is on a lower level. She said whatever building is put on the subject
site is going to feel even higher than it really is at the Gilbert Street level. She said structures
are going to feel taller there from certain sides by virtue of the typography, so zoning that allows
an extremely tall building makes it that much worse in terms of how it will feel to be living and
moving around that space.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved to recommend approval of REZ13- 00009, a request for rezoning from
Public (P -1) zone to Central Business Support (CB -5) zone for the northeast corner of
Gilbert and College Streets.
Thomas seconded the motion.
Thomas said this is the kind of meeting Iowa City needs for the Comprehensive Plan to come
alive. He read the statement that follows:
"To understand the appropriate zoning for the College /Gilbert site, I have looked at the
Comprehensive Plan's vision for the Downtown Planning District as a whole, which includes the
Downtown and the areas surrounding it. Given that vision, what is the proper height and size for
a building at the corner of College and Gilbert?
1. Downtown District
The Downtown /Riverfront Crossings Plan, adopted earlier this year, aims to preserve the
Downtown's pedestrian - friendly urban character, while promoting quality infill and
redevelopment. This is what it says about the density of future development:
• Of the 13 development opportunities remaining in the Downtown District, nine sites are 4
to 5- stories. The remaining four sites are 8 to 9- stories.
• Thus, despite the Downtown's CB -10 zoning designation allowing unrestricted building
heights and the greatest intensity of use, most future construction will be well under CB-
5's 75 -foot height limit. The four buildings exceeding that height limit will do so by 2 to 3-
stories.
• In addition, the building height development standard along the Downtown's eastern
edge, directly across Gilbert St. from the College /Gilbert site, is 2 to 6- stories. This
height standard also falls within the building height allowed under C13-5.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 8 of 13
2. South Downtown District
Since the early 1990s, the City has viewed the area south of Burlington Street as the only
direction to expand the Downtown. In a Staff Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission in
July 2006 concerning the Hieronymus property at the southeast corner of Burlington /Clinton,
under the analysis of the Comprehensive Plan, staff notes:
"The plan to expand downtown to the south also supports the policy of preserving the historic
neighborhoods to the north and east of the central business district by providing a location for
growth away from these neighborhoods." In the same Staff Report, staff goes on to say that
mixed use development, including high -rise residential use, would be better developed south of
Burlington rather than in the core of downtown, "where a desirable mix, scale and streetscape
are already in place and should be preserved ".
Consistent with this policy, City Council approved the rezoning of the Hieronymus property from
CB -5 to CB -10 in 2006. When City Council approved the 12 -story Hieronymus Square project
that same year, many Council members mentioned that they supported the project in part
because it was an important step in expanding Downtown to the south.
The Downtown /Riverfront Crossings Plan continues to stress expanding the Downtown south of
Burlington Street. The aptly named South Downtown District, between Burlington and Harrison,
identifies 29 building sites, with over 1.5 million square feet of development, including 1 million
square feet of residential development and 136,000 square feet of office space. Of the 29 sites,
7 sites are over 6- stories, including two buildings over 10- stories (one of which is the
Hieronymus site).
So looking forward, the South Downtown District will by far see the most growth, and the
greatest concentration of buildings exceeding CB -5's 75 -foot height limit.
3. East Side Transition Zone
The most recent discussion of the east side transition zone was in 2005, one year before the
Hieronymus property was rezoned CB -10. In July 2005, the City considered rezoning various
CB -2 properties, including those in the transition zone less than two blocks wide between
Gilbert and Johnson Streets.
In the Staff Report from July 15, Staff noted:
• 'There are a number of zoning designations that could replace the CB -2 designation. "'
Freerks interrupted to say that what they really need to have right now is discussion. Eastham
said he would be happy to have Thomas finish the piece. Freerks asked Thomas to finish his
statement, but said that it's important to come to the meeting with an open mind and to be able
to discuss it, and what she really wants is discussion about the merits of the application
Thomas continued:
• "Staff considered the best fit for particular properties, and they looked at the surrounding
zoning, the existing land uses in the area, and how a particular zoning might affect the
surrounding neighborhood."
Taking those factors into consideration, staff proposed CB -5 for the two privately owned
properties surrounded by public properties: the Unitarian Church at the corner of Iowa /Gilbert,
and the Mid - American property that makes up the eastern side of the College /Gilbert
development site. This zoning recommendation was approved by City Council, and it is what we
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 9 of 13
have today.
What is the purpose of the CB -5 zone? Staff stated that:
• 'The CB -5 zone is intended to allow for the orderly expansion of the Central Business
District and to enhance the pedestrian orientation of the central area of the city. CB -5
would allow for a density and scale similar to that found downtown and on the University
property.'
This last sentence is very important:
• With a handful of exceptions, the buildings in the Downtown, including the west side of
Gilbert Street, reflect a height and size within CB -5 standards. As noted earlier, most
future Downtown development will also reflect CB -5 zoning."
