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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-19 Public hearingn . Publish 5/8 Y NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 19th day of May, 2015, in Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: 1. A resolution approving amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from mixed use to medium/high-density single family, townhouse and multi -family residential for property located south of Court Street west of Taft Avenue. 2. An ordinance rezoning approximately 3.34 acres of property located south of Court Street west of Taft Avenue from Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) to Low Density Multi -family (RM -12). 3. An ordinance rezoning approximately 27,200 square feet of property located north of College Street east of Gilbert Street from Public (P-1) and Central Business Support (CB -5) to Central Business District (CB -10). Copies of the proposed ordinances and resolutions are on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK City Council May 19, 2015 Planning and Zoning Items Comprehensive Plan Item CPA15-00002: A public hearing on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Mixed Use to Low/Medium Density Mixed Residential for property located south of Court Street, west of Taft Avenue. 7 C) C) n Ism Southeast District Plan "The City will need to be careful not to dilute the demand for daily retail shopping by allowing too many retail commercial nodes on the eastside of Iowa City. If the efforts to revitalize Towncrest and to maintain the viability of the Sycamore Mall and First Avenue Commercial Corridor are to be successful, the City will need to be cautious about zoning additional land along the edge of the city for retail and office development." Why amendment is warranted: Pace of growth slower than anticipated; ® School district chose not to build a school on property to the north; Taft Avenue has not yet been improved, so traffic volume in the area does not support commercial development. 7 Recommendation • Amend Southeast District Plan Map designation from 'Mixed Use' to 'Low / Medium Density Residential' • Amend the Southeast District Plan narrative to indicate that development of this property should contain a mix of low to medium density housing types with units oriented toward the town square park and toward Court St, Taft Avenue, and Huntington Drive with parking located central to the lot and behind the buildings and screened to provide an attractive residential character Delete text within the plan that describes this neighborhood commercial area 7 Rezoning Item CPA15-00002/REZ15-00005: Discussion of an application submitted by Arlington, LC for a rezoning from Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) to Low Density Multi -family (RM -12) for approximately 3.34 acres of property located south of Court Street, west of Taft Avenue. 7 a MVV, r - - � y '1!^.lr�♦T 1'FM uw♦rvgp.�....,w.�` r... �4 ... .. n �` �1:�., � ::Y iie A yY b t x" "�h: x a ' yk 4h t + ♦w ""'P✓ ry �a"M;u{ $e �'M1ti+.'SAS Li.�.:iM! a ♦ 7 �^'.�wY �'� y p �1F'. �.'4i�.v u? _ .. .�.'h•» , v 4 C, 9 �%m View at Corner of Court and Huntington FRONT ELEVATION AT WNTINGTON DRIVE SIGNAGE AT OOJRT STREET w- I II TON DRIVE ON ANGLE mlmlmlm11��� MIMIMIM.� -a-k'nq Lot E_5/ --GV Ralsigh Late ELEVATION ,,- B.r__. __c/_1 , Recommendation • Staff recommends approval of REZ15-00005, a rezoning of approximately 3.34 acres of land located at the southwest corner of Taft Ave and Court St from Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) to Low Density Multi Family (RM -12) subject to a conditional zoning agreement that specifies: Substantial compliance with the site plan, building types and building elevations; and Design review approval of the retaining wall design and a landscape plan to soften views of and reduce the perceived height of the retaining wall(s) and to screen parking areas from public view 7 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL IOWA CITY, IOWA CITY OF IOWA CITY We, the undersigned, being the owners of property included in the proposed zoning change, or the owners of property which is located within two hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the property for which the zoning change is proposed, do hereby protest the rezoning of the following property: chi �7 1 /7t-xe5 14444z5, CPA lei -fi>f CXIV RiC-Z(r15 -0000 This protest is signed and acknowledged with the intention that such rezoning shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of at least three-fourths of all the members of the council, all in accordance with Section 414.5 of the Code of Iowa. Property Address: Vt::�T , 4y5- -� Property o" �: jow � Q.*Aa?00> al rw P40- _0 MO. By: Gt/Ia%y e, cvr s �t 4 POi - FS14--;Z!j V INDI DUAL PROPERTY OWNER(S): STATE OF fOW-A ) X)IiNSOttCOUNTY) ss: - I6boroJ j- , N ca _5 v m 00 This instrument was 4nowledged before me on h I �� (Date) by ,J by) E. uaru� o and ..(name(s) of individual nronerty ownerWY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE STATE OF IOWA ) JOHNSON COUNTY) ss: LOR ublic in and fort a State a JULIA FO?.BES, Notary Ptiblje MV Commission Exn;res October 12, 2016 PROPERTY OWNER(S): This instrument was acknowledged before me on (name(s) of person(s)) as (Date) by (type of authority, such as officer, trustee) of (name of property owner) . Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa Orig: Subd Folder 02/2013 ('r• ('A — P(T) - f minril - AAarlia Fila April 13, 2015 City of Iowa City ATTN: Planning and Zoning Commission 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 RE: Protest of Rezoning (CPA 15-00002/REZ15-00005) Dear Planning and Zoning Commission: My sister (Marilyn Marsh) and I are the owners of the farm at 3834 Taft Avenue SE abutting the parcel being considered for rezoning from CN -1 to RM -12. A notarized protest is attached. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved CN -1 zoning for the parcel in question originally, and if this parcel is rezoned to RM -12 there will be no CN -1 zoning to accommodate light commercial activities in the neighborhood. Removal of the CN -1 zoning would negate the work of the original Planning and Zoning Commission, and would be detrimental to those who may wish to pursue light commercial activities in the neighborhood. If, during the rezoning process, some of the parcel (abutting our property) would remain zoned CN -1, or the parcel currently zoned RM -12 behind the parcel in question would be rezoned to CN -1, we would withdraw the protest. )viaaa — Mua vv - 10 Trailside Drive Amherst, NH 03031-1953 (603) 672-4453 N _O C—�� 00 RE:` Notice of Protest of Rezoning From: Marian Karr <Marian-Karr@iowa-city.org> To: 'John Garwood' , "planning-rezoning@iowa-city.org" , Julie Voparil , Karen Howard Cc: Marilyn <MarilynQmarsh.com>, Alan Marsh <hawkeye6772@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: Notice of Protest of Rezoning Date: Apr 10, 2015 9:11 AM Good Morning Mr. Garwood, our signature must be notarized, and can be done by a notary in any state. Marian K. Karr, City Clerk -----Original Message ----- From: John Garwood [mailto:jgarwood@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 7:59 PM To: planning-rezoning@iowa-city.org; Marian Karr; Julie Voparil; Cc: Marilyn; Alan Marsh Subject: Notice of Protest of Rezoning Karen Howard This e-mail is to notify you that we, the joint owners of the property at 3834 Taft Road abutting the 3.34 acres identified as CPA 15-00002/REZ15-00005, plan to file a Protest of Rezoning. I live in New Hampshire and my sister, Marilyn Marsh, lives in Washington State. I obtained a form that Iowa City uses to accommodate Protest of Rezoning from the Iowa City Clerk's office. The form requires a Notary in and for the State of Iowa. Since neither of us lives in Iowa, can we use a State of New Hampshire Notary rather than an Iowa Notary to file the protest? The issue we object to is loss of Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) zoning in the neighborhood abutting our property. 