HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-02 Public hearingRezoning 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.
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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 2nd day of June, 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. An ordinance vacating the western 160
feet of the 20 -foot wide alley right-of-way in
Block 43, City of Iowa City.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14: Zoning
to create and exemption from the floor area
ratio limitation and establish new height
standards for hospitals located in the
commercial office (CO -1) zone.
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
Code Amendment Item
Consider an amendment to Title 14: Zoning to create an
exemption from the Floor Area Ratio Limitation and to establish
new height standards for hospitals located in the Commercial
Office (CO -1) Zone
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Code amendment Item
Prior to 2005, Hospitals `which existing on August 7, 1962'
were exempt from dimensional requirements
Proposal: Hospitals are exempt from the Floor Area Ratio limit
and may exceed the height limit up to a maximum of 65 feet,
provided that along lot lines that abut or are across the street
from a single family residential zone, building facades above
the 3rd story are stepped back at least 20 feet from the 3rd
story facade. The required upper story facade setback may be
established at a lower story provided it is established at least
25 feet above grade
Code amendment Item
Recommended amendment to Table 2C -2(a) footnote 3:
Maximum FAR is -11, except for lots that abut or are across the
street from RM, 1 zeReTa single family residential zone,
in which case the maximum FAR is -3 1. feF lets th-t @Fe ac=F
the stFee+ fr^m QMH C ^Y 1 mss. Hospitals are exempt from
the FAR limit in the CO -1 Zone.
��_,--r.®4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
�►� ft- , ®,,MEMORANDUM
Date: April 30, 2015
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Karen Howard, Associate Planner
Re: Amending FAR and height standards for Hospitals in the CO -1 Zone
Background: The City recently received a request from the architects working with Mercy
Hospital on plans for a new building at the corner of Johnson and Jefferson Streets where
Mercy currently has a surface parking lot. The property is zoned Commercial Office (CO -1).
Hospitals are a permitted use in the CO -1 Zone. Initially, Mercy would like to build a one story
building, but would like to construct it to support up to three additional stories in the future.
Changes made to the zoning ordinance during the 2005 zoning code rewrite project will
inadvertently prevent Mercy from constructing any new building on this site. While there are no
current plans to redevelop its other surface parking lot at the corner of Dodge and Bloomington
Streets, height limitations and floor area ratio (FAR) provisions may also prevent future
redevelopment at this site. Prior to adoption of the new zoning code in 2005, there was a clause
in the zoning ordinance that stated, "Hospitals which existed on August 7, 1962, shall be exempt
from and may expand without compliance with the dimensional requirements." Because this
clause was deleted during the rewrite, the buildings that currently exist on the subject block
between Market and Jefferson are nonconforming with the building height and FAR standard in
the CO -1 Zone.
The CO -1 Zone has a maximum FAR of 3, except where the lot abuts or is across the street
from a single family residential zone. In such a case the FAR is 1. The subject hospital property
encompasses the entire block bounded by Market, Van Buren, Johnson, and Jefferson Streets.
As shown on the snapshot of the zoning map below, this property is surrounded by CO -1, RM -
44, and MU zoning, except along a portion of its Johnson Street frontage where it is across the
street from a RNS-12 Zone. Due to this adjacency, the entire block is restricted to an FAR of 1
and a height limit of 25 feet. According to the architect, the current FAR of the existing
development on the property is approximately 2, so no additional building may occur on this
block unless the ordinance is amended to reinstate some sort of exemption for the hospital.
May 1, 2015
Page 2
Discussion of Solutions: Staff finds that the current zoning regulations are creating a
restriction that will unduly prevent Mercy Hospital from redeveloping its surface parking lots into
usable building space. The hospital complex is well established in the neighborhood and
facilities and activity associated with the hospital are an expected part of life in this area. In
addition, active building space will create a more pedestrian -friendly character to the street than
surface parking lots. However, there is also a public interest in ensuring that taller and/or bulkier
buildings in commercial zones are designed in a manner that is sensitive to lower scale
development in abutting residential zones. Therefore, staff suggests that a modified version of
the previous exemption be reinstated that establishes a maximum height standard consistent
with other portions of the hospital with a required 20 foot fagade step -back above the 3`d story
along any property line that abuts or is across the street from a single family residential zone.
Staff also recommends exempting hospitals from the FAR standard, since its purpose is
somewhat redundant to the height and step -back requirements we are proposing. The
suggested upper floor step -back provision will help to reduce the scale and mass of any taller or
larger hospital building where it interfaces with an abutting single family zone.