Thomas concluded by saying that those are the kinds of considerations that would go into his
decision but what he is saying to sum it up is that the direction of the city in the downtown
seems to be CB -5 based on what's there now and what's proposed and that if we are going to
build CB -10 densities the emphasis is going to be south of Burlington Street for that density.
Greenwood Hektoen reminded Thomas to consider this application separately from any other
application sent before him, just like he always does. She said that past rezoning changes or
applications have no precedential value on this current application but in the context of the
Comprehensive Plan she said he had valid points.
Eastham said looking at past applications, while they can't serve as precedents, can help him
get an idea how the Comprehensive Plan is being interpreted. He said he has benefitted from all
the comments made by the public during the past two meetings. He said for this application he
tried to limit himself to what is appropriate to the application. He said this is an application to
rezone from public designation to CB -5, and the purpose of the CB -5 zone as put forth in the
Zoning Code includes serving as a transition between the intense use located in the Central
Business District and adjoining areas. He said he thinks that all decisions he makes need to be
based upon the Comprehensive Plan. He said the 1997 Plan is the one he is applying in this
case. He has to look at what the Zoning Code says about each zoning area and its function, and
one of the functions of a CB -5 zone is to provide a transitional area. He said the Comprehensive
Plan for the area under consideration calls for a transitional zone so that implies to him that a
CB -5 would be appropriate for this application.
Freerks said she has given this much thought. She said she knows and admires many people
on both sides of this issue, and it has been a difficult decision. She said what it comes down to
is what is the best use of this parcel, and she can't say that a six story building on that parcel is
the best use. She said she feels that a twenty story isn't the best use either, that it would be
completely out of character for that area. She said what she really wants to look at is the merits
of the application and CB -5, and she feels that there might be constraints on CB -5 and it would
be better to go in another direction. She said she wants to be very clear that a twenty story
building on that piece of land is not appropriate. She said she has strong feelings about scale
and density, and she thinks scale and density have been abused in many places in our
community, and she doesn't want to see that occur in this spot. She said we have unfortunately
already seen the transitional zone carry farther to the east, and she doesn't want to see it go
further in that direction, and she thinks that historic districts will help to protect that. She said
she doesn't think that what City Council has put out there is what she wants to see there, but
neither is she sure that CB -5 is what should be placed on this property.
Martin said she wishes that there was an in between. Freerks said she thinks there is still an
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 10 of 13
opportunity for both sides to alter and shape what goes on here. She said this has been a good
discussion, and it's all important to the real and final decision, which is made by City Council.
Martin said she doesn't think any zoning designation has to be the maximum of what that zoning
allows. She said in thinking about best use, she's not sure that CB -5 is that, nor is she sure that
CB -10 is either. She said she is very conflicted. She said what she is thinking about is the
opportunity for what kind of building goes in here, perhaps a LEED certified building. She said to
have that kind of building perhaps it needs to be a lesser density.
Freerks said she thinks there are a number of zones in the Comprehensive Plan that would
work in that area. She said there are a number of buildings in the CB -10 zone in the downtown
that she wants to see protected better. She said perhaps this would be the opportunity to think
about pursuing some sort of historic designation for downtown. She said the scale of some of
buildings downtown make Iowa City the beautiful place it is.
Weitzel said he thinks it's very important whether you do set the precedent that you are going to
preserve some buildings at a certain height despite the underlying zone that you provide relief
elsewhere. He said when we can develop larger and better value for the community it's really
important that we develop in allowable height. He said districts are useful. He said he thinks it's
important in our densest part of town that we provide relief so that somebody who wants to
develop large in this area can. He said he doesn't think we are going to lose our character that
easily. He doesn't think CB -5 is the best zoning, and he's perplexed about a zoning notion
without a building to go with it. He said he doesn't think that rezoning this parcel at this point is
appropriate. Weitzel said it's too soon to be thinking about this because they don't have a
proposal.
Martin said people hated the Chauncey Swan parking ramp when it was built but people love it
now and use it and she added that there was also an uproar when the Pedestrian Mall came
about, but these are now appreciated parts of the downtown.
Swygard said she doesn't know what belongs there, but to zone at this point is premature. She
said her tendency is to go with CB -5. She said she doesn't think it would be useful to put a very
large building there, no matter if that is fifteen or twelve stories. She said is inclined to keep the
zoning as it is for the time being.
Dyer said there's not a decision to make here that's connected to a plan that we can see all the
particulars of. She said perhaps this discussion will have an impact on the negotiations that are
currently underway between the City and the developer. She says she knows from personal
experience how much light and shade can impact an area negatively. She noted that Dubuque
is called The City of Churches, and she realized when she was last there that all the churches in
town rise above their surroundings, so she's concerned about the effect of development on
Trinity. She says she doesn't think the Commission has the information to make a decision
arbitrarily at this point. She said she had been thinking about abstaining, but she thinks she will
vote against the proposal with the same reservations that other people have about what will be
appropriate. She said there may be some comprises that might be more agreeable than what
they think will be proposed.