0 p en -tet John E. Garwood ' 10 Trailside Drive'? v7 Amherst, NH 03031-1953 © _ (603) 672-4453 L- 3� ' P - J r� Publish 5/8� NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 19th day of May, 2015, in Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: 1. A resolution approving amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from mixed use to medium/high-density single family, townhouse and multi -family residential for property located south of Court Street west of Taft Avenue. 2. An ordinance rezoning approximately 3.34 acres of property located south of Court Street west of Taft Avenue from Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) to Low Density Multi -family (RM -12). 3. An ordinance rezoning approximately 27,200 square feet of property located north of College Street east of Gilbert Street from Public (P-1) and Central Business Support (CB -5) to Central Business District (CB -10). Copies of the proposed ordinances an resolutions are on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK Rezoning Item REZ15-00006: Discussion of an application submitted by City of Iowa City for a rezoning from Public Institutional (P-1) and Central Business Support (CB -5) to Central Business District (CB - 10) for approximately 27,200 square feet of land located at NE corner of College Street and Gilbert Street. 7 P1 E WASHINGTON ST Proposed rezoning from Public Institutional P-1) and Central Business Support (CB -5) to Central Business (CB -10). J Z z M P1 CB6 CB2 CBS RNS20. RM12 RNS207 IVVVAHVC arlllMri ui �u � Awr�wrlNirr� 3 1w w't 11, • ~ lo Proposed rezoning from Public Institutional (P-1) and Central Business Support (CB -5) r to Central Business (CB -101. • E • r � �' _ I �^'A��" • '� �' �. •'` -o f' E COL EGt ST Z _ _ "� �� o A 1A E BLIRLI&ON ST �►` � 140 '° 4 Wg I NORTHWEST SOUTHWEST - J NORTH CORRIDOR InlllllLe &1 _ F1 (t)()Nk N CENTRAL ` sou I'll ��G�ti�ru IOWA CITY PLANN I M. DIS I RICTS NORTHEAST ,1 i SOUTHEAST / !/T y !, I � OTCs'-� • � , r >JR a.. • Yr plip WAM :T • YRF � Nw-.II I<�. nl'.nla Col .,. .L.., Doi•L Iwla. l........... .I f_ �uJ 8.II. PI IWA ill 1 - I)r ULA ® Mixd 1 x I �ri¢Inu incl rr,u: r - Ga¢r.d lunar: rtiial T�Iii IIMH)�Hl�lrif R'IAI / !/T y !, I � OTCs'-� • � , r >JR a.. • Yr plip WAM :T • YRF � IHML,1, 1-I ,II IUIr LJ Iwla. l........... .I f_ �uJ IIfi.L 12111 11.1. 11 1 .. n: r.l lnhl:biu 'uLl, an -I uldi. I / !/T y !, I � OTCs'-� • � , r >JR a.. • Yr plip WAM :T • YRF � ■ X! 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NDS z*� NDS Al" ;"o F" w n f�a w r.lSpd •Y• \1v1 \\\Y�t be RRp �,y1 •\y� 14$�1��{ •y napl�r ��� "�— r -r �' �-sr r i i ��- T , r — - a,� �, — ,, �:' n=. � . r -n °�+', v 'iu �' 1i ny::�Y� Mara � . ix��t. � 1 VJr, ,^.• a rA -Mr—� ME : d on Basement Level Off -Site Parking Demand Estimates ® Project would create parking demand for approximately 161 parking spaces during the day, and 146 during the evening Swan Parking Facility (457 parking spaces) currently has an average weekday / daytime capacity of 142 available parking spaces based on recent data collection An additional 340 parking spaces, on average, are available in other downtown parking structures on weekdays Swan Parking Facility has an average Saturday capacity of 218 parking spaces (not including Farmers Market time periods) The Dubuque St and Tower Place ramps have over 500 parking spaces available on Saturdays The Harrison Street Parking Facility, scheduled for 2016, will add an additional approximate 600 parking spaces to the parking system, giving flexibility to reallocate parking permits to ensure adequate parking capacity for the general public 7 I -A� 44' 7 4611� MU RM44 N Z Z W n m Z mZ S P ° z - - ------- - 71 _ Z 2 IOWA AV --J- - CB5 le !jjft P1AN W i/j WASHINGTON S Swan Swan Ml zed OfficeC BG C9 Park Parking Use M1 480' ......... ...... _._. Trinity Swan Office N P1 Chinch Parking z z w E cou Sl 340' z CB10 Mixed Office RNS20 Use a m m_ P1 P1 MixedGas station C B 5 E BURLINGTON ST Historic and Conservation Districts Caaav fxean H Orstrrt _ CwOW He Cao,ery Daew R M 44 JNrenm Sa H Dalen C01 P1 75 Foot Tall Building " Sun Shout Study �� R 15 Story Building 11 1 t 10 2 9 3 June 21 8 7 6 5 4 75 Foot Tall Building Sun Shadow study ■ -v c.,..'+r .. phi w R 15 Story Building ]0 2 9 3 8 4 June 21 v s 75 Foot Tall Building SVSUsSh ac., II re�uW 0 .d tO�R nw.e...eon.+u u.x m 15 Story Building Ism NDS Ism 75 Foot Tall Building W-- — wftdIFw'ds>: chM 1 0 50 100R 15 Story Building 11t t 10 2 9 3 8 4 March/September 21 (Equinox) ' � s a 75 Foot Tall Building yMpv� ��{iXr'{� K �Mi f10.Tf 15 Story Building (8) March/September 21 (Equinox) 75 Foot Tali Building %1 sw„ """study m Clw ....1 50 IOO R nn+w<+Y�OPl1R KNgIrACT� 15 Story Building 11 1 I 10 2 9 3 March/September 21 (Equinox) a 6 5 a 75 Foot Tell Building /13vaflhadd" Study 0 w 100 FL 15 Story Building 7 I 210"'3 March/September 21 (Equinox) s 6 s a a 0/ E. col** svw a 75 Foot Tall Building _Sun3AaGv Stv9r 0 SO 100 Fl Cd E. 15 Story Building smut March/September 21 (Equinox) G 75 Foot Tell Building sew. yw� tneaol. !n. 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WasbirilS'Wbet E College Street NDS Staff recommendation Staff recommends approval of REZ15-00006, a rezoning of approximately 27,200 square feet of property from P-1 (Public) and CB -5 (Central Business Support) zones to CB -10 (Central Business District) zone for property located at the northeast corner of College St and Gilbert St, subject to a Conditiona Zoning Agreement requiring: Construction of a mixed use building no more than 15 stories in height A minimum of two floors of Class A Office space Step -backs in building height at the third and fifth levels, consistent with the graphic in Exhibit B All required parking for the residential units being provided on-site Approval of exterior building design by the City Design Review Committee 7 The Chauncey • Discussion of Architectural approach to Gilbert and College Streets • The Chauncey Architecture • Sustainability J f E II I.l 11 �L I i r II Ih ft WOOL ty; y f �'y_ta 1— it }' Level 15 J f E II I.l 11 �L I i r II Ih ft WOOL ty; y f �'y_ta 1— it }' LBVB! 1 PHIL L..J 2 Plan Y to Sustainability gam= Living - encouraging less cars and less driving by being located within the downtown area - close proximity to restaurants, entertainment, university,' local businesses, and grocery stores Energy - will be designed to be 30% better than the energy code. owl - designed for LEED Silver, Striving for LEED Gold - geothermal heating - passive solar techniques S_ C. Julie Voaaril From: Marian Karr Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 11:20 AM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Real leadership Begin forwarded message: From: Ann Christenson <annfchris@gmail.com> Date: May 19, 2015 at 12:18:14 PM EDT To: <council(cr�,iowa-city org> Subject: Real leadership This correspondence will become a public record. Dear Mayor Hayek and Council Members: It is with real regret that I will not be able to be at the Council meeting tonight. My grandchildren lost their father in a car accident three weeks ago (a patient of Councilman Dobyns) and my first obligation is to support them at their piano recitals tonight. That being the case, I'd still like my views, which my husband, John, shares, to be considered. We have long been concerned about the apparent lack of urgency among council members regarding the very real issue of climate change and how the Council's many decisions on construction impact this threat, for good or bad. We are also concerned about the apparent lack of understanding and attention given to decisions affecting the ambiance and appearance of the city. We are opposed to the Chauncey building on both these counts. All of the desires of downtown leaders and realtors for types of housing, entertainment, commerce and more can be met with more thoughtful placement of high rises and more attention to uses of alternative energy. The Chauncey need not be a `yes' or `no' situation; this is the type of construction we understand has been planned for the River Crossing district and is well suited for it. I don't believe there would be the kind of uproar, objections and hard feelings for such a placement. It is unfortunate that the leadership on the City Council is not willing to think beyond what has gone before. To make this the truly progressive city we like to think it is, our leaders — you folks -- need to look to the future instead of the past. We need our leaders to be open to proposals that are bold and advanced, not simply from a favored, familiar company; we need to stop building up to the sidewalks, creating a fortress -like effect; we need more openness and green space throughout. We were shocked at the shutout of New Pioneer, one of the city's most vibrant businesses and among the largest employers; we were dismayed that the height of the building would destroy the warmth and welcome atmosphere of a traditional, viable neighborhood; we are alarmed at the repeated use of tax increment financing for private construction that would be, or should be, fulfilled without TIF support. It's not too late. We are asking for bold leadership from our City Council. We are asking for advanced, creative methods of meeting the needs and desires of all our citizenry. This city must to participate in the amelioration of climate change with a sense of urgency. We need to look at examples of cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Portland or for smaller towns, look to Oberlin, Ohio. There is so much that can be done. Please use available tax credits for solar, both in new construction and in retrofitting old buildings. Please create real rooftop gardens, not trees in pots. Please promote leafy avenues rather than cold bastions along narrow sidewalks. Please do not add to traffic and parking problems that anyone with common sense knows the Chauncey will create, no matter what the engineers propagate. Show us the vision that leaders can bring to a discussion. Make visionary benchmarks for energy savings —10 years, 20 years, even 50 years down the road. Be the council that is remembered for its forward thinking by bringing sustainability, beauty and merit to Iowa City. Please. Cordially, Ann (and John) Christenson 827 Dearborn St. Iowa City 7 <_ Julie Voparil From: John Yapp Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:25 PM To: Julie Voparil Subject: FW: The Chauncey FYI — This was sent to City Council members From: Karen Howard Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:22 PM To: John Yapp Subject: FW: The Chauncey I didn't see your name on this email, so am forwarding it. From: mark@shopactiveendeavors.com [mailto:mark@shopactiveendeavors.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:08 PM To: Matt Hayek Cc: Jeff Davidson; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Jim Throgmorton; Bob Miklo; Karen Howard; Sarah Walz; Geoff Fruin; Tom Markus; Kingsley Botchway Subject: The Chauncey Good morning, I am appealing to you as an Iowa City decision -maker, to stand by your decision and continue to support The Chauncey as presented. - - - - - - - As the owner of Active Endeavors, I have been a part of downtown for 29 years. During that time, I have ridden the waves of change in our downtown environment. When I first opened my doors, downtown Iowa City business was thriving. Then once the new mall opened we took a great hit and suffered some dismal years. Recently though, a number of different factors have prompted a resurgence in our downtown and in my opinion Marc Moen and his innovative ideas are one of the main reasons why this is happening. Mr. Moen has foresight and dedication to our fine community which is evident in the development of the Plaza Towers, Park@201, Vogel House, Whiteway 2000, and other projects that draw people downtown. These projects provide housing in the heart of the city which in turn leads to more successful business and tax revenues for the city. In addition, these projects have given Iowa City a new, fresh look and caused many residents and out-of-town guests to become excited and enthusiastic about our downtown. Many people have collaborated and compromised to come up with the current Chauncey plan. Much thought has gone into what will work for the site. I am asking you to please, stay with your original decision and keep The Chauncey as viable project. The benefits from such a building and its amenities far outweigh any negatives. This is something we need for downtown and the project, needs your support. Mark R Weaver & Eadie Fawcett Weaver Mark R Weaver President Active Endeavors -Iowa City 319-337-9444 office 319-400-2414 cell Serving Iowa since 1986 www.shopactiveendeavors.com www.active-sandals.com Marian Karr From: Rockne Cole <rocknecole@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 3:02 PM To: Council; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Christopher Warnock Subject: Trinity Objections to C131 Rezoning for 404 College/Gilbert Attachments: Letter to City Attorney Re Trinity Objections to CB-10.pdf Eleanor: I am resending this email. The previous email did not go through to the council as a whole. Please find our objection letter for this evening's hearing. Please place this letter into the record for tonight's hearing. Thank you. Rockne Cole On Mon, May 18, 2015 at 2:56 PM, Kathleen Thornton <Kathleen-Thomton(i�iowa-city.org> wrote: Rockne, Please see attached for Eleanor's response to your May 14, 2015 correspondence to her regarding the rezoning of 404 College/Gilbert Streets. I have included your letter with this email for Council's information. Kathleen Thornton Kathleen Thornton Administrative Secretary City Attorney's Office City of Iowa City Rockne Cole Attorney at Law Cole & Vondra, PC 209 E. Washington St., Suite 305 Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 358-1900 