With regard to other dimensional standards in the CO -1 Zone, the setback provisions will still
apply to the hospital, including the provision that states that "where a side lot line or rear lot line
abuts a residential zone, a setback at least equal to the required setback in the abutting
residential zone must be provided along the residential zone boundary." These are standards
that apply in all commercial zones. The architects for Mercy Hospital have indicated that the
setbacks for the proposed new building will be similar to the other building on the block, which
has a generous landscaped setback between the public sidewalk and the building.
Note that in the suggested amendment to the table footnote below, staff is also suggesting a
clarification to the language that is unrelated to the hospital. The suggested change will make it
clear that the FAR limit in the CO -1 Zone is generally 3, but is limited to 1 in locations abutting a
single family residential zone. The restriction to 1 was never intended to apply to adjacencies to
other non-residential zoning districts, such as Public Zones, Office Research Park and
Research Development Park Zones, but rather is intended to ensure compatibility with single
family neighborhoods. Hopefully, this correction will prevent future problems in other CO -1
zoned areas.
Recommendation: Staff recommends amending Title 14, Zoning, as follows. Underlined text is
new language proposed and the strike -through notation indicates language to be deleted.
Amend 14 -2C -4C-1 d. by adding a new subparagraph (4) as follows:
(4) In the CO -1 Zone Hospitals are exempt from the FAR limit and may exceed the height limit
up to a maximum of 65 feet provided that along lot lines that abut or are across the street from
a single family residential zone building facades above the TO story are stepped back at least
20 feet from the 3` story facade. This required upper story facade stepback may be established
at a lower story, provided that it is established at least 25 feet in height above grade.
Amend footnote 3. Of Table 2C -2(a), Dimensional Requirements for All Commercial Zones,
Except the MU Zone, as follows:
3. Maximum FAR is 4 3, except for lots that abut or are across the street from RIVI, G,
a single family residential zone, in which case the maximum FAR is 3 1.
. Hospitals are exempt from the FAR limit in the CO -1 Zone.
Approved by:
John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 9 of 14
misleading because Green Mountain Drive is like a mountain to the houses on Bowling Green
Place and that is part of the reason that the houses on Bowling Green Drive get a lot of runoff
water in their yards. They are counting on the City Engineers not to make it any worse.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved for deferral of SUB15-00008, a preliminary plat of Windmill Heights, a
6.94 -acre, 22 -lot residential subdivision until the May 21 meeting.
Theobald seconded the motion.
Eastham stated that the Commission has seen similar situations in the past and requests that the
Staff do their best to assure the citizens that the development of this subdivision will not add to
stormwater runoff. He understands legislation mandates that it does not, but the citizens need
more reassurance. Also the City needs to address if there are existing stormwater problems in
this area that will not be addressed just by the stormwater facilities for this new development.
Freerks said while the Commission cannot address issues in existing neighborhoods, these
discussions alert the City Staff and they can work to address issues. Miklo added that perhaps
the neighbors could come to the City offices together and have one meeting with Staff rather
than contacting separately.
Theobald noted that she would like to have the Staff or developer have more information
regarding the maintenance of the stormwater facilities. She finds it troubling to hear that
homeowners are cleaning out these facilities. Hektoen said that the City doesn't maintain the
stormwater facilities, each subdivision is responsible for that on their own. Freerks noted that
some homeowners associations do a better job at maintaining their facilities than others, and
only if there is a real issue does the City get involved. Eastham stated that the people that are
affected by stormwater runoff by improperly maintained facilities should contact the City.
Freerks noted that the number one priority is for the City Engineer to approve the stormwater
management calculations so the development can proceed without issue for the developer or the
neighboring citizens. As for next steps, Freerks asked that that citizens concerned have their
meeting with Staff prior to the next Commission meeting, keep open communications with the
developer and this will be an agenda item again at the May 21 meeting.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
CODE AMENDMENT ITEM:
Discussion of an amendment to Title 14, Zoning to create an exemption from the floor area ratio
limitation and establish new height standards for hospitals located in the Commercial Office Zone
(CO -1).
Freerks noted that she did receive a phone call from Will Downing who is an architect with a firm
that is working on this project. He said they would not be able to attend tonight but wanted to
know if she had any questions. Freerks replied to Downing that she did not.
Eastham stated he received a phone call from John Thomas and Thomas expressed some of his
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 10 of 14
concerns with Eastham. Thomas' concerns were with the effect of the building heights in the CO -
1 zone where it abuts a residential zone. They discussed if this amendment would help the
situation.