Freerks said she doesn't want people to take away from this that it's a failure or a triumph. She
said what they are doing here is having a discussion about what is appropriate in our community
for everybody. She said it's public property, and what is put there has to reflect the values of the
community.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 11 of 13
Eastham pointed out that if the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update remains in its present form, it
will provide an excellent chance for the community and the developer to look at this general
area as well as one further north and make some decisions in an organized way about what are
the best uses in terms of redevelopment for this area and whether extending higher density,
higher buildings east of Gilbert Street is a useful step for the community to take or not. He said
his preference is that the use of this particular site be decided after the planning process is
undertaken.
Freerks said that this transition area and the one to the north are things that the Commission
hopes to discuss soon, so that this same situation doesn't arise in other areas. She said her
thought is to talk about mixed use and how to use existing structures in our community and not
necessarily have to redevelop all of them.
Dyer said the discussion tonight and that of two weeks ago has been the most valuable that
she's witnessed in her tenure on the Commission. She said she as well as other people have
learned a lot from it. She said that most of the discussion has not been self - serving in any way,
but rather a discussion about what's going to happen to a piece of public property, and she
values that.
Martin said she wanted to thank the public for coming forward to speak. She favored the idea
that two different speakers had of taking a breath and looking at the whole picture.
A vote was taken and the motion was denied 2 -5 with Dyer, Freerks, Martin, Swygard and
Weitzel opposed.
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: April 1 and April 4, 2013
Eastham moved to adopt the minutes with corrections.
Martin seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Eastham moved to elect Freerks as Chairperson for another term.
Weitzel seconded.
There was no discussion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
Swygard moved to elect Eastham as Vice - Chair.
Martin seconded.
There was no discussion.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 18, 2013 - Formal
Page 12 of 13
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
Eastham moved to elect Swygard as Secretary.
Martin seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
DISCUSSION OF WORK PROGRAM
Dyer moved to defer to May 2.
Eastham seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
OTHER
Greenwood - Hektoen asked if the Commission wished to have a consultation with City Council
regarding the pending zoning amendments affecting fraternal uses if Council is asked to make
an exception for Justin Mulford's project, which would be contrary to the Commission's
recommendation.
The Commission said they wished to have a consultation.
Freerks thanked Tim Weitzel for his years of service on the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT:
Eastham moved to adjourn.
Martin seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 7 -0 vote.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012 -2013
FORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
8116
9/6
1014
10/18
11/8
11115
1216
113
1/17
2/7
2/21
317
3/21
4/4
4/18
DYER, CAROLYN
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS, ANN
05/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
INFORMAL MEETING
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
4/30
6/4
6/18
7130
8/13
9/17
10/1
12/3
12/17
1114
2/4
314
4/01
4115
DYER, CAROLYN
05/16
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
EASTHAM, CHARLIE
05/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FREERKS, ANN
05/13
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
05/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWYGARD, PAULA
05/15
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
THOMAS, JOHN
05/15
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
05/13
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
- -- = Not a Member
DRAFT
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD Zi1
MINUTES —April 29, 2013
Lmmi
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Joseph Treloar called the meeting to order at 4:25 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kingsley Botchway, Donald King
MEMBERS ABSENT: Melissa Jensen, Royceann Porter
STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh and Staff Kellie Tuttle present
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #13 -02
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by King, seconded by Botchway to adjourn into Executive Session based on
Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required
or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a
condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds,
and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies
including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22 -7(5)
police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in
the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications
from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons
would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available
for general public examination.
Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen and Porter absent.
Open session adjourned at 4:26 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 4:30 P.M.
Motion by King, seconded by Botchway to summarily dismiss PCRB Complaint #13 -02
due to the complaint not being filed within 90 days of the alleged misconduct.
Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen and Porter absent.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS
• May 29, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm (Changed to Emma J. Harvat Hall)
• June 11, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• July 9, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• August 13, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• September 10, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
King was going to verify his availability for the May 29 meeting and report to staff.
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by King, seconded by Botchway. Motion carried, 3/0, Jensen
and Porter absent. Meeting adjourned at 4:34 P.M.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240 -1826
(319)356 -5041
PCRB REPORT OF SUMMARY DISMISSAL TO THE CITY
COUNCIL
Re: Investigation of Complaint PCRB #13 -02
PCRB Complaint #13 -02, filed April 19, 2013, was summarily dismissed as
required by the City Code, Section 8 -8 -3 D and 8 -8 -3 E. The complaint was not
filed within 90 (ninety) days of the alleged misconduct.
DATED: April 30, 2013
PCRB/Timeliness Report Form:4/13199
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012 -2013
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
5/9
6/12
7/10
8/14
9/11
9/19
10/9
11/20
12/11
12/14
12/18
1/8
2/6
3/6
412
4/16
4123
4/29
Melissa
Jensen
9/1/16
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Donald King
9/1/15
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Joseph
Treloar
9/1/13
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
OX
NM
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Royceann
Porter
9/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
NM
X
O
X
O/E
X
O
X
O
Kingsley
Botchway II
9/1/13
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
NM
X
X
X
O
X
O/E
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member