E-mail is not a secure anode of communication and may be accessed by unauthorized persons. This communication originates from the law fine of Rockne Cole, Attorney at Law, and is protected under the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §2510-2521. Such communication may be confidential and/or privileged and is intended only for the party to whom addressed. It is prohibited for anyone else to disclose, copy, distribute or use the contents of this communication. Personal messages express views solely of the sender and shall not be attributed to the law firm. If you received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephone at (319)358-1900. Rockne Cole Attorney at Law Cole & Vondra, PC 209 E. Washington St., Suite 305 Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 358-1900 E-mail is not a secure mode of communication and may be accessed by unauthorized persons. This communication originates from the law firm of Rockne Cole, Attorney at Law, and is protected under the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §2510-2521. Such communication may be confidential and/or privileged and is intended only for the party to whom addressed. It is prohibited for anyone else to disclose, copy, distribute or use the contents of this communication. Personal messages express views solely of the sender and shall not be attributed to the law firm. If you received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephone at (319)358-1900. � C COLE & VONDRA Rockne0.Cole Attorneys at Law Dan J. Vondra David Broo':•: May 19, 2015 Julia Zalenski (moi _ Eleanor Dilkes 0 w ` c �- ' Y 11 L �' 209 East Washington City Attorney Suite 305 Iowa City, Iowa 410 E. Washington 52240 Iowa City, IA 52240 BY EMAIL AND PERSONAL DELIVERY: eleanor-dilkes@iowa-city.org (319) 358-1900 (319) 358-1902 fax Re: Objections to CB -10 404 College/Gilbert Rezoning Dear Eleanor: Thank you for your recent letter responding to our concerns relating to the City of Iowa City's CB -10 zoning request for the 404 College/Gilbert parcel. Its looks like we will not be able to resolve our legal concerns prior to the hearing. Consequently, to preserve error for any subsequent proceeding on behalf of Trinity Church, we note the following objections to the City's Application to Rezone the 404 College/Gilbert Parcel to CB -10. A. Objection 1: CITY OWNED LAND SHOULD NOT BE COUNTED IN CALCULATING THE 200' PROTEST AREA UNDER 414.5. Iowa Code Section 414.5 requires a supermajority of councilors to change the zoning designation if "owners of twenty percent or more of the property which is located within two hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the property for which the change or repeal is proposed" file a written objection prior to the hearing on the application to rezone. Based upon our email conversations with you, it appears that the City of Iowa City is including city owned property to determine whether Trinity Church owns a sufficient amount of property to trigger the supermajority under 414.5. The right of protests attaches only to privately held property, and as such, only privately held " ..... property should be counted determining whether the 20% threshold has l ... met. -52 B. Objection 2: CB -10 DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. As you know, the Iowa City Council recently rejected an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that would have allowed a 7-15 story building at the College/Gilbert corner. We are thus left with the current 2030 Plan. Referring specifically to the area in which the 404 College/Gilbert is located, the Plan states: "While both areas have the potential to redevelop at higher densities due to their proximity to the Downtown and University, both should comply with policies and goals of the Central District Plan in order to ensure quality design and appropriate transitions to the lower -density residential neighborhoods that border them." 2030 Comprehensive Plan at pp. 1-2. In turn, the Central District Plan requires "attractive and functional transition between residential areas and adjacent commercial Areas..." Goal 4 (c) of Plan at p. 21. These passages unambiguously require that any redevelopment to the College/Gilbert parcel should provide for appropriate transitions to the "lower density residential neighborhoods that border them." These provisions conflict with CB -10 zoning, which allows for unlimited height and density at this corner. Your letter indicated that Mr. Yapp's council memo addressed this passage. I was not able to see in the memo where Mr. Yapp addressed these specific passages. Consequently, I also request that you state on the record this evening as to how CB -10 zoning in the 404 College/Gilbert area complies with the Comprehensive Plan. Please consider these objections our final objections to the City's request to rezone this parcel to CB -10. Sincerely, Rockne Cole 2 N MC L0 L , r 1 AZZ CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826 (3 19) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org LATE HANDOUTS Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and close of business on Monday. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 3b(3) Planning and Zoning Commission —April 16, 2015 Resolution: ITEM 3d(3) EAST HARRISON STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - See revised comment and resolution. Comment: Bids for this project were opened on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, and the following bids were received: Base Bid Alternate Carter and Associates, Inc. Coralville, IA $ 516,400.00 $ 62,600.00 Calacci Construction Co., Inc. Iowa City, IA $ 530,853.00 $ 75,541.00 All American Concrete, Inc. West Liberty, IA $ 552,368.50 $ 59,840.30 Engineer's Estimate $ 511,000.00 Public Works and Engineering recommend award of the contract to Carter and Associates, Inc. of Coralville, Iowa in the amount of $579,104.00 which includes the base bid and the alternate bid for additional intersection paving. The project will be funded by General Obligation bond proceeds and Stormwater revenues. The Engineer's estimated construction cost has been revised from $450,000 to $511,000 to reflect additional storm sewer work which was added by addendum. Setting Public Hearing: ITEM 3e(2) FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE - IOWA CITY SOUTH PART 1 - DUCT ____I_ IALLATION See resofutiorrand•memo #gular Agenda: EM 5c NORTH EAST CORNER OF COLLEGE STREET AND GILBERTS STREET I,--- [CHAUNCEY] - See additional correspondence INFORMATION PACKET 5114: Copy of letter from Mayor Hayek to ICCSD Board Members [Email response from Chris Lynch, President ICCSD]: High School Boundary Discussions S - Marian Karr From: Kathleen Thornton Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 2:57 PM To: rocknecole@gmail.com Cc: Council Subject: CB10 Rezoning Attachments: 404 College -Gilbert Rezoing-Trinity Church Objection to CB10 Zoning.pdf Rockne, Please see attached for Eleanor's response to your May 14, 2015 correspondence to her regarding the rezoning of 404 College/Gilbert Streets. I have included your letter with this email for Council's information. /rats/mr T1,6,reaw Kathleen Thornton Administrative Secretary City Attorney's Office City of Iowa City COLE & VONDRA Attorneys at Law May 14, 2015 Eleanor Dilkes City