HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-29 Bd Comm minutes ^__ CITY OF I O .WA CITY 4
! 1& MEMORANDUM
Date: May 15, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Historic Preservation Commission
Re: Recommendations from Historic Preservation Commission
At their May 10, 2018 meeting the Historic Preservation Commission approved the April 12
minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 11-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local designation of the
Clinton Street and Railroad Depot Historic District. The District includes the properties on
the east side of Clinton Street from 530 South Clinton Street to the Iowa Interstate
Railroad tracks.
Additional action (check one) _
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
APRIL 12, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Esther Baker, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Gosia
Clore, Sharon DeGraw, G. T. Karr, Cecile Kuenzli, Pam Michaud,
Ginalie Swaim, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: John Beasley, Richardson Carlson, Ted Heald, Alicia Trimble
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
By a vote of 11-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local designation of the Clinton
Street and Railroad Depot Historic District. The District includes the properties on the east side
of Clinton Street from 530 South Clinton Street to the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CLINTON STREET AND RAILROAD DEPOT HISTORIC DISTRICT.
Bristow said that the historic preservation component of the Comprehensive Plan encourages
the identification and preservation of properties and neighborhoods that are significant to Iowa
City's architecture and culture. She said that after the 2008 flood and because of the loss of the
Sabin School, FEMA directed that a study would be done, partly to mitigate for that loss.
Bristow stated that the study was done by Richard Carlson and Marlin Ingalls of the Office of the
State Archaeologist. She said that the goal was to identify the last historic properties in the near
south side, what is now called the Riverfront Crossings District. Bristow said the area is
developing rapidly, and the plan was to take action to protect historic properties proactively.
Bristow said the study identified a potential historic district along South Clinton Street, extending
east to include the Rock Island Railroad Depot and adjacent properties. She showed a diagram
with the black dashed outline referring to the proposed historic district according to the Carlson
and Ingalls study. Bristow said the red line is the current, revised district boundary.
Bristow said that a subcommittee of the Historic Preservation Commission met to discuss the
integrity of some of the other buildings in the larger outline and the lack of really cohesive
proximity with the area south of the railroad track. She said that is how the boundary came to
be decreased.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 2 of 15
Bristow stated that the proposed historic district is a step toward implementing the Downtown
and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. She said the plan identified historic properties that could
be kept when other development occurred in the area.
Bristow showed a slide from the Central Crossings portion of the Riverfront Crossings District.
She said that some of the buildings are shown as tan. Bristow said the tan buildings are
existing buildings that would be considered retained buildings as part of the master plan. She
said that all of the white buildings signify new development. Bristow said that the area, the
same area in the red outline, was comprised of buildings that the Master Plan intended to keep
as part of an historic feel for the developing area.
To implement the plan, Bristow said that the City Council also adopted zoning codes to provide
incentives to encourage the continued use of historic buildings, including flexibility in how zoning
laws are applied to designated properties such as reduction in parking requirements, waivers or
modifications of setback and height standards, and, in some cases, allowed uses of properties.
She said that in this Riverfront Crossings District, development rights may also be transferred to
allow the continued use of historic buildings, plus additional bonus development square footage
may also be transferred and added to other properties.
Bristow said that there are also financial incentives. She referred to the State and federal tax
credits. Bristow said there are also local tax exemptions for the increased value after an
extensive rehabilitation is done on a property.
Bristow stated that the first step in establishing a local historic district after the owner meeting,
which was held several months ago, is the discussion and public hearing with the Historic
Preservation Commission. She added that the next step is consideration by the Planning and
Zoning Commission and finally, consideration by the City Council.
Bristow said this district is anchored on the south side by the railroad depot and the hotel across
the street from the depot. She said it continues with a tree-lined street with residential
properties. Bristow said this street leads north toward the National Register-listed Johnson
County Court House, which was built around 1901, about the time when some of these houses
were built; and continues north to downtown.
Bristow said there is a South Side District, where the railroad really formed a boundary between
manufacturing and working-class housing south of the track and some working-class but more
middle-class housing that is north of the track. She said the neighborhood became very
important because it was designed in recognizable styles - styles that one can still see today-
and also because known local and regional architects and builders were used.
Bristow said the study refers to South Clinton Street as one of Iowa City's more important
residential streets in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She added that while the City's
most expensive homes at the time were built on Summit Street, Brown Street, and College
Green; South Clinton Street was a popular location for middle class, architect-designed
residences during this period. Bristow said that part of the integrity and cohesiveness of this
district is the fact that these buildings were all constructed by these architects and builders, and
it has retained an integrity of style and massing of the buildings in the area.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 3 of 15
Bristow said the staff report refers to the known architects of these buildings. She said that 604
South Clinton Street, however, was not built by a known architect or builder, but it is in a very
distinct style. Bristow said that at one point very early in its history, it was raised, a new
foundation was put in, and a new porch was constructed, but one can see that this style is part
of the stick style. She stated that it is really a transitional style from the Italianate with its big
cornice brackets and a big frieze board like this, moving into a Queen Anne style, which is a
little more eclectic.
Bristow added that the house at 604 South Clinton is the J. Walter and May Parvin Lee house
and was the first house built in this particular district, in 1878. She said that J. Walter Lee was a
grocer and merchant, and he and his family lived in the house for 20 years. Bristow said that it
has been a rental property since then. She stated that it has a very high degree of architectural
integrity.
Regarding 530 South Clinton Street, the Eugene and Olivia Paine house, Bristow said this
house was a George F. Barber design. She said that Barber was a regional architect who found
a lot of prominence and success by mass marketing his designs. Bristow said that the house
has some very interesting details. She said that if one compares it to the Bloomsbury house,
another Barber design, on College and Summit Streets, they both have a lot of brick detail and
carved stone or concrete details.
Bristow said that the front porch on 530 South Clinton Street has been removed, the gable has
changed, and there have been some other changes. She said that the plans to this house are
available, and none of these things are changes that she feels really harm the architectural
integrity of this house. Bristow said that everything that has been done could be undone, and
the house is a really good example of the Barber houses and something that is a Queen Anne
style with a lot of detail in the brick work.
Bristow said the next building constructed was the Passenger Depot, which really helped the
neighborhood expand. She said it was built because the original station, about four blocks to
the east, was getting a lot of traffic so that a secondary station was needed. Bristow said it is in
a kind of Romanesque-type style.
Bristow said that the depot is already listed on the National Register. She said that it has had
some changes, but they have been very sensitive. Bristow added that it would still be eligible to
be listed on the National Register today if it were to be newly registered. She pointed out that
the criteria for the National Register change over time, and they are a little bit more stringent
now.
Bristow said that the report discusses which houses are individually eligible, based on the
Carlson/Ingalls report.
Bristow discussed 614 South Clinton Street, built by O. H. Carpenter, one of the local architects.
She stated that the house has had some changes but would still be contributing to this district.
Bristow said the changes involve removal of the porch and siding changes, things that could be
reversed. She said the house does not have quite the same amount of detail seen in the other
houses, but it does still have the hallmarks of designs by Carpenter.
Bristow said 614 South Clinton is the Ellen Donohoe house. She said that Donohoe lived next
door at 612 South Clinton while this house was being built.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 4 of 15
Bristow said that the house at 612 South Clinton Street was also designed by O.H. Carpenter
and was built in 1907 in the location of the new hotel across from the Music Building on Clinton
Street. She said it was in the 300 block but then moved in 1948 to this location. Bristow said if
one looks at the 1911 photograph from before the house was moved, it looks pretty much the
same. She discussed the change in the columns style and said that the columns, floor, and
baluster would have been removed to relocate the house.
Bristow stated that the house has a high level of integrity as a design by Carpenter, because it
really hasn't been changed much since it was moved and really did not change much before the
move either. She said that moving houses was common in Iowa City, and it is well-documented
in the multi-property documents for Iowa City that many of the houses that were moved during
an historic period still retain their National Register eligibility.
Bristow said the house also has an interesting design in the front gambrel roof. She said the
shell design is unique to this house.
Bristow said that after the railroad depot was built, O'Reilly, who was a saloonkeeper, decided
to speculate and built the hotel at 624 Clinton Street in about six months, although it did not
open until the next year. She said it was part of what filled in this neighborhood and gave it the
sense of character that is there now.
Bristow said the hotel was built as a commercial, brick structure. She said there have been
some changes, as it was originally just a hotel. Bristow said that in the 1950s some apartments
were put in, and then later it became all apartments, in 1957. She said that it still has a high
integrity of its original construction as well.
Bristow read from the report's conclusion: This neighborhood, anchored by the passenger
depot on the southern edge, retains a high degree of integrity as the last remaining vestiges of
the 1870s to 1910s near the south side development. As one of the last intact residential
neighborhoods in the Riverfront Crossings District, each contributing building essentially retains
the same massing, roofline, and window pattern as it did during its period of significance.
Where features are missing, they could be reconstructed. As a group, they tell the story of the
development of a middle-class neighborhood that gained prominence through the use of known
architects and prominent builders. They also provide a connection between the passenger
station, the hotel, and the residential neighborhood leading north in the direction of the Court
House and Downtown. The Clinton Street and Railroad Depot Historic will preserve this historic
residential context for the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
Bristow said that in order to move forward with this, the Commission needs to determine that
this group of buildings, this potential historic district, meets several approval criteria. She said
that it needs to meet criterion A: significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture,
and archaeology and culture and criterion B: possesses an integrity of location, design, setting,
materials and workmanship. Bristow said that it also needs to meet one of the following - C:
associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history; D: associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; E: embodies the
distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a
master or possesses high artistic values or represents a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components may lack individual distinction; or F: has yielded or may likely yield
information in prehistoric history or history.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 5 of 15
Bristow said staff finds that the proposed historic district meets criteria A and B as the last
remaining intact collection of buildings in this near south side neighborhood that developed as a
middle class neighborhood and further developed in association with the railroad and the
passenger depot. She said staff also finds that as a neighborhood that included buildings
associated with the railroad, the district also meets criterion C, which is events significant in our
history.
Bristow said staff finds that the district also meets criterion E in that buildings were either
designed by well known or local or regional architects, built by well known local builders, or are
intact, distinct representatives of specific types. She stated that the Commission may also find
that the district meets criterion D in its association with a prosperous coal dealer- Payne, a
speculator or saloonkeeper- O'Reilly, in addition to the architects and builders involved, which
makes this meet criterion E.
Bristow said that the recommended motion at this point is that the Commission move to
designate the Clinton Street and Railroad Depot Historic District based on the criteria for local
designation A, B, C, and E.
Swaim discussed the procedure for the public hearing. She asked any speakers to sign in with
their names and addresses and state their names. Swaim asked speakers to limit themselves
to five minutes in the initial round of comments. She said that when everyone has had two
opportunities to speak, the public hearing will be closed, and the Commission will ask questions
of Bristow, discuss the information, and then vote.
Public hearing open:
Beasley said he represents John Roffman, who owns several buildings impacted by the
proposed motion. He said they want to be on record as opposing the motion and asked that the
Commission deny it.
Carlson said that he is one of the authors of the report and the author of the historic district
nomination for the National Register Historic District. He said he is pleased that this has finally
come before the Commission.
Carlson said that the south side of Iowa City is nearly as old as the rest of the City, and the
whole area was platted two years after the City was platted. He said that the area has been
devastated by urban renewal and other changes since the 1960s. Carlson said that practically
nothing remains, but the small district does remain, and he hopes that the Commission will
forward this to the Planning and Zoning Commission and that the City will approve this as an
historic district.
Swaim thanked Carlson for his work on this.
Trimble said that she represents Friends of Historic Preservation. She said that Carlson's report
was very clear. Trimble said the Commission was reminded by the City Council, by two
previous City Councils now since the cottage issue, that it is to look in this area for any more
buildings or districts that need to be designated. She said this is therefore being done at the
City Council's request.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 6 of 15
Trimble said it is apparent that many of these properties are very important to Iowa City history.
She said the Commission is well aware of the work that has been put into all of these properties
and aware of what an important architect O. H. Carpenter was, as well as other players such as
O'Reilly. Trimble said these are important properties to protect.
Public hearing closed.
Builta said that preserving the history of these locations and adding districts is what the
Commission does, he questioned why the Commission wouldn't approve this. He asked how
making these buildings and this area an historic preservation district would penalize the people
who own these properties or live near this area.
Boyd said he noticed in the staff report that there are credits that can be applied and transferred
to other buildings. He said there is an opportunity here for additional benefits to the property
owners.
Builta said there must be negatives though, or everyone would be in favor of this district
happening, especially people who own those buildings and would gain the tax credits. He said
that doesn't seem to be the case always.
Swaim said it is the situation of any house in a district - if the owners are doing exterior work, it
would require a building permit and would come before the Commission as an application to be
reviewed. She said that is a relatively streamlined process with very quick turnover for the
many applications that may be reviewed by staff or staff and the chair. Swaim said that the
applications that come before the Commission are reviewed at the monthly meeting.
Swaim said she believes strongly in preservation. She said that the Commission reviews kinds
of improvements or maintenance that keeps the houses in good repair and increases their care,
character, and longevity. Swaim said the review process may slow things up for people who
want to get started tomorrow on replacing or repairing something but not in any serious way.
Kuenzli said that Carlson clearly did a very thoroughly researched and considered study. She
said that Carlson's recommended district was larger than the one the Commission is
considering and asked why this was downsized. Kuenzli said it would enhance the impression
of neighborhood if the area that was originally included on the other side of Prentiss Street were
included.
Swaim stated that the other houses had quite a bit of alteration. She said it would have been
harder to restore them. Swaim said they don't retain as much historic integrity as the houses
being included here.
DeGraw asked if it is known if this part of the railroad was part of the underground railroad.
Swaim stated that it was not.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve the designation of the Clinton Street and Railroad
Depot Historic District, based on the following criteria for local designation: Criteria A,
B, C, D, and E. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
Swaim stated that this will go on to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which looks at this for
other criteria.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 7 of 15
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS - CONSENT AGENDA:
706 East College Street.
Bristow said this is a consent agenda item. She said there is going to be a lot of work done
here. Bristow said the Commission will be voting on reconstructing a brick chimney where the
metal chimney is, possibly reconstructing a part of the porch along Dodge Street, and replacing
a window with an official egress window and increasing the window well. Bristow said there is a
lot of other work to be approved by staff.
Kuenzli asked if the applicant intends to restore the railing around the porch on the ground floor
and in front of the gable on the second floor. Bristow said that is possible. She said the
applicant is applying for State and federal tax credits and might also apply for tax exemption,
depending on what the owner's budget allows.
Bristow showed an historic photograph of the property from between 1920 and 1966. Swaim
commented that there are sometimes photographs of historic houses in Iowa City on The
University of Iowa website at University Libraries.
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 706 East College
Street as presented in the application with the following conditions: spindle design will
be approved by staff. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
818 South Summit Street.
Bristow said this house is on the far southern edge of the Summit Street Historic District. She
said it is a Queen Anne type of house but does have a few free classic details. Bristow said she
would not really know what the style is until she could see under that siding.
Bristow said the current project is for the replacement of the two windows on the second floor on
the south side and the one window on the second floor on the north side. She said that at the
time of the staff report, she only knew that they had been replaced, the type of window, and that
they were resized.
Bristow said that since then staff has spoken to the applicant. She said that as one can see, the
single-story area in back is an addition, put on some time after 1948 but before 2012. Bristow
said that these windows went pretty much down to the addition roofline. She said the applicant
said that the windows needed to be replaced, because they were very deteriorated. Bristow
said one can see how the splashing off the roof would cause the windows to be deteriorated.
Bristow stated that currently, staff would entertain the idea of making these shorter windows.
She said that they would need to be appropriate windows, not the flange-mounted, vinyl
windows that they are currently. Bristow said that staff would like to work with the applicant to
get windows that are a little bit longer than this. She said that they would not need to be this far
off of the roof edge to be maintainable. Bristow said that staff could see having these replaced
with a shorter-sized window so they do not cause the recurring problem caused by the earlier
addition.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 8 of 15
Bristow said that on the other side, the applicant says that a shorter window is required because
of a kitchen counter. She said that is something the Commission has seen happen and has
approved. Bristow said that in this case, it is in the back portion of the house and faces an alley.
She said staff feels that it could be approved to have a window that clears the counter on the
inside. Bristow said the type of window and making sure that it is a window that is the correct
width, is not flange-mounted, and is not vinyl is what staff would recommend. She said at the
point the staff report was written, there was a suggestion to deny the application.
Bristow said that after speaking to the applicant, staff would recommend a motion that could
allow a change in the window size, but it should be an appropriate, approvable window. She
said the siding would also need to be blended in to match. Bristow said that currently the
bottom piece is a piece of white siding, and it would need to be matched in a little bit better.
Wagner said he believed this house had windows that were replaced a few years ago that were
not the right ones. Bristow said that part of the 2012 project involved some of the windows on
the first floor addition area. She said that the work was done without a permit, but this
configuration of windows was approved. Bristow said it did go through the Commission to
adjust what had been done. She said that some of the window work here was done in 2012
with some approval.
Karr asked if the applicants would just be expected to put a piece of metal siding back in where
the white is on the siding. Bristow said that with a house like this, hopefully someone in the
future will remove that synthetic siding and then all of it could be repaired so that it is seamless.
She added that it does make a window change like this problematic, because it is harder to
replace or piece in siding that is faded and old. Bristow said that she would like to see them
somehow match or blend with that. Bristow said that typically what should be done would be for
them to remove some of the surrounding pieces so that longer stretches could be put in so that
there is not the distinct line of where the old windows were.
Heald, the owner of the property, said that the north side just needs a coat of paint on the one
right bit of the siding. He said it was too cold to paint at that time, but it wouldn't be a white strip
after painting.
Heald said that this is a very old building. He said it changed owners about a dozen times
between 1890 and 1920. Heald said it was divided into a duplex around 1920. He said that in
the 1940s and 1950s, there were two small apartments in the basement of the house.
Heald said that the south facing windows had to be changed out four years ago, and he did get
a permit for the work. He said that at that time, the deteriorated tall windows upstairs were the
cause of a serious leak of rain water into the kitchen below.
Heald said that ultimately the whole roof structure, indeed the whole southeast corner of the
lower apartment, none of which was original, had to be rebuilt. He said that a big part of the
problem was caused by tenants who used the upstairs windows to sunbathe on the roof.
Heald said that this past winter he has been doing extensive renovation of the upstairs
apartment, all of which was interior work. He said that in the course of remodeling, he had to
deal with the old window on the north side. Heald said the window was unusable, deteriorated,
located behind the stove, and partially hidden by the overhanging countertop and cabinets.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 9of15
Heald said he told his carpenter to take out the old window and install an insulated, new window
with the same width but smaller in height, in order to fit above the stove. He said that replacing
the window was a very minor task in the overall project, and it was finished about two months
ago.
Heald said he did not realize that a building permit was required for exterior work. He said he
has no excuse. Heald said he should have known better, and he apologizes profusely. He said
the question now is how to move forward.
Heald stated that he is impatient to get this apartment rented. He said that it has been vacant
for six to seven months, and he needs the income. Heald said he can live with the
Commission's decision but asks that this window be allowed as a permitted, non-conforming
window, only visible from the alley. He said that from Sheridan Street down to the railroad
tracks, the whole 800 block is all duplexes. Heald said that across the street on Summit, the
four buildings are all modern construction duplexes. He said it is not as historic as further north
on Summit Street.
Heald said it is ironic that he is dealing with this, since he is a long-time supporter of historic
preservation and the mission of this Commission. He said that 20 years ago, the old bridge
over the railroad on Summit Street was replaced with a fine, pedestrian-friendly new bridge.
Heald said that when the bridge was re-opened, he owned the Summit Street Gallery and
hosted many neighborhood events. He referenced a photograph and said he was chosen to cut
the ribbon and open the bridge for traffic. Heald said that in his remarks he referenced the
Historic Preservation Commission and told the schoolchildren they were lucky to live in a town
that preserved its rich and unique history.
Heald said his building has had a long and checkered history. He said that the front side is the
important side for its historical affect. Heald said he looks forward to having the Commission
help him decide how to remodel the front porch.
Regarding the southeast corner of the property, Agran said he is sympathetic to how close that
is to the roofline, although it would not have been close to that roofline before the addition. He
said those original windows did last for a long time, even in that proximity.
Agran said that if those windows were full length, he wondered if the metal-clad wood windows
that the Commission approves would have been more maintenance free and have held up to
the proximity of the water a little bit better. He said that either way, if they were to be replaced
and they could be longer, he would be in favor of that.
Agran said that otherwise, there is such a mishmash of windows on the whole house. He said
that part of what the Commission looks for is maintaining consistency. Agran said that what he
would be most sympathetic to would be if the windows are left at this certain size, that the size
is in keeping with other historic windows on the property.
Agran said that if the lower right windows are original, maybe that length could be matched. He
said that as the windows are changed out, he would like to see it not add to the chaos but add
to the rhythm of the house. Agran said it would be the same for the new one on the other side.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 10 of 15
Kuenzli said she agreed with Agran that there is a hodgepodge of window sizes and styles here.
She said that if the windows on the southeast corner could be longer to fit in better, the effect
would be less jarring.
Karr said that for him there are kind of two questions for the northeast corner and the southeast
corner and those involve the window openings themselves and the other involves the material
used. He said he feels that, regarding the opening on the northeast side being raised to
accommodate a kitchen, which the Commission has approved, he is less concerned about the
size of it. Regarding the material, Karr said the Commission has a standard as to what is
expected for window materials.
Regarding the southeast corner, Karr said that he feels like both the opening is perhaps too
small and, as pointed out, the materials are non-conforming. He said he would be in favor of
appropriate materials for all windows, the opening in the northeast window remaining as is, and
the opening in the southeast with new windows, perhaps better fitting and matching the house.
Agran said that there were times when the Commission did allow a vinyl window to be retained,
specifically the vinyl window put into the shed structure on the North Side and Van Buren Street.
He said that this is a contributing property and asked about the opportunities for the departure
from a prohibition of non-conforming materials.
Regarding the house on Ronalds Street discussed by Agran, Bristow said that the play structure
is an outbuilding. She said that the guidelines do have exceptions to sometimes allow vinyl
windows in an outbuilding specifically, but not in a primary structure. She said that for a primary
structure in an historic district, the guidelines only allow a wood window or possibly a metal-clad
wood window. If there are water issues in a basement, Bristow said that at times a fiberglass
window would be considered, according to the guidelines.
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve the northeast window as presented in the application
for 818 South Summit Street with the following conditions: the window opening, the
window materials, and the siding to be approved by staff and the chair. Builta seconded
the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve replacement windows and window openings for the
southeast windows at 818 South Summit Street with the openings, siding, and materials
to be approved by staff and the chair. Builta seconded the motion.
Boyd said basically this gives staff and the chair the tools to work with the property owner, who
cares about the neighborhood and wants to do the right thing. He added that the Commission
also needs to be consistent about its enforcement of the guidelines. Boyd said the Commission
needs to make a decision so that this can move forward and be figured out.
Agran asked, when the decision is about work that has already been done, since the applicant
is eager to rent the property, what is the timeline on getting the work done after a motion has
been approved. Bristow said that she can begin working with the property owner right away
regarding the type of window, how to deal with the siding, and even the size of the opening on
the southeast side. In terms of a timeline for getting things done, she said that because of some
of the changes in the rental permit process, that is where the policing of this kind of thing
happens.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 11 of 15
Bristow said that in order to continue the rental permit, the work will have to be completed. She
added that the rental inspector does work with staff, especially on historic properties. Bristow
said that if they know that work has been approved, it's in the line of the contractor's job, and•
someone is hired to do the work; if it can't get in until the next month, somehow the rental
inspectors will work with staff and the owner, because getting it done appropriately is important
to them as well.
Michaud said what is being suggested in the proposal is to use two windows that are very close
to the size and spacing of the lower right pair. Karr said the motion is for staff and chair to
approve\opening, window materials, and siding replacement. Michaud said that she was on the
Commission in 2012, when there was quite an issue with work on the back of the house. She
said that at that time, she would say ahead of time that if one is at all thinking about changing
the adjacent window that faces north, if you're thinking about changing the one that is the size
that was already replaced, this is the time to get approval for it -the third window.
Boyd said that would be required anyway -that every window replacement would have to have
that because this is in an historic district.
Bristow said the packet has a photograph of these windows before they were changed and a
photograph from the 2012 project. She said one can see that there were two windows, spaced
normally. Bristow said the spacing between them hasn't changed. She said the windows are
shorter and also slightly narrower, because the flange-mounted window has a different type of
installation. Bristow said that getting the proper window will end some of that problem to some
degree.
Michaud said that since she has a porch roof just like this, she can empathize with the owner.
She said she can also foresee down the road the owner trying to replace the window that is right
next to this, and she wants to avoid that. Swaim said the point is that if someone even wonders
if something might be under the Commission's purview, he or she should contact Bristow for
information.
The motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
325 South Summit Street.
Bristow said this house is on the other end of the Summit Street Historic District. She showed a
photograph of the house before it was purchased. Bristow said the new owners have removed
all the asbestos siding, and the house is going through substantial renovation. She said there
was some work done without a permit.
Bristow said that with this house, the one entire section is an addition that was done sometime
after 1948. She said that on the 1933 to 1948 Sanborn map, there was a single-story open
porch in this corner. Bristow pointed out all of the two-story areas that were added after 1948.
Bristow then showed the two windows that the applicants have removed because they have a
larger walk-in shower/bath surround in a bathroom in that area. She said she did not know if it
was originally a bathroom or what was originally there in this addition to the house.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 12 of 15
Bristow showed a window in a wall facing inside the built-in area that was also removed and
relocated to the wall adjacent to that. She showed where the window was and where it is now.
Bristow said the owners want to put a window there to get light into the bedroom.
Bristow said that at some point the plan was to remove part of the awkward construction. She
showed where if part were to be removed, the window almost aligns with the window above it,
so staff might possibly have felt that was an appropriate window location. Bristow said that since
the other window is currently inside, staff may not have ever had to review this; it is somewhat
undetermined.
Bristow showed the addition with the gable coming down and where the two windows were
removed. She said the addition really meets the gable in an awkward way and shows that it is
an addition. Bristow said the other photograph shows that however another part was built, it
butts into the side of another part also in a very awkward way.
Bristow stated that the whole portion of the house is all an addition that was done prior after
1933. She said staff feels that, since this is an addition that is 100% on the back of a house that
is undergoing substantial changes and will soon look much better after the siding is fixed and
this is painted, this is an acceptable change and recommends approval.
Karr said that he is amazed that owners of two homes on Summit Street are not aware of the
requirements for exterior work on homes in the most prominent historic district in the City.
Bristow commented that she discussed with the homeowners the work to be done and even
talked about which items would require a permit, but the work was done anyway. Karr said the
Commission needs to find a way to get the message out.
Swaim said the issue has two parts. She said the message needs to get out and also, people
need to realize that the message is serious.
Michaud asked if the owners would keep the outside entrance to the bedroom where they want
more light. Bristow said it is one of the last things they will do if their budget allows. She said
the owners want to get rid of the asbestos siding, and there are also a lot of other things to
clean up here.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 325
South Summit Street as presented in the application. Clore seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF.
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review.
825 North Johnson Street.
Bristow said this involved a roof replacement.
Minor Review- Staff Review.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 13 of 15
413 Church Street.
Bristow said this project involved a porch structure. She showed a small wall, which is not
original to the house, beside the stairs. Bristow said the stairs will be rebuilt without the wall,
keeping the railing, with a little skirting matching the other side of the stair. She said that it will
help keep water off the stairs so that they don't deteriorate as quickly.
Intermediate Review- Chair and Staff Review.
708 Grant Street.
Bristow stated that the non-historic awnings and windows on this porch are being removed.
203 North Linn Street.
Bristow said that non-historic awnings on this house are being removed. She said this is a
landmark property.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MARCH 8, 2018:
MOTION: Baker moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
March 8, 2018 meeting, as written. Builta seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 11-0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Regarding the need for people to seek a permit to do certain work, Bristow said that the annual
mailing will be sent out next week instead of in June. She said the staff intern put together a
newsletter at the suggestion of the Commission.
Bristow said that Augusta Place is having a groundbreaking ceremony on April 27 at 4 p.m.
Swaim added that it is the building around the Unitarian Church. Bristow said staff would like to
see as many Commission members as possible attend, because of the work that was done to
save the church.
Temporary Historic Property Tax Exemption.
Swaim said she and Bristow met with assessors from the City and County to explore what is in
place and how it can be promoted in terms of property tax exemptions. She said they will report
more on this later. Swaim said the process is not used very much, but the process is there.
Bristow said they want to work with the Supervisors to make this a streamlined system and to
have something on one of their websites to say that this exists so that more people know about
this.
City Park Cabins Restoration Visit Video.
Bristow showed the three and one-half minute video to those interested.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2018
Page 14 of 15
Landmark Properties.
Swaim said that the landmarks will be before the City Council on Tuesday at 7 p.m. She asked
Commission members to show their support.
New Historic District.
Wagner asked if there would be a new Commission member from the neighborhood if the new
district is approved. Bristow agreed that there would be a new member. Swaim stated that the
new Commission member could be a renter.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
TERM
NAME EXP. 6/15 7/31 8/10 9/14 10/12 11/9 12/14 1/11 2/8 3/8 4/12 5/10 6/14
AGRAN, THOMAS 7/1/20 X X X X X X X X X X X
BAKER, ESTHER 7/1/18 X X X X X X X X X X X
BOYD, KEVIN 7/1/20 X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X
BUILTA, ZACH 7/1/19 X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X
CLORE, GOSIA 711/20 X X O/E X X X O/E O/E X O/E X
DEGRAW, SHARON 7/1/19 X X X X X X 0/E X X X X
KARR, G. T. 7/1/20 -- X X X X X X X X X X
KUENZLI, CECILE 7/1/19 X O/E 0/E X 0/E X X X X X X
MICHAUD, PAM 7/1/18 X X O/E X X X X X X X X
SWAIM, GINALIE 7/1/18 X X X X X O/E X X X X X
WAGNER, FRANK 7/1/18 O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
— = Nota Member
• OS
,
Minutes Approved
4b(2)
Human Rights Commission
April 17, 2018
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Jeff Falk, Joe Coulter, Adil Adams, Cathy McGinnis, Jonathon Munoz,
Barbara Kutzko, Eliza Willis, Tahuanty Pena.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Others Present: Andrea Cohen, Samantha Wiedner.
Call to Order:
Willis called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM
Approval of March 20, 2018 and March 29, 2018 Meeting Minutes:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of March 20 with edits; the motion was seconded by
Kutzko. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. (Adams not present).
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of March 29; the motion was seconded by McGinnis. A
vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. (Adams not present).
Funding Request from Iowa United Nations Association:
Funding in the amount of$250 for an exhibition of posters showcasing the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights was requested. McGinnis moved to approve the funding request for$250; the
motion was seconded by Coulter. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. (Adams not
present).
Adoption of Strategic Planning Report 2018:
Areas of Interest by Commissioner: Coulter (Public Safety and Housing); Kutzko (Community
Outreach/Support and Education); McGinnis (Public Safety, Housing, Education); Pena
(Education and Housing); Falk (Housing and Education); Adams (Community Outreach/Support
and Education); Jonathan (Community Outreach/Support); Willis (Education and Housing).
Commissioner Coulter moved to accept the report; the motion was seconded by Pena. A vote
was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
Collaboration/advocacy with the Iowa City Community School District:
Willis, Falk, and Coulter have attended several meetings organized by the Black Voices Project.
The meetings have evolved into discussions on the unfair treatment of Black and Latino youth in
the Iowa City schools. Things that can be to get Commissioners more involved in solutions are to
invite the school's equity members to human rights meetings, attend school board meetings,
volunteer at the schools, or work on incorporating vocational rehabilitation into the schools.
Pena, Falk, McGinnis, and Willis will head the education group for the commission.
Date for the Youth Awards is May 9 not May 10. Willis will be added io the list of Commissioners that attended
The Night of 1000 Dinners.
1
Minutes Approved
Human Rights Commission
April 17, 2018
Helling Conference Room
Lending Disparities in Federal Mortgage Data:
In February 2018, Reveal, a program of the Center for Investigative Reporting, issued a report on
housing mortgage disparities in the US. Iowa City was listed as a location with very high rates of
denial for Hispanic applicants. Falk has recreated the study done by Reveal. Hills Bank appears
to have a high number of denials for Latinos. Falk would like to provide Hills Bank with a copy
of his report and ask representatives from the bank to attend a future meeting to ask them
questions relating to the study. Falk moved to invite a representative from Hills Bank to a
Commission meeting to ask them about the large disparities in loan approval for Hispanics; the
motion was seconded by Pena. No Vote Taken.
Commissioner Coulter moved to table the vote until the next meeting to allow time to seek the
legal advice of the City Attorney on whether inviting a representative from Hills Bank would
create any legal liability for the Commission; the motion was seconded by Kutzko. A vote was
taken and the motion passed 7-1 (Falk in the negative).
Know Your Rights:
On April 2, Willis, Pena, and Munoz went to the Broadway Neighborhood Center to provide
outreach on fair housing. It was a small turnout, but a productive discussion. On April 4, Willis,
Pena, and Adams went to the Pheasant Ridge Center and also provided a fair housing outreach
session. Things to consider for future sessions are child care and inviting landlords.
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant:
A news release will be going out the following week to notify the public on the newest grantees.
Youth Awards:
Kutzko and Willis will review the Youth Ally submissions and select a recipient on behalf of the
Commission. Willis will introduce the honorees at the ceremony, Pena will do the introduction,
and Munoz will close. Kutzko will hand out the certificates.
Fair Housing Proclamation:
Falk accepted the proclamation at the Council's April 2 meeting date.
Fair Housing Trainings:
Two complimentary fair housing trainings were held on April 17 to celebrate the 50TH
Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Both sessions were well attended and spent a considerable
amount of time on emotional support and companion animals.
Iowa City Pride 2018: •
Willis, Coulter, McGinnis, and Pena will alternate times to staff a table at this community event
being held on June 16.
2
Minutes Approved
Human Rights Commission
April 17, 2018
Helling Conference Room
Juneteenth:
The event this year will continue with the annual Trailblazers Awards on June 22, followed by
the community celebration on June 23.
Reports of Commissioners:
McGinnis provided the link to a course being taught over the summer on Teaching and Learning
Iowa's History.
Coulter reported on the Fair Housing training he had participated in earlier in the day.
Kutzko will be attending the FasTrac fundraiser and recently was appointed to the Board of
Directors for the Jones Academy of Performing Arts.
Adams recently attended a program on politics in the Sudan.
Commissioner Falk encouraged other Commissioners to listen to This American Life, the Three
Miles episode.
Commissioner Munoz mentioned that this summer the days of the week will match up with the
dates of the original Constitutional Convention.
Willis noted a recent program on Hate Crimes was informative and well planned.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 7:45 PM.
The next Commission meeting will be on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.
•
3
•
Member Attendance Sheet
Member Term 1/9 1/23 2/28 3/20 3/29 4/17 5/15 6/19 7/17 8/21 9/18 10/16
Exp.
Aron 1/2021 Present Excused Present Excused Resigned Resigned
McGinnis 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present
Munoz 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present
Kutzko 1/2020 Excused Present Excused Present Present Present
Falk 1/2020 Present Present Present Present Present Present
Pena 1/2020 _ Present Present Present Excused Present Present
Coulter 1/2019 Present Present Present Present Present Present
Adams 1/2019 Present Present Present Present Present Present
Willis 1/2019 Present Present Present Excused Present Present
4
05-29-18
j CITY OF IOWA CITY 4
'° ' tcriel MEMORANDUM
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their May 17, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the April 5 minutes
with the following recommendation to the City Council:
1. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ18-00002 an application
submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned
Development Overlay/High Density Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density
Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road with
the following conditions: (1) Relocation assistance minimum of$1000 and nine months
to find new housing; (2) two story limit on buildings; (3) design review; (4) outdoor
amenities and; (5) Cap on three bedroom units of 30%.
2. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB18-00007 an application
submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus,
a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft
Avenue.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
_ Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action - Done
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 5, 2018—7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
E M MA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark
Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer,
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Sarah Walz
OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Vogel, Jason Walton, Ross Nusser, Ray Anderson, Laureen
Ipsen, Bob Guyer, Marsha Anderson, Nancy Purington, Curt
Moore, Sara Barron
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ18-00002 an application
submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned
Development Overlay/High Density Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily
(RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road with the following
conditions: (1) Relocation assistance minimum of$1000 and nine months to find new housing;
(2) two story limit on buildings; (3) design review; (4) outdoor amenities and; (5) Cap on three
bedroom units of 30%.
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB18-00007 an application
submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus, a 173-
acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft Avenue.
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00015):
Discussion of an application submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of
approximately 7.84 acres from Interim Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone
to Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property located west of Camp Cardinal
Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road.
Miklo noted the Commission received a revised plan in the packet mailing as well as revised
elevation drawings via email. The plan has been modified to increase the setback from Duck
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 2 of 13
Creek Road and Highway 218. The setback was previously 35 feet and it is now 65-67 feet
which makes the closest point from the buildings 230 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of
Highway 218. In order to accomplish the greater setback, the applicant has added a floor to
each of the two northern buildings. Miklo explained the Zoning Code does allow additional
height for greater setback to a point, however this building as proposed would still be 10 feet
above what would be allowed by that exception. Therefore the applicant has amended the
application to include a Planned Development Overlay, which does allow the City Council, upon
the Commission recommendation, to waive dimensional standards including height.
Miklo noted the applicant also amended the plan to include four deck areas that are adjacent to
the pond on the north side of the property. Larger decks, with the greatest dimension of 40 feet
on the two corners and then two smaller decks. Miklo did share with the applicant the
Commission concerns regarding more details or amenities for those areas and the applicant
then submitted an illustration showing a gazebo-type structure that would be included on the
larger decks. Miklo also shared the Commission concerns about the elevation drawings and
need to address this development as the first thing one would see when entering Iowa City off
Highway 218. Miklo also discussed with the Fire Marshall the possibility of using grass creek or
pervious pavers in the areas for fire access only. The Fire Marshall is open to that possibility
but would want to see a specific plan showing how it would be engineered to accommodate the
load of an emergency vehicle. Miklo also shared with the applicant the idea of prairie plantings
in some of the area of the right-of-way. He discussed that with the Public Works Department,
and they were receptive of that idea. There was also discussion of the possibility of larger trees
at the time of planting being mixed in, not all of them because a smaller tree will grow faster and
be healthier for the long term. Finally, as discussed all along, Miklo stated there would be a
Conditional Zoning Agreement that would specify use of sound deadening materials (such as
laminate windows and masonry construction).
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Brian Vogel (Hall & Hall Engineers, Inc.) stated that for all the additional requests the
Commission asked for during the work session the applicant is willing to make those changes.
Freerks said that part of the changes was building design.
Vogel said they are willing to make some modifications to the building, they will work with the
architect. Perhaps they did not understand the magnitude of design changes the Commission
was expecting or requesting. As far as the trees, the applicant is willing to plant larger mature
trees, they will do pervious pavers where the fire access locations are, and do the prairie
plantings in the right-of-way.
Theobald reiterated her concerns from a previous meeting regarding some of the evergreens
species that were selected. Vogel replied that the applicant is open to any species that are
requested.
Freerks noted the Commission is focusing in on this application due to the request for additional
height. There is already a waiver and now there is an additional exception of 10 feet of added
height beyond the waiver. She added that the new setbacks are further than before, but still not
300 feet from the right-of-way of Highway 218. She noted that a buffer from the highway is in
the Comprehensive Plan but not a zoning requirement, however since they are requesting a
Planned Development Overlay the 300 foot setback can be required. She feels that this
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 3 of 13
development is trying to push in a density of units into a space not suited for that density.
Quoting from the OPD section of the zoning code if waivers are to be granted, there needs to be
a facilitation of desired neighborhood amenities or open space; to preserve or protect natural,
historic, or cultural features; to achieve compatibility with surrounding development; or to create
a distinctive or innovative neighborhood environment. Those reasons are why the Commission
is requesting an improved building design. She noted the problem is when they don't have
anything set regarding design standards, they have seen other cases where overtime design
gets watered down and developed and built at a lower standard. Freerks is hesitant about this
application without seeing any guarantee.
Miklo stated that with a Planned Development Overlay a building plan is approved along with
the site plan. Miklo said there is a building plan, but Freerks acknowledged that the
Commission doesn't have the building plan shows the building design elements the Commission
has discussed.
Vogel stated the building is designed with high standard materials, expensive stone work and
other materials, it will be a nice building. With regards to the height, the three-story building will
actually look taller than the four story buildings due to landscape elevations. Vogel noted the
owner is willing to work with the City on every request, as they have been doing so. Freerks
noted the applicant has not given them everything they asked for, commissioners had requested
a better building design and have not seen that. Vogel said there needs to be more specifics on
what a "better building design" entails.
Theobald noted that this current design looks like every other apartment building in town, they
are trying to embrace the "distinctive and innovative" key words from the Code. Martin added
that this development is along a major highway and an entrance to Iowa City so they are looking
for something that makes a positive statement or impact.
Hensch acknowledged that the applicant is trying to do everything the Commission is asking,
and he feels they are very close but in exchange for the approval of the height variation there
are criteria that need to be met. Yes, the building looks like it will be made with quality
materials, but the "distinctive and innovative" design is not being shown.
Freerks stated that another option is for the applicant to lower the density of the development,
then they wouldn't need the variation on height and the Planned Development Overlay criteria.
Vogel noted a frustration because with the first plan there wasn't the added height, but it was
requested to try to get further away from Highway 218. Therefore, they have comeback with a
design with the added distance, but to do so they also needed to add height.
Hektoen stated there has been an articulated public need to negate the sound and pollution
effects of being close to the interstate. The Commission has the right, the power, granted by
State law to impose conditions that are in addition to the Zoning Code that are intended to meet
those public needs. So even though the 300-foot setback requirement isn't a Zoning Code
requirement, it doesn't mean it isn't very important or that there aren't public needs created by
putting a building up this close to the interstate.
Vogel stated the applicant understands and agrees that the distance and the need to negate
issues is important and that is why they agreed to using the higher end, sound deadening,
materials.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 4 of 13
Miklo asked for a clarification on what materials will be used.
Jason Walton (Walton Builders) stated the building is 2x6 constructed with a masonry product,
they will also use a blow-in insulation product that will be of greater sound deafening, the
windows are spec'd out for sound mitigation, the same windows that were used in the Hodge
building on Rohret Road. The stone is a manufactured stone, there is a building in Coralville
constructed of the same product. For the interior, it will contain the sound protection between
walls and floors and all the fire code items met. On the exterior there is a vinyl siding on the
upper floors and some of the area around the windows is a mason panel.
Freerks appreciates this is slowly moving along however wants the applicant to understand
what they are trying to achieve here.
Walton noted that it is hard to see from architectural drawings, he has built hundreds of houses
that all turn out spectacular even if the drawings weren't. He personally feels this building is
designed nicely and they are trying to keep this development in the affordability range, they
have already gone above and beyond what they were originally anticipating, they have added
additional stonework, beefed up the landscaping significantly, and need to keep some of the
budget for other challenges that may arise. He noted this is a challenging site to work on, and
they have internally been going back and forth on what design looks better (flat roof versus
pitched), etc.
Freerks appreciates that and noted that it is not up to the Commission to design the building,
which is not their forte. She stated again if they remove some density to the project, all these
issues go away.
Martin feels they are close and acknowledged the applicant has done some of the things that
the Commission has asked.
Walton stated that their interest (the applicants) is the same, it is in their interest to have a very
nice building so people will want to live there, and he is just struggling with what the
Commission wants specifically.
Miklo asked the Commission about the apartment building that was recently built on Rohret
Road, also adjacent to Highway 218, if they felt that was distinctive. The Commission agreed it
is an attractive building.
Walton stated that one of the concepts the applicant had considered, was similar to that, but it
was changed to have a hipped roof, trying give the buildings more neighborhood feel. Freerks
suggested Walton work with staff and they can help guide them in the right direction. Walton
noted he would like to keep this moving forward.
Signs asked his fellow commissioners if they are down to the design of the building. He wants
to give the applicant the right direction since they have asked at the last three meetings for
additional things. Parsons agreed he is fine with everything except the design of the building.
Freerks agreed. Theobald asked to see more of the detail on landscaping and species of trees.
Miklo asked the applicant if they would agree to defer this until the April 19 meeting and Walton
agreed.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 5 of 13
Hensch moved to defer REZ17-00015 until the April 19 meeting.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ18-00002):
Discussion of an application submitted by Ross Nusser for a rezoning of approximately 1.89
acres from Planned Development Overlay/High Density Single Family Residential (OPD/RM-
12) zone to Low Density Multifamily Residential (RM-12) zone for the property located at 1705
Prairie Du Chien Road.
Walz noted that before the meeting Staff distributed a letter they received from one of the
neighbors regarding this development. She stated that the Commission discussed the rezoning
two meetings ago and the Commission had requested a couple of things. First requested was a
better sense of what was being proposed and then also a baseline for a relocation plan for
current residents.
Walz reiterated how they got to this point. The North District Plan, when written, contemplated
that the current mobile home park might one day go away and there was a desire expressed in
the Comprehensive Plan to maintain a diversity of housing so it contemplated a small apartment
building would be appropriate at this location, particularly when Foster Road extension was
completed. The Comprehensive Plan talks about the Foster Road extension making possible a
greater variety and a greater density within the neighborhood. When the Commission reviewed
the Foster Road rezoning it was discussed that the models looked at for transportation would
provide some cross-connectivity that might alleviate the traffic south of Foster Road on Prairie
Du Chien. Therefore, the applicant has proposed a development with a 24-unit apartment
building in two parts, with most of the parking underground, they have provided a setback from
the adjacent single-family property to the south, with an exterior playground area. It was noted
in the neighborhood meetings the desire that this property be somewhere that invited longer-
term residents, including families.
The other issue Walz noted was the proposal for relocation assistance which the applicant will
have to speak to.
Freerks asked if there were any waivers or special issues with this application. Walz replied
that it is not an Overlay Development Plan like the previous application. Freerks asked if the
Commission would see this application again, or if the design would just be approved by Staff.
Miklo confirmed that was the case unless the Commission conditioned the approval.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Ross Nusser(250 Holiday Road, Coralville) is the applicant and can discuss the relocation plan.
They have not worked out all the specific nor been in contact with the residents since the last
meeting, they are willing to commit to $1,000 in relocation benefits to each resident who is in the
trailer park. They are also willing to offer a minimum of nine months for relocation after the
approval of rezoning.
With regards to the design, the plan they are showing tonight is just conceptual as there are still
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 6 of 13
discussions with regards to the other parcel and what the City or neighboring residents might
want or desire there, perhaps a driveway that connects to Foster Road. He noted that they are
trying to appease so many different people so it is not easy. They did review the North Side
District Plan and acknowledged it notes that the area should be reserved for small buildings of
multi-family housing to maintain a mix of housing in the area and with the images they are
sharing tonight he feels they can achieved that but cannot commit to an exact design at this
time. He added they just won't know exactly what will work best until they get through the
zoning process. He reiterated that the first priority is the transition of the current residents and
the second priority is how a development will mix with the neighborhood. They are currently
showing a two-story building, there is the ability to do a three story building within the zoning
they are requesting, but they don't feel that would fit within the neighborhood. Nusser stated
that the images shown of possible buildings were drawn just for the benefit of the Commission,
but they do only want to move forward with the best intentions. Nusser will continue to work
with City staff on the best solutions for moving forward and will meet any restrictions imposed
upon them.
Martin asked why this is a work in progress and not a complete design at this time. Nusser said
it is a work in progress because at this time they do not have any title or connection to the area
that is City of Iowa City right-of-way. One of the biggest questions from Nancy Purington and
some of the other neighbors is the connectivity to Foster Road which cannot happen if they do
not have title to the connection area.
Freerks commented on the conversation about curves and right-of-way and she noted that if the
development connects via Foster Road it will be at a curve there too and therefore doesn't see
one option as being better than the other. Nusser noted it is more of an issue that they want to
make accommodation for the people who live in the area and the neighbors have indicated their
interest is to have the connectivity to Foster Road versus Prairie Du Chien. Nusser personally
doesn't have a preference, but this is out of respect to the neighbors. Freerks understands but
feels it would be more difficult of a design to connection via Foster Road.
Parsons asked if they anticipate the buildings being mostly one and two-bedroom units. Nusser
confirmed that is the intention.
Freerks asked about the outdoor amenities. Nusser said they are open to including any
required outdoor amenities. Hensch added that if the goal is to have long term tenants in this
development then having nice outdoor amenities is necessary, such as play areas for families,
etc. Nusser agreed.
Hensch also noted his concern with traffic and stated with the new Foster Road, it is hard to
anticipate what the traffic will be. Freerks stated with one and two-bedroom units it won't be a
huge increase in traffic to the area.
Signs stated that with some of the input from the last meeting and the letters the Commission
has received, it seems that if there is a traffic problem it is not relevant to this particular piece, if
people are speeding in the area then that needs to be address separately.
Ray Anderson (2155 Prairie Du Chien Road) lives north of this area and has another property
on 1 Caroline Court which is on the corner of Prairie Du Chien Road and can't for the life of him
see why the City would want to put an apartment complex in that area, it is a big area of single
family houses, mostly small ranches with nice yards and feels this will change the whole nature
of the property. Anderson states he has lived in the area for 40 years and Prairie Du Chien is a
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 7 of 13
heavily traveled road with lots of traffic from the developments to the north. He is happy that
Foster Road is being extended but doesn't feel an apartment complex is going to do anything at
all for the residents of the area. Anderson foresees a lot of traffic safety problems with a
development of that size in the area. He added that the sidewalks on that side of Prairie Du
Chien stop right there, before the freeway, and it is dangerous seeing people bicycling and
walking there and to expand the number of people in this area is not a good idea.
Laureen Ipsen (1710 Prairie Du Chien Road) said her house is directly across the street from
the proposed driveway of this development. She said that the statement that the driveway would
either spill out on Foster Road on a curve or Prairie Du Chien on a curve is true but the
difference is in the width of the roads. She notices now people trying to make a left turn into the
trailer park and cars can really get backed up and feels that will only get worse with the addition
of Foster Road traffic coming to Prairie Du Chien. She added that Prairie Du Chien is a narrow
road already being shared with bicyclists and Foster Road will be two lanes with added bicycle
lanes so if this development entrance was off Foster Road it would be easier for people to get
around the cars stopped trying to make a left turn into the development. Ipsen has talked with
many residents on Prairie Du Chien and they are already having problems backing out of their
driveways onto Prairie Du Chien. In this proposed development she counted 72 parking spaces
and that puts a lot of pressure on an already narrow, busy street with bicyclists. Ipsen asked if it
would be possible to have the design flipped so the driveway goes to Foster Road and the two
story bigger building is closer to Prairie Du Chien.
Freerks noted what most people want is for these driveways to be further away from major
intersections and the City agrees as it is safer. Ipsen understands but stated it puts a lot of
pressure on Prairie Du Chien. Miklo said they could look at a scenario where the buildings and
driveway are shifted to Foster Road, but that may not be possible with the topography and staff
cannot commit to a driveway onto Foster Road.
Signs added he heard a willingness from the developer to do this if possible, but right now it is
unknown, a lot depends on how Foster Road is developed.
Ipsen asked if the units in the development will be apartments or home-owned condominiums.
Miklo stated that the City is not able to control that with zoning. Ipsen added that in talking with
several other residents there is a concern with the speeding on Prairie Du Chien, it is a problem.
She also asked if it is possible to hold off on the development of this application until it is seen
what the traffic patterns will be once Foster Road is complete. Freerks stated that is not a fair
request to the developer. Currently there are 12 units on this property (mobile homes) and this
development will only be adding 12 more units (total of 24 or so apartments).
Signs added that there is some urgency for this development because the current owner has
concern regarding their sewer collapsing. Ipsen understands and noted she has also lived in
trailer parks and understands the concerns. However, she is wondering if a traffic survey can
be done she feels it would be beneficial.
Bob Guyer (1529 Prairie Du Chien Road) asked if there are plans for a traffic light at the
intersection of Foster Road and Prairie Du Chien. Miklo replied there are no plans for a traffic
light at this time. Walz added there has to be a certain amount of traffic before a traffic light is
warranted but once it reaches that threshold they would contemplate a light. Guyer said having
one would help to slow down the traffic on Prairie Du Chien Road and people on Foster Road
will have a difficult time getting onto Prairie Du Chien Road, especially during prime times.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 8of13
Freerks acknowledged that a traffic light will likely be in the works at some point. Guyer asked
how much traffic is needed to warrant a light and noted that it took 30 years to get one at the
corner of Prairie Du Chien and Dodge Street. Walz stated that the traffic model that was looked
at with the extension of Foster Road showed that some traffic would be taken away from Prairie
Du Chien. Guyer stated it is difficult getting out of driveways on Prairie Du Chien, it can be
dangerous. He has made many complaints to the Police Department. Walz said they can make
a request to put the speed trailer sign up and acknowledged it is an area that probably does
experience some speeding because of the transition from rural to urban areas. Guyer reiterated
his whole complaint is traffic, he understands people are going to build what they are going to
build, and adding to the traffic is a concern.
Marsha Anderson (1543 Prairie Du Chien Road) stated the area is already a hazard, there are
100's of bicyclists, pedestrians and children that try to go over the freeway on a path that has no
area for pedestrians or bicycles. It is not a safe road and traffic on it should not be increased.
There are many types of vehicles on that road, motorcycles, water craft, etc. that all speed and
she can hear tires squealing, it is dangerous and they don't want more traffic there.
Nancy Purington (1706 Prairie Du Chien Road) thanked the Commission for allowing her to
speak and for reading her letter. When listening to the others from the neighborhood this
evening she sees that she is not the only one who has observed and experienced traffic issues,
so she is not going to talk about that. She is curious if this is the night where they will vote in
changing it from RS-12 to RM-12. Walz explained that the Commission will provide a
recommendation to be forwarded to the City Council and the City Council will make the
decision. Purington stated that when reading the information in tonight's agenda packet that
dealt with the first applicant, the criteria for review of a Planned Development Overlay (which
Freerks noted this current application is not a Planned Development Overlay), and this current
application still reflects the conceptual premises used to develop neighborhoods. The density
and design of an area will be compatible and/or complimentary to adjacent development in
terms of land use, building mass and scale, relative amount of open space, traffic circulation
and general layout. The development will not overburden existing streets and utilities, the
development will not adversely affect views, light and air, property values and privacy of
neighboring properties and the combination of land uses and building types and any variation
from the underlying zoning requirements will be in the public interest, in harmony with the
purposes and with other building regulations of the City. Purington said these things should be
thought of with any consideration of change of zoning.
Freerks agreed and noted that the Commission must think of a lot of things. Purington then
encourages the Commission to not change the zoning of this area, especially since they have
not seen what could be done with the way it is zoned now. Even though it is a humble street, it
is very consistent in the architecture, there are under five houses that were there at the early
part of the 20th century and for the most part post-WWII mid-century modern little bungalows
and changing that area to multi-family dwellings, that are two or three stories, are all things that
will not create a welcoming entrance to the city. This is also an entrance to the city, there is a
very nice development on the county side and it gets more modest as you enter town. This
proposed development is a jarring change, it looks very commercial and this is not a commercial
street, and it is all single family dwellings. The question that arose at the neighborhood meeting
regarding a space for the people that would live in the development as well as for the neighbors
to use is not necessary, all the neighbors have their own yard space. Purington reiterated that
this is a jarring disruption visually to have multi-family buildings, especially two stories,
everything else in the area is single story. There is an opportunity here to keep one long stretch
of homes consistent, which seems to be the goal when looking at changes, to keep things
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 9 of 13
compatible. Purington stated that in the first meeting they had with Nusser he did show little
duplexes and the neighbors that were there preferred those, these large buildings were not
preferred. It doesn't fit with the neighborhood at all, on either side of the interstate. Purington is
questioning what development could be done in this area without changing the zoning and
keeping it consistent because that is one pleasant quality of that street. It is a calming area that
is single-family oriented. This development will disrupt property values, it will change the feel.
Curt Moore (3169 Dubuque Street NE) thanked Signs for addressing that this is two separate
issues, this tonight is about rezoning, and the street issue is totally separate. He came before
the Commission during the discussions of the Foster Road extension and that there would be a
development on the corner with potentially a commercial building and another 100 units down
the road, no one came and said anything at that discussion, and he was the only one. He can
appreciate the issues the residents of Prairie Du Chien may have, he lives on Dubuque Street
and he also cannot back out of his driveway, traffic gets backed up from the interstate to his
place and he's a quarter of a mile away, so he understands what road conditions are. Moore
reiterated that this is a zoning issue and they are bending over backwards. When Moore was at
the first community meeting at the grade school for the Vintage Coops, he probably asked 50%
of the questions and there were probably 50 people in the room. Everyone was all for Foster
Road extension and one of the issues was what would happen to the trailer court and when
could it be gotten rid of. At that meeting it was said that was not the issue of discussion, only to
discuss Foster Road. Now it is time to do something about it, it's time to clean it up, time to
make Iowa City better and for the Commission to look at the big picture and this application is
part of it. Moore added that they are on a time schedule in terms of the sewer and water, it will
not last, and they have a solution for the transition of the current residents. Moore also noted
that there are other areas around this development that have been rezoned and could have
apartment buildings put on them, this is just in the middle of that, but the rest of the area is not
always going to be single family homes.
Sara Barron (Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition) wanted to express the Coalition's
support for the continued push for relocation assistance as the City is allowing these
redevelopment projects. There was some question on how that was going to come into play
and it was great to hear Mr. Nusser address that tonight with the offer of relocation assistance to
all the residents. The Coalition stresses the need to prioritize the impact it has on residents that
are living in areas that may very well need to be redeveloped, but to keep thinking about the
impact it has on those families.
Hensch asked Barron how she viewed the proposed relocation proposal offered this evening.
Barron said she could not speak for the residents and cannot offer a specific dollar amount but
does think there are some good resources that show costs associated with relocations and if the
$1000 proposed will be sufficient. She added that the yearlong period is more generous than
what is normally required for relocation projects.
Freerks asked what the amount was that the City Council agreed upon for the relocation of
residents displaced from Dolphin Pointe. Hektoen thought $500, noting there were a couple
different pots of money that were available to those residents.
Laureen Ipsen (1710 Prairie Du Chien Road) noted she did get sidetracked with the traffic
issues and did want to say before they change the zoning if they could see if there is an option
to keep it the same zoning and what would the builders have options to do.
Freerks stated that the Commission cannot require that, there is a cost involved in all these
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 10 of 13
things and to ask a developer to show options for things other than what they are requesting
would be a burden and something the City does not require. Freerks said someone from the
City probably could say how many units could be on this property if the zoning stayed the same.
Walz said townhomes could probably be done with the current zoning, likely a dozen to 18
townhomes, but it would have to be laid out with driveways, etc., to be exact. Miklo added that
the Comprehensive Plan specifically shows this area as low density multi-family versus high-
density single family. Walz added at the intersection of two major streets it is not unusual to see
low density multi-family. The other goal with this particular property was the idea if the trailer
court went away to replace it with something that diversified it and gave opportunity for housing
that might tend to be more affordable.
Ipsen understands what they are saying but still feels the density will change the dynamic of
Prairie Du Chien and it may not be as inviting looking depending upon how it is built, it will affect
the single family dwellings in the area. She suggests leaving the zoning as is and see what a
townhouse concept would look like.
Bob Guyer (1529 Prairie Du Chien Road) asked if Planning and Zoning has any input or power
as far as relocation benefits to the people.
Freerks stated it was something the Commission talked about recently. Hektoen stated the
State Code allows the City Council, and Planning and Zoning advises City Council, to impose
conditions on an owner of a property that are in addition to the zoning code requirement. The
conditions must meet public needs that are identified as a result of the rezoning request. In this
case there is a public need because people will be displaced by this zoning and imposing a
condition can mitigate the impact on the displaced persons.
Guyer acknowledged then that the Commission has input. Freerks confirmed they can make a
recommendation to City Council and City Council has already put a stipulation that if there are
12 or more that are being displaced relocation assistance must be included. In this case it is 9
or so, therefore under the required number, however there are other issues in this case such as
low income, difficulty in moving the trailers, some are owner-occupied, some are rentals, and
there are many concerns. Guyer stated that the $1000 proposed for each family would not go
very far toward moving is expensive.
Nancy Purinqton (1706 Prairie Du Chien Road) acknowledged that where Foster Road connects
to Prairie Du Chien it will make a corner but surrounding that whole area are single family
dwellings. Up the street there is a trailer court that will be reversed back to four single family
lots once any change happens and that will be consistent with the neighborhood. When
Purington called the City to ask about that several months ago they said it would have to be four
single family lots and the dwellings would have to be consistent with the architecture on the
street. Purington questions how this area is any different.
Freerks reiterated that this area in the Comprehensive Plan was specified for low density multi-
family so that is what the applicant is asking for. The Comprehensive Plan was discussed
publicly at one time. Walz added when Foster Road is constructed there will be that remnant
piece land that is left over that is not developable on its own and therefore this application
property becomes the defacto corner lot. In the case of the other trailer court, it is in the middle
of a neighborhood, surrounded on all sides. Miklo added that the Zoning Code does not require
single family houses to be compatible or in character with the others in the neighborhood. That
would only be required if it were in a historic preservation overlay.
Purington said is seems strange the City would encourage dissentient in design and not
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 11 of 13
harmony. Regardless the rest of the street is always going to be single family residents and will
not change. Foster Road is different, it will be a different type of street, and there is an
opportunity to put in a bunch of different things at once. This will disrupt the entrance to the city
and the harmony of the neighborhood.
Signs stated he feels Purington is driving on a different Prairie Du Chien then he drives on
because as he drives on Prairie Du Chien from Dodge Street north, consistency is not a word
that would come to his mind. There is a wide variety of housing styles and lot sizes. Purington
disagreed.
Parsons asked to see the map of all the zonings in that area. He noted there is already RS-12
south of the application property. Miklo said the area is RS-12, the City recently approved a
planned development to allow multi-family attached units in the RS-12 zone for the Vintage Co-
op and adjacent properties. This application would change from RS-12 to RM-12.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to approve REZ18-00002 an application submitted by Ross Nusser for a
rezoning of approximately 1.89 acres from Planned Development Overlay/High Density
Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) zone for the property
located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road with the following conditions:
1. Relocation assistance minimum of$1000 and nine months to find new housing.
2. Two story height limit on buildings.
3. Design review being required.
4. Outdoor amenities.
5. Cap on three-bedroom units of 30%.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Hensch noted that the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, he is sensitive to
traffic issues, but that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed separately. He added he
is pleased with the applicant's offer for relocation assistance. Yes $1000 isn't a lot anymore, but
it is enough for a rental deposit.
With regards to the conditions, Freerks would like to discuss outside amenities and to make
sure they are only one or two-bedroom units, no larger.
Signs noted that when discussing outside amenities they discussed playground area for children
but typically when thinking of one or two-bedroom units you don't think families.
Miklo suggested that if a goal is to attract some families to this area, in other areas of the Code
there is a restriction to 30% of three-bedroom units, so they may want to provide that flexibility.
Signs feels that would add to neighborhood stability and less turnover in leases. The
Commission agreed to add a condition of a limit of three-bedroom units to 30%.
Freerks noted in the design review stage she likes to see the larger green space areas rather
than multiple smaller green spaces hidden amongst parking spaces.
Signs understands the neighborhoods passion for their area. He just sees the speeding on the
street and traffic as a separate issue, but the neighborhood has every right to be concerned
about it. At this point no one really knows what the Foster Road connection will do to the traffic
in that area, and the neighborhood will have to be vigilant about that and come to the City with
concerns. It just isn't relevant to for this development going from 12 units to potentially 24. He
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2018
Page 12 of 13
reiterated the public comment about no one being present to comment on the huge multi-family
development proposed along Foster Road which may impact the traffic way more than this little
piece will. Signs also likes the design of this proposal because it puts the smaller building
facing Prairie Du Chien and puts the big building behind with a frontage on Foster Road and
that helps maintain the character of smaller structures along Prairie Du Chien.
Freerks agrees and likes the current layout and the distance of the bigger building from Foster
Road will help minimize its size.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
SUBDIVISION ITEM (SUB18-00007):
Discussion of an application submitted by The City of Iowa City for a preliminary plat of Iowa
City Industrial Campus, a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th
Street, west of Taft Avenue.
Miklo stated the annexation and rezoning of this property was approved a number of years ago.
A preliminary plat was also approved at that time. However, preliminary plats are valid for two
years so the plat has expired and the City is now seeking reapproval of basically the same
design with a couple of changes. The original design had the area south of 420th Street broken
into smaller lots and they are now proposing to leave that as one outlot for future development
so it would come back before the Commission if it were to be subdivided. The plan also has an
outlot that covers the wetland area. There would be three industrial lots for development with
access to 420th Street.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one Freerks closed the public hearing.
Signs moved to approve SUB18-00007 an application submitted by The City of Iowa City
for a preliminary plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus, a 173-acre, 3-lot industrial
subdivision with 3-outlots located at 420th Street, west of Taft Avenue.
Theobald seconded the motion.
Hensch asked if the one outlot was wetlands because of the topography. Miklo believes it is
due to the topography but also a drainage way that runs through that area.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
Adjournment:
Hensch moved to adjourn.
Parsons seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 -2018
(W.S) (W.S.)
8/3 8/17 9/7 9/21 10/5 10/19 11/2 12/7 12/21 1/4 1/18 2/15 3/1 3/12 3/15 4/2 4/5
DYER, CAROLYN X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X OlE
FREERKS,ANN X O/E X X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X X X X OlE O/E X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X
PARSONS, MAX X X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD,JODIE 0/EX X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X
KEY: X= Present
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
0505
4��
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 16, 2018-5:15 PM —WORK SESSION
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Sarah Walz
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 5:15 PM.
REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006):
Discussion of an application submitted by application, submitted by North Dubuque, LLC for a
rezoning of approximately 73.15 acres of land from Interim Development - Low Density Single-
Family (ID-RS) zone, Low Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone, and Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone to Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone for approx. 50 acres of
property and Planned Development Overlay / Highway Commercial (OPD/CH-1) zone for
approx. 23 acres of property. The applicant is also requesting approval of the preliminary plat of
Forest View, a 73.15-acre subdivision, located north of Foster Road, south of 1-80, west of N.
Dubuque Street, east of Mackinaw Drive.
Walz brought materials and the presentation from the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that
was approved late last summer. She showed the area the Commission considered: the only
portions of the area currently developed are Forest View Mobile Home Park and a small cluster
of single-family houses to the east and two more single family houses in the southwest area.
When the Comprehensive Plan Amendment was approved, it inlcuded a set of goals. Those
goals were housing goals which included relocation assistance for the Forest View Mobile
Home Park, buffering Mackinaw Village from any multi-family residential that would be adjacent,
preserving the scenic character of the north Dubuque Street streetscape, and creating a
conditional zoning agreement that would guide design of buildings. There were also
transportation goals regarding secondary access for residents of the Peninsula area and traffic
functions from a proposed new intersection onto North Dubuque Street. Walz noted that the
City does not have a traffic study at this time nor do they have the Army Core of Engineers
permit that would allow for filling in the wetland areas.
Walz next discussed what has changed in the proposal since the approval of the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and noted that Staff has not completed the analysis of the
application. Previously two hotels were proposed and there was a road that passed along the
north side of the development and curve down to the south. As the developer was laying out
the site, they came to the staff with a concept that seemed to isolate the Forest View housing
behind large parking areas. Staff felt that Forest View needed a more direct access to the street
and that the location behind large commercial parking lots was not ideal or safe. Staff asked the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 2 of 8
applicant to provide another public street access. Staff also suggested more southerly location
for Forest View Drive and the developer agreed and have created a proposal with a more new
location for the road. Moving that road made some sense for a number of reasons to create a
better interface between the commercial and the residential neighborhood with large parking
lots facing Interstate toward 1-80 and away from residential uses. Walz pointed out in the map
where the commercial properties would be constructed. There would be larger commercial
uses, such as motels, and also smaller neighborhood commercial uses closer to the residential
areas, south of Forest View Drive. A gas station/convenience store is proposed near North
Dubuque. The applicant is seeking to fill one of the wetland areas for an area east of Laura
Drive, in exchange they can provide more screening from north Dubuque Street. Walz then
showed where the multi-family buildings would be located, with one set marketed as elder
housing, and then transitioning into the area where the manufactured housing would be.
Walz noted there have been emails and correspondence with concerns from residents of
Mackinaw Village regarding the manufactured housing being close to their neighborhood. The
manufactured housing will have to go through a Planned Development Overlay approval
process due to the lot sizes of the manufactured housing. The location of the manufactured
housing is a change from the proposal seen during the Comprehensive Plan Amendment
process and there has not been a "good neighbor meeting" held so that is why residents in
Mackinaw Village are voicing their concerns now. One of the concerns is the traffic on
Algonquin Drive but Walz said it should not create an unacceptable level of traffic as this is a
lower density than what was previously proposed. There is a proposed roundabout on
Algonquin Drive that transitions Forest View Drive to Algonquin Drive to slow traffic down. In
terms of the manufactured housing, Staff felt this layout was better as it made it part of the
neighborhood and not hidden from view behind parking lots and will have regular street access.
All the units will have their parking off the interior alleys with the exception of lots that back up to
west property line. These lots will maintain the tree buffer in that area. The applicant has also
proposed to not connect Flint Drive, which the requirements of the subdivision requirements
would require that connection. The criteria for alleviating that requirement are included in the
report.
Walz stated there is a lot of review still needed before the Planned Development Overlay can be
approved: staff needs to evaluate stormwater, traffic, and building elevations. She stated the
applicant is marketing this area and the buildings will be built by someone else so the applicant
beleives they cannot provide building elevations at this time. The applicant noted they will meet
the higher quality multi-family design standards. Walz said although not all is evaluated the
applicant still wanted to move forward and present the application to the Commission for
feedback.
Freerks noted it is a little maddening because it is just pieces and parts right now and not a
complete proposal. She feels there are a few discrepancies and things that are not allowed in
the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. She noted it is RS-12 and there is a lot of multifamily
and pretty high density for the area.
Freerks asked about the fast food restaurants and if a special waiver was needed. Walz these
are allowed uses in the CH-1 zone. Hektoen noted that the number of restaurants can be
limited with a conditional agreement if they can articulate the public need.
Freerks is also concerned about the wetlands being filled in and how that is different than the
concepts that were previously discussed. She reiterated that this area is a major entrance into
the community and it is currently quite picturesque with all the trees and would like to see this
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 3 of 8
proposal do everything it can to maintain that. She also feels the density is pretty high and
doesn't want to have to create waivers for the manufactured housing lots. She added that with
all those units there is no park area and the Commission has requested time and time again to
have some type of public recreation area when there is this type of housing density.
Walz stated with the manufactured housing there will be a community center and they will add a
play area around that as well. Also in the preserved woodland area the applicant has indicated
there would be trails.
Freeks also added that the multifamily building that will be marketed for elder housing has
parking lots far away from the buildings and should have underground parking. She also noted
that before it was not proposed as manufactured housing but rather modular homes. Walz said
they have reduced the manufactured housing area down to 59 units. Freerks stated it may
need to be reduced more to make sure there is a play area and community space. She feels
they are just trying to cram too much into one space, understanding the goal is affordable
housing. She also has an issue with not connecting the streets in a neighborhood and the need
to keep a neighborhood feel with the street connections, sidewalk connections and playground
areas.
Hensch asked how many units are in the current Forest View Mobile Home Park. Miklo stated
he believes there are 80-90 units that are occupied. Walz said what the applicant has indicated
that any residents that do not find housing in the new manufactured housing area would be
given option of a unit in one of the multifamily buildings. Hensch agreed with Freerks and in an
area with this density it is crucial to have recreational areas, particularly play areas for children,
walking trials are great for adults but children need play areas. Additionally Hensch noted the
concern of the residents to the south he is concerned about filing in wetlands, there needs to be
ways to stop water runoff. He requested seeing the traffic study and road connectivity so they
can be assured traffic would be moving and not congested in one area. With so much density
he also feels there should be traffic calming features along the roads. Hensch stated he is
always concerned about manufactured housing waivers, it is important to him that just because
someone lives in an affordable residence they should be put in a smaller area, they should still
be allowed green space and nice size yards. It is a quality of life issue for the residents. Finally
he agrees with Freerks on the need for underground parking for the elder residential buildings,
additionally underground parking would help minimize the impervious concrete in the area and
assist with water runoff.
Walz stated they do not have the stormwater information but she does know the applicant is
proposing very large underground water detention storage.
Freerks suggested reviewing the minutes from the meetings last summer when the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment was discussed so everyone is up-to-date on concerns and
issues raised at that time. Freerks also asked about the Kum & Go proposed, Walz said it will
be a gas station, not confirmed it will be a Kum & Go. Freerks would like to see exact
dimensions and specific design on that as it is so close to the area.
Signs noted on the original plan on the western edge there were five large buildings and another
half dozen smaller multi-plexes. Walz said originally townhouses were proposed and added
that at this stage there is not a detailed analysis of design so some of the things shown on the
comprehensive plan image would not meet zoning standards. Signs said he doesn't think the
density is any different than previously proposed, it is just broken down differently with the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 4 of 8
manufactured housing and multifamily buildings. He asked what drove the change; the
Commission spent a lot of time on the original proposal during the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment process. Walz said mostly due to the road shifting to the south. Hektoen stated
that road shift was a staff supported change. Walz said the shift in the location of the road
allows a better relationship between the residential and the larger commercial uses. The
applicant shifted the manufactured housing so they could stage the entire development; in the
previous location, residents would have been displaced from the current manufactured homes
and not been able to move into the new ones for quite some time. Walz also mentioned there
were issues with multiple crossings of the gas pipeline easement and this plan just keeps the
traffic flow moving better and not having the manufactured homes accessed through the
commercial parking lots. Miklo added with the original plan some of the multi-family budilings
were within the 300-foot buffer from the highway.
Theobald asked about the change from modular homes to manufactured homes. Hektoen said
the applicant can address that on Thursday.
Freerks asked if the owners of the manufactured homes will own their lots. Hektoen said the
concept is more like a condominium regime. Freerks noted then they would have to pay a fee,
such as lot rent, and that is not what the Commission felt was proposed during the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Signs said if it is a true condominium regime it would be ownership with undivided interest in the
common elements.
Dyer noted there are 20 buildings in addition to the manufactured homes with no elevations.
Other Overlay Plan Developments have to have elevations for all four sides of each building.
She acknowledged it is an expense but this is a huge project. She noted that the plan is so
changed from the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and now the developer is saying "trust us
we'll build nice buildings".
Freerks feels if they cannot provide elevations at this point, then the Commission should be
consulted for each building before design approval.
Parsons asked if Algonquin Road will connect to Foster Road and Walz confirmed it would. He
noted if there is a flood emergency the entire traffic flow will be going through the manufactured
housing area, which makes him uneasy. Walz acknowledge one of the impendences for this
project was to create the second access road from the area in case of flood emergency.
Parsons agreed it is necessary, but in the original plan the traffic flowed around the
manufactured housing, not through it. Parsons also asked about fire access to all the buildings.
Walz said fire access is required to the rear of all these buddings.
Hensch is very uneasy with the manufactured housing as when the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment was approved it was felt these homes would be a path to home ownership. Home
ownership is land as well, not just the structure.
Signs requested seeing a comparison of the density that was proposed in the Comprehensive
Plan Amendment versus the density proposed in this plan. He also added his concern with the
neighbor's letters. There was a big process with the approval of the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment last year and now all of a sudden there is a big group of neighbors indicating they
had no idea this was going on. Walz said she believes the concern is the shift of the
manufactured housing to the west, where it was townhomes previously.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 5 of 8
REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00015):
Discussion of an application submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of
approximately 7.84 acres from Interim Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone
to Planned Development Overlay/Low Density Multifamily (OPD/RM-12) zone for the property
located west of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road.
Miklo stated the applicant submitted a couple of concept illustrations of what the buildings could
look like. They went from the 40 unit buildings with the gable/hip roof to one with flat roofs and
modular changes in the building facade. The applicant is proposing three buildings with three
different stone/brick colors for distinction.
Theobald asked if the siding is vinyl siding. Miklo is unsure of the material but it is some sort of
manufactured masonry product. One of the goals is more sound deadening materials due to
the proximity to the highway so the Commission can specify what materials are used.
Miklo also stated he confirmed that fire department is open to using pervious pavers or in the
fire lanes if it is engineered to support fire trucks. The applicant is also working on identifying
tree species to use in the buffer that aren't susceptible to fungus or disease. He also added
there would be some gazebos on the deck areas, the whole area would not be covered but
some of the area would.
Freerks suggested the top windows of the buildings to be taller perhaps to break up the design.
Otherwise she feels this is the right direction.
Signs is glad to see each building distinctive with color.
Miklo stated the applicant should have plans complete for the meeting Thursday but the
Commission may still want/need to place some conditions in the conditional zoning agreement
that the applicant generally follow the concept plan, the landscaping plan be approved by the
City Forrester, and the Fire Marshall and City Engineer approve the design of the fire lanes.
REZONING ITEM (REZ18-00014):
Discussion of an application submitted by 100-500 LLC, for a rezoning of approximately
3.41 acres from High Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-44) zone to Riverfront Crossings -
South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC-SD) zone located at 12 E. Court Street.
Miklo stated this property is currently RM-44 which is high density multi-family, there are
approximately 95-100 apartment units in the complex. The complex was built after Urban
Renewal and at the time Capital Street was closed to traffic. The Riverfront Crossings Plan
calls for reopening Capital Street, and also calls for high density and possibility student housing
in this area. This area is identified as appropriate for student housing because it is immediately
adjacent to campus and the Code provides a bonus for student housing. A concept plan was
included in the Commissioner's packets showing how the street would be reopened, and a
maximum foot print of what could be built there, no actual design has been drafted. The
building would have stepbacks after a certain level and there would be some usable open
rooftop area. The applicant originally submitted two designs for the street, a four-lane with
parking and a two-lane with parking. Staff is inclined to go with the two-lane with parking and
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 6 of 8
turn lanes at Burlington Street. Staff is recommending conditioning the zoning on the street
being built as part of the development. Miklo also pointed out the applicant is hoping to use the
bonus provisions of the Code. Riverfront Crossings would allow 8 story buildings in this area
with some stepbacks, the bonus provisions would allow up to 15 floors and dedication of the
street right-of-way would be part of the bonus provision. To get the bonus provisions the design
will require City Council approval, it would not come before the Planning and Zoning
Commission,just the City Council.
Dyer asked if it has to go before the Council, why can't it come to the Commission first. Miklo
said that could be a condition of the zoning if there is a valid reason. He noted the
Comprehensive Plan does show what is anticipated here.
Freerks commented that the Commission usually sees more from applicants at this point and is
concerned the design will only go before City Council.
Hensch asked what the goals were for opening up that street, seems like a perfect opportunity
to create a pedestrian area. He noted that if this development is high density student population
having traffic drive down the middle of it seems unsafe as students will cross mid-block.
Freerks countered that she is excited to have the road open to traffic because often when these
big buildings are developed there is no place for UPS to pull in or any other service vehicle.
Signs noted that in other walkways around town (such as the T. Anne Cleary walkway) service
vehicles are parked there all the time. Freerks acknowledged that but said it is different when it
is private and deliveries are pizza and other types. Hensch asked if they could just have service
lanes established. Additionally he noted there is a significant grade change where Capitol
Street will go through. Miklo noted that Capitol Street may be necessary to provide access to
unground parking for the eastern building.
Signs noted he is excited to see the street go through but is concerned about the size of the
buildings if a 15 story bonus is allowed, and no green space. Freerks noted they are proposing
a roof top green space, but wants to make clear that it is more than just a few planters and a
couple of chairs. What is needed is something with true green space and an area that could be
used year-round.
Hensch questioned how much room would be available on the rooftop with all the HVAC units
and other mechanical equipment up there. Miklo noted that under the Form-Based Code they
cannot build a rectangle building that goes all the way up, they will have to have stepbacks and
some outdoor open space. One of the conceptual drawings shows and idea of the outdoor
space being atop the lower floors where the stepback begins.
Freerks said the Commission would like to hear details from the applicant regarding the
recreation area.
Dyer commented they would like to see actual concepts, not just images of other buildings.
Hensch agreed and noted that for a project of this size (hundreds of units that will be here for
many decades)the applicant should be able to spend the money to have elevation and concept
designs drafted.
Miklo asked Hektoen if the concerns about open space and the streetscape are valid enough
reasons to impose a conditional zoning agreement so that the design would have to come back
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 16, 2018—Work Session
Page 7 of 8
before the Commission. Hektoen acknowledged if the rational is articulated a conditional zoning
agreement could be imposed.
Freerks asked about the building height being an issue for flight paths for the hospital
helicopters. Miklo replied it would have to be approved by Federal Aviation Administration.
Adjournment:
Hensch moved to adjourn.
Signs seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 -2018
(W.S) (W.S.) (W.S)
8/17 9/7 9/21 10/5 10/19 11/2 12/7 12121 1/4 1/18 2/15 311 3/12 3/15 4/2 4/5 4/16
DYER, CAROLYN X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X
FREERKS, ANN 0/EX X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X X
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X X
PARSONS, MAX X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X _ X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD,JODIE X X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
05-29-1 8
- & MEMORANDUM CITY OF IOWA CITY 4b(5)
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning &Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their May 17, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the April 19 minutes
with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00015 an application
submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.84 acres from Interim
Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone to Planned Development Overlay/Low
Density Multifamily (OPD/RM-12) zone for the property located west of Camp Cardinal
Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road with the following conditions:
• Sound mitigation provided through a plan from an acoustical engineer to be approved
prior to the issuance of a building permit for the two buildings within 300 feet of Highway
218.
• To maintain dust control from Deer Creek Road.
• Substantial compliance with the site plan, including the decks adjacent to the stormwater
pond.
• Fire lane only areas would be pervious surface, approved by the Fire Marshall.
• City Forrester approval of landscaping.
• General conformance with submitted drawings of building plans.
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ18-00004 a n application
submitted by 100-500 LLC, for a rezoning of approximately 3.41 acres from High Density Multi-
Family Residential (RM-44) zone to Riverfront Crossings - South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC-
SD) zone located at 12 E. Court Street including the conditions of:
• The applicant will dedicate right of way to the City to reopen Capitol Street.
• The developer will build the Capital Street to specifications approved by the City
Engineer.
• Applicant will install streetscape improvements to enhance the pedestrian environment
on Burlington Street and Court Streets, as discussed in the Downtown and Riverfront
Crossings Master Plan.
• The design plan will come before Planning and Zoning for approval.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action - Done
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 19, 2018—7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Sarah Walz
OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Boelk, Dale McSurry, Donna Davis, Margarita Baltazar,
Karin Franklin, Brian DeCoster, Dominica Pearson, Ehad Saad
Aldin, Joe Hejda, Debra Thome, Lina Esso, Ivan Hall, Matt
Alexander, Beth Pruessner, Haven Wojciak, Dave Moore, Rafael
Morataya, Jillian Nagle, Dave Demik, Chad Diefenderfer, Diane
Dunbar, Charlie Eastham, Ed Cole, Ashley Mangan, Karthik
Gunasekaran, Jimmy Becker, Brittney Hejda, Pat Heiken, Dennis
Tuite, Cynthia Vaske, Jason Walton, Rob Decker
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ17-00015 an application
submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.84 acres from Interim
Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone to Planned Development Overlay/Low
Density Multifamily (OPD/RM-12) zone for the property located west of Camp Cardinal
Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road with the following conditions:
• Sound mitigation provided through a plan from an acoustical engineer to be approved
prior to the issuance of a building permit for the two buildings within 300 feet of Highway
218.
• To maintain dust control from Deer Creek Road.
• Substantial compliance with the site plan, including the decks adjacent to the stormwater
pond.
• Fire lane only areas would be pervious surface, approved by the Fire Marshall.
• City Forrester approval of landscaping.
• General conformance with submitted drawings of building plans.
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ18-00004 a n application
submitted by 100-500 LLC, for a rezoning of approximately 3.41 acres from High Density Multi-
Family Residential (RM-44) zone to Riverfront Crossings - South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC-
SD) zone located at 12 E. Court Street including the conditions of:
• The applicant will dedicate right of way to the City to reopen Capitol Street.
• The developer will build the Capital Street to specifications approved by the City
Engineer.
• Applicant will install streetscape improvements to enhance the pedestrian environment
on Burlington Street and Court Streets, as discussed in the Downtown and Riverfront
Crossings Master Plan.
• The design plan will come before Planning and Zoning for approval.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 2 of 25
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006):
Discussion of an application submitted by application, submitted by North Dubuque, LLC for a
rezoning of approximately 73.15 acres of land from Interim Development - Low Density Single-
Family (ID-RS) zone, Low Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone, and Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone to Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone for approx. 50 acres of
property and Planned Development Overlay I Highway Commercial (OPD/CH-1) zone for
approx. 23 acres of property. The applicant is also requesting approval of the preliminary plat of
Forest View, a 73.15-acre subdivision, located north of Foster Road, south of 1-80, west of N.
Dubuque Street, east of Mackinaw Drive.
Walz began the staff report showing a map of the area, it is located in the North District near the
intersection of North Dubuque Street and Interstate 80. The portion that is being proposed for
the OPD Commercial Zone is on the eastern/northern portion of the site and the remainder is
the residential zoning. Walz noted that the application is lacking some information at this time
and therefore staff has not completed a full evaluation but the applicant wanted to still move
forward in an effort to get some feedback from the Commission. Walz stated they did receive a
traffic study today and the transportation staff will start looking that over next week. The
stormwater report is pretty close to being complete as well. One item the Commission
requested is elevations and that has not been received. Walz noted there are also some
clarifications and discrepancies between documents that staff needs to review, as well as
looking more closely at the sensitive areas ordinance, the applicant does not have the Army
Core permit for filling in the wetlands in the commercial portion of the site.
Walz stated at this point staff is not prepared to give a recommendation, this meeting is to
review the application, let the applicant speak, let the public speak and proceed from there. To
review, last summer the Iowa City Council amended the North District Plan for this set of
properties and there were two important goals in that amendment. One was secondary street
access provided for the Peninsula area, there are over 500 homes built in that area and where
there is severe flooding folks have to be evacuated. Not because their homes will be flooded,
but due to the flooding of Foster Road. The second goal is to provide for relocation assistance,
new housing for those in the trailer park that will be displaced due to the new road, and a desire
to keep them in the neighborhood. Walz next showed the concept plan that is being proposed
today, in the residential area they are proposing 59 manufactured houses on the west edge of
the development, which are required to go through an OPD plan, not for the lots themselves,
most of which meet the bonus provision standard for smaller lot width and lot area, but the
housing units do not meet the housing standard for width. The proposal also includes a three-
story multifamily building (24-unit multifamily building), a five story multifamily building with 148
units, in the center a mix of multi-story buildings with 208 units (being proposed for senior
housing but could be conventional multifamily), another large multifamily building with 75 units
and another with 60 units. The request is to go to multifamily which is not ordinarily allowed in
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 3 of 25
the zone but through the OPD plan they can request to cluster density and the applicant is
asking for the maximum overall density which is 13 units per acre and will cluster things away
from the protected woodlands and the central wetlands with steep slopes. Additionally by
protecting the northern woodlands, it creates the 300 foot buffer required from the Interstate.
Walz acknowledged there have been some questions regarding the manufactured housing,
originally proposed to be in the eastern portion of the development and has now been moved to
the western portion. Walz said it is often the case in these situations that once areas have been
fully explored with terrain and easements things do change. The applicant has limitations on
how often they can cross the gas line easement that runs through the area, also the lots the
applicant proposed didn't meet the minimum zoning requirements. Additionally in the original
plan the manufactured housing was located behind the parking lots of the commercial
properties, and there was concern of the residents of the manufactured housing cutting through
the commercial parking lots to gain access to their homes rather than going around via the
street access. Therefore the manufactured housing was moved to the western portion of the
site. Walz noted from a planning aspect that makes sense as they would now be on public
streets with better access and more integrated with the neighborhood and not concealed behind
commercial parking lots. The applicant has provided elevations for the manufactured houses
they plan to bring into the development.
Walz next reviewed the commercial portion of the site, the plan shows the commercial buildings
up to the street with pedestrian access, parking is to the rear and facing the Interstate. The
applicant is requesting a hybrid zone, they started with a CH-1 zone which is fairy restrictive in
uses allowed. The applicant is looking at hotels and offices in that commercial area. The
commercial area to the south would be more neighborhood commercial, such as hair salon,
dental clinic, small bank, small restaurant, etc. Along the North Dubuque Street frontage there
would be a hybrid of the two types of commercial and would include a gas station/convenience
store, drive-through restaurants and small retail. The applicant is also requesting to fill the
wetlands there so they can push the site back to provide more tree cover in the area. Walz
noted that one of the goals for the area is to preserve the view from North Dubuque Street as
this area is an entryway into the city and it is important to keep the natural aesthetic of the area.
The applicant will limit signage in that area, use higher quality building materials, and preserve
the trees along the frontage.
Parsons questioned the waivers required for this proposal and if the waivers would have been
needed if the manufactured housing was kept on the east portion of the property as proposed
with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Walz said fewer waivers would be needed with the
manufactured housing on the west portion. There will need to be a small setback waiver on the
corner lots as well as the lots along the west property line as they do not meet the lot width
standard, all other lots meet the bonus provisions of the RS-12 zone due to the rear alley
access. Miklo clarified that the minimum lot size required is 45 feet for lots that do not have
driveway access to an alley, for the lots on the west end the request is to reduce the lot widths
to 35 feet.
Hensch asked if there is a total square footage required for the lots. Walz acknowledged there
was and it is 5000 square feet.
Theobald asked how many manufactured housing lots were in the original plan (on the east
portion of the property). Walz said around 100. Freerks noted it wasn't realistic as proposed
then. Theobald noted there are 122 people that would be displaced from the current homes and
was wondering how that will happen. Miklo deferred that issue for the applicant to address.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 4 of 25
Brian Boelk (HBK Engineering) thanked the Commission and City Staff for reviewing the
application, it is a large project with many moving pieces. Boelk stated that over two years ago
the development team set out to develop the Forest View neighborhood with several objectives
in mind. (1) To provide lease-to-own residences for the residents of Forest View mobile homes;
(2) providing connectivity with the secondary access to the Peninsula; (3) improving stormwater
and mitigation for the neighbors to the south by using some innovative and more modern
stormwater techniques; (4) generating economic development, including job growth, attracting
offices, restaurants, retail and ultimately increasing tax base for the City of Iowa City; (5)
providing access to additional amenities closer to the existing neighborhoods and proposed
neighborhoods; (6) enhance the primary entryway into Iowa City while maintaining and
protecting trees and sensitive areas. Boelk noted by preserving the trees and sensitive areas
they need to then cluster the density and go "up" with buildings rather than spreading out; and
finally (7) allowing for infill development and avoid destroying farm fields and going outside the
growth limits of Iowa City.
Boelk noted that Staff discussed the changes or modifications in the current proposal from the
approved Comprehensive Plan amendment concept, he reiterated that moving the hotel back
into the development assisted with removing all the high profile developments away from the
North Dubuque Street entrance in an effort to preserve the aesthetic of the entryway. He noted
that moving the manufactured housing to the west made for a safer neighborhood and would
then be neighboring another single family subdivision and not commercial properties. Boelk
pointed out that all the commercial development is located on the east side of the property, in
closer proximity to the Interstate and North Dubuque Street and allowed for separation from
commercial and residential for convenient access and reduced disturbance for those that are
traveling to the residential areas. Boelk noted they added Haywood Drive going south to
provide additional connectively within the development.
The Comprehensive Plan Amendment was approved on August 15, 2017, and there were
several resolutions that went with the approval that the applicant has continued to try to
address. One was the housing goal and relocation plan. The relocation plan was updated to
encompass all families in the mobile home park. On January 17, 2018, the development team
met with City Staff and discussed a number of items (most of which Walz already reviewed in
her report) including the shifting of the road from the north to the south and also the
manufactured home area. By moving the manufactured home area to the west it did remove
some of the grass and play area, which was a concern for City Staff. Boelk explained that when
they shifted the road to the south they shared the change with the residents of the Forest View
Mobile Home Park and there was some concern from the residents. One was the proximity of
the road to their homes and the proximity of the hotel to their homes. After that feedback and
looking at the overall plan the development team then chose to shift the manufactured home
area to the western portion of the development and put it next to a single family residential area.
By doing this it also gains the 300 foot sound buffer along the Interstate and the preservation of
all that green space. Boelk noted they do plan to have foot trails throughout the woodland and it
will also be used as a natural stormwater management. Boelk added if they needed they could
accommodate even more green space on the west side by losing a couple manufactured homes
as well as at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Boelk stated the development team met again with City Staff on February 9, 2018, and staff was
happy with the proposed changes, therefore the development team moved forward with the site
plan building around that change. This change again keeps the manufactured housing
residents from feeling isolated from the other neighborhoods and eliminates the need for a
request for a waiver to develop within the 300 foot buffer.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 5 of 25
Boelk next addressed a few of the Commission questions. He noted there were 90
manufactured homes shown on the original plan during the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, it
is now reduced by 31 to 59 home. However they have added the 24-plex directly east of the
neighborhood to accommodate that reduction, there will also be condos available in the building
to the northeast. Boelk stated that the 24-plex is comparable in size to the McCormick Square
condos directly south of the development. He added that this plan will assure that all the
families currently in Forest View Mobile Home Park will be accommodated and the updated
relocation plan was submitted to the City on March 20, revisions were made to accommodate all
the families and the City Attorney provided comments to the development team on April 13 to
which the development team responded to on April 18 and will have the new relocation plan
circulated to everyone on April 20 (the development team had no objections to any of the City
Attorney's comments).
Dale McSurry (29 Forest View) stated he can sum up his feelings regarding the Dubuque LLC
project by quoting a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission last year (paraphrasing) "I
began reading the proposal and had to set it aside because I didn't believe it, it was too good to
be true" and McSurry is proud to have met with the team of humanitarians who have brought
this proposal forward before you, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Cole, Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Munson, who are
reaching out to the less fortunate than they are and are setting a fine example to the developers
across the country as he can see this project making national headlines because it is
unprecedented and more importantly will send a message to elected officials that making
America Great Again begins with acts of kindness and reaching out to those that need a helping
hand. McSurry encourages the Commission to join them in setting a new standard for
developers and reminding America why the heartland of America has a big heart.
Donna Davis (95 Forest View) with her husband has lived at Forest View Trailer Court since
1985 and they are so excited for this development, they have learned so much in the past
couple of years from the City Council, the developers and everybody. She admits it has been
pretty overwhelming at times and sometimes the waiting seems endless. She feels the new
plan is a good one and seems much more cohesive, it's good to be away from the commercial
development and will be better for the children and everyone. Davis implores that the
Commission pass this application as they would like to get on with it.
Margarita Baltazar (President of the Forest View Association) stated they have been involved in
this project for a very long time and they are at a very important point, the association and the
residents are very pleased with the progress that has been made, above all for the sake of the
children. They know there is a lot more work to do and there could be more changes but they
are going to continue as they have. These will be changes that will be very beneficial for the
residents of Forest View, the majority of them are here tonight in support of the project as long
as the things that have been established for the residents of Forest View continue to be
followed. So the residents put their trust in the City and know the City has always done the best
they can do for the community and they don't doubt the City will continue to do that.
Boelk continued with his presentation and housing goals discussed in the Amendment Plan. He
noted one of the changes was at the time of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment there was
originally proposed 224 units on the west portion of the site next to Mackinaw Village and that is
now reduced to 59 single family homes plus a 24-unit complex. That is a significant reduction in
number of units and density on the west side. The development only has one multifamily
building even close to Mackinaw Village and that is the 24-plex which is very different to what
was originally proposed there which was three, four and five story multifamily buildings. Boelk
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 6 of 25
remarked with regard to the manufactured homes and the footprint of the buildings they have
been adjusted and reduced to be less intrusive to the neighbors than what was in the original
plan, the homes are of good quality, manufactured homes, they are built in Indianapolis and the
distributer is in Iowa. The roads in the development are now public roads throughout and built
to City code. During the initial 15 year compliance period, the homes will be owned and
maintained by the owners of North Dubuque LLC and managed by North Dubuque Developer
LLC. On Monday the development team chartered a bus filled with Forest View residents to go
to Mount Pleasant to walk though one of the homes which provided residents to see the quality
of the finished product. Boelk added that the western border of the property is also buffered by
a 45-foot wide woodland area and an additional 20 feet from the trees to the manufactured
homes.
Boelk stated another resolution with the Comprehensive Plan amendment was commercial and
institutional goal of scenic character and the commercial areas will be subject to a CZA
(Conditional Zoning Agreement) that addresses the landscaping, signage, lightening, building
materials and design. Boelk stated the development team will have uniform design guidelines
that apply to every lot and every structure. With regards to the manufactured homes will follow
the manufactured standards with some leeway for families to individualize their homes in terms
of color and/or interior combinations. The residential complexes for individuals and for senior
living will follow the typical design standards of multifamily and senior living and the overall
design standard will be guided by Neumann Monson so the end product will meet and exceed
the Code requirements with quality and sustainable structures. Boelk showed pictures of similar
structures Neumann Monson designed.
Another item in the commercial and institutional area resolution was the tree buffer and visibility.
Boelk showed images of the tree buffer from Dubuque Street to the commercial development.
There will be some clearing of the trees in the area where the new road will meet Dubuque
Street with added landscaping and retaining wall. From Dubuque Street the commercial
buildings will be fairly hidden by the trees. Additionally there is a large outlot (outlot A, 1.2
acres) that provides a buffer from the commercial area to the residents to the south. Total
acreage of trees 30.6 acres and total preserved acres are 14.56 plus the 3.49 acres of buffer for
a total of 18.05 which is about 59% preservation.
Lastly is the Comprehensive Plan amendment goal of transportation. They have conducted a
traffic study and submitted it to the City on February 9 as part of the application. The study was
revised and resubmitted on March 28 to provide additional information. As of today the traffic
study is up-to-date and current as to what they feel the final layout will be. The access point
intersection is designed to accommodate the anticipated traffic volume all the way to year 2040
and to handle the developing area west of Dubuque Street and Interstate 80.
With regards to the deficiencies noted, Boelk commented with regards to the wetlands and the
Army Corp permit, the permit application was submitted to the Corp and DNR on March 5, the
DNR responded on March 12 favorably and everything is good to go in terms of the DNR. The
Corp is a longer process, the public notice has gone out via the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
and will go for 30 days and therefore they expect reply on the permit on or before June 25.
Therefore they are asking that rezoning and preliminary plat approval be contingent on receiving
that permit from the Corp. They also have credits available due to wetland mitigation.
Another deficiency was providing evidence of ownership on the property. Boelk said that was
addressed today, there are legal descriptions for all the parcels and ownership was provided to
City Staff yesterday. Some of the land is owned by the DOT and the development team sent
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 7 of 25
purchase agreements to the DOT on March 28 and per Iowa Code that formal response will be
provided back from the DOT on May 8. Again they are asking that rezoning and preliminary
plat approval be contingent on those purchase agreements.
Boelk discussed stormwater management noting that City Staff did not have time to get through
everything but staff and the development team met this morning and had a productive meeting
reviewing the proposal. There are a few clean-up edits the development team need to do due
to some of the site changes.
With regards to waivers the development team is requesting, Boelk noted the minimum lot
widths (lots 19 to 12) in the manufactured housing development to achieve the correct lot widths
they would have to construct an alley behind the homes and if they do so they will lose the
woodland buffer. It would also impact the Mackinaw Village neighbors as they would see an
alley and cars rather than woodland. He added there are two setback encroachments on the
corners and it is due to being one to two feet short from the right-of-way to the front porches and
it is because of the rounded corners at the street corners. Boelk addressed the maximum block
length, typically it is a 600-foot maximum block length, they are asking for a variance as they
don't feel this is a typical subdivision and rather a one-building complex. There are several
access points along the way including the Haywood extension heading south. The last waiver
to address is building height. Based on RS-12 building limits up to 3 floors are allowed, they are
going through the OPD process as their intent is to cluster and get group density and build up
instead of out and preserve the sensitive areas and utilize the buildable areas.
Boelk next addressed comments heard at the Monday work session meeting. Total density was
originally 647 as shown in the Comprehensive Plan amendment concept, the current application
shows 572.
Freerks asked if they are at maximum density for a RS-12 at 572, how the density could have
once been 647. Boelk said it is based on the total land area that is zoned residential and that
has changed since the Comprehensive Plan amendment. Miklo added that in the original
amendment concept plan, some of the lots didn't meet the minimum standards and the density
of 647 would not have been approved without a waiver. Walz stated that with the
Comprehensive Plan amendment what was approved was 8-13 dwelling units per acre, a total
number of units wasn't approved.
Boelk discussed the Flint Drive connection possibility, they are not showing a connection to Flint
Drive because they cannot add more green space, address stormwater management, add Flint
Drive and still maintain the same number of manufactured homes as wanted and needed there.
More road connectivity means less green space, which means less preservation. They do show
pedestrian connectivity.
At Monday's work session the concept of underground parking for the senior living building was
discussed. Boelk stated that without knowing who will be developing that parcel it is hard to
determine number of underground stalls a buyer will need, so therefore in the proposal the
applicant has provided a "worst case scenario" demonstrating that parking commitments could
be met entirely on the surface. He acknowledged that most likely with a senior living user/owner
they will want underground parking and a developer would cater to that. Freerks asked the
height of the buildings and Boelk confirmed they would be three, four and five stories.
Freerks asked for more clarification as to why they are proposing to fill in the wetland area.
Boelk stated that without removing or filling in any of the wetlands they would not be able to
build the secondary access road. The road has to cross the wetlands to provide the access for
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 8 of 25
the Peninsula neighborhood. Because of the nature of the wetlands, they are broken into small
pieces of wetland and not considered quality wetlands, if you disturb one piece of the wetlands,
hydrologically you might as well disturb them all. Earth View Environmental and 7G have
completed reports discussing the hydrological side of the wetlands. Therefore it makes sense
to fill them in, remove them all, and mitigate them correctly. They will add a retaining wall to
control stormwater drainage from the north to the south.
Finally, Boelk stated families in Forest View and the priority of choosing homes and home
ownership was brought up at the work session meeting. Boelk noted currently there•are 95
families that would meet the criteria to have a relocated home, 60% intend on relocating to other
mobile home parks. Residents will have the option to choose the location of their home based
on their tenure in the mobile home park. If the number of families seeking to move into the new
neighborhood exceeds the number of homes then those families will have the option of a condo
in the apartment units (either the one to the northeast or southeast). The development team
has held several meetings with the residents of Forest View to explain all that.
Theobald asked if there were any plans for a storm shelter in the manufactured housing area.
Boelk replied that a storm shelter is proposed at the northwest corner of the development, it was
originally an outlot but has been updated to be a parcel for the storm shelter.
Dyer questioned in the event of a flood will all the traffic from the Peninsula go through
Algonquin Road to get to the other access road. Boelk said that was the intent, to provide that
access in case of a flood event.
Hensch asked about the references to limitations due to presence of the gas line easement and
what those restrictions are. Boelk stated structures cannot be built on it but you can put
pavement on it, usually asphalt not concrete, nor can trees be placed on the easement. Hensch
asked if recreational equipment could be placed there and Boelk confirmed it could.
Hensch asked how many acres of wetlands they were planning to disturb or fill in. Walz said
0.68 would be filled. Hensch asked if they were natural wetlands or artificially created from a
previous disturbance. Boelk said it was an area created from a previous disturbance.
Freerks inquired about lot 12 and if the building would be four or six stories, and noted that the
parking has to be on the same zone. Boelk stated that has been adjusted and the parking lots
for lot 12 and lot 11 are not connected. Walz added there are some setback adjustments still
needed in that area. Freerks asked about the correct size of lot 13. Boelk said all those areas
have been adjusted, he was not sure of the exact size.
Hensch asked about the length of Forest View Drive from Dubuque Street to the traffic circle, as
it seems quite long. Walz said due to the topography of the area there are other options than to
move traffic from Forest View Drive to Algonquin Drive.
Freerks questioned why lot 15 shows 100 more parking spaces than is required. Boelk
explained that has been altered as well. Freerks commented that the plan the Commission
received is different from what is being shown tonight.
Hensch asked if Cole Drive would have connectivity to the west. Boelk noted again that Flint
Drive is a small stub street off Mackinaw Drive and if they tried to connect that to Cole Drive
they would lose a manufacture home lot as well as green space and buffer space. They are
proposing pedestrian connectivity there. Walz noted there are specific standards with regards
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 9 of 25
to connectivity in the Subdivision Standards that is addressed in the staff report and there will
need to be variance approved if Flint Drive is not connected. Boelk noted the development team
offered to remove the stub of Flint Drive, as it has no driveway access, and make that green
space and park space as well. Walz said that the intent of Flint Drive was to provide
connectivity in the future and was platted as a requirement when Mackinaw Village was platted.
Karin Franklin (816 Sugar Loaf Circle)wished to share some observations. During the
Comprehensive Planning process she made some comments on how she thought that the
intensity of development in this area that was being proposed was a lot for this particular area
with the sensitive areas there, access issues, and stormwater collection issues. Obviously, the
Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved and therefore will now direct her comments
regarding the OPD-12 and CH-1 zones proposed. In the OPD-12 there is a density transfer that
is being done to relieve some of the pressure on the sensitive areas, in calculating that number
of units, she is making the assumption that everything that is in the OPD-12, the 50 plus acres is
included and also includes two existing single family lots on which there is single family
residences. One of the residences was built in 2016 and is Mr. Cole's residence and the other
was built in the 70's and is owned by Mr. Cole and another family. There is also a drive from
those residences that goes south to Foster Road. The driveway that serves the house that was
built in the 70's can not possibility be built upon and Franklin thinks it is inappropriate to include
those two single family residences and that lane in the density calculation. They should be
eliminated from the calculation.
Franklin continued by discussing the western part of this development and the manufactured
housing area, which she thought when the Comprehensive Plan amendment was proposed they
were to be modular homes, but it doesn't really matter. She agrees with the Commissioner
statements from Monday's work session meeting that the Comprehensive Plan amendment was
very much centered on the notion that the folks in Forest View would get a path to ownership.
Even with Boelk's comments tonight it is unclear how that will work so people can afford this.
Franklin stated at the work session there was also discussion of play space for the children, the
ravine can be fine perhaps, but most people want to be able to see their children when they are
out playing so there does need to be a play area. She does favor extending Flint Drive for
connectivity and in addition she would take the manufactured/modular units on lot 20 and put
them on lot 23 as the multifamily seems inappropriate there. Even though it is being put in
place now to accommodate residents of Forest View, all of this will be here beyond the
transition of these residents and there will be a multifamily building in the midst of a single family
area. The connection of Flint Drive would be an integration of the single family neighborhood
with the Mackinaw single family neighborhood. Additionally moving the lot 20 units would allow
for space for a play area. Franklin also suggests the Commission not waive the width
requirement on the lots, perhaps without the lot 23 multifamily moved they could accommodate
the loss of lots due to width and street connectivity.
With regards to the senior housing, it should be labeled as multifamily until an entity is in place
that will in fact provide senior housing of some type, and they know what the level of service will
be and what is being dealt with, otherwise it is just multifamily housing and should be called
such.
Franklin noted at the work session there were a number of comments made about the building
elevations and how they are needed for an OPD. Franklin suggested a way to address that
since there is an architect that is part of the principles they could develop a design code which
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 10 of 25
would be adopted that would include representations of that design code as examples. It would
not tie them to exact buildings but would enable this to go forward. Lastly Franklin addressed
lot 14, if it is not going to be built on shouldn't it be labeled an outlot.
Brian DeCoster(6 Knollwood Lane) lives just south of the proposed gas station noting there are
five houses in that particular neighborhood, all of them are very historical and in the last eight
years four of the five houses have been extensively remodeled. They are very proud of their
neighborhood and it is a low-density neighborhood and all of a sudden they have a gas station
being built next to them. DeCoster acknowledged he feels the whole proposed development is
pretty neat, he is not necessarily against any of it, but he wants to be on record that he and his
neighbors want a good buffer between this gas station and their neighborhood. Right now it is
about 100 feet, an irregularly shaped piece, and he would also like to see a sound wall or a
berm and trees to protect their neighborhood. Since none of the specifics are determined yet,
the neighbors are fearful that when the gas station goes in they will have no voice. They just
want to preserve their neighborhood and the investments in their property. DeCoster noted the
second issue the neighborhood had was with the hotel and the height of it looking into their
neighborhood, but that has been resolved with moving that hotel to the north and west. He is
grateful for that relocation. He also likes the restaurant area and suggests flipping the gas
station with the restaurants which would make it easier on his neighborhood than dealing with
gas station canopy lights.
Hensch asked about the acre outlot north of DeCoster's neighborhood and if that was planted in
hardwood trees would that be acceptable. DeCoster would have to confer with his neighbors
and also see how long it would take those trees to grow. Walz noted the existing trees will be
left in that area. DeCoster is unsure if the trees there now are sufficient for a sound barrier. He
added that the residents of the house directly across the street from the proposed gas station
will be affected more than anyone as their elevation will have them at the same elevation as the
gas station.
Two young residents of Forest View came forward to speak. Anna stated she is happy to have
a new home. Arianna is 10 years old and has been living in Forest View for a long time. She
stated they will be happy for the new houses. Freerks asked if they would be interested in a
playground near their homes and both girls replied yes.
Dominica Pearson (1205 Laura Drive, Lot 73) has lived in Forest View for the past six years and
has to say that quickly she grew an appreciation for the community after experiencing the many
fellowship activities hosted at the neighborhood park during the summers. Those activities gave
all residents an opportunity to meet and greet. Since residing at Forest View, as a single
parent, with affordable housing, Pearson has been able to better understand budgeting and
money management, she has been able to maintain a full-time job while going to college and
accomplishing a few trades on her own, while having two kids. Today she stands before the
Commission as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she also holds a CDL (Commercial Driver's
License), also a phlebotomy technician and currently finishing her associates of applied science
degree in radiology technician. Pearson noted that achieving all this has been due to affordable
housing in addition to all the hard work and efforts and achievements. She is able to
incorporate reliable transportation to family oriented services for the children all while residing in
a safe, friendly and diverse community with a neighborhood watch. Pearson appreciates the
proposed plan and hopes it does take affect and go into motion soon. As far as the
disagreements with the community moving in, everybody deserves housing and everybody is
not always able to afford what others have and she appreciates what the development is doing
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 11 of 25
for the residents. As far as the gas station is concerned, she can see what may be security
issues or whatnot but really can't imagine anyone not wanting a gas station in the
neighborhood, it will be very convenient. Forest View is a great community, Pearson has
learned a lot being around different cultures and wants to thank the people of Forest View for
allowing her and her family to be part of a community. It has been great for her kids, the park
has been great.
Ehad Saad Aldin (738 Mission Point Road) lives right next to the west side of the proposed plan
and is part of the Mackinaw Village. He acknowledged it is great that stuff is happening in their
neighborhood and taking into account all the changes that are taking place he feels the need to
voice his opinion. For some background, the property he owns is in his name but it was paid for
by his parents, they used their life savings. Aldin is from Syria and his parents worked for 30
years to save money to send him to medical school and to come to America to get the training
that he has, and due to the volatile situation in the Middle East they chose to invest their money
into a house. Aldin stated that the area where his house is located looks similar to his country
before the war in terms of peace and quiet, terms of the serenity, and in terms of how it reminds
them of the mornings back home. His parents work for an entire year in another country but
they do come to visit. Aldin is worried about a few things that may happen after the new project
takes place in terms of his family's life investment and losing their only outlet when they come
visit here.
Joe Heida (752 Mission Point Road) is an Iowan, a veteran, a parent. He lives here now
because he was unable to keep his job, a great paying job in oil and gas in Chicago, due to his
medical conditions. He picked Iowa City both for the schools, the community, the wonderful
people in this town, and the great level of care he is able to receive at the VA. It was a dream
come true when they found their condo, they were afraid they wouldn't be able to find anything
in their price range that would meet their needs. Hejda voiced his concern with this
development and what it might do to his property values, he understands that sounds cold but
he literally risked his life and gave his health for the money he put into this condo. He drives a
very old car on 380 everyday, his wife drives an even older car to take care of his children, and
he is not saying there is anything wrong with Forest View, he walks over there with his son and
daughter, and it is a nice neighborhood and nice people. He agrees they should have the parks
and amenities they currently have, there is a large soccer field there now and he doesn't see
anything like that in the proposal. Hejda also noted that on every plan they see there are less
and less trees, the developers are gradually turning up the heat and hoping no one is going to
notice. He is asking the Commission as the experts with the big picture to do the most right for
everyone involved, don't pick winners, don't pick losers, bring everyone in this neighborhood up.
Hejda doesn't think this is necessarily a bad development but it could go very far either way and
asks that judgement and care is taken.
Debra Thome (131 Pentire Circle) is speaking on behalf of the Idyllwild owners association.
She serves on the Board of Directors with Terry Tegen and Kurt Kimmerling. Kurt was unable
to be present this evening but he did prepare a formal statement that was included in the
Commissioner's packets. Thome noted they have attended all the Planning & Zoning meetings
concerning Forest View and have met with the City Engineers, the developers and the
contractors. Thome feels everyone is aware of their neighborhoods concerns of future flooding
and would like to give an overview of what is important to the Idyllwild community. They want
everyone here to know, as they have stated all along, they are not trying to stop the
development of Forest View, they are only trying to protect the Idyllwild community from future
water runoff and flooding. Thome stated there are three things that should happen before any
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 12 of 25
rezoning. (1) Water diversion. The City is aware that the current water storm system is not
adequate, there is a proposal for a new diversion plan by the City and that plan would reroute
water around Idyllwild to the Iowa River. Thome noted that is a great start. However, as of
today the Idyllwild community doesn't even know if that has been approved. (2) They need a
pump station. A pump station would handle stormwater accumulations in the ponds when
events of high water happen on the Iowa River. Sometimes it is necessary to close the levy
slew gates and at that point the water has nowhere to go. The Idyllwild community proposal is
that a pumping station be constructed to pump water out of ponds to the Iowa River also
protecting their homes. (3) A stormwater district. The Idyllwild community would like the City to
form a stormwater district for Idyllwild watershed. The district would be overseen by all
stakeholders, the City, Idyllwild, Forest View and any other homeowners association and
businesses in the watershed. The district would manage any and all detention systems, fund
maintenance of any future projects, and manage stormwater runoff. The Idyllwild community
feels no rezoning should happen until the developer has a proper and complete stormwater
plan. Without these systems they believe their community will be at high risk for future flooding
by stormwater runoff.
Lina Esso (1750 Algonquin Road) is a new resident to Iowa City, from northern Virginia district
of Washington DC, they were visiting Iowa City and fell in love with it. Her husband is a civil
engineer, she is an accountant with two years electrical engineering, and they fell in love with
Iowa and decided to make it home. They just moved into their condo a month ago and chose
this area, the Peninsula, because it is unique, it is a quiet area, they are not million dollar homes
with big land, it is a very modest middle class population, with barely any land. It is simply a
quality of life with the fresh air, the greenery at the park, and that is what they feel in love with
and decided to make this home. Today they were surprised with this project, they were not part
of the Comprehensive Plan discussions in the past. As a civil engineer the first thing her
husband said was this area needs to have another street exit. Therefore, with this design she
appreciates the alternate route, whether flood or any other reason. She does not understand
the developer's financial needs and feels that hotels and gas stations, all are good, however the
high density of residential is a concern. There will be noise, pollution, traffic circulation and with
that comes a lack of security.
Esso noted that Algonquin is a very quiet road, she can sit outside and read and enjoy this
unique space. Now she looks at the proposal and sees that Algonquin will be a main traffic road
for the high density residential area, moving the high density residential from the northeast
corner and putting it on her doorstep and that is unfair to her community. Esso noted that when
they took the tour looking for homes and she took the road going to Coral Ridge she noted that
the trailer park area is bad, it is neglected. She lost her way recently and ended up in North
Liberty and noticed the clean trailer parks, she drove for five minutes, and it was a huge area,
neatly done with flowers and bushes. In this neighborhood it is full of rusted cars, damaged
homes and with all due respect to everyone but if the residents of this neighborhood cared
about their neighborhood they would take care of their homes. You are putting these residents
next to our homes, which are not million dollar homes, two hundred to three hundred thousand
dollar small homes, but it is a clean area. She is concerned not only is Algonquin going to be a
high traffic road, but also then prefab homes sitting like military base next to a nice
neighborhood. Esso asks to change the roundabout from Algonquin and leave Algonquin Road
more private for the Mackinaw community.
Ivan Hall (14 Idyllwild Court) stated he is a flood victim, 42 inches of water, and during that flood
recovery his community didn't do well at the priority draw and now they are facing being at the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 13 of 25
bottom of the watershed that feeds them. Idyllwild has made some proposals to City Council to
work in conjunction but are waiting for fruition with the City Manager, the developer, and they
are all trying to solve the problem of the watershed. Hall noted the diversion project is
underway, it is being engineered now. The problem the community has is when the river
reaches a certain height they have to shut their flood gates and basically become subject to
trapping all the water that comes down the hill. The information he believes they need in order
to continue and work these joint agreements is a repeatable and audible water management
plan submitted. Hall would like to know exactly the amount of water, and the rate of water, that
is going to come down and affect Idyllwild because it will have a direct relation to the pumping
station they build and the diversion they can do passively. Hall stated the preliminary
engineering studies that the City has done, if they get the right kind of circumstance in rain, they
can be flooded from rain up the hill. There is technology and other things such as passive
detention of trees that help. Hall is also concerned about the lack of trees. He believes his
community deserves to know and understand the path forward so they can work together. As a
resident that has gone through the flood it is important they do due diligence or they will deal
with flooding. Idyllwild has invested a lot of money into their community, they built their own
berm, they are putting money into the diversion project, and they are trying to work the cost
share. Hall stated he likes the development and supports the development but they need data
in order to get the pump station and diversions correct.
Matt Alexander (744 Foster Road) lives right next to the intersection of Foster Road and
Algonquin Road. His question relates to that intersection, as he exits Algonquin Road onto
Foster Road in the mornings when he is headed to work there can be some close calls with
oncoming cars when pulling out onto Foster Road. Foster Road is only getting busier as the
Peninsula is not done building yet, and Algonquin Road is not fit for bidirectional flows of traffic
because there is street parking. He envisions a dangerous situation where they have a lot of
development going to the north of them and having a lot of exiting from Algonquin Road onto
Foster Road. There is no traffic signal there, which there shouldn't be as it is a neighborhood
and should remain that way, but Alexander is requesting a traffic study of that intersection, he
would hate to see car accidents at that intersection as it become busier and not fit for
accommodating cars coming in all directions. Overall he feels the plan is very ambitious and
wonders if it needs to be so ambitious, and if all the commercial is really necessary. If the
commercial area was smaller perhaps the Forest View area wouldn't need to be relocated.
Alexander did add it would be nice to see a playground area in the neighborhoods.
Beth Pruessner (5 Knollw000d Lane) stated she lives in the fabulous neighborhood down by the
proposed gas station, she completely agrees with what DeCoster said earlier, looks like lots of
great improvements. Pruessner noted they are newer to the neighborhood and this process so
she has some questions. Her first question is with Laura Drive and will it continue down to
Foster Road or are they planning to cut that off. Walz confirmed it will continue to connect to
Foster Road. Pruessner stated then the traffic from the gas station and the hotels will drive
down Laura Drive. Walz said that could be an option however there will also be the connection
to Dubuque Street from the new Forest View Drive. Pruessner next asked how many yards
there are in the 1.2 acre area, currently they can go outside and see the stars and with this
development she is concerned about the lights. Hensch answered that an acre is about a
football field and a half-length if that helps her visualize. Pruessner asked if the multifamily
housing units would be all rentals or condos. Freerks replied that the City has no way to restrict
or require a developer to do one or the other. Pruessner inquired what would be the height of
the tallest building. Freerks acknowledged that is something the Commission is also curious
about and have not received that answer. Pruessner asked if as a resident of this neighborhood
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 14 of 25
it would be possible to get a walk-through of the area with the developer or anyone (the
developer nodded his head in agreement).
Haven Wojciak (762 Arch Rock Road) lives in the Mackinaw Village neighborhood and will soon
be moving to 834 Tranquil Bluff Trail which is also in the Mackinaw Village neighborhood.
Wojciak used to be on the board of the McCormick Square HOA and just recently stepped down
from that. Wojciak has several concerns and considerations, the first being the through street at
Algonquin Road, part of the reason they decided to move into their neighborhood (they have a
very rambunctious four year old child) because the Mackinaw neighborhood is one of the few
neighborhoods that have no through streets which means it has a much more limited amount of
traffic going through it. Wojciak noted a parent with children finds it a blessing to have a
neighborhood where you can feel safe to have your children out without excessive vehicle traffic
running through your neighborhood. Wojciak acknowledged he is moving a little bit further away
from Algonquin Road however that area is going to be vastly impacted and previously with the
original plans that were shown, there was not developments like drive-thrus and restaurants, it
was mostly billed as office space with maybe some residential on top of it. Most of that traffic
would have come off Dubuque Street, now with restaurants it is much more traffic and a
restaurant with a liquor license will send drunk drivers through his neighborhood. Therefore, by
the change in plans it has created a situation where it will make it all a more dangerous
neighborhood to have kids in due to the additional traffic.
The second item Wojciak wished to note was in the original plans that were shown to the
neighbors, and what was discussed at the neighborhood meetings was only shared with
McCormick Square representatives, no other condo board in the area was ever contacted.
Nonetheless, the original plan showed townhouses built behind the McCormick Square Condos,
things that would continue to have the same feel and vibe as the neighborhood, in fact in the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment from August 15, 2017, it states as the housing goal "any
development of multifamily residential adjacent to the Mackinaw Village neighborhood must
incorporate the design standards". Wojciak states the current proposal in absolutely no way
incorporates the design standards of Mackinaw Village, it is a neighborhood that contains three
types of housing, apartments, townhouses and single family homes. The new proposal will
introduce to Mackinaw Village a totally new type of housing. Wojciak asserted to say it will be a
sub-development is a fallacy, he lives in that neighborhood and can see where the development
is, to say there is woodland area between there, it is really like five trees. Therefore, that area
will become a part of the overall neighborhood and it will not reflect the design standards of
Mackinaw Village and that goes against the Comprehensive Plan. Wojciak stated additionally
with the massive amount of commercial development in this proposal it reminds him of the
Coralville River Landing area which has a lot of open and unused office spaces and retail
spaces, not able to be filled, so if an area that already focuses on commercial cannot be filled
what need is there for the office and retail area here. Right now it is a nice intersection coming
off the highway that doesn't have gas stations and fast-food restaurants all over it, and there is
nothing wrong with keeping it that way.
Finally he stated while it was appropriate that Forest View was brought into the development
process, Mackinaw Village is the neighborhood that is going to be most impacted by the
changes that they are proposing, and as such he feels any future development and approval of
plans should involve the Mackinaw Village neighborhood because they are the ones that will be
getting all the through traffic, they will be the ones that will be having new types of development,
new zoning in their neighborhood, and if they are going to be asked to have those changes then
they need to be part of the process.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 15 of 25
Dave Moore (425 Davenport Street) stated this must be an early stage of the process if at this
time they don't know the height of the highest building. Freerks agreed and guaranteed him that
the Commission is not approving anything tonight. Moore noted at one time it was proposed as
two luxury hotels, but declared that isn't happening anymore. Freerks confirmed. Moore
acknowledged this would negatively affect some people's property values, and wonders what
happens to the property value for the people that own that big piece of land. Moore asked if
there were any images of what this area will look like from 1-80, or any photos of what the
signage will look like. Freerks stated there are sign standards in the Comprehensive Plan
amendment. Walz said staff has proposed typical signage for the commercial area, the fronts of
the buildings would have lighted signs.
Moore stated he has had friends that have lived in the area so that is his interest, also noted
that his mother-in-law lived in the Peninsula and complained there was no where to get a gallon
of milk. Moore also noted that the City did a great job in south Iowa City with Terry Trueblood
Park. Moore asked if he heard correctly that 60% of the current mobile home park residents
would not be part of this new project. Freerks believes that is what was stated. Walz corrected
that 60% are interested.
Moore finished by acknowledging members of Forest View and stating he hopes they do get
their homes, he understand when people get older they may not be as acceptable to change but
they need to remember what it was like to start out and hopes they can all find a path to their
affordable housing but doesn't feel these manufactured homes are the path. He felt it would be
like placing a Menards in the middle of the neighborhood. Moore reiterated that the exit off I-SO
to Dubuque Street is beautiful and the only road into Iowa City that doesn't have anything for
sale and it should be kept that way.
Rafael Morataya (Executive Director, Center for Workers Justice) stated for the last year and a
half the Center has been working with the residents of Forest View and eventually created the
tenant's association to become a voice for the residents and to be able to negotiate with HBK
and developers. The tenant's association's intention is to create an inclusive community with
families. A lot of families live in Forest View, single mothers, single fathers, and some have
lived there for more than 20 years. Morataya appreciates all the concern of others but looking
forward he hopes the Commission puts the values of the community first and make this
neighborhood inclusive, not exclusive.
Jillian Nagle (751 Mission Point Road) has lived in the area for almost five years when she
graduated from The University of Iowa five years ago with a mechanical engineering degree and
was fortunate to get an amazing job in town and be able to purchase an amazing home here.
Nagle has put all of her money into this home and her main concern with this new plan is her
investment. She has been paying attention to the values of the townhomes in her HOA and
they have increased significantly since she bought, which is exciting as a homeowner, her fear
is with this new proposal that will backtrack significantly. She also wanted to say she bought
her home in that area due to the quiet oasis, it is away from downtown, there is the great dog
park, it is a quiet, quaint neighborhood, very friendly, and she is now overseeing her HOA and is
very concerned what this proposal (high density housing) may do to their property values.
Nagle reiterated what Wojciak said that this development is an extension of their neighborhood
and she was a fan of it when it was townhomes going in and would essentially be an extension
of her neighborhood.
Dave Demik (730 Mission Point Road) stated he is new to the neighborhood having just bought
his home last year. He noted it is a unique neighborhood and in Iowa City it is hard to find a
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 16 of 25
townhome where there isn't a lot of traffic, it is away from the noise of downtown, Highway 1
and Highway 6. Demik asserted he is concerned about Algonquin Road being the "cure all" for
traffic. It is designed as a residential street and cannot accommodate two-way traffic flow so it
is not a great solution. There is no space to widen the road and the mailboxes for the
townhomes are on the other side so if you want to get your mail you will have to cross a
potentially busy street. If the solution will be to restrict parking on that street it will affect the
residents who rely on parking on the street and will shift the cars to Mission Point Road and
Arch Rock Road and create an "Iowa Avenue" situation where you have cars bumper to bumper
on both sides of the road. Demik remarked he also feels this proposal has too much density of
housing and commercial space too for that matter. He worries about the hotels, there have been
two new hotels built in the area in the last year and another one going up in Coralville. He
wonders what the vacancy rate is and if there really is a need. He also is worried about the
values of the homes in Mackinaw Village and preserving the environment and that seems to
have gotten lost in the shuffle.
Chad Diefenderfer (1290 Swisher Street) first stated that they should build the kids a park. He
lives in the Peninsula neighborhood and has been through the Forest View area a couple times.
His wife discovered there was an individual running a food truck up there and it was great.
When he went into that neighborhood he was struck by two things, first was the sense of
community. People were out on their porches, enjoying their yards, it was Peninsula like. On the
flip side the area had roads and infrastructure that was lacking any type of maintenance, no
reinvestment into this area. Diefenderfer wonders why the owner of this area has reinvested
into it. There appears to be a fault and problem when an owner of an area is allowed to not
have to maintain an area up to the standards it should. With that being said, Diefenderfer feels
it is important to talk about what type of covenant is put into place for this entire area proposed.
In the Peninsula area (he was on the board for six years) has in place a restrictive covenant that
keeps the area looking nice. He assumes Mackinaw Village has something similar. Therefore,
when discussing this new development, if it goes through, it needs to be kept at a high level of
really nice quality. Secondly, he would like to point out this proposal is a "slant" on the concept
of path to home ownership. The individuals that will be relocated to this area will not be
homeowners, they may own a structure but they will not own the underlying property. It will be
leased lots. Diefenderfer noted one advantage he has as a homeowner is he does not have
volatile lease payments that go up over time, he owns his property. Hektoen noted that this
proposal is actually for a condominium regime so the homeowners will own their property via an
interest in the land. Diefenderfer acknowledged that was a great solution. Walz acknowledged
Diefenderfer's first point and said with the new development the streets will be public streets
maintained by the City, whereas right now the Forest View Mobile Home Park has private
streets maintained by the owner. Diefenderfer recognized that but stated in the current area it is
not only the roads in poor shape but the overall quality of the development. If this proposal
goes forward, there needs to be a covenant and requirements in place that will keep the area in
the same standard and high quality nature as the Peninsula or Mackinaw Village.
Diane Dunbar (2068 Mackinaw Drive) stated she was a former resident of the Idyllwild
neighborhood and stayed in the area because she likes the area. She has a few concerns with
the proposal as it will be in her backyard. The tree lines that have been discussed is part of the
reason they moved to this home, they love the trees, they love the deer, they love the wildlife,
they love the quiet, they love the neighborhood because there is not a lot of traffic, they are on a
cul-de-sac for that reason. She understands people have homes that have to be moved, but
questions why they have to be on top of each other. She is also concerned about fire, as close
as these homes will be to one another if one catches on fire it will spread quickly. Dunbar noted
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 17 of 25
she used to live in a very small town that took 25 years to get a McDonalds, she lived on a tree-
lined boulevard and they put a McDonalds a block away, the high lights shine down into
bedroom windows, it is not a good neighborhood feel. She moved away from that and would
like to keep her current neighborhood from becoming that. The reason people live in this area is
because it is not like the rest of Iowa City.
Charlie Eastham (953 Canton Street) used to live in the Idyllwild development and now is in the
Peninsula. He has been working with the Center for Workers Justice and the Forest View
Tenant's Association for two years or more and he has a couple of things to say. Eastham
added he was also a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for 10 years. He
acknowledged that everyone is sympathetic to concerns of current residents about what will
happen if there is a new development and want to make the transition as supportive as possible
for everyone. Eastham believes this proposal is unique because involves relocation of people
who are now living in a mobile home park and they want to move into new and better housing.
He hopes that the Commission and eventually City Council will work out any subsidy differences
between what is before them now and what they would like to see so this transition can happen.
The financing, the moving of residents of a mobile home park the size of Forest View is a
challenging proposition. Eastham is not suggesting the Commission has to entirely support the
redevelopment of Forest View, but a primary concern is to work out the issues and concerns
raised tonight so the residents of Forest View have this opportunity. He acknowledged he is not
worried about the upkeep of the new development, the residents of Forest View are proud of
their homes and he feels it will look just as good 20 years from now as when it is developed. He
added there will be a homeowner's association in charge of external maintenance similar to
other communities.
Ed Cole (620 Foster Road) is not only the developer but he and his wife just built a home on lot
20 of the development so he will be part of this community. Cole stated his development team
is all about quality and they are all friends. Cole noted he grew up in a mobile home park he
understands the dream of home ownership and now wants to give the same to these folks.
Ashley Mangan (1128 Manitou Trail) and her husband voiced their concerns in an email they
sent.
They have lived there for about two years and when they bought and built their home this
development was not proposed or they did not know about it. Had they known they probably
wouldn't have invested in their home if they had known, they are worried about preserving their
neighborhood and keeping the value of their home. She acknowledged it is a fear of a
homeowner to lose the investment in a home. She added they are not fans of the traffic this
development will bring in. The roads are not adequate and they have small children and do not
want that traffic in their neighborhood. She commented on the woods and that there will not be
much left after this development and that is a concern.
Karthik Gunasekaran (726 Mission Point Road) bought his home two years ago because of the
tree line, the tranquility, the peace that exists in the neighborhood and that is the only reason
they wanted to buy the house and raise their family there. He is an engineer and also has an
MBA. He agrees with the gentleman that questioned why there was a need for the commercial
area when Coralville and North Liberty have so many vacant buildings. Proctor& Gamble is
shutting down its shop, Rockwell Collins was bought out and is moving to Florida and he thinks
economically this is not wise to build all this and believes there will be a housing bubble soon in
Iowa City. Gunasekaran is representing his HOA's concerns and they are asking for two things.
First, they want to protect their investments, a high-density population coming in there will affect
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 18 of 25
their investments. They are not millionaires, they are middle class people working hard to
protect their investments. Secondly, the residents of this area are working people who want to
be able to come home after work and enjoy a cup of coffee on their decks and enjoy the peace
and quiet. They just want to protect the community.
Jimmy Becker (Blackbird Investments) is representing the development team for the project. He
began by recognizing that everyone deserves a safe, affordable and quality home and that is
what they propose for the residents of Forest View. It has been mentioned that the Mackinaw
neighborhood is already our neighbors and they hope to see that continue and build value and
build new homes to replace mobile homes, some of which are in need of great repair. Some of
the mobile homes are in fact immobile due to their age, condition and vintage. With regards to a
couple items that were raised, Becker said they have proposed a park which will be located with
the neighborhood shelter and are open to adding more green space to that park. However, it is
important to recognize that by adding more green space the direct result is decreasing the
number of homes. He noted there are currently 95 families in Forest View, based on the
feedback from meetings, they have a best guesstimate of about 60% of the residents having an
interest in moving into the new homes. That would be 57 families and they are proposing 59
homes so they can accommodate all the families. As stated in the relocation plan, all 95
families will be provided with assistance, even to those moving elsewhere. Becker commented
on the quality of the homes, they will be built to last and are approved by the national
government. The residents that got to see the homes were very happy. With regards to
preservation, it is worth repeating there are currently 30.6 acres of trees and they are proposing
to preserve 14.56 acres of those trees and in addition the tree buffer of 3.49 acres so in total
59% of the trees which is beyond the Code requirement. Becker acknowledged the comments
on the commercial density and reminded everyone that the commercial development will help
offset the costs incurred to relocated Forest View and give those families new homes. The two
main objectives the development team shares with the City are the relocation of the 95 families
that live in Forest View and also to provide a secondary access to Dubuque Street. The design
standard, created by Neumann Monson, will be of high quality. Becker explained that with the
lease to own structure of the housing, they are applying for low-income house tax credits to
offset the cost to develop the project and that allows them to honor the current rate that
residents are paying at the mobile home park today, all those details will be shared in the
relocation plan. Freerks suggested that Becker supply the Commission with that information so
they can digest it.
Brittney Heida (752 Mission Point Road) stated that many of the things that have been brought
up tonight she shares. She noted that she is familiar with the Forest View area, her son walks
down there to play with other children. She is very concerned about traffic on Algonquin Road
and the cars parked on that street. It fits the neighborhood as is, and the parking on that road
would not be able to be accommodated elsewhere. She also stated that the condos they live in
were designed with the landscape in mind, they have huge picture windows that overlook the
trees. So one can imagine their concern when they see this proposal and just see house after
house after house and very little green space. Both Mackinaw and Forest View children play in
those fields and it would be disappointing to see that go. With this proposal they are losing their
tranquility, their peace and gaining all the light and noise from these new homes. Hejda
suggested perhaps a different design structure for the homes can be considered. She came
from a low-income family herself so she is understanding of the need to provide affordable
housing.
Pat Heiken (4 Knollwood Lane) wants to first commend Ed Cole because in his heart he is trying
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 19 of 25
to lift up all these people with his new housing development for the residents of his mobile home
court, he is a good guy. However, Heiken agrees with DeCoster and to move the gas station to
the other side of the road might really help and be appreciated. Also adding a good berm or
something would be nice as well. His bedroom window faces the proposed gas station, he has
lung and brain cancer and doesn't want to spend his time sucking in gas fumes any more than
he has to.
Dennis Tuite (21 Pentire Circle) lives in the Idyllwild area and absolutely loves it. He
understands the concern of the residents of Mackinaw, they have wonderful views and are able
to sit outside in peace is important. Tuite thinks the plan looks terrific, but would agree to swap
the gas station and restaurants. He is concerned with the loss of trees and the effect on
Idyllwild, his home is right on the pond, and questioned if there is a stormwater diversion system
being worked on. Walz said engineers would have to describe the details, however Ivan Hall
who lives in Idyllwild is also very involved and can help answer questions.
Pat Heiken (4 Knollwood Lane) wondered if the waterway that is on Laura Drive will be affected
or filled in when they start moving dirt for this development. Walz said yes, on the east side of
Laura Drive they will be filling in the waterway. Heiken would like to see that gulley filled in.
Cynthia Vaske (904 Manitou Trail) wanted to ask why the plan changed so drastically from the
first plan they met about. She questions why the manufactured section of this proposal has
moved and impacting three or four other neighborhoods, wouldn't it make more sense to put the
manufactured housing community up where the yellow triangles are at the top of the drawing.
She feels no one is opposed to the manufactured home neighborhood, the concern is the flow
of traffic, so moving it might help. Freerks noted there is a 300-foot buffer requirement that says
we don't want to put housing within 300 feet of an interstate for quality of life issues (noise,
fumes, etc.).
Ivan Hall (14 Idyllwild Court) offers the suggestion to the developer and Planning Commission, if
they can guarantee Foster Road would stay open it would take pressure off the secondary road.
There is an opportunity with the developer and Idyllwild and City to get Foster Road at 100%
ability to handle the area. Hall also would like to see how the road is planned to go from Foster
into the community on a map that also shows Idyllwild.
Diane Dunbar (2068 Mackinaw Drive) asked if anything has been approved yet, Walz replied
no. Dunbar reiterated she lives on the cul-de-sac and this is the first time she is hearing about
this and only knows of this because of the sign on Dubuque Street from 1-80. She wants to
know why this is the first time she is hearing about this. Miklo stated letters were sent to
properties within 300 feet of the rezoning area.
Lina Esso (1750 Algonquin Road) stated that there is the City rule of no building in the 300 feet
and the concerns and she stated those concerns are the same the Mackinaw neighborhood has
(pollution, noise, quality of life). She again asks the committee to use other paths other than
Algonquin Road, the street cannot sustain more than local traffic and it would be a huge
injustice to them.
Margarita Baltazar (President of the Forest View Association) stated they have heard a lot of
opinions and respect them. She has lived for more than 12 years in this neighborhood in Iowa
City, she has seen a lot of streets under construction, a lot of stores built, a lot of houses, and
she sees trees disappear with each construction. She sees in other areas stores built that don't
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 20 of 25
have trees around them and she doesn't understand that. They, in this project, are trying to
conserve as much as possible of the nature. They are the most interested in conserving nature
around them, and she sees a lot of people who are thinking about their interests but she also
sees selfishness. Baltazar stated they also pay their taxes and work with the City, they work
very hard to have dignity and make a living, and they are also people and deserve respect too.
They just want houses with dignity for everyone and they want to continue to see an Iowa that is
beautiful and have an opportunity for more people to have housing with dignity. Otherwise you
will soon see a future with more people living in the street of Iowa City. How will they be able to
explain to their children in that case what they are doing, and what we are doing by just thinking
about ourselves? We are all human beings.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to defer REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006 until the May 3 meeting.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Freerks noted she doesn't feel this application will be decided upon at the May 3 meeting, there
are too many questions. She acknowledged everybody's opinion is important and valid, change
is hard. She thinks the details need to be discussed, there are so many things that can make
this palatable for the majority. Yes, it is a nice big green space that everyone loves and enjoys,
and time and time again people buy a home next to a beautiful open green space that later gets
developed. That is sad and unfortunate, but that is just the way it is. What we can do here is
make sure it is developed in the best way, they can put stipulations and requirements (within
reason). She asserts they need to review the traffic concerns, the drainage flows, the sensitive
areas, and the aesthetic of the entryway into Iowa City. That entryway is one of the few
entryways that is so beautiful so how do we retain that and still add a commercial element. It
was already decided in the Comprehensive Plan Amendment we will do that, now is just figuring
out how.
Freerks acknowledged the plan is like a moving target and continues to need to be reviewed.
She definitely wants to make sure there are no winners and no losers — need something that is
best for all. Freerks expressed her concern that the plan presented this evening was changed
from the one in the agenda packet and feels this is like holding a neighborhood meeting in the
public forum because there are so many unknowns. She personally is not interested in allowing
reduced lot sizes. There are set minimum standards for a reason, and in this whole area they
are asking for the maximum density and are not meeting the minimum standards. She thinks
perhaps they could lose the apartment building, put some of the manufactured homes there,
add a park space, etc. She is in favor of the street connectivity and feels the neighborhoods
should connect. Because the plans keep changing it is hard to make decisions or suggestions,
she would like to see elevations, especially of the convenience store, and perhaps moving it,
she wants to see more details or a set of standards to be approved.
Signs respectively disagrees, looking at the aerial view of the two plans (he would like to see
both plans on the same scale for comparison) he counted buildings, spaces of townhouses,
concrete parking and to him he doesn't see a significant change in the overall density, or overall
green space.
Freerks stated that the Commission did not approve a density and a number like 647 is too
vague.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 21 of 25
Signs is looking at the footprints of the buildings and doesn't recall these great concerns from
the previous meetings when they did the Comprehensive Plan Amendment about the general
concept of what would be going in this area.
Martin expressed one of the things she sees missing is the transition style of housing, there are
townhomes on Mackinaw Drive, then the manufactured houses and then large apartment
complexes which with the original plan there were townhouses transitioning into the modular
homes then over to multifamily and commercial.
Signs also noted that while they are asking for waivers on the lot sizes, there were more homes
shown in the original plan than are being shown now. Freerks noted those homes shown in the
Comprehensive Plan amendment concept plan weren't possible, they were a fantasy. Signs
also stated that the Algonquin Road extension has been part of the plan since day one, the goal
of the City has been to find an alternate route out of this area. Freerks agrees with that but also
want to see the connection at Flint Drive. Signs concurs. He noted he drove out to that area
this evening prior to the meeting and encourages all others on the Commission to do the same.
Freerks reiterated the Commission needs a corrected plan to be able to comment and move
forward. They need to see traffic studies, stormwater management plans, elevations, building
materials, landscaping, lightening, signage, screening, etc. She would like to see a large park
area added, and for everyone to be able to keep their sense of community.
Martin discussed the possibility of flipping the location of the gas station, she is curious which
would have more light and sound pollution, a gas station or a drive-thru restaurant.
Signs concurred he would like to see the 23-plex disappear and see more green space and play
space for the families that will live there.
Parsons added he likes the clustering, he also would like to see more green space and street
connectivity. Otherwise there are so many moving parts right now it is hard to really dig into.
Hensch stated he is generally fine with the density, with regards to the manufactured housing he
is not interested in reducing it from the minimum requirements, it is important for people to have
space, and definitely need more green space and play space in that area, and definitely need
the interconnectivity of the roads.
Parsons asked about Foster Road and if there were calming features on that road. Miklo said
on the western area in the Peninsula but not on the eastern portion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00015):
Discussion of an application submitted by Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of
approximately 7.84 acres from Interim Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone
to Planned Development Overlay/Low Density Multifamily (OPD/RM-12) zone for the property
located west of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road.
Miklo noted they received updated plans and shared them with the Commission and showed the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 22 of 25
images looking at the property from the intersection of Deer Creek Road and Camp Cardinal
Boulevard, noting the trees that will be preserved. The southern building would be three stories
high, the two northern buildings appear four stories each on the north side and be five stories on
the back where the parking structure is due to the slope. Miklo stated the buildings will have flat
roofs so technically they are shorter and previous proposals, additionally they will be three
different shades of stone. Miklo asked if the Commission also wanted the siding of the buildings
to be different colors. Freerks said it would be nice, and others agreed. Miklo said that could be
added to the Conditional Zoning Agreement. Next Miklo discussed the revised buffer plan and
will recommend that the City Forrester must approve the landscaping plan before installation.
Staff is recommending approval of REZ17-00015 with the following conditions:
• Sound mitigation provided through a plan from an acoustical engineer to be approved
prior to the issuance of a building permit for the two buildings within 300 feet of Highway
218.
• To maintain dust control from Deer Creek Road.
• Substantial compliance with the site plan, including the decks adjacent to the stormwater
pond.
• Fire lane only areas would be pervious surface, approved by the Fire Marshall.
• City Forrester approval of landscaping.
• General conformance with submitted drawings with different color siding for each
building.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Jason Walton (Walton Builders) addressed the siding colors and said the drawings do not reflect
the variations. There are two different siding colors on the side of the buildings with the decks.
He noted that the siding material will likely be a real wood or wood-appearance looking. That
may be a challenge with the color choices. Freerks said they could just work with staff on that
and come up with a good solution. Miklo said they can drop the condition of different color
siding.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to recommend approval of REZ17-00015 an application submitted by
Cardinal Pointe West, LLC for a rezoning of approximately 7.84 acres from Interim
Development Research Development Park (IDRP) zone to Planned Development
Overlay/Low Density Multifamily (OPD/RM-12)zone for the property located west of
Camp Cardinal Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road with the following conditions:
• Sound mitigation provided through a plan from an acoustical engineer to be
approved prior to the issuance of a building permit for the two buildings within
300 feet of Highway 218.
• To maintain dust control from Deer Creek Road.
• Substantial compliance with the site plan, including the decks adjacent to the
stormwater pond.
• Fire lane only areas would be pervious surface, approved by the Fire Marshall.
• City Forrester approval of landscaping.
• General conformance with submitted drawings of building plans.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 23 of 25
Freerks thanked the applicant for being patient through this process and thinks the end product
will be wonderful and a nice area for the residents that will rent easily.
Parsons noted it is a challenging piece of property to develop on and he feels the changes that
have been made in this process make this application strong.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ18-00014):
Discussion of an application submitted by 100-500 LLC, for a rezoning of approximately
3.41 acres from High Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-44) zone to Riverfront Crossings -
South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC-SD) zone located at 12 E. Court Street.
Due to the late hour of the meeting Miklo did not deliver the whole staff report, it is online for
anyone that wants to read it. Staff is recommending approval with the condition that the right-of-
way to reopen Capitol Street be dedicated to the City and the applicant build or install the street
to the specifications of the City Engineer. The direction of the street at this time is it will be open
to traffic and not limited to a pedestrian street. The applicant would install the streetscape
improvements as called for in the Riverfront Crossings Plan for Burlington and Court Streets.
Additionally the affordable housing requirements Riverfront Crossings must be included in the
Conditional Zoning Agreement. Miklo noted the applicant has indicated they will be seeking a
bonus for additional stories on the buildings, possibility 15 floors, and the Commission had
indicated a desire to see that design so that could be a condition placed on this rezoning.
Freerks said she is interested in seeing the design of this project given the large scale and as
she feels there needs to be usable indoor and outdoor spaces.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Rob Decker (HBK Engineering) stated that this application will require a level two design
approval so there will be a packet of information supplied to the City and he feels it does make
sense to come back before Planning and Zoning. Decker confirmed they will be applying for
height credits, they will get a lot of it from the right-of-way transfer. They will work with Public
Works on parking options, and also address the pedestrian access required along Burlington
Street and their intent is to do a full streetscape in the area. It will all be shown in the design
packet submitted.
Freerks noted she does want to see Capitol Street open to traffic and not just pedestrians due to
all the deliveries that will go to these new buildings and need for vehicle unloading area (not on
Burlington Street).
Signs noted he is hopeful to see a dynamic design of this project, it is a premier piece of
property. Freerks agrees and hopes to see green spaces and areas for activities.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to recommend approval of REZ18-00004 a n application submitted by 100-
500 LLC, for a rezoning of approximately 3.41 acres from High Density Multi-Family
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 19, 2018
Page 24 of 25
Residential (RM-44)zone to Riverfront Crossings -South Downtown Subdistrict(RFC-
SD) zone located at 12 E. Court Street including the conditions of:
• The applicant will dedicate right of way to the City to reopen Capitol Street
• The developer will build the Capital Street to specifications approved by the City
Engineer.
• Applicant will install streetscape improvements to enhance the pedestrian
environment on Burlington Street and Court Streets, as discussed in the
Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
• The design plan will come before Planning and Zoning for approval.
Parsons seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MARCH 12, MARCH 15, APRIL 2 &APRIL 5,
2018
Miklo noted the April 5, 2018 minutes are not in the packet and will be deferred until the next
meeting.
Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 12, March 15 &April 2, 2018.
Parsons seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Miklo reminded the Commission that in a previous meeting they recommended approval of
historical landmark status for seven properties, City Council approved five of the properties.
With two of the properties the owners objected and therefore the State Code requires six out of
seven council members to approve and that did not happen. Miklo asked if the Commission
wanted to meet with Council to discuss the votes. Freerks confirmed that yes a meeting should
happen. Miklo said one possible time for the meeting would be May 15 at the Council's work
session. He said that the Historic Preservation Commission is also being invited, so he will
confirm the meeting time once it is established.
Adiournment:
Hensch moved to adjourn.
Parsons seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 -2018
(W.S) (W.S.) (W.S)
9/7 9/21 10/5 10/19 11/2 12/7 12/21 1/4 1/18 2/15 3/1 3/12 3/15 4/2 4/5 4/16 4/19
DYER, CAROLYN X X X X O/E X X X X X X X 0/E X O/E X X
FREERKS, ANN X X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X X X
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X X X
PARSONS, MAX 0/EX X X X X X X X 0/E X X X X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X X X 0/E X O/E X X X X X X X
KEY: X= Present
O =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
05-29-18
por CITY OF IOWA CITY 4b(6)
f " &
r
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 18, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning &Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their May 17, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the May 3 minutes
with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends setting a public hearing for May 17 on an
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Annexation Policy, to add a section pertaining
to affordable housing.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action - Done
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MAY 3, 2018 —7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark
Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ann Freerks
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends setting a public hearing for May 17 on an
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Annexation Policy, to add a section pertaining to
affordable housing.
CALL TO ORDER:
Hensch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006):
Discussion of an application submitted by application, submitted by North Dubuque, LLC for a
rezoning of approximately 73.15 acres of land from Interim Development - Low Density Single-
Family (ID-RS) zone, Low Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone, and Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone to Planned Development
Overlay/ High Density Single-Family Residential (OPD/RS-12) zone for approx. 50 acres of
property and Planned Development Overlay I Highway Commercial (OPD/CH-1) zone for
approx. 23 acres of property. The applicant is also requesting approval of the preliminary plat of
Forest View, a 73.15-acre subdivision, located north of Foster Road, south of 1-80, west of N.
Dubuque Street, east of Mackinaw Drive.
Miklo stated the applicant has indicated that a revised plan will be submitted for review at the
May 17 meeting and therefore asking that this item be deferred to the May 17 meeting. He
noted the Commission did receive correspondence that they can read before the next meeting.
Signs moved to defer REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006 until the May 17 meeting. •
Parsons seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 5, 2018
Page 2 of 6
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Setting a public hearing for May 17 on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Annexation
Policy, to add a section pertaining to affordable housing.
Miklo explained that tonight is just a formality to set the public hearing and to make the draft
amendment available to the public for their consideration. The proposal is to amend the
Comprehensive Plan to encourage inclusion or addressing of affordable housing for properties
that being annexed into the City.
Theobald moved to set a public hearing for May 17 on an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan, Annexation Policy, to add a section pertaining to affordable
housing.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: APRIL 5, APRIL 16, AND APRIL 19, 2018
Miklo requested the Commission defer these items. Due to the length of the meetings Staff has
not had time to complete the minutes.
The Commission agreed to defer.
REPORT FROM NATIONAL AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE:
Martin attended this conference in New Orleans and did some of the tours and also attended
classes. The first class she attended was "Back to Basics —Walkable Suburbanism" where they
had done some case studies on a few different areas, one interesting one in particular was
Atlanta, Georgia, where they have a suburb (Alpharetta) with a huge highway (similar to
Chicago)with malls and commercial areas all along the highway, but what they did was put
rooftop gardens on top of the malls and commercial buildings and connected the areas with
trails under the highway. The class contained a lot of information regarding trails, connection to
forests, overall connectivity. Martin showed pictures of the area. The speaker referred to the
beach, and making your own beach front property wherever you are by adding to the community
what they want. For example they created a cricket stadium as they had a large population of
citizens who wanted that. That was their"beach" and then development was created around
that park system. Martin also noted that when speakers were discussing the connectivity and
designing areas the key word was authentic, to make the areas authentic and meaningful to the
community. With regards to walkable communities there was also discussion about grocery
stores, not just gas station markets but authentic little grocery stores in a smaller space. The
class was interesting because the concept of"Walkable Suburbanism" is unusual because
suburbia is usually spread out but the goal is to make these areas their own communities.
Martin reported that there was also conversation regarding building spaces that everyone wants
to be in and not to build the slums of tomorrow and when they look at building their suburbs not
just having multiplexes but also other amenities such as parks, cricket stadium, grocery stores,
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 5, 2018
Page 3 of 6
connectivity to another neighboring community and being proactive with addressing noise, light,
etc. Local and unique is critical to establishing these neighborhoods, for example in one suburb
they used multiple architects to work as one team to create one project. She also showed an
area where they built a town around a golf course in Georgia.
Martin then did a walking tour of the French Quarter and in particular this tour focused on the
LGBT community and having them as shop owners and having a larger role in New Orleans
than they used to. The next day Martin attended a class "Art, Mitigation & Planning Oh My".
The class was led by a gentlemen from Monmouth County New Jersey who discussed the
aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and there was a lot of discussion regarding FEMA. The class
focused on how art can help a community rebound after a disaster and why it is so important.
Last year alone FEMA had over 80 disasters they were working with and why FEMA values art.
As a society it contributes to community, cohesion, cultural pride, in terms of well-being it
illuminates personal lives and enriches our emotion world and helps foster compassion. Martin
noted the National Endowment of Arts and FEMA work together. Also discussed was ecological
art and Monmouth County New Jersey is just a sliver of land, a peninsula, in the ocean, and
after Sandy an artist had come and built a statue of giant hands that looked like the sea was
trying to pull the area into the water. They also had area school children paint murals on the
cement barricades as a way of building community and leaving a positive stamp after such a
tragedy. Additionally FEMA and the Smithsonian are also collaborators.
Signs noted when he was with the organization Trees Forever they had a speaker talk about the
need for trees and plants in an area after disaster.
Martin continued and noted this speaker stated that stormwater retention basins do not do the
good cities think they do, they may cause more harm. This was in reference to the flooding
from Hurricane Sandy but Martin thought it was worth learning more about. In Monmouth
County their Planning & Zoning had a huge role revitalizing that community and were proactive
in extending out to the arts and suggesting they work as a team to make this work. Also in New
Jersey they have a required arts curriculum in their public schools from pre-K to 8th grade, they
are raised on youth and engagement, creating creative energetic outlets for kids, and more and
more counties have county art plans. Overall, New Jersey had several small communities after
Hurricane Sandy that could not recover on their own so worked by county to create county-wide
art plans. Also discussed was going above and beyond flood protections and with FEMA if a
community or county goes above and beyond their revitalization that FEMA sets forth a
community can get points and lower their flood insurance costs to homeowners in their
community. It has to be initiated at a local level, but arts can help with that. Martin noted one
particular theme she heard throughout the classes was creating and keeping these ideas in-
house and not using consultants.
Martin attended a few different farm seminars, one was presented by Timothy Huey from Scott
County, Iowa, and it was interesting to hear what they had to say. Scott County did their first
Comprehensive Plan in 1980 and did not do another one until 2005 and those Plans are
identical to each other, when they reviewed the Plan they decided no changes were needed.
Hensch asked what Huey's premise regarding farms being under treat. Martin explained that in
the last 35 years the United States has lot over 31 million acres of farmable land.
The next speaker was Julia Freedgood from Northampton, Massachusetts, is with American
Farmland Trust and is working to save land that sustains us, wants people to pay attention to
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 5, 2018
Page 4 of 6
soil types and be intentional in sustaining food. Farms and farmland is being threatened in Iowa
and other states and farmers are predominately living in poverty. Family farms are an economic
engine and cannot be lost. Freedgood also talked a lot about food insecurity being a real issue.
Farmers are aging and unable to retire due to their economic status which concerns the land
use change. Currently they are seeing the trend as global society the young people that want to
work in agriculture are ethnic and younger than current farmers so they farm in a different way.
They are interested in farming for small communities, being sustainable, organic and in a small
scale. However they cannot accomplish this because land is so expensive and instead of the
aging farmers selling land to the younger farmers they are selling to developers and the result is
the land loss.
Hensch noted that Iowa imports more food into our state than any other state (other than
Hawaii) because Iowa produces fuel and feed for livestock. Martin showed a map of the United
States and the farmable quality land available.
Freedgood also discussed the need to diversify the foods grown in each state, there just can't
be only corn and soybeans forever as it is killing the land. She suggests building wealth by
connecting Ag ranchers with residential and making cities more livable so farms and land stay
viable together and having a connectivity. Freedgood stated people need to stop drooling over
flat farmland and make these lands an economic engine to fuel the future. Theobald mentioned
Redford Farms in Louisa County, Iowa, and how that farmer is wanting to grow unique crops
and rent off portions of this land to young farmers who want to grow different things.
Next speaker was David Theobald from Fort Collins, Colorado, spoke about land change and
climate change, drought versus flooding. He spoke about the farmable land data that comes
from satellites and it is reflected incorrectly information especially with tree canopy.
Martin attended the poster session at the conference, she noted Iowa City intern Sylvia Bochner
was there and her poster was on walkability and bike-ability research in Mason City, Iowa.
There were several students from Iowa showcasing posters at that session.
The next class Martin attended was "Inclusive Food Economy Greater Than Access" about food
access and availability and food deserts in large communities. The death of grocery stores was
discussed, they did a case study from Flint, Michigan, where all the Kroeger Grocery stores left
and the city could not find another grocery store to open there. It was also noted that fast food
drive-thru restaurants play a role in low income housing areas in keeping residents from going
out and searching for healthier options. If there is not a healthy option in a walkable distance,
residents cannot get there. In Maryland they have created a crossroads farmers market which
is based in a church right outside DC where people can use the commercial kitchen to cook
items to sell at the farmers markets. The goal is to have these markets open every day so
people can get groceries or food every day. They also created a hydroponic farm outside of the
church. There have been some issues with affluent neighbors complaining.
Hensch noted that Johnson County did fund a group to create a food hub for local famers to
have a place to process the food they harvest and it is beginning to take shape.
Martin then went on a tour of the New Orleans City Park, recovery after Katrina. She noted
even when she lived in New Orleans for several years she never went to City Park and was very
impressed. It was well manicured, had orchards, festival practice space and was just lovely.
Martin also did a tour of the Gentilly neighborhood which is a north of the French Quarter. This
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 5, 2018
Page 5 of 6
area flooded from the storm surge but has been rebuilt and also implemented a lot of solar
panel energy. Most of the houses were raised but with keeping the bungalow feel. Martin noted
throughout New Orleans the housing prices are very high.
Hensch asked what Martin's biggest takeaway from the neighborhood tours was. Martin said
when rebuilding after Katrina they stayed true to the New Orleans architecture. Businesses are
rebuilt, even Domino's sugar that was annihilated in Katrina is rebuilt on the Mississippi river.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Miklo said they are in the process of scheduling a joint meeting with the Commission, City
Council and representatives with the Historical Preservation Commission to talk about the two
landmark status properties that the owners protested.
Adjournment:
Parsons moved to adjourn.
Theobald seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 -2018
(W.S) (W.S.) (W.S)
9/21 10/5 10/19 11/2 12/7 12/21 1/4 1/18 2/15 3/1 3/12 3/15 4/2 4/5 4/16 4/19 5/3
DYER, CAROLYN X X X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X
FREERKS, ANN X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X X X X
PARSONS, MAX X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
---= Not a Member
05-29-18
4b(7)
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
April 19, 2018
ROOM 205, IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Members Present: Kenn Bowen, Cheryl) Clamon, Lorraine Dorfman, Scott
Finlayson, Kathy Mitchell, Margaret Reese, Hiram (Rick) Weber
Members Absent: None.
•
Staff Present: Craig Buhman, Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping, Kristin
Kromray, Ashley Monroe
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Reese at 4:15 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2018 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the February 15, 2018 with
amendments. Motion carried on a vote of 7/0. Mitchell/Bowen
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
PLANS AND CHANGES AT THE CENTER:
Ashley Monroe reported that the Parks and Recreation Department has a
division called Government Buildings. The head of this division, Kumi Morris,
oversees facility operations for city hall and all parks and rec buildings. The
Senior Center's two maintenance positions have been moved under the
Government Buildings division. Monroe explained that this will eliminate the need
for the new Senior Center Coordinator position to have experience or expertise in
facility management. It also enlarges the pool of maintenance staff available to
cover staffing shortfalls (at The Center and elsewhere), provides opportunities for
the Center's current maintenance employees to expand their skill base, and
enables the most effective use of staff.
1
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
Monroe said The Center's current maintenance staff will continue to work most of
their time at The Center and that the reorganization did not involve modifications
to any current salaries. She indicated that this change was approved by City
Council on Tuesday.
Clamon expressed frustration that this decision is being told to them after it was
made and passed by City Council. Clamon also noted that The Center's
maintenance workers do need special skills to work with seniors. Mitchell agreed
and reminded Monroe that she had specifically asked at the previous
commission meeting that the commission be given a survey or asked for
additional feedback on the future of the Senior Center. Bowen highlighted the
fact that while the maintenance workers are primarily assigned to The Center,
they could potentially be taken to another building —just as other maintenance
workers could be brought over to The Center.
Dorfman asked if there were additional changes forthcoming that the commission
needed to be aware of. Monroe said that there were no additional changes.
Dorfman indicated that while that was good, the fact that changes had already
occurred without any input from the Commission did not give Commissioners
much confidence in the assertion that they would be informed/consulted in the
future.
Clamon stated that she understands that commission is an advisory board and
not all suggestions by the Commission will be implemented. However, if they are
not asked for their opinion in the first place, it negates the need for the
Commission.
Finlayson asked if there are additional budget changes upcoming. Monroe stated
that the FY19 budget year will move forward as usual.
Monroe said she understood the concern of the Commission and took to heart
their concerns and comments.
Monroe announced that she will serve as the interim coordinator until a
permanent replacement is hired. In response to questions from Commissioners,
she provided some personal and professional background information and
indicated she was eager to spend time with staff and participants and learn more
about how the Senior Center works.
Monroe said she is not anticipating any changes to operations, programming,
facility hours or staffing during her tenure. She intends to provide overall
managerial assistance and rely heavily on staff support to maintain programs and
services. It is her intention to have a daily presence at The Center.
The coordinator position will be posted for internal and external candidates from
April 20th through May 25th. All applications received during that time will be
2
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
reviewed and an interview process finalized. She will report on the interview
process at the next commission meeting.
Bowen asked why the coordinator's position was not posted earlier to provide
insight and training to the new coordinator. Kopping stated that this approach to
hiring department and/or division directors was quite common in City operations
and it seemed to work well. Further, current Center staff members are all long-
time employees who know how to maintain the quality of programs and services
offered at The Center. Their presence will make the transition easier.
Webber mentioned the Friends of the Center appeal letter that went out. He
inquired about the endowment fund. Kopping said that the endowment is housed
at the Community Foundation. Each year the Senior Center receives (via Friends
of the Center) a percentage of the invested amount from the endowment to
support operational expenses. The more that is in the endowment the better
financially off the Senior Center will be in the long term.
DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION VISITS AND ALTERNATIVES:
Dorfman will attend the May 1st City Council meeting.
Kopping believes that these meetings with the City Council and Board of
Supervisors are important in that they convey information that helps Council and
Board members understand what the The Center does. She strongly
encouraged the Commission to make it a priority to communicate with them on a
regular basis and to identify an alternative communication method if this
approach was no longer functional.
POLICIES:
Kopping reported that the alcohol policy was in the legal department for one
minor change. She is confident it will be completed and approved by legal and
the City Manager by the Commission's May meeting.
All policies identified in the Operational Handbook have been reviewed by
Commission subcommittees and the City's legal department. Currently Kopping
is working to address some minor changes needed following the legal
department review. Her plan is to send all polices out to commissioners next
week for a final review and to ask for their formal approval at the May
Commission meeting.
3
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Michelle Buhman will act as the treasurer of Friends of the Center until a new
coordinator is in place. Current board members feel that recruitment of additional
members should be put on hold until a new, permanent coordinator is hired. It's
their belief that potential recruits will want to know who they will be working with
and have some clarification on the future direction of the Center prior to agreeing
to becoming a member of The Friends Board of Directors.
Buhman noted she had just gotten back from a professional fundraising
conference.
Commissioner Bowen left the meeting.
Kopping reported that the pool tables have been fixed and recovered. She is
hoping that this will generate some renewed interest in the space.
The summer program guides are out and registration began last week.
Some upcoming events include a Friends donor social, Day of Dance event,
newcomer's breakfast, a Coffee and Canvas Friends of the Center fundraiser,
expanded partnership programming with Artifactory, and annual spring concerts
by New Horizon Band, Voices of Experience, and Family Folk Machine.
Dorfman relayed a concern from the Program Committee related to the City's
new policy limiting online streaming capabilities on the City provided Wi-Fi
system. Some of programs offered at The Center use a series of lectures
provided through Great Courses as a major class component. Lectures have
been presented in a DVD format, but the company is transitioning to a streaming
format. The members of the Program Committee have expressed concern that
the City's new restrictions on streaming will limit The Center's ability to offer
Great Courses lecture series in the future.
Monroe said she spoke with the ITS department about this concern. She
reported that a recent review of public Wi-Fi needs revealed that there was a lot
of streaming and downloading occurring on the City's network. Concerns related
to bandwidth, community access and availability, and budget led to the decision
to limit streaming services to the public. Regardless of these restrictions, the ITS
department has indicated that The Center will continue to have access to
streaming services when needed for programming. The only requirement is for
Center staff to notify ITS of the need—preferably in advance.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Weber noted that lunches through Elder Services is much better.
4
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
Mitchell reported she received numerous comments from participants in last
year's volunteer recognition event expressing disappointment over the
elimination of volunteer recognition awards. Buhman responded that staff had
discussed the volunteer recognition awards at length and decided to not give
them out since there were no clear criteria established to identify honorees.
Because historically the volunteer event had been Commission led and
organized, she asked the Commissioners to identify a specific volunteer award(s)
and recipient criteria for use in the future.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 6/0. Dorfman/Mitchel
5
Approved Minutes
April 19, 2018
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2018
Name Term Expires 5/18/17 6/15/17 7/20/17 8/17/17 9/21/17 10/26/17 11/16/17 12/14/17 1/18/18 2/16/2018 3/15/18 4/19/2018
Kenn Bowen 12/31/20 -- -- X X X X NM X X X N/M X
Cheryll Clamon 12/31/18 NM X 0/E X X X NM X X 0/E N/M X
Lorraine Dorfman 12/31/19 NM X X 0/E X X NM X X X N/M X
Robert(Scott) 12/31/20 - X
Finlayson
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- — -- --
Mark Holbrook 12/31/18 NM X X X 0/E X NM X -- -- -- --
Kathy Mitchell 12/31/19 NM X X X X X NM X X X N/M X
Margaret Reese 12/31/17 NM X X X X X NM 0/E X X N/M X
Hiram(Rick) 12/31/20 -- X 0/E X X X NM X 0/E X N/M X
Weber
Key: X= Present
0= Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
--= Not a member
6
Approved Minutes
April 19,2018
7