Howard presented the staff report. The City received a request from Rohrbach Associates,
architects working with Mercy Hospital on plans for a new building at the corner of Johnson and
Jefferson Streets where there is currently a surface parking lot. Howard showed an aerial
photograph of the area. The initial plans for the new building is a one-story building, however the
building structure would be built to support some additional floors in the future. Once they
checked the ordinances they found a change made to the zoning ordinance during the 2005
zoning code project would prevent Mercy Hospital from building on this site. Prior to the rewrite
there as an exemption in the City Code that stated "Hospitals which existed on August 7, 1962
shall be exempt from and may expand without compliance with the dimensional requirements".
Howard explained that there are three hospitals in Iowa City, but the Veterans and University
Hospitals are government facilities and not regulated by City Code, since Mercy Hospital is
privately owned it is subject to City zoning. Mercy Hospital has been in its location since 1962
and is a fixture in the neighborhood. Several of the existing buildings exceed the height and FAR
requirements in the Commercial Office (CO -1) Zone because Mercy Hospital was exempt from
the height requirements when those buildings were constructed. Howard explained that there are
two issues with the current code, one is height limitations and the other is the floor area ratio
(FAR). The FAR is the amount of floor area in a building in ratio to the amount of lot area. FAR
is a way to control building bulk and scale. The FAR works in conjunction with the other
dimensional standards, particularly the height standards to control building height and bulk.
Parsons asked if the City has had issues with FAR requirements in the past. Howard replied not
particularly, but in this situation because these are large blocks and the buildings were built in an
area with a FAR of one, which means a one to one ratio (lot area to floor area), the lot already
exceeds that allowed FAR of 1. Already on this one lot is a four story building and a four story
parking structure, so the approximate FAR currently is about 2. Howard explained that the
reason this zone has a FAR requirement of one is because it abuts a single family residential
zone along one edge of the property. CO -1 Zones that abut other zones are allowed an FAR of
3.
Howard explained that with the current zoning code no building would be able to be built on the
surface parking lot unless there is a code amendment. Staff is recommending amending Title
14, Zoning to allow them to develop on the surface parking lot. Otherwise Mercy Hospital's
expansion needs would have to be met in some other way, perhaps by purchasing other
properties in the area. The amendment would only apply to hospitals, not all commercial
properties in the CO -1 zone. Staff recommends amending the code as stated in the staff memo,
which exempts them from the FAR standard, but imposes a height limit of 65 feet to be generally
consistent with existing hospital buildings with an upper floor stepback of 20 feet above the 3rd
floor along any street frontage that abuts a single family residential zone. This will help reduce
the perceived height and mass of any new hospital building located adjacent to a lower scale
single family zone.
Additionally Staff recommends clarifying the language in the footnote of the dimensional table as
explained in the memo. The intent is to require the lower FAR of 1 only where a lot abuts a
single family residential zone.
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 11 of 14
Hensch asked if it was an inadvertent omission in the 2005 rewrite. Howard explained that the
City had a used a consultant in 2005 to help analyze the zoning ordinance and they identified a
lot of little amendments throughout the code that could be eliminated. At the time this exemption
was deleted, other language was added that we thought would meet Mercy Hospital's needs in
the future. However, it was not adequate to address this situation. Staff now recommends
amendments to provide the flexibility needed for Mercy to build on its existing surface parking
lots.
Martin asked if the Commission would see plans for the proposed building before it was
approved. Freerks stated that if they are in a zone where their plans fit, then the Commission
would not see the plans, only when there is a request to change a zone for a project does the
Commission review the plans.
Eastham asked if there was a particular reason why this language amendment only refers to
hospitals and not specifically Mercy Hospital. The way this now reads it could apply to any
hospital. Howard agreed, but noted that it would be unlikely Iowa City will ever have another
private hospital. If it does, these standards would apply.
Parsons asked if they are going to build this new building on a flat area where there is now
parking, are the other existing parking structures able to absorb the lost parking spaces along
with the increased activity that will come with the new building. Howard replied that all those
issues will be reviewed during the site plan review process. They will have to comply with all the
requirements in the zone, including the parking requirements.
Hensch noted that although it is not a conflict, he wanted it on record that he was employed with
Mercy Hospital for 12 years, but left in 2005.
Eastham asked also about the footnote amendment where it states except for single family
residential zones, he feels there could also be multi -family zones where this could also be
applicable. Howard said if it is across from a multi -family zone the FAR is currently 3. Any
change to this requirement would be a more significant change that would apply to all CO -1
zoned areas. Staff has not analyzed the implications of such a change, so do not recommend it
at this time.
Freerks opened public hearing.
None present.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Hensch moved to amend Title 14, Zoning Code, to recommend amendments to Title 14,
Zoning Code, to establish new height standards and waive the FAR requirement for Hospitals in
the CO -1 Zone as noted in the staff report.
Theobald seconded the motion.
Freerks noted that this type of clean-up amendment comes up time to time and is important
to address. In this situation it is good for the community to allow Mercy Hospital to expand
and grow in the area. The upper floor stepbacks are a good idea because there still needs
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 12 of 14
to be some type of transition when there is single family residential in the area.
Eastham agreed that this amendment would allow Mercy Hospital or another private hospital
in a CO -1 zone that is bordered by residential development to expand their facility in a
manner that is respectful to the surrounding residential areas.
Parsons stated it is beneficial that it will be one story at first, and the additional stories may
come in time, but it will be a transition and not all at once.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM:
Consider a motion setting a public hearing for May 21 on an amendment to the Comprehensive
Plan: The 2015 South District Plan
Miklo stated that the Commission received a copy of the Plan in their packets and it is also on
the City's website and being shared with people who participated in the planning process.
Tonight is just a formality, the Commission will actually hold the public hearing in two weeks,
which is also an opportunity for the Commissioners to identify any questions, concerns, or
change that you would like to make to this draft before finally voting and sending it on to Council.
Milko noted that there is currently a South District Plan but with the building of the new
elementary school on south Sycamore Street the Council asked Staff to revisit that plan,
refreshing the plan, look at it and see if any issues had changed and how to address those.
Miklo stated there was a series of public meetings, interviews with individuals, bike tours, a tour
with the Commission in a van to get to know the area, and this plan is a result of all of that work.
Freerks asked the Commission to read through the Plan carefully and come to the public hearing
with questions, concerns, praise but this is not necessarily something that will be voted on at the
next meeting, more time can be taken if the public input raises questions or concerns that need
more time to be addressed.
Eastham moved to set a public hearing for May 21 on an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan: The 2015 South District Plan
Theobald seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: APRIL 16, 2015
Dyer moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 16, 2015 with minor typo corrections.
Eastman seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0.
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
Prepared by: John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5252
(REZ15-00006)
CONDITIONAL ZONING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made between the City of Iowa City, to a, a municipal corporation
(hereinafter "City"), and tho City of Iowa City and MidAmerican nergy Company (hereinafter
"Owners").
WHEREAS, Own rs are the legal title holder of ap oximately 0.62 acres of property
located at the north east c rner of College Street and Gi bbe Street; and
WHEREAS, the Ci of Iowa City has request d the rezoning of said property from
Public (P-1) and Central B siness Support (CB -5) Zo es to Central Business District (CB -10)
Zone; and
WHEREAS, Iowa Cod §414.5 (2015)
reasonable conditions on gra ting an applicE
regulations, in order to satisfy p ;blic needs cad
WHEREAS, the Ownerg\
reasonable to ensure the deve4l
Plan and the need for Class A Oft
building, and step -backs in height
building height; and
WHEREAS, the Owners ae(
conditions of a Conditional Zoning Ag
NOW, THEREFORE, in
agree as follows:
tides that the City of Iowa City may impose
rezoning request, over and above existing
by the requested change; and
idge that certain conditions and restrictions are
the property is consistent with the Comprehensive
;e, on-site parking for residential uses, a mixed-use
third and fifth floors to minimize the impression of
develop this property in accordance with the terms and
hent.
the mutual promises contained herein, the parties
1. The City of Iowa Oity and MidAme 'can Energy Company are the collective legal title
holders of the prgperty legally describpd as Lots 5 and 6, and the West 160 feet of the
20 -foot wide allot in Block 43, Original own Plat, Iowa City, Iowa.
2. The Ownerscknowledges that the City fishes to ensure conformance to the principles
Of the Com rehensive Plan. Further, the parties acknowledge that Iowa Code §414.5
(2015) pro des that the City of Iowa City y impose reasonable conditions on granting
an applic nt's rezoning request, over andbove the existing regulations, in order to
satisfy p lic needs caused by the requestedhange.
3. In co sideration of the City's rezoning the subject property, Owners agree that
deve pment of the subject property will confor to all other requirements of the zoning
cha ter, as well as the following conditions:
a. / Any building constructed there on shall be a rrfixed-use building no more than 15
stories in height and shall contain a minimum of twa.floors of Class A Office space;
b. The building height shall step -back at the third and the fifth floors along the Gilbert
Street frontage and at least 70 feet of the College Street frontage;
c. All required parking for residential uses shall be provided on-site; and
1
d. The exterior building design shall be approved by the City's Design Review Committee
prior to issuance of any building permit.
4. The Owners acknowledge that the conditions contained herein are reasonable
conditions to impo a on the land under Iowa Code §414.5 (2015), and that said
conditions satisfy p lic needs that are caused by the requested zon g change.
5. The Owners acknow dge that in the event the subject prope is transferred, sold,
redeveloped, or sub-vided, all redevelopment will conform ith the terms of this
Conditional Zoning Agr ement.
6. The parties acknowledg that this Conditional Zoning Agr ment shall be deemed to be
a covenant running with a land and with title to the la , and shall remain in full force
and effect as a covenant ith title to the land, unles r until released of record by the
City of Iowa City. \
The parties further acknowledge that this agree ent shall inure to the benefit of and bind
all successors, representative, and assigns o the parties.
7. The Owners acknowledge thak nothing i this Conditional Zoning Agreement shall be
construed to relieve the Owner' rom co plying with all other applicable local, state, and
federal regulations.
8. The parties agree that this Con ' ional Zoning Agreement shall be incorporated by
reference into the ordinance rez g the subject property, and that upon adoption and
publication of the ordinance, t s a reement shall be recorded in the Johnson County
Recorder's Office at the City's xpen e.
Dated this day of
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Matthew J Hayek, Mayor
Attest:
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Approved by;
ity Attorney's Office 3/IT
2
20
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
By: MidAmerican Energy Company
By:
CITY OF IOWA CITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
STATE OF IOWA )
JOHNSON COUNTY )
This instrument was
Hayek and Marian K. Karr as
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY
STATE OF IOWA )
) ss:
JOHNSON COUNTY )
This instrument was
Inc.
before me on , 20_ by Matthew J.
and City Clerk, respectiv ly, of the City of Iowa City.
Notary PVblic in and for the State of Iowa
or Seal)
((and Rank)
(Stam
Title (
3
me on
Of
20_ by
Public in and for said County and State
or Seal)
� Rank)
Marian Karr
From:
frank williams <jm800155@hotmail.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 6:42 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
chauncey
I do hope you deny Mr Moen his building project. If you want more affordable housing in downtown,this is not
the way to go. Seems only those with a lot of money can afford the apartments. I can't see how this project will
help this city at all. I just see it blotting out the sun and making the downtown a nice grey color. You have to see
past the GREEN COLOR that only MR. Moen can see.
Frank Williams II
1123 Pine St
Iowa City,IA 52240
319-530-2380
jm800155 (i0otmail.com
Marian Karr
From: N/R cogan/strampe <cellardoorspress@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 11:13 AM
To: Council
Subject: Concern re Shadow construction
Attachments: REDUCTION.pdf
Please include in City Council " packet."
Thank you.
Nancy Adams -Cogan
REDUCTION
The sky stretched
Personal Comment:
It's the sky I miss,
When buildings rise higher and higher,
the sky once seen
more sky views are blocked, hidden
as an inverted bowl
from our eyes; views that were free for
containing Creation
all to enjoy, to be read, to follow
containing creatures,
through changing conditions.
The sky stretched
Views that were free for all. No tax
horizon to horizon,
benefits. Not there for profit. Only
Iowa sky open to all,
available now to penthouse people.
where we creatures
Only high lives deserve wide open sky
watch weather coming
views, as they look down on the
cloud forms changing
world?
storms passing by
blue skies smiling
It's the sky we are losing sight of in
grey skies to ponder
these big gulps taken from it, and now
dark sky displaying
swallowed.Tree top height seems
far stars and planets,
natural to us, more comfortable in
scale. Craning our necks for a glimpse
The moon climbing
of sky is for overgrown cities. In our
bright silver or golden,
Iowa city, sky matters. It's the lights of
sailing pale at noon,
sky we are losing from our sight, as
sun rising or setting
limited by constructions.
in glory given us by
the sky's light -shows
I missed attending the City Council
passing through time.
meeting after being out of town. This
is what I might have said, given the
It is the wider sky I miss.
opportunity.
With sincere concerns,
nancy adams-cogan Nancy Adams -Cogan
cellardoorspress@gmail.com 1117 St Clement's Alley
Iowa City 52245
Marian Karr
From: Tim Weitzel <tweitzel.email@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 11:18 AM
To: Council
Subject: Letter Council Regarding the Gilbert and College parcel redevelopment
On the eve of the rezoning approval of the Gilbert and College lot, I suggest that Council should take this
opportunity to re-examine the selection process and shed light on any potentially undisclosed ex parte
communications or problems in the selection process in general.I'm writing not expressly in favor or against the
Chauncey Development. I'm not a member of the Iowa Coalition Against the Shadow or the Episcopal Church,
and I did express my opinion that the lot should be zoned to a maximal density and not an intermediate one
while on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
I hope that City Council will take this opportunity to review the RFP and proposal acceptance process. Serious
allegations by members of the public have been raised about insider information for the proposal that was
selected. The Moen Group has completed several high quality construction projects, including historic
rehabilitations and new buildings on Urban Renewal lots which have been paid back ahead of time in previous
TIF funding.
Regardless there are concerns in the community that specific details that were ultimately stated as being the
reason the Chauncey RFP was accepted were not public or available in the RFP itself. I'm aware of 5 units that
were required to be purchased back, but clearly we are not going to meet our need for median income housing
with this proposal either. The City is not leveraging much in the way of public good for the 20 year loan
offered, certainly not a much as we could hope for with such a large public investment.
The development of open lots in the Downtown is an important opportunity to maximally increase density and
provide workforce housing, a specific goal of the RFP for Gilbert and College lots proposal. A number of
projects met that specific goal but were turned down. Blame shifted to growing disapproval in the community to
those who support the New Pioneer Coop is a competitor to a grocery store in a Moen building and a possible
tenant for one of the excluded proposals and has been seeking to relocate downtown to achieve more complete
flood hazard mitigation. Full disclosure: my wife is a member of the New Pioneer Coop, but I am not opposed
to the current project out of spite because I am not opposed to it in the spirit that was given in the RFP. Other
projects also maximized energy efficiency and in one case provided a good opportunity to avoid casting shadow
on the Episcopal Church and provide continuous light to the relocated park, which will need to be rebuilt
anyway.
I think having the community invest in this redevelopment project is potentially a good thing --the lot is under
utilized and no historic buildings will be affected, and the CB2 and C135 zones to the east do provide a
transition as they step down in density from the Central Business District to the RM-12/OPD historic
preservation overlay and RNS-20 districts around College Green Park, but we as a community stand better
served if the project is not solely to benefit market rate -high rate housing and a boutique entertainment venue,
part of which is already successful in its current location. I just ask that the Council revisit their decision making
process and publicly clarify the reasons they chose the current project over others. I understand that this is
somewhat ancillary to the specific rezoning, but rarely do we have a public selection process that first chooses
the development and then asks for the appropriate zone.
Sincerely,
Tim Weitzel
Iowa City
Marian Karr
From: Anita Ruppert <aruppert53@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2015 12:05 PM
To: Council
Subject: "New 15 story building"
This correspondence will become a public record. I have lived I IC for over 69 years. I think the council spends
too much money and time focused on the downtown area. Street repairs are ignored. If Mr. Moen has such a
great idea for this project, why does the City need to subsides him again? We need to wean some of our long
time developers from using tax money to further increase their worth? Coralville takes enough $ from our
schools and other needs, please don't let IC go down this path. If this building is such a great project, banks
should be lined up to finance it. (My opinion is this is just more IC money given to certain people that have
become more wealthy at the Citizens expense) Thanks for reading this, Fred J Ruppert 1135 Denbigh Dr IC
Late Addition/Handouts
June 1, 2015
Page 2
ITEM 3d(13) WALDEN WOOD PART 10 -RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WORK FOR
THE STORM SEWER AND SANITARY SEWER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
FOR WALDEN WOOD PART 10,... — Added P & Z minutes.
Setting Public Hearing:
ITEM 3e(6) CONVEY 725 E. DAVENPORT STREET - RESOLUTION SETTING PUBLIC
HEARING FOR JUNE 16, 2015, ON A PROPOSAL TO CONVEY A SINGLE
FAMILY HOME LOCATED AT 725 EAST DAVENPORT STREET — See
resolution
Correspondence:
ITEM 3f(5) Jim Cochran: Iowa City Code 9-8-1 (two abreast bicycle riding) - Staff
response included
ITEM 3f(7) David Robertson: Crime at Wetherby Park
Ifular Agenda:
M 5b NORTH EAST CORNER OF COLLEGE STREET AND GILBERT STREET
[CHAUNCEY] — REZONING APPROXIMATELY 0.62 ACRES OF PROPERTY\
LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF COLLEGE STREET AND
GILBERT STREET, FROM PUBLIC (P-1) AND CENTRAL BUSINESS
SUPPORT (CB -5) TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CB -10). (REZ15-00006)
_ Added copy of Chauncey Timeline and additional correspondence
ITEM 5c VACATION OF BLOCK 43 ALLEY [CHAUNCEY] VACATING
PUBLIC ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED IN BLOCK 43, CITY OF IOWA CITY
(VAC15-00001) — Added P & Z minutes.
INFORMATION PACKETS 5/21:
IP 8 Planning and Zoning Commission: May 7 — See corrected Attendance Record
INFORMATION PACKET 5/28:
IP 3 Memorandum from City Clerk: Revised KXIC Radio Show schedule
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Marian Karr
From: Brad Mowrey <brad m owrey@gmail.com >
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2015 12:55 PM
To: Council
Subject: no TIF money for The Chauncey monstrosity
This correspondence will become a public record.
To the honorable members of the City Council of Iowa City, I implore you to PLEASE NOT GIVE $14.2 MILLION DOLLARS
IN TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHY!
It's simply outrageous. I don't support that building, you put your thumb in the eye to New Pioneer and all its members,
you've done the same to Trinity Church, but most maddening is the TAX CUTS FOR THE SUPER WEALTHY. If Mr. Moen
can't pay for it himself, then it shouldn't be built! It's shameful and I simply can't believe you folks don't get that.
Probably because you're all wealthy also?
Sincerely,
Brad Mowrey
May 31, 2015
TO: City Council Members
RE: Chauncey Proposal
FILF-D
MAY 2 9 HIS
City Ueri
l0\tia City, ion a
I am a resident of Plaza Towers, one of those buildings portrayed by some as a glass tower in which the
elite live. These people also advocate additional glass towers are not appropriate or needed for
downtown. As a retired single female, I argue first that these high rises are occupied by a mix of people,
not only the financially elite. Second, young professionals, students, and retirees desire to live
downtown and they are looking for housing that is clean, convenient, and safe. Projects such as the
Chauncey meet these criteria and are needed. I have to ask, "does not the rule of supply and demand
work here; if there isn't a market for additional high rises, then why does the Moen Group succeed in
keeping their properties occupied?"
If given approval, will the Moen Group make money? Of course they will; does anyone really believe
they are going to absorb the liability and risk without the expectation of a profit? But approval or
denial of the Chauncey project should not be based on the money or power the Moen Group will attain
but rather on questions;: (1) what has been the impact on the city by this developer's past history of
restoration efforts or construction of new facilities and (2) will Iowa City gleam benefits from this
proposed development?
Has Iowa City been impacted positively by this developer's past efforts? My experience says: "yes."
The high rises are more than a residential center. Fund raisers (Mission Creek Festival) and receptions
for various organizations (the homemade bike display) are frequently held at the Plaza Towers,
conferences (EntryFest) utilize space and lodging, and individuals host personal activities such as
weddings and reunions: I have only mentioned a few of the most recent events held here, but it is
obvious people perceive the Plaza Towers as a place that can accommodate their needs.
During the recent EntreFESTconference it was easy for me to overhear dialogue exchanged between
participants. I heard them voice their admiration for our downtown area, saying how great it would be
to live in an environment like this. I agree it is great and I wonder: if you were to remove the glass
towers from downtown, would Iowa City be the host of conferences such as EntreFEST? And would
people leave Iowa City speaking so well of it?
Before relocating to Iowa, I looked at several cities. After a tour of Plaza Towers, I knew I had found
"home." When friends. visit, I love to show off downtown Iowa City; and all agree, Iowa City has what
many cities have tried unsuccessfully to create. One confessed he couldn't understand why I had been
so adamant about moving into the Plaza Towers until he visited; then he said, "Connie I get it; I finally
understand why this is where you wanted to settle. " The Chauncey offers a life style that appeals to a
large population. Like the Plaza Towers and Park 101, it will not appeal to everyone's taste; but, in large,
it is a popular look that sells an area.
Sure, some resent the Moen Group and its success. But, as a downtown citizen, I like the fact that this
group puts back into Iowa City. They donate large amounts of time, expertise, and personal money to
the community. Check out any program at any event, and there is a high chance you will see them
represented either as a financial donor or as a board member. Is this the kind of developer you want on
your team? I do.
The governing agencies of Iowa City have done amazing in creating a place where people like to spend
time .... and money. I hope this trend will be continued and the Chauncey will soon be under
construction. If we are to be proud of Iowa City five years from now, Iowa City must maintain its
momentum and that momentum is determined by you, the City Council.
Thank you. I appreciate your consideration of my thoughts and I am confident you will look at the big
picture in your evaluation of what is right and wrong for downtown Iowa City.
C--) 4C "� e
Connie Dobbins
221 E. College Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: 816/752-6521
F I L r
MAY 2 9 2015
City Ueri
!OV"a Citv, lava
_7 � 11 5�
Marian Karr
From: Pettit, Joseph E <joseph-e-pettit@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2015 12:05 AM
To: Council
Subject: I oppose the rezoning for The Chauncey
To the City Council of Iowa City:
I cannot attend the council meeting tomorrow (June 2, 2015), but I have attended most of the meetings about the
rezoning proposal for The Chauncey, and I have this final thing to say about this issue.
I have noticed that most everybody who has spoken in favor of The Chauncey in recent meetings has benefited
or will benefit from this new tower. Whether it be Jim Mondonaro, who owns several establishments in Iowa City and
Coralville, the head of Meta Communications, or even the architect of the tower, who expressed a wish for his office to
be there and earlier mentioned that two FilmScene theaters would be located there, the people who support this
project have a vested interest in its success. These people are some of Iowa City's business elite, making a concerted
effort to boost their own wealth and worth, not to mention leaving a lasting mark on the city (and intruding on a
transition zone), with improving downtown life a secondary goal, if it ever will happen.
The people that this project will attract, if it is approved and completed, will be people with enough wealth or
connections to be able to afford a luxury condominium in The Chauncey --what some of the supporters have
euphemistically called "bringing diversity to downtown." People who move in may then go on to sponsor or cheer for
another Moen -led project, thus continuing what the Daily Iowan called the "Moen-ization of Iowa City," albeit in a more
approving context than what I see it as.
A secondary concern I have with The Chauncey is that I also do not know how safe it would be if a tornado were
to hit downtown. I would hope that the architect has planned for this possibility by using impact- and/or shatter -proof
glass, but I would prefer to know what his plans rather than cross my fingers and hope that The Chauncey would not
become a hazard to people living inside or near the tower should a tornado come downtown again.
Thank you for reading this message, and I hope that you all will decide wisely.
-Joseph Pettit
-Vol.ld , 5�
Marian Karr
From: dswenson88@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 7:37 PM
To: Council; Matt Hayek
Subject: Chauncey
I support the Chauncey development proposal at College and Gilbert. The lot has been an empty lot since I
moved here in 2008. It is time for progress. The idea of it casting a shadow on the church is ridiculous.
Dan Swenson
505 Iowa Ave
Iowa City IA
X6'1 5L/-V-
Marian
G
Marian Karr
From: Bruce Haupert <brucehaupert22@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2015 3:30 PM
To: Council
Subject: Rezoning of Chauncey
This correspondence will become a public record.
Dear Folks:
We cannot attend the hearing tonight, but Melanie and I do wish to voice our unswerving and strong support for
any and all actions which must be taken by the Council, tonight and in the future, to approve the construction
of the new Moen Group building on the Chauncey site. I only wish that we could have contributed as much to
Iowa City as have Mark, Mark's brother, Bobby, and Monica. And, this building is the MOST exciting of
all. Thanks.
Bruce Haupert
3692 Forest Gate Dr. NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
H 319-351-1149
C 319-541-2426
brucehaupert22Agmail. com
Vacation Item
VAC15-00001: Discussion of an application by the City of Iowa
City for a vacation of the western 160 feet of alley right of way
in the block bounded by College Street, Gilbert Street,
Washington Street and Van Buren Street (Block 43, City of
Iowa City)
P1
btlpVhmw.iogov.a glsite/CMSv2/ReWplamingywban/ZoningM3p.pdf
CB5 / CB2
E WASHINGTON ST
E WASHINGTON ST
IPr0posed vacation for the western 160 feet of
the alley right of way in Block 43.
P1
E
hapJlw.lcpovorprsur—MSv2/Fie/plamirVuibarvZmn gMap.ptlf
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT,
SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND ESTIMATE OF
COST FOR THE FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE
IOWA CITY SOUTH PART 1 DUCT
INSTALLATION, 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, special provisions and estimate of cost
for the construction of the Fiber Infrastructure
Iowa City South Part 1 Duct Installation in said
city at 7:00 p.m. on the 2 t day of June, 2015, said
meeting to be held in the Emma J. Harvat Hall in
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,
special provisions and estimate of cost are now
on file in the office of the City Clerk in 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