Attorney 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 BY EMAIL: eleanor-dilkes@iowa-city.org Re: 404 College/Gilbert Rezoning Trinity Church Objection to CB 10 Zoning Dear Eleanor: Christopher Warnock and I have been retained to represent Trinity Church regarding their objection to CB -10 zoning for the College/Gilbert location. As you know, Trinity has filed an objection to the CB -10 zoning petition filed by the city for the College/Gilbert parcel. We have received some informal responses via email, but have not received a formal response about whether Trinity's objection triggers the supermajority requirement of Iowa Code § 414.5. We also have concerns about whether the proposed rezoning complies with Iowa City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. In particular, we request a response on the following issues: A. 20% Calculation: It appears that the city is including city owned parcels to determine whether Trinity Church meets the 20% threshold to trigger the supermajority requirement under Iowa Code Section 414.5. In our view, the right of protest attaches only to privately held property, and that as such, only privately held property should be counted. We concede that Iowa Code Section 414.5 is ambiguous as to whether publicly owned land should be counted; however, it does not make sense to include publicly held land on the protest calculation since the council can protect the public's interest on publicly held land. Protest rights for city owned lands are redundant. Such an interpretation would effectively deprive private landowners of their protest rights if they own land close to public property. While there is no Iowa case law on this issue, our preliminary research indicates that none of the other states with similar protest provisions include public property. What is your authority for including publicly held land in the 20% calculation? B. Compliance with 2030 Comprehensive Plan: As you know, the Iowa City Council recently rejected an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which would have allowed a 7-15 story building at the College/Gilbert corner. We are thus left with the current 2030 Plan, which states: "While both areas have the potential to redevelop at higher densities due to their proximity to the Downtown and University, both should comply with policies and goals of the Central District Plan in order to Rock ne O. Cole Dan I Vondra Julia Zalensld David Brooks 209 East Washington suite 305 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319) 358-1900 (319) 358-1902 jmr ensure quality design and appropriate transitions to the lower -density residential neighborhoods that border them." 2030 Comprehensive Plan at pp. 1-2. In turn, the Central District Plan requires "attractive and functional transition between residential areas and adjacent commercial Areas..." Goal 4 (c) of Plan at p. 21. These passages unambiguously require that any redevelopment to the College/Gilbert parcel should provide for appropriate transitions to the "lower density residential neighborhoods that border them." How does a CB -10 zoning designation, which allows for unlimited height and density, comply with above quoted language from the Comprehensive Plan? Please reply by end of business on Monday. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, (2r�� 0�� Rockne Cole 2 May 18, 2015 Rockne Cole Cole & Vondra 209 E. Washington, Suite 305 Iowa City, IA 52240 BY EMAIL AND ORDINARY MAIL Re: College/Gilbert Rezoning Trinity Church Objection to CB -10 Rezoning Dear Rockne, r CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE City Attorneys Office City Hail 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5030 (319) 356-5008 Fax Email: icattomey@iowa-city.org www.icgov.org I am in receipt of your May 14, 2015 correspondence regarding your concerns about the potential rezoning of the CollegetGilbert site. I am providing your letter to the City Council with their late - handouts. With respect to the two issues you have raised, I intend to advise them as follows: First, there is no ambiguity in Section 414.5 of the State Code. A protest "by the owners of twenty percent or more of the property which is located within two hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the property" to be rezoned triggers the super -majority requirement. I previously informed you that initial calculations indicated that the Trinity protest did not meet the 20% threshold. I gave you the names of the owners of the other private property within the 200 foot area and told you that a formal staff report would come at the time of the public hearing, as Section 414.5 allows protests to be filed until the close of the public hearing. The formal staff report can be found in the Agenda packet for the Council meeting of May 19, 2015 on the City's website. Secondly, I intend to advise the Council that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan. I refer you again to the Staff's memo in the May 19, 2015 agenda packet for more information on this topic. While reasonable minds may differ, as revealed most recently by the 3-3 vote of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Iowa law is very clear that "courts will not substitute their judgment as to wisdom or propriety of action by a city or town council, acting reasonably within the scope of its authorized police power, in the enactment of ordinances establishing or revising municipal zones." Anderson v. City of Cedar Rapids, 168 N.W.2d 739,742 (Iowa 1969). V FTly yours`', Eleanor M. Dilkes City Attorney cc: City Council Marian Karr From: Greg Cotton <gcotton@cornellcollege.edu> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:07 PM To: Council Subject: Re -zoning for the Chauncey Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council --- I am writing to protest the proposed zoning change for the northeast block at Gilbert and College Streets, the proposed home of the Chauncey. I have resided in Iowa City for 30 years and have owned my home in Iowa City for 26 years. I am extremely concerned about the pressure a 15 story, mostly residential building will place on available parking in that part of the city. Weekday or weekend, even without that pressure, parking in the Chauncey Swan lot is extremely tight. I fail to understand why the developers are not required to provide the additional parking this building will obviously require. I am also very concerned about the proposed use of TIF funds for construction of this facility, and cannot believe that the City's proposed short-term "purchase" of apartments in the building can possibly be construed as "affordable." Finally, I am also strongly against this proposed downtown sprawl into this borderline residential area. I will hasten to add that this property is clearly in need of development and I would wholeheartedly support a proposal of a less tall facility with arrangements for the required parking. I strongly urge you not to change the zoning on this property. Sincerely, Gregory Cotton 2034 Grantwood Street Iowa City, Iowa 52340 This correspondence will become a public record. Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 7:44 AM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Letter to City Council Members Attachments: Letter CityCouncil.docx; ATT00001.htm From: Sam Van Horne <sam.vanhorne(&,,gmail.com> Date: May 15, 2015 at 7:07:49 AM CDT To: <council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Letter to City Council Members Dear Iowa City Council: I have attached a letter regarding an agenda item for the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19. Will you please read my letter in advance of that meeting? Thank you for your time, Sam Van Horne Dear Members of Iowa City Council: I implore the City Council to vote against re -zoning the property at the NE corner of Gilbert and College Streets from Public 1 to CB -10. In its examination of how the proposed development would affect the parking situation in the Chauncey Swan ramp, the city has seemingly not considered how the proposed development would affect the ability for members of Trinity Church to have access to nearby parking for worship services. Indeed, the packet for the upcoming council meeting shows that the City has not even collected any relevant information about how the parking situation would be affected for Trinity members, indicating that "Data for the Chauncey Ramp is not available for Sundays." The motion in Planning and Zoning Commission to re -zone the property to CB -10 zoning did not pass, suggesting that there is deep concern about re -zoning this property to allow for the building of the proposed Chauncey development which would be a large high rise building. In the City Council meeting packet, the city itself cites that there is no maximum height for a building with the CB -10 designation. The fact that Planning and Zoning could not pass the motion should suggest that the City should re -think their plans for how to develop the property at the NE corner of Gilbert and College Streets in such a manner that would be accepted by a majority of members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Throughout this process it has been impossible to separate the proposed re -zoning of the property from the Chauncey. This proposed development would result in a tall building that would be a significant expense for the developers, and thus the housing would almost surely consist of more expensive rents or property prices. It is not an effective—or proper—use of public lands to create higher -end residences that would not be affordable to middle-income or working-class individuals. I strongly encourage you to consider a separate re -zoning plan that would be acceptable to a majority of the members of Planning and Zoning Commission. Please vote against the re- zoning of the property at the NE corner of Gilbert and College from Public 1 to CB -10. Sincerely, Sam Van Horne 1722 Ridgeway Drive Iowa City, IA Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 4:58 PM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Comments regarding development of property at College and Gilbert St. Begin forwarded message: From: Kristin Johnson <sunshinearie199(a),gmail.com> Date: May 16, 2015 at 4:50:41 PM EDT To: <council(a),iowa-city.org> Subject: Comments regarding development of property at College and Gilbert St. Dear City Council, as a resident of Iowa City and member of Trinity Episcopal Church I urge you to reconsider the development of the corner of Gilbert St. and College St. Any development over 5 stories high is going to block all of the sunshine, create at least a 6 month dangerously coated with ice condition of Gilbert St., and compete for already committed parking spaces. A representative of the city came and spoke to Trinity on the Sunday before the city council meeting where the city council decided to approve the worst choice among developers for the plans for that corner. The city representative told us that they wanted our input at the meeting before they decided on the development, but when we came to the meeting the city council said they had already decided, without any input or discussion from the community. One developer, who already put up very tall, and controversial buildings, submitted the least green and tallest building, and who required the most TIF money from the city got approved, an unanticipated and egregious injury to trust in the city staff and the belief that the city council has the best interest of the city at heart. I not only attend church there, but I attend an environmental group meeting there and a series of 12 -step meetings which meet there. I participate in a free healing clinic for the community there every month. I also attend a weekly yoga class there, which is donation -based. And I am part of a group of knitters there who for years have been knitting winter weather hats, mittens and scarves which we donate to the Shelter House, DVIP shelter and UAY ( programs for youth). Our congregation helps organize the huge book sale every spring which raises money for shelter house. Our congregation has also helped staff the winter homeless overflow at the church, and this year at the empty building donated for that purpose by a local builder. Trinity has beautiful "prayer trees" inviting the passersby to list their prayer request in an outside hand-crafted wooden box and to tie a strip of cloth to a tree to "free their prayer". And Trinity built a beautiful "little free library" near those trees that passsersby can be seen using. Trinity also occasionally helps out people in the community going through hardships with occasional cash donations. Trinity has housed part of the University of Iowa School of Music's Jazz Department for at least the last three years while they have been rebuilding from the flood.And we have members who are students and young people as well as a diverse group of intergenerational members who contribute to the Iowa City community in various ways. This church has a history of helping this community for a long time. Please do not force a vital and rich community resource to close its doors because of some short-sighted profit -only driven mistake which would help change the beautiful esthetic of this neighborhood on the edge of Iowa City. And do not set a precedent that would allow any developer to sue the city if they do not approve spot zoning if this mistake goes through. The south side of Iowa City is an open and apppropriate location for such a development. Iowa City doesn't need such an ugly, harsh and cold architecture. It is a vibrant city with a lovely walkable character downtown. And which is still working to provide affordable housing, another lack of this lamentable development with deplorable lack of respect for the people who live here, my town, our town. Kris Johnson C._. Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 5:18 AM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Past Dealings With Marc Moen Attachments: Setting the facts straight on Moen & Plaza Towers (1).docx; ATT00001.htm Begin forwarded message: From: Jim Knapp <jknappI940&grnail.com> Date: May 15, 2015 at 6:58:30 PM EDT To: Iowa City Council <councilgiowa-city.org> Subject: Past Dealings With Marc Moen Dear Councilors; I sent the attached opinion to the Iowa City Press Citizen and their response was they could not put in the paper in a timely fashion because they had just printed a poem I wrote and they have a 30 day limit. I am attaching the writing I put together using Iowa City documents bought and paid for so I hope you councilors will use some common sense and realize we the tax payers are seeing again another huge gift given to Marc Moen. I and many others think if the Chauncey goes forward, we the people, paying taxes in Iowa City which also goes to your salaries have the right to be apprised of every cent that has been or will be put out to build this project and every agreement made before it is finalized. There are options available:. 1. Put the whole package on the ballot in Novermber. 2. Have Moen build on is own land. 3. Put the Chauncey on the River Walk to get it started 4. Don't give him a TIF and have him present audited financial documents prior to starting the project. 5. Those of you that want to go ahead may not be reelected in November or you could resign now. 6. THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAS THE RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH EVERY CENT THE CITY RECEIVES IN TAXES. I WILL BE DISTRIBUTING THE ATTACHED INFORMATION AND i WILL ASK EVERY RECIPIENT TO FORWARD IT TO ALL THEIR CONTACTS IN THE IOWA CITY AREA. I will also involve the IRS. SO BE READY Jim Knapp 325 - 2443 or 354-2443 528 Rundell Iowa City 52240 Setting the facts straight on Plaza Towers Reference the Guest Opinion by Moen, Rohrbach and Hahn of MLC in the 5/9/15 PC. We need to review the history on the Moen Group. Marc, Monica (his first wife) and Michael Moen were the proposer on building Plaza Towers and that is a story worth telling. On January 31, 2001 Karin Franklin issued a City of Iowa City Memorandum regarding Parcel 64-1A. This was the parking lot just south of the Iowa City Public Library and the memorandum started out "The City has been approached by two local developers who are interested in constructing a new building on Parcel 64-1A." I suspect that the two unnamed developers were Marc and Marcia Moen. There was much more on the memorandum which was pertinent to long range plans of the Council and City Manager. After some time and discussion they approved the issuing of a Request for Proposals to four individual groups. Three developers found it an uphill battle as the council was predisposed to favor Moen. The sight was appraised for $1,771,000 and they had an offer from a prominent business man that did not ask for a TIF and offered $1,750,000 for the site. Somewhere along the way Plaza Towers LLC, aka Moen Group, offered $250,000. Along the way many other questionable things happened that made me lose faith in most of the elected officials in the Iowa City government. This was a time of closed door meetings and special treatment like Tax Incremental Financing (aka TIF) and one particular council person, Ross Wilburn. Ross at the time was employed by a concern that received CDBG funds and all the proceeds of the sale of the land were to go to such concerns that received Community Development Block Grants. Until the final vote Ross had always recused himself because of his vested interest. This time he did not and so the money dispersed was the meager $250,000 shorting the recipients of $1,500,000. Ross did not recuse himself and was the swing vote in favor of the Moen Group and helped his coffee buddy Marc Moen. Now Moen is back at the trough asking for another TIF because as he said "I can't afford it without the TIF". When will it ever stop? If he really is such a great developer why can't he afford it and what happens if it fails? The city is left holding the bag. The Moen Group owns the only parking lot in the Central Business District (private parking lots in the downtown area are illegal) but the City issued him a permit. The developer chosen for Plaza Tower site was required to submit audited financial statements. The Moens didn't. They presented compiled statements which means the accountants only wrote them out in accounting form and stated that they were only compiled and based upon the things they were told. asked the City to see them and Marc filed an injunction to prevent it. When the City had to comply, Marc filed a law suit and lost. I got to see them and I do not believe they were honest in their presentation. A project so costly and risky should not be controlled by the City Council which is supposedly elected to protect the people of Iowa City. The Chauncey although being an attractive building should be put on the property Moen owns or on the River Walk. We as taxpayers have a right to know what is going on in the offices of the people negotiating a project this large and putting the taxpayers at risk. Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 1:42 PM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Support for the Chauncy Project from ICAD Group Attachments: ICAD Letter of Support for the Chauncey Project.pdf; ATT00001.htm Begin forwarded message: From: Mark Nolte <MNolte(a,icadgroup.com> Date: May 18, 2015 at 1:36:41 PM EDT To: "council(a,iowa-city.org" <council(djowa-city.org> Subject: Support for the Chauncy Project from ICAD Group Greetings members of the Iowa City City Council, Attached is a letter regarding our continued support to see the Chauncey Project move forward. Thank you for your service to the community, Best regards Mark Nolte Mark Nolte President ICAD Group Skype: mark.nolte3 Twitter: @marknolte To schedule a time with me, click here Iowa City Area Development Group Extraordinary opportunities in unexpected places. Mayor Hayek and Members of the City Council, We would like to again record our support for the Chauncey Project's approval at your upcoming Council meeting. Much has been said and written on both sides, but to us the matter is fairly straightforward: For Iowa City to remain vibrant and be able to afford to invest in the infrastructure and social services its residents have come to expect, it needs to grow its tax base. Large projects such as this are the most expedient way to tackle the budget challenges ahead without losing the ability to maintain a vibrant community for all citizens. This project comes as a result of a public RFP which sought to create a big and bold structure on this specific parcel of ground. Mr. Moen responded to this RFP in accordance with the goals of the Council and has been amenable to augmenting his plans to best fit the wishes of the community. Mr. Moen has demonstrated a successful track record of building and maintaining iconic properties which have repaid their TIF investment ahead of schedule and now significantly add to the tax base of our community. We have no doubt the Chauncey project will continue in this regard. For Iowa City to thrive, we need to grow our population. Projects such as the Chauncey provide housing, office space and entertainment options which will help downtown be more attractive to residents from across the globe. There are many in our community who love the city as it is and dislike any and all change. We empathize with this and wish to keep and protect those aspects of Iowa City which make us unique and culturally diverse. We believe the Chauncey project will add to the aesthetic and architectural landscape in a very positive and meaningful way, a beneficial change for generations to come on what is now a vacant lot. There are many benefits to building "up" in terms of density, environmental impact, traffic flow and accessibility, but the greatest of these in our opinion is the effect on the city's long term bottom line. It is in the city's benefit to have structures of this type which will provide significantly more income than a traditional student housing project. We urge you to support this project so that it can add to the vibrancy of the community. Sincerely, Tom Goedken, Board Chair Mark Nolte, President 316 E Court Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319.354.3939 Ic;v,-a C_:itS�r;r�:�,(:�eveloprner�t com Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 4:13 PM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Rezoning for Tower Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: James Harris <jamesharris8Aa,me.com> Date: May 19, 2015 at 4:57:30 PM EDT To: City Council <councilgiowa-cit�org>, James Throgmorton <ithrogmogyahoo.com> Subject: Rezoning for Tower Dear Council Members South of Burlington was the target for the expansion of downtown for a number of years. It is now coming to fruition: hotels, apartments, retail and more. If the post office block opens up, there will be more and it's all good, extremely good. East of Gilbert was not part of this plan until the John Wilson/old bus station parcel was opened for bidding and that selection has been contentious since the council announced its decision. Has it been measured? Probably not, but the usual fringe voices have been joined by those from Trinity Episcopal creating a large non denominational choir. The choir sings a chorus of " No, don't do it." Has it been worth it, or better, will it be worth it? No. You/we have the hoped for, the planned for expansion. We don't need a big tower to the east of downtown. If you have to have your building, make it 8 stories maximum. Obstinacy is not a virtue of city government. A 15-20 story building will stick out like a SORE THUMB. James Harris A Downtown Businessman for 30 Years Sent from my iPad Julie Voparil From: Marian Karr Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 4:15 PM To: Julie Voparil Subject: Fwd: Real leadership Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Barbara Schlachter <b.schlachter(&mchsi.com> Date: May 19, 2015 at 2:05:38 PM EDT To: Ann Christenson <annfchrisA=ail.com>, <council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Re: Real leadership Great letter, Ann! Barbara ----- Original Message ----- From: Ann Christenson To: council(aiowa-cit�org Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 11:18 AM Subject: Real leadership This correspondence will become a public record. Dear Mayor Hayek and Council Members: It is with real regret that I will not be able to be at the Council meeting tonight. My grandchildren lost their father in a car accident three weeks ago (a patient of Councilman Dobyns) and my first obligation is to support them at their piano recitals tonight. That being the case, I'd still like my views, which my husband, John, shares, to be considered. We have long been concerned about the apparent lack of urgency among council members regarding the very real issue of climate change and how the Council's many decisions on construction impact this threat, for good or bad. We are also concerned about the apparent lack of understanding and attention given to decisions affecting the ambiance and appearance of the city. We are opposed to the Chauncey building on both these counts. All of the desires of downtown leaders and realtors for types of housing, entertainment, commerce and more can be met with more thoughtful placement of high rises and more attention to uses of alternative energy. The Chauncey need not be a `yes' or `no' situation; this is the type of construction we understand has been planned for the River � L Crossing district and is well suited for it. I don't believe there would be the kind of uproar, objections and hard feelings for such a placement. It is unfortunate that the leadership on the City Council is not willing to think beyond what has gone before. To make this the truly progressive city we like to think it is, our leaders — you folks -- need to look to the future instead of the past. We need our leaders to be open to proposals that are bold and advanced, not simply from a favored, familiar company; we need to stop building up to the sidewalks, creating a fortress -like effect; we need more openness and green space throughout. We were shocked at the shutout of New Pioneer, one of the city's most vibrant businesses and among the largest employers; we were dismayed that the height of the building would destroy the warmth and welcome atmosphere of a traditional, viable neighborhood; we are alarmed at the repeated use of tax increment financing for private construction that would be, or should be, fulfilled without TIF support. It's not too late. We are asking for bold leadership from our City Council. We are asking for advanced, creative methods of meeting the needs and desires of all our citizenry. This city must to participate in the amelioration of climate change with a sense of urgency. We need to look at examples of cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Portland or for smaller towns, look to Oberlin, Ohio. There is so much that can be done. Please use available tax credits for solar, both in new construction and in retrofitting old buildings. Please create real rooftop gardens, not trees in pots. Please promote leafy avenues rather than cold bastions along narrow sidewalks. Please do not add to traffic and parking problems that anyone with common sense knows the Chauncey will create, no matter what the engineers propagate. Show us the vision that leaders can bring to a discussion. Make visionary benchmarks for energy savings —10 years, 20 years, even 50 years down the road. Be the council that is remembered for its forward thinking by bringing sustainability, beauty and merit to Iowa City. Please. Cordially, Ann (and John) Christenson 827 Dearborn St. Iowa City Publish 5/14 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST FOR THE 2015 HIGHLAND AVENUE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Public notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the construction of the 2015 Highland Avenue Water Main Replacement Project in said city at 7:00 P.M. on the le day of May, 2015, said meeting to be held in the Emma J. Harvat Hall in the City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street in said city, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk. Said plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City Clerk in the City Hall in Iowa City, Iowa, and may be inspected by any interested persons. Any interested persons may appear at said meeting of the City Council for the purpose of making objections to and comments concerning said plans, specifications, contract or the cost of making said improvement. This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by law. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City of Iowa City will hold a public hearing on the 19th day of May 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the Emma J. Harvat Hall of the Iowa City City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider a Resolution approving a concession agreement with Fin & Feather H2O LLC at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Copies of the proposed resolution and lease are available for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK