HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-2015 Planning and Zoning CommissionIowa City
Planning & Zoning Commission
Formal Meeting
Thursday, January 15, 2015
7:00 PM
Emma Harvat Hall - City Hall
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, January 13, 2015 - 7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
D. Comprehensive Plan Item
A public hearing for discussion of amendments the Comprehensive Plan for the blocks
generally bounded by Clinton Street, Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street
(AKA the North Clinton / Dubuque Street District): and the blocks generally bounded by Gilbert
Street, Burlington Street, Jan Buren Street, and Iowa Avenue (AKA the Civic District).
E. Rezoning Item
Discussion of an application submitted by Southgate Companies for a rezoning from Interim
Development Research Park (ID -RP) to Commercial Office (CO-1) zone for approximately
34.21 acres of property located north of Northgate Drive. (REZ14-00023)
F. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: December 18, 2014
G. Planning. & Zoning Information
H. Adjournment
Upcoming Planning &Zoning Commission Meetings
Formal: February 5 / February 19 / March 5
Informal: Scheduled as needed.
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CITY OF IOINA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
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Date: December 10, 2014
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator
Re: Proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for:
i. The blocks generally bounded by Clinton St, Jefferson St, Bloomington St and
Dubuque St (AKA the North Clinton / Dubuque District); and
ii. The blocks generally bounded by Gilbert St, Burlington St, Van, Buren St, and
!owa Ave (AKA. the Civic District)
Introduction
The Comprehensive Plan identifies two areas, one located generally east of Gilbert St and north
of Burlington St, the other located north of Iowa Ave and west of Dubuque St, as areas that
were not included in the Downtown Master Plan or the Central District Plan, The
Comprehensive Plan suggests that while both areas have the potential to redevelop at higher
densities both should comply with the policies and goals of the Central District Plan in order to
ensure quality design and appropriate transitions to the areas that border them. Both of these
areas are currently part of the Downtown Planning District (see attached maps).
On October 30, staff held an open house to facilitate public input regarding these areas. All
property owners, residents and businesses were invited by letter. In addition, staff issued a
media release and designed a webpage to facilitate public input. To date, we have received
over 50 responses via the webpage, and several emails (see attached).
For the purposes of this report, we have separated the North Clinton / Dubuque District and the
Civic District, and have provided staff recommendations for each district separately.
NORTH CLINTON / DUBUQUE DISTRICT
The majority of the North Clinton / Dubuque District is zoned Planned Residential Multi -Family
(PRM). It is characterized by multi -family apartments, former single family homes converted to
apartments, religious and other institutions, and other public uses. With close proximity to the
University of Iowa, demand is strong for multi -family residential as well as institutional and public
uses.
PRM Zone: The purpose of the PRM Zone is to provide for the development of high density
multi -family housing in close proximity to centrally -located employment, educational and
commercial uses. The PRII zone is subject to multi -family design standards, and allows for
both a density bonus and height increase up to 65 feet (5-6 stories) provided certain 'public
benefits' are included in the project. These public benefits include a masonry finish on the
exterior of the building, usable open space for the occupants of the building, rehabilitation of a
historic building, provision of assisted housing, streetscape amenities, additional landscaping
and/or windows that have a height 1.5 times greater than their width.
December 12, 2014
Page 2
Public Input: Much of the public input we received emphasized a desire for higher -density
housing close to downtown ('build up, not out' was used several times), a desire for improved
streetscapes, wayfinding, replacement of older 'run-down' buildings, and a desire for more
affordable housing. Some input focused on a desire to not increase density, identified the lack
of parking as a concern, and the lack of retail and entertainment. Much of the public input was
related to a desire for improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities. All input
received to date is attached.
In discussions with University staff regarding this area, UI staff identified the close proximity of
the business school as an opportunity for an entrepreneurial center or living -learning community
of business students. UI staff also noted the strong market for residential housing close to the
Clinton St dormitories, and shared concerns with the appearance of the Clinton St and Dubuque
St corridors.
Streetscape and pedestrian / bicycle amenities: Dubuque St, and to a lesser degree Clinton, St,
serve as gateways to the University of Iowa's east campus and to downtown Iowa City, In
discussing this area with University of Iowa staff, one of the unique things about the east
campus is how intertwined it is with downtown Iowa City. One of the challenges is that there is
no clear 'gateway' to campus or to downtown. Related to this, the streetscape and the
appearance of some private residences have been identified as not contributing to these
corridors serving as 'gateways.' While multi -family zones and the PRM zone has design
standards to encourage higher -density housing to result in a more attractive living environment,
it may not be designed specifically to encourage higher -quality streetscapes in high -visibility
corridors; therefore staff suggests a review of these standards in conjunction with future public
projects to improve the appearance of the Clinton St and Dubuque St corridors.
Central District Plan: The effect of adding the North Clinton / Dubuque St District to the Central
Planning District is that it would become subject to the policies of the Central Planning District,
and any redevelopment would be subject to certain building design standards as required in the
Zoning Code. Existing policies and goals in the Central District Plan that are pertinent to the
North Clinton / Dubuaue St District include:
Selected Existing Housing and Quality of Life Goals — Central District Plan
• Goal #1: Promote the Central District as an attractive place to live by encouraging
reinvestment in residential properties throughout the district and by supporting new
housing opportunities.
• Goal #1(d): Support the goals and objectives proposed in the Historic Preservation Plan.
• Goal #2(d): In higher density multi -family zones, ensure that adequate infrastructure and
open space is provided to create a livable environment for residents.
• Goal #3(c): Implement targeted code enforcement for areas that receive a higher level of
complaints regarding zoning code violations, snow and weed removal, and trash control
that affect neighborhood quality of life
Selected Existing Transportation Goals — Central District Plan
• Goal #1: Balance traffic circulation needs, preserve neighborhood character, and public
safety issues.
2
December 12, 2014
Page 3
Goal #1(b): When planning for street improvements, give consideration to all modes of
transportation, including walking, bicycling, and driving. Balance these needs with
desirability of on -street parking and street trees.
Goal #3: Develop a plan to formalize safe bicycle and pedestrian connections between
the major destinations in the district, including downtown Iowa City, neighborhood
commercial areas, the Ul campus, parks and elementary and secondary schools.
Goal #3(d): Continue to explore options such as high -visibility crosswalks to improve
pedestrian crossings where major pedestrian routes intersect with arterial streets.
Central District Plan Land Use Map: The Central District Plan map is a general guide for future
land use and development. Staff proposes adding the North Clinton / Dubuque St District to the
Central District Plan map with !and use categories consistent with the rest of the Central
Planning District (see attached map). The entire Central District Plan is available at:
http://www. icgov. org/site/C M Sv2/File/plann it g/urban/central P Ian/CentralPlan layo utA. pdf
Staff Recommendation on North Clinton f Dubuque St District:
1. Staff recommends the Central District Plan land use map be amended to include North
Clinton / Dubuque St properties, as shown on Exhibit A.
2. Staff recommends the Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
A. Housing Goal #1(h): Review the Multi Family Design standards to ensure they meet the
goal of an attractive streetscapes in gateway corridors without overly discouraging
redevelopment.
B. Transportation Goal #3(k): Invest in the streetscapes of Dubuque St and Clinton St to
highlight their function as gateways to downtown Iowa City and the University of Iowa
east campus.
C. Transportation Goal #3(h): As Dubuque St, Clinton St and other area streets are
redesigned / reconstructed incorporate complete streets principals into their design.
3
December 12, 2014
Page 4
CIVIC DISTRICT
The Civic District, so named due to the municipal/public uses in the district, is a mixed -use area
in that it contains a variety of uses. Besides municipal uses, it contains multi -family,
commercial, and institutional uses. Historically the three municipal blocks (bounded by Gilbert
St, Iowa Ave, Van Buren St and Burlington St) have been identified as municipal campus
blocks. These blocks contain City Hall, Fire and Police stations, the Recreation Center, Swan
Parking Facility, and Chauncey Swan Park. Several years ago, the City advertised the corner of
College St / Gilbert St (this corner is already identified as commercial in the Comprehensive
Plan) for a private mixed -use building and the City Council has selected a preferred developer
of the property. While the municipal blocks will still contain municipa! government uses, the City
realized that it is ultimately inefficient and contrasts with the desire for mixed -use development
to maintain these blocks solely for public uses. The City has also had a proposal for a mixed -
use building on the Recreation Center surface lot, south of the Swan parking facility.
As noted in the introduction to this memo, the Comprehensive Plan identifies the need to ensure
appropriate transitions to the neighborhoods that border this area. These transitions are
embodied in the designated zoning classifications: The east side of Van Buren St and the north
side of Iowa Ave are zoned CB-2 and CB-5, transitioning to multi -family zones to the east and
north. The area around College Green Park has been designated as a historic district, ensuring
that any redevelopment or additions are in keeping with the historic character of the
neighborhood.
Public Input: Much of the public input received emphasized mixed -use and higher densities, the
need for housing and attractions for diverse ages and households (not just students), a desire
for more bike lanes, bike parking/storage, more attractive streetscapes, a desire for preserving
historic structures, a desire for more contemporary design, and in general support for the growth
of downtown. Some public input also emphasized a desire to limit heights and to not increase
densities.
Much of the public input emphasized the need to extend mixed -use development into the Civic
District including retail and housing for diverse households; some input noted extending
'downtown' into the civic district. At the same time, staff has heard concerns with the growth of
downtown and the impact on adjacent neighborhoods.
Ralston Creek: Staff also prompted public input on the Ralston Creek corridor. We received
public input on the need to clean and maintain the creek corridor, provide more pocket parks
along the creek and improve the creek greenway, increase seating along the creek, improve the
interaction between the creek and nearby parking (Swan ramp and the Recreation Center lot),
and to create event space along the creek. In reviewing the Central District Plan and Downtown
and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan, both plans already emphasize goals improve the creek
corridor, provide better access to the creek, and make the creek more of an attraction visually
and physically.
Three Municipal Blocks: The three municipal blocks on the east side of Gilbert St, between Iowa
Ave and Burlington St, are currently in the Downtown Planning District, but were not included in
the Downtown / Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. The text from the Downtown Planning
District (from the 1997 Comprehensive Plan) states:
2
December 12, 2014
Page 5
The logic of promoting higher density residential development in the Downtown
Planning District rests in the concept that people who live in and near downtown
will walk to work (or classes in the case of University students), will patronize
downtown businesses, will add to after-hours vitality, and create a sense of
safety downtown. Higher density development in the downtown also reduces
pressure on the less dense older neighborhoods surrounding downtown.
The three municipal blocks also have land uses which are more consistent with a 'downtown'
context than a neighborhood context, including City Hall, Police and Fire stations, the Robert A
Lee Recreation Center, Chauncey Swan parting facility (home of the Farmer's Market), and
access from a 4-lane arterial street (Gilbert St) and a 5-lane state highway (Burlington St). This
context, combined with the City goal of encouraging more mixed -use development and no
longer viewing the three municipal blocks as solely for municipal functions, leads staff to
recommend these three blocks stay in the Downtown Planning District, and be added to the
Downtown District section of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
There is a natural change in topography on each side of Ralston Creek / Van Buren St on the
east side of the three municipal blocks; and there is a change in land use with higher -intensity
municipal uses and functions on the west side of Van Buren St, and lower -intensity mixed -use
development on the east side of Van Buren St.
Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan: The effect of adding these three blocks to the
Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan (see attached map) is that these blocks will be
subject to the policies and goals of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. In the
'Strategic Infill' section of the Downtown District Section, the Plan states:
In order to reinforce the existing fabric that currently exists in Downtown Iowa
City, new development should be mixed -use and pedestrian -oriented in nature.
In addition, it should follow a list of very basic rules that are consistent with the
existing character of downtown. The following guidelines were developed
following a thorough analysis of the patterns and framework that make downtown
special. These include:
• New development should be located on sites that do not contain historic
buildings.
• Active uses, such as ground floor retail (and not blank walls) should front onto
the street frontages and the City Plaza.
• Upper floors should contain office, commercial, and residential uses.
• Buildings should be built to the property line.
• Corner locations should be reserved for taller buildings, creating a block
structure with taller buildings on the corners and lower scale historic buildings
between them.
• The taller buildings on the corners should have a lower base consistent with
[any] adjacent historic buildings to make them 'feel' contextual with the rest of
downtown, while also limiting the perceived height of towers.
December 12, 2014
Page 6
• Parking should be located both on -street and behind storefronts in parking
structures
Much of the public input emphasized a desire for more diverse housing options (non -student)
than is currently in great supply downtown. Page 18 of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings
Master Plan summarizes the residential market findings: It states that there is a potential market
for 'nigh Quality High Amenity' rental units and condominiums, and that demand is likely to
come from young professionals, empty nesters, and recent retirees. It further states that the
market suggests there is unmet demand for high quality rental and condominium product in
Downtown and the north half of Riverfront Crossings. In staff's opinion, the three municipal
blocks are a potential location for mixed -use development and adding them to the Downtown
District would be consistent with that goal. The Downtown District chapter starts on page 53 of
the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan, which is available on-line:
http //www icgov org/sitelCMSy2/file/planning/2013-09-25-DowntownandRiverfrontCrossings pdf.
Central District Plan: Staff recommends the remainder of the Civic District, outside of the three
municipal blocks, be added to the Central District Plan and identified as mixed -use (These
properties are already identified as 'mixed -use' in the larger Comprehensive Plan land use
map). Existing policies and goals in the Central District Plan that are pertinent to the North
Clinton / Dubuque St District and consistent with much of the public input include:
Selected Existing housing and Quality of Life Goals — Central District Plan
• Goal #4: Encourage development of businesses, institutions, and public entities that
provide goods, services, and amenities that support healthy neighborhoods.
• Goal #4(a): Encourage a diverse range of businesses that provide essential services to
the Downtown area — grocery, clothing, household items, etc.
• Goal #4(b): Encourage investment and reinvestment in existing commercial areas that
provide goods and services for Central District neighborhoods.
• Goal #5(a): Install pedestrian lighting where needed to create safe travel corridors for
pedestrians.
• Goal #5(c): Provide for walkable/bikable routes to and through commercial areas.
Selected Existing Transportation Goal — Central District Plan
• Goal #3(e): Explore the viability of alternative routes for bikes and pedestrians along
Ralston Creek, recognizing the difficulties posed by private ownership of the creek,
access, and flooding.
Selected Existing Open Space Goals — Central District Plan
• Goal #3: Improve the amenities offered in existing parks or other open spaces
• Goal #5(a): Develop plans for improving visual and physical access to Ralston Creek
and for restoration of the stream along both public and privately owned sections of the
creek.
December 12, 2014
Page 7
Staff Recommendation on Civic District
1. Staff recommends the three municipal blocks, bounded by Iowa Ave, Gilbert St, Burlington
St, and Van Buren St remain in the Downtown Planning District and be added to the
Downtown District of the Riverfront Crossings and Downtown Master Plan as an addendum,
as shown on Exhibit B.
2. Staff recommends the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Land Use Map be amended to
include the three municipal blocks shown as a mix of 'Civic' and 'Mixed Use' and be added
to the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan as an addendum, as shown on
Exhibit C.
3. Staff recommends the remainder of the Civic District, north of Iowa Ave and east of Van
Buren St, be added to the Central District Plan and shown as 'Mixed Use' as shown on
Exhibit A.
Approved by:
ATTACHMENTS
Map 1: North Clinton / Dubuque St and Civic Districts
Map 2: Downtown Planning District
Map 3: North Clinton / Dubuque St District aerial and zoning
Map 4: North Clinton / Dubuque St District land uses
Map 5: Central District Plan sub -areas
Map 6: Civic District aerial and zoning
Map 7: Civic District !and uses
Exhibit A: Central District Proposed Land Use Map
Exhibit B: Downtown District Proposed Boundary Map
Exhibit C: Downtown District Proposed Land Use Map
Summaries of public input received
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EXHIBIT A
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Iowa River. West of the river, in the West Riverfront district, the
uses begin to transition to a higher concentration of commercial
buildings. With a new hotel locating on Sturgis Corner Drive, this
area would be suitable for retail uses and restaurants. Immediately
adjacent to the river, there is the potential to develop residential
towers to take advantage of the river views and of the downtown
skyline on the opposite side of the river.
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
Q1 What are the strengths of these areas?
a nawered:48 Sidi::: r=::
q Responses
Adjacent to downtown and services Important to increase diverse housing stock In the downtown
2 Central location of significant city services easily accessible to citizens. Ralson Creek. Entry way to downtown.
3 Restaurants nearby? Captive audience Restaurants
4 Civic District- Upscale housing being brought in with activities for the entire community. The Chauncy brings life
to needed upscale housing and arts/culture and activities North Clinton/Dubuque Street District- Development
proposed will enhance building needs. Create a more viable pleasing view for the city
5 Good restaurants. Good number of student -related housing.
6 Close to downtown, some historc character.
Date
11/17/2014 10:50 AM
11/17/2014 1CA9 AM
11/17/2014 10:42 AM
11/1712014 9:20 AM
11/1 V2014 1:24 PM
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
7 Walkability. Close to campus and downtown but not as busy. The area off Clinton I think is more a
10/31/2014 8:54 AM
student/university area. East of Gilbert area seems more like a transition to the residential neighborhoods. The
farmers market helps makes this area nice, and your close to library, city hall, rec center, etc. So it seems more
civic than university oriented. It's a nicer place to bike and walk.
8 New Pi Is very important to this area. Good healthy food, jobs, betty supportive of the community.
10/30/2014 8:23 PM
9 New Pioneer Co-op, the Farmers Market, bike library, the UU, the Senior Center, the Presbyterian church.
10/30/2014 8:19 PM
10 Someone emailed me this survey, but the survey does not describe the boundaries of the study area. How can 1
10/30/2014 8:01 PM
comment????
11
They are quite nice as they are now. Look nice, work well. Still have the feeling of a smaller town in them. If the
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
plannerswant a megalopolis feel, they should take jobs elsewhere.
12
New Pioneer Coop is very important to downtown Iowa City!
10/30/2014 6:40 PM
13
Location to downtown current activities and upscale development
10/3012014 5,26 PM
14
Proximity to downtown. Walkability. Seems like there are many buildings or parcels that are ripe for development
10/30/2014 4:44 PM
and rejuvenation.
15
Central proximity; active entertainment and social life; shopping and business; cultural life; older buildings and
10/30/2014 1:03 PM
landscapes hold a classical appeal
16
The Civic District has increasingly become the center of important public institutions, including buildings that
10/30/2014 9:19 AM
serve government, recreation, senior living, senior activities, and commercial establishments.
17
a busy, attractive (for the most part) downtown area.
10/30/2014 3:26 AM
18
These areas currently offer a wide variety of civic and private mixed use, all attractive amenities that will be
10129/2014 11:35 AM
enhanced by additional populations and ideas, including allowing more density by going vertical. People
increasingly want to participate in the city's varied activities, and more and more people are hoping to take up
permanent (NOT just rental) residency close to downtown, very close in, to where things are happening, perhaps
some cultural venues right in their own resident buildings.
19
Civic District - Ralston Creek North Clinton/Dubuque St - could be an amazing gateway into the city
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
20
These areas host some of the City's prominent civic buildings and provide infi!1 opportunities for additional mixed
10129/2014 9:50 AM
use housing and retail. Ralston Creek Is also an asset to the Civic District.
21
diverse amenities, great streetscapes, slow traffic, heavy foot traffic, lovely street. cafes!
128/2014 2:02 PM
22
These areas are all Central City —where the action is; it's the heart of Iowa City. Will love to see more residential
10/28/2014 1:06 PM
and retail in these areas. It creates movement and that is always good I think it's good for the city to build "up" not
"out" and these areas are perfect spaces for that concept. The more adults living downtown, the better for us all --
helps business, makes interactions more enjoyable. The historic fabr!c of the Central City Is also a big plus.
113
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
23
close in to UI campus and downtown
10128/2014 8:45 AM
24
Great location. In the heart of the town.
10/27/2014 9:33 PM
25
These are important areas for growth and improvement in the city as a whole
10/27/2014 9:04 PM
26
The Civic Area, in particular, Sets a tone for our city when approaching from the East side neighborhoods and
10/27/2014 8:27 PM
business parks. It's seen by a tremendous amount of people while commuting to/from work. An opportunity exists
to bolster the cultural and creative tone of Iowa City. It's also an area highly accessible by walkers, bikers, runners
etc.
27
proximity to campus, downtown, amenities like grocery, restaurants, unique shopping, lack of dependence on a
10/27/2014 2. 16 PM
car
26
proximity to central business district... and where the chauncey is going, no historical or beautiful old buildings
10/27/2014 1:49 PM
need to be affected or torn down.
29
The proximity to the Pod Mall, but not being on the Ped Mall makes this (as well as the Northside) the perfect
1012712014 11:01 AM
place for retail growth In Iowa City. The Ped Mall can be its own worst enemy for retail, and the city would benefit
at promoting more on -street options.
30
obviously both are very ciose to downtown area, which we need to expand in order to grow. I'm a big proponent
10127/2014 10,35 AM
of the two projects that are planned and see the need to proceed with the CB-10 zoning.
31
Proximity to downtown, walk ability, location in general.
10/2712014 9:42 AM
32
walking downtown
10/2612014 4:55 PM
33
Having mixed retail, allies, and residential spaces in the zone would stimulate downtown including those
10/26/2014 3:26 PM
supporting businesses in it, increase the sense of membership with downtown better beyond the University
population, and otherwise help to re -energize the downtown area.
34
Well situated in the city's downtown, and don't require the destruction of a high use or historic structure.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
35
North Clinton/Dubuque is a natural fit for high density student housing as the east and west boundaries are
10/24/2014 4:37 PM
already defined with University housing on the west and an arterial road, Dubuque, on the east, The Civic District
should be strongly considered for young professionals/non student residents that want to be downtown. The
requires building up, not building out. The Downtown District will require a strong permanent resident population
to attract and maintain businesses other than barslrestaurants.
36
Proximity to traditional downtown district, good parking, parks
10/24/2014 11:35 AM
37
a) college life (responsible)
10/24/2014 3 55 AM
38
The two areas are different in some significant ways, so it would have helped if this question was worded
10/2312014 2,55 PM,
differently. Strength Is their limited scale as areas that transition to two very different residential neighborhoods.
The north Clinton/Dubuque area feels more connected to the university campus. It also includes some very nice
historic buildings that should be preserved. The Civic Complex is more of a meeting between the downtown and
adjacent residential areas. It's strength is it openness, lower scale. Iowa Avenue is attractive and Washington
Street has the polemist to be. College, Washington, and Iowa are all great streets for pedestrians and bikers. The
streets feel less congested and traffic seems more residential than commuters zipping about. The Farmers
Market, Co-op and and smaller local businesses help to make this area pleasant.
39
Historic buildings, varied businesses food choices, good examples of building taller to best use our limited space
10I23/2014 1:29 PM
close to the urban care.
40
convenient location, accesible parking,
10/2312014 12:29 PM
41
Since Roister. Creek runs into and through the area, it car. be a source for a very attractive park area. Today
10/23/2014 9:41 AM
much of the area is parking ramp and bridges. It can become a very attractive area.
42
North Clinton/Dubuque District: This area is very charming and welcoming. Recent upgrades have renewed the
10/22/2014 1:10 PM
area and have improved the area's former reputation as the CBD's "poor cousin." I appreciate the signs that
require drivers to stop for pedestrians in the walkways of this district. Civic District: The presence of adequate
parking and the Civic and Rae Centers provide anchors to this area not only for existing downtown residents but
the community as a whole,
43
A variety of uses, decent parking (cap, Chauncey Swan ramp). Nice to have the civic campus located downtown
10122/2014 12:41 PM
with mix of cultural and commercial, and some residential, right there.
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
44
The historic character of the area and the community feel ... walkabdiTy, locally owned businesses mix of housing
10/2112014 10,40 AM
(various income and age levels --from families to students and older people), The implementation of historic and
conservation districts, better zoning (as in the Neighborhood Conservation zones) and the design review for new
structures has significantly enhanced and stabilized these areas over the past couple of decades.
45
potential
10/21f2014 9:09 AM
46
Civic District: close to center of downtown. Has the potential to extend and become part of the CBD, improving
10121/2014 6:38 AM
the block of College street between Gilbert and Linn. Great parking amenity with Swan ramp North Clinton
District: close integration with pentacrest and college of business
47
proximity to downtown dining, events, etc.
10/21/2014 8:17 AM
48
The south end of the North Clinton/Dubuge district contains some historic buildings that add character, and some
10/20/2014 3:32 PM
churches and similar religious buildings that add a cultural element. The Civic District's anchors are City Hall, the
Rae Center, and the State Historic Society along with half of the Credit Union, New Pi and the Farmer's Market.
Only the latter is in a building that has any historic interest— it is the last of the buildings in the district that stilt
relates to the former railroad branch. There is lots of parking here, much used to supper( Downtown.
49
1) Like the Blue Bird Cafe, the Motley Cow, the Oasis, etc. (restaurants)
10I20/2014 2:02 PM
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
Q2 What are the weaknesses of these
areas?
# Responses
Date
7 Single uses; surface perking -waste of space, unattractive. Ralston Creek - not really being used as an amenity.
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
Reduction of street trees - could be a batter entry to downtown of city; surface lots (city lot) -like the parking, but
provides development opportunities.
2 Panhandling. Not enough fun quirky shops. Parking can be annoying.
11/17/2014 10:42 AM
3 Civic District- Potential creek flooding- what can be done to divert
11/17/2014 9:20 AM
4 Need more housing that's not targeted to or primarily used by students. Need more housing that is likely to attract
1111112014 124 PM
young professionals and empty -nesters. Need to encourage development of additional retail and entertainment
venuesluses that will attract those residents. Also need Class A office space. Tax base smaller based upon UI
and charitable ownership/use. Need more pet waterers.
5 Lack of historic character on some parcels, underutized space.
11l3/2014 1:40 PM
6 The Clinton area neighborhood feels pretty crowded and the streets are is not too attractive. The east of Gilbert
10/31/2014 8:54 AM
area is more open, but needs some work. Need to develop the old bus station corner in a way that complements
the park and farmers market. That big new building on Washington is the worst. Taking down those houses was
really unfortunate.
7 1 wish there were a place outdoors to swim downtown.
10/3012014 8:23 PM
8 Too much expensive student housing, too many drunk bras wandering around, all of the Moen monstrosities.
10/3012014 8:19 PM
9 They are vulnerable to over -planning by the City. This can destroy a lot that we have that is good. Be mindful of
10/3012014 8:00 PM
the successful businesses in the near North side and don't do anything to disturb or harm them,
10 None
10/30/2014 5:26 PM
11 Limited parking. Some areas are flood -prone (in the Civic area). Costs are very high for development and rent.
10130/2014 4:44 PM
Almost no affordable housing for long-term city residents.
12 Parking is generally accessible but not always. THERE IS TOO MUCH STUDENT HOUSING IN THESE AREAS.
10/30/2014 1:C3 PM
There can be more student housing, if needed, in areas of the westside near the old Menards.
13 At present there are only limited housing, office, and entertainment facilities in this area.
10/3012014 9:19 AM
14 The streets, sidewalks and ped mall areas are looking run-down and drastically need a makeover. The alleys are
10/30/2014 3:26 AM
disgusting and should be cleaned, services consolidated and the physical alley needs to be vitalized and made to
be safe and attractive for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Lack of ability to use tasteful, protruding signage makes
for boring, generic -locking downtown. There is data to show that attractive, appropriate signage is important to
the vitality of businesses and a whole downtown.
15 There is some dated ugliness in new and old structures alike; good design and a better sense of place will be
10129/2014 11:35 AM
appreciated for years to come. I believe the city planners are well attuned to this, and sophisticated audiences
moving to Iowa City will appreciate quality in the future, even if it includes replacement, re -purposing, or at least
renovation of some time-wam structures now as well as over time. In some ways Iowa City is stuck in the past.
We are all proud of its history, but it's time to mix more and more modern desirable, livable structures dose to the
center of activities. I believe old and new structures live well side by side.
16 North Clinton Dubuque St -A very ugly gateway to downtown and the whole city really. Civic District, - surface
10/2912014 10:11 AM
parking behind City Hail on Iowa Ave, not
17 Lake of signage and way finding. Lack of real connections, despite their adjacencies, to the Downtown area.
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
16 too much low end housing primarily filled with temporary residents, ugly low-cost apartment buildings :
10128/2014 2:02 PM
19 none
10/28/2014 8:45 AM
20 Both have blighted areas and need improvement.
10127/2014 9:33 PM
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
21 - -- None — - —
22 Currently the buildings are outdated, not highly populated, and relics of the late 70s and early 80s. This is a far
cry from the pedestrian mall area and Dubuaue sheet, which have blended historical and contemporary VERY
well.
23 a hardware store (i realize there's one on dodge at) but there needs to be a satellite that carries batteries,
lightbulbs, household/apartment items -etc, as welcity Inflls with residential, commercial and office parking may
prove to be a little more challenging
24 none
25 Right now the area is architecturally weak. There are some open spaces, low buildings. Something about it isn't
very walkable or inviting. Moen's project would be a fantastic way to connect this area to the Ped Mall visually
and draw people east.
26 At this time not very aesthetically pleasing (abandoned building, parking lot......
27 Blighted and run down.
28 A thriving downtown is for all ages.
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
SurveyMonkey
--10/2712014 9:04 PM
Current weaknesses are those attributes listed above that it faiis to offer. It is now mostly occupied by a parking
ramp, a small city park and vacant space. The co op, a wonderful part of life in Iowa City for many decades, has
long outgrown its potential and the increased traffic and residents nearby would enhance both the need for more
space and the ability to gain return on It.
This is the edge of downtown and it will always have some clash with adjoining neighbors as downtown
continues to expand.
North Clinton/Dubuque Street have existing properties that may not be easily transformed into high density
housing. Also the northern border should be extended all the way to north Clinton for continuity. The Civic District
has to cross Burlington.
We have an abundance of student housing, but little in the way of young professional housing. This is an area we
need to remedy to be competitive In a global economy. We have to show a continuum of living options from
student, to young professional to family housing.
a) too secluded, abandoned -like b) too much traffic c) college life (irresponsible)
Parking in the North Clinton/Dubuque street district is a problem for future development of the area.
The buildings that went In along Washington Street, east of the Chancy Swan Ramp are a real eyesore and it
was a shame to see those old houses go -and the old businesses are largely gone too. This really took away
from the charm of the area. It seems now the goal is to have the urban downtown butt right up to the lower scale
residential neighborhood. That is unfortunate. I would like to see the scale kept lower in this area and preserve
historic buildings where possible. We don't need lots more commercial in these areas. Keep the feel residential.
Flooding potential, growth potential, surface parking.
Noise, drunk students on weekends act.
Presently the bridges and ramps make the area quite unattractive.
North Clinton/Dubuque District Additional retail opportunities in the area wou!d further enhance the sense of
place of this district and provide additional tax revenues for further improvements. If visible links to this district
from the CBD could be created, I think the connection with the CBD would enhance both districts.
Parking lots seem like a poor use of space in these downtown areas.
-here is still not as much oversight of the maintenance of rental properties (and their tenants) in these districts as
there could be. Absentee landlords are not the bee. stewards of property and do not contribute very well to the life
of neighborhoods and the community that lives in them.
under -developed --low density.
Civic District: the existing civic buildings North Clinton District: isolation from CBD
destinations are more spread out and sparse.
10/2712014 8:27 PM
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
45 The north end of the North Clinton/Dubuce district is dominated by rather characterless apartment buildings, 10/20/2014 3:32 PM
fraternities and and rooming houses, with most of what could be green space paved over for student parking.
There are a few older buildings here that ahave a bit of character, but not much. Aside from the New Pi building,
the Civic District has managed to almost completely eface its history. The public buildings lack character — they
look cheap because that was a key design goal. It is another district dominated by parking, which detracts from
the character of the area. And, of course, there is a long legacy of inappropriate floodplain development here,
with over a century of fill that puts the banks of Ralston Creek way above their nature! elevation -- much of that
was probably put there by the railroad.
46 Its unfortunate that the University and City didn't have the foresight to make the arts campus roll from one side of 10/20/2014 2:02 PM
the river to the other and anchor the downtown area on the north side with a theater and art museum, This could
have resulted in a more cohesive arts campus and it would be a better side of the downtown to attract customers
to since it would be easier to get in and out of town.
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
03 What should be considered when the
City is reviewing development proposals?
R Responses
1 How development will impact future tax base
2 Mixed use; complementary narcoses to downtown - synergy with Central Business District.
3 Need a quick way to get around town. Keep Market and Jefferson one-way.
4 Continue to focus on mixed use- upsscale
5 Whether the proposals will attract young professionals and empty -nesters and will provide office space and
entertainment venues for them to populatelenjoy. Make the areas more dog -friendly.
6 increase residential and commercial density in all non -historic parcels, preserve historic structures where
feasible.
7 Keep the height down east of Gilbert and create something that does not overwhelm the park or the surrounding
uses. Also make the park more of a feature that complements City Hall. Make sure the co-op gets a home our of
the flood plain and preserve the Unitarian Chruch building. Keep the bike library in this area. Affordability,
suslainability, scale, and character. Let the high rises stay west of Gilbert and south of Burlington.
8 Please help New Pi find a new home!
9 The purpose of buildings - de projects serve the whale community or only elite groups?
10 That you don't destroy what we have that Is good in the attempt to "Improve" and "develop'.
11 The optimal location for New Pioneer Coop! A wonderful employer, supporter of many local farmers, and provider
of healthy, local food!
12 Overall usage and impact for multi purpose exposure -lifestyle (aNculture), urban living - upscale, activities
(beyond the scope of restlbar). Multi business usage -to enable growth of new business into the Iowa City area.
13 Affordable housing is incredibly important. Think in terms of long-term residents who are stable and looking for
reasons to stay. They are paying taxes and investing in the local economy and should have their needs
considered first —before the `looting desires of college students. Help New Pioneer Co-op find a raw home in the
downtown area, escaping the flood risk of Ralston Creek and establishing a new and improved DOWNTOWN
retail location for their well -established and well -loved local business —so that the business can continue to grow
and people who live/work downtown can still have access to affordable, healthy food without necessarily needing
a car.
14 Affordable housing for families and employees who want to walk to work or downtown. Increased housing options
for vibrant but retired residents. There is too much student housing.which destroys the neighborhood sense, I
would rather see more affordable family, retiree housing and community -based housing for the disabled that
augments an urban sense of diversity, community and cultural richness,
15 In reviewing development proposals, the city should consider the range of facilities that developers are proposing,
as well as the track record of the principal developers.
16 The current overabundance of student housing in and on the periphery of the downtown. There is a stated
demand for more workforce housing as well as housing for families who are looking for a walking lifestyle - with
a pronounced de -emphasis on the use of cars or the needless consumption of fossil fuels.One particular area of
concern to me is the West Bank building recently purchased by the Clarks. We do net need another gross
apartment building for students. What a great opportunity the UIMA and the School of Music present for cleaning
up our residential act downtown. Wouldn't it be a huge shame to have these beautiful buildings with the incred',ble
beauty of the activities going on bath inside and outside of these buildings, denigrated by another Clark -style
student ghetto, poorly monitored and pocdy maintained?
Date
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113
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
17
Flexibility in changing zoning to meet current needs and challenges and aspirations is in order, Zoning in areas
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
such as these, as opposed to zoning in residential areas further out, needs to be more flexible. Iowa City is truly
and International city, and its downtown can reflect this in architecture and excitement, not "stuck in the mud"
NIMBYism.
1 B
Planning in these areas should be in the context of the larger downtown and guided by design guidelines and
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
standards !hat are predictable and friendly to use. Dense inhll should be encouraged and prioritized to help
support a sustainable approach to protecting neighborhoods to the east of Ralston Creek. Ralston Creek seems
to be a natural divide, as does the Chancey Swan parking garage. The City should not deter height -
development proposals that demonstrate compact development design principles support a sustainable growth
pattern by keeping our densest development within the central core where utilities and public infrastructure are
already in place to handle them. Good design is good business. The City should prioritize well designed projects
- which means a process should be in place to guide well designed buildings and how they interface with the
sidewalk / streets.
19
WIII it make us proud? Will it create a happy environment for those living and working in the developed area?
10/2812014 1:06 PM
Does it add to the downtown?
20
adjacency to Jl and downtown
10128/20148:45 AM
21
Land efficiency, sustainable efforts, (NOT LEEDin) Land use, high density
10/27/2014 9:33 PM
22
Improving the downtown and increasing housing and economic development
10/27/2014 9:04 PM
23
1. Does it provide some sortof some for everyone (market, gallery, movie theater, restaurant, etc) 2. Provide a
10/27/2014 8:27 PM
majority of single-family housing (town homes, condos, etc). This downtown area is has TOO much housing for
the college rental market.
24
sensitivity to current historic architecture there are a large number of neighborhoods where the style, size and
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
height have not integrated well with existing streets capes (granted -some of which need updates).
25
overall benefit to Iowa city: its citizens and their overall quality of life
10127/2014 1:49 PM
26
Mix of use (residential, retail, etc) and quality of developer's past projects.
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
27
The mix of retail, housing and architectural design.
10127/2014 10:35 AM
28
The need for more housing and commercial space. The ability to attract people downtown for a purpose and the
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
positive development to improve the area.
29
promoting walkable mixed -use neighborhood for all ages.
10/26/2014 4:55 PM
30
The track record of those submitting them, viability of them to a wide range of residents including students, and
10/26/2014 3:26 PM
the degree of fl with the City development plan.
31
Will it be successful.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
32
The best interest of the City.
10/24/2014 4:37 PM
33
Less required retaillcommercial on ground level. This requirement has resulted in eyesore vacant space
10/2412014 1:15 PM
(particularly along the west side of Gilbert south of Burlington). There is no convenient parking and without
convenient, nearby parking there will never be sustainable commercial/retail in those spaces.
34
Innovative proposals that have a WOW factor. We live in an age when people can and will move anywhere.
10/24/2014 11:35 AM
Architecture and innovative spaces are necessary for our community to shine. We have some great historical
properties that need to be complimented with the new.
35
a) creating more walking storefronts, such as ART GALLERIES (which would include coffee shops and bars),
10/2412014 3:55 AM
maybe a few dance clubs (both alcohol and juice bars). non-drinkers still like to go out and enjoy themselves.
36
Keeping heights down and keeping the busy, urban fee! to the west of Gilbert and the south of Jefferson. Let
10/23/2014 2:55 PM
these area be a buffer --no more than 4 to 6 stories. concentrate high rises around Burlington and to the south.
Where there' s commercial it should be like the northside Markel area.
37
Most efficient (maxima!) use of space, preservation of historic properties as defined by the Secretary of the
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
Interior and Local Ordinance (Preservation Plan and allied documents), allowing for affordable (LMI) housing in
addition to more affluent housing options, on site water retention, alternative energy (especially solar and
geothermal; !energy efficiency, High sense of architectural design
2/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
38 The historic architecture of Iowa City is of great culture and importance to the history of our town (UNESCO world 10/23/2014 12:29 PM
heritage act.), new designs should emphasis this history rather than attempt more post modem skyscrapers in a
town that is a historic literature site rather than massive metropolis.
39 Build an attractive 5 story building on the corner of College/ Gilbert and maintain Chauncey Park.lf the city bought 10/23/2014 9:41 AM
the New Pi land a park could be built which would extend the very popular Farmers' Market. Some of the area
could be used for city employees parking.
40 Civic Distnct-'When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always gu downtown; the fights are 10/2212014 1:10 PM
much brighter there. You can forget about your troubles, forget all your cares - so go downtown." Petue Clark. 1
remember when the parking lot on which Plaza Towers now resides used to be a "dead zone." The corner of
College and Linn was a barren area that did not encourage pedestrian activity. So much has changed for the
better since Plaza Towers and the Public Library have been built in that area. That corner is vital and encourages
additional development in the vicinity. The proposal to build ar. additional mixed -use project on the corner of
Gilbert and Linn will enhance not only the immediate area but will add additional stimulus to the central business
district. The residents of the downtown help create a 24-hour downtown and a built-in market for downtown
retailers and entertatinment. They will also provide immediate patrons for the music and art facilities proposed In
the area. Downtown housing reduces urban sprawl and minimizes the need for constructing additional and
expensive infrastructure. It also improves the city's tax base while displacing very few people. Downtown housing
promotes greater "green" living by increasing the density of the population per square foot. Additional residential
housing in the Civic District also reinforces a sense of place and reduces the image of danger and risk.
41 The chance to minimize environmental impact and maximize the diversity of downtown amenities through 10/22/201412:41 PM
encouraging higher density, mixed use development.
42 All proposals should be evaluated with the primary criteria of ENHANCING THE COMMUNITY AND 10/2112014 10:40 AM
CHARACTER OF IOWA CITY. Build with an eye to the long term. Evaluate design with a strong sense of how
any given plan will contribute positively to the strengths listed above —the historic character of the area, the feel of
e neighborhood that takes pride In its uniqueness and local quality of life.
43 Iowa City MUST be different than Coralville and North Liberty. Coralville and NE are "short" suburban towns with 10/21/2014 9:09 AM
very low density and very poor land usage. Iowa City must do better-oncouraging tall buildings with mixed use
will differentiate Iowa City from surrounding cities and will be more sustainable.
44 Adding variety to the business and amenities that are in the city. The quality of building, design, construction type, 1012V2014 8:38 AM
and residential units.
45 connection of downtown public spaces with adjacent residential areas
10/21/2014 8:17 AM
46 Parking should be under, not beside new development, so that we don't see neighborhoods close to downtown 10/20/2014 3:32 PM
as being dominated by hot dead parking lots. We need to preserve what historic slmctures we have, but these
areas have lost most of their history already.
47 Keep Market and Jefferson as two way streets. Do not turn Market and Jefferson into one way streets. Ease of 10/20/2014 2:02 PM
Parking Create some large scale office space to attract more companies to locate offices downtown. No public or
other subsidized housing. No higher density of housing. No high rises. Some of the so -calved "modern"
architecture staff seems to prefer will look like hell a few years down the road. Its not fun to walk in a shadow of
buildings pius its is colder in the winter. Let the sun shine down on the sideswalks by keeping building heights
reasonable. No TIFIII
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
0,4 What types of uses (e.g. residential,
commercial, cultural, institutional) are
appropriate for these areas?
Answered: 50 .
9 Responses
residential, commercial and cultural
2 Mixedlpublic, private with public usng only what is necessary; divest from other unnecessary property ownership
Like the residentiallolder houses; mixed look: churches
3 Restaurants I Move campus arellheaters/galleries North of downtown. Eg - See Torpedo Factory Art Center in
Alexandria, VA.
4 Civic District- residential, some commercial, culture North Clinton/Dubuque Street District- business mix
Date
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5 Mixed -use multiple -family and retaillcommercial. High rises should be encouraged to enhance the downtown 1111-112014 1:24 PM
experience and make efficient and environmentally sensitive use of available space. UI uses should be minimized
to the extent possible.
6 All.
7 Institutional uses --daycare would be nice. A mix of uses would be great. Don't overwhelm the area.
8 New home for New Pil Low. Income. Housing. A children's toy and clothing store.
9 Commercial (non -chain) restaurants, arts venues, small independent businesses.
10 Just please not industrial. And no more condos for rich people.
11
12
13
14
Residential, upscale hotel, culture, activiy
Ail of the above!
Building the cultural appeal even more.
Mixed use housing, entertainment, commercial, and cultural facilities would be desirable..
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
10/31/2014 8:54 AM
10/30/2014 8:23 PM
10/30/2014 8:19 PM
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
10/30/2014 5:26 PM
10/30/2014 4:44 PM
10/30/2014 1:03 PM
10/30/2014 9:19 AM
15 As Iva said, family and work -force residential, cultural and better commercial enterprises are appropriate here. 1
10/30/2014 3:26 AM
The downtown district is driving a pretty smart and focused bus in terms of vision and taking advantage of the
opportunities available for attractive and functional growth. The elty's partnering effort, with the downtown
association is to be commended so far, and I hope this continues. The balance is delicate forthis area and the
sensitivity of the city is crucial to making the best of the current opportunities that may not again be so rich.
16 All kinds of buildings mentioned above. I particularly think dense residential home (condo) ownership should be in
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
the planning on a large scale, Baby boomers and others are maturing and want to be close to things in condos
DOWNTOWN. To me, this means the need for vertical construction to provide people with residential
"downsizing" locations that appeal. Iowa City is a bit behind the curve, and should be a leader as a University
town where excitement, innovation, and forward thinking are or should be the north, We have great opportunities
here presented, as new demographics come into play —big time.
17 North Clinton/Dubuque St - res!dentiai Civic - Cultural - open space along Ralston Creek. More Commerical
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
18 Mixed uses residential and office seem most appropriate, although the City should not preclude the others it the
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
site and use are deemed appropriale.
1g There is still a major lack in a band of mid -range and upper -range housing especially for young professional and
10/28/2014 2:02 PM
empty nesters who do not wish to own property, this band is primarily between $800-1600 for a single tenant unit.
I also believe the market would bare many more hieher end housing units (particularly rentals) for professionals
and young professionals above that range as well. There is a clear decline in the desire for home ownership
amongst this demographic nationally, while a growing desire for downtown urban housing (see Des Moines,
Omaha, Kansas City as regional examples).
1/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
20
Not sure what "institutional " means, but I certainly believe residential, commercial and cultural are all appropriate,
10/28/2014 1:06 PM
probably it combination, People who live downtown want food, drink and things to do close at hand.
21
mix of uses
10/28/2014 8:45 AM
22
We need housing, and property thai bring more variety to downtown as a destination.
10/27/2014 9:33 PM
23
The current plans for development are very important to the future of the downtown.
10/27/2014 9A4 PM
24
Mufti unit mixed buildings. Sustainable growth by promoting are structure of both residential and commercial.
10/27/2014 8:27 PM
Also, common green space areas.
25
small shops ea urban neighborhoods -cheese, wine, gardening, bike, hardware, galleries, small playground/parks
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
just to sit and read or watch passersby, cafes/bistros/diners, art structures that encourage inter action such as
fountains...
26
i think the Chauncey would be a great addition to our downtown.. please allow the zoning change and allow this
10/27/2014 1:49 PM
great mixed use urban scale project to proceed.
27
A mix of residential and retail.
10/271201411:01 AM
28
The mix of retail, housing and architectural design, as stated above. Theaters, galleries, and similar Urban
10/27/2014 10:35 AM
amenities, but we need more space for our great downtown to grow, we need housing, office space and retail
space, at this time we don't have enough space for sustained growth.
29
All would be good investment. The Chauncy project as proposed has all of these advantages and should move
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
forward.
30
1 mile of downtown
10/26/2014 4:55 PM
31
I don't think the greater downtown area can or should try to compete with chain stores, Coralville cannot be
10/26/2014 3:26 PM
outdone in that area. Smaller specialty stores and restaurants that are either smaller chains or unique seems the
best way to draw people not only from out-of-town but across town. Iowa City has always thrived on the arts and
the City should continue making that a part of their plan for the greater downtown area.
32
Retail, entertainment, commercial, cultural, and residential.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
33
North Clinton/Dubuque is a natural fit for high density student housing as the east and west boundaries are
10/24/2014 4:37 PM
already defined with University housing on the west and an arterial road, Dubuque, on the east. The Civic District
should be strongly considered for young professionals/non student residents that want to be downtown. The
requires building up, not building out. There should be a healthy amount of commercial and cuftuml. The Chauncy
Project would be a great fit. The Downtown District will require a strong permanent resident population to attract
and maintain businesses other than bars/restaurants.
34
If any of them require convenient nearby parking, forget it.
10/24/2014 1:15 PM
35
1 understand that high end condos make development numbers works best, yet I think there is a market need for
10/2412014 11:35 AM
some micro units that are affordable to young professionals and any opportunity for the city to help ensure some
level of affordable housing for low to middle income helps create diversity.
36
since lows city is a "bike -friendly town" (http://bikeleague.orgicontent/9-top-10-national-universities-now-bfus), we
10124/2014 3:55 AM
should make more "bike lanes": mind -streets on the street, with actual street lines as one would see on streets
(saw them in Campaign -Urbana and found them adorably awesome). which would mean, take away cars and
encourage more bikes and pedestrians to be out; this will lead to healthy living, tool
37
For the civic district commarcia!/cultumllinstilutieeal seems most appropriate. Residential does not seem like a
10/23/2014 5:09 PM
good use of this area.
38
Have a mix of uses —that's great! but keep the scale low. Keep the character eccleotic and preserve some of the
10,12312014 2:55 PM
history. Keep the farmers market and the park and make them more of a feature. Enhance the washington street
intersection with Van Buren and the Washington Street medians. The Civic area should have an open parklike
feel and should rot be in the shadow (metaphorically speaking) of a 10 story (or higher) building. Encourage
senior housing near the City campus since you have the library, and Robert A. Lee, and Mercy
Hosoital.Encourage, student -type uses more toward campus. Get rid of the city parking lot or screen It and have
city employees and other permit holders park at the top of the ramp. Save the lower levels of parking for library
patrons and folks coming downtown to do business. Also, do something to make the Rao Center lot more
attractive --it is really not pleasant. Help get the coop out of the floodplain for heavers sakelll and help the bike
library find a home in the area.
213
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
39
Residential, commercial office, commercial retail, neighborhood commercial, commercial restaurant, commercial
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
lodging, cultural, and institutional are all appropriate in both districts.
40
No more bars, things that enhance the community and culture of iowa city and affordable housing are what we
10/2312014 12:29 PM
currently need. Makers center would be an excellent addition as well as entertainment that does not involve
alcohol.
41
Certainly the College/ Gilbert corner can be used for general mixed housing units (not just $350-500K condos.
10/2312014 9:41 AM
Parkland siting Ranson Creek wouid augment the attractNeness of these housing units.
42
ResidentiaVcommercial
101231201412:12 AM
43
North Clinton/Dubuque Street: There has always been a tension in the existing North Side neighborhood
10/22/2014 1:10 PM
regarding the presence of multi -family housing that is predominantly occupied by students who may not have the
same "investment' in the North Side. Some of this pressure could be reduced by encouraging mult-family
housing at more affordable rates. This could be a combination of owner -occupied housing and rental housing. I
believe this would produce housing opportunities needed in the community while protecting the integrity of the
North Side. Civic District: Land values in this area are expensive given their proximity to the existing CBD and the
presence of City buildings. This area is not a site that can likely be developed for more moderately priced
housing. At the same time, higher density housing similar to Plaza Towers weed provide other housing
opportunities for a population that does not want a retirement setting or that prefers the vitality of downtown
(where the lights are brighter). The presence of the existing Chauncey parking ramp, the creek and the lower
grade relative to land futher to the east would reduce the impact on existing residential properties. Additional
recreational opportunities in the area would also enchance downtown living.
44
Ali, although I hope residential is part of mixed -use buildings, higher density is appropriate.
10/2212014 12:41 PM
45
Mixed use is best... include ALL of the types.
10/21/2014 10:40 AM
46
mixed is ONLY thoughtful option. its time to undo the segregated uses of the 1950s and 1960s. That kind of
10/2V2014 9:09 AM
zoning was disastrous for cities.
47
Civic District: cultural and entertainment, residential North Clinton District: Residential
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
48
residentiailcommercial.
10/21/2014 8:17 AM
49
Students need a place to live, and the north half of the North Clinton/Dubuque district should remain largely
10/2012014 3:32 PM
student housing, as it is. The cultural and institutional use of the south end is also good. As parking tightens and
their buildings age, the religous institutions at the south end (aside from the two chaplaincies) will be tempted to
flee to the suburbs. The flight of churches from Downtown Iowa City is not a good thing —even though each of
the churches that has fled have had good reasons to do so.
50
Restaurants, theater, art museum. Commercial office space. No higher density of housing. No high rises.
10/20/2014 2:02 PM
3/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Ctintoal/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
05 Is there the opportunity to strengthen
streetscape elements?
All'. vIir 1c 4-
Yes
No I
0% to% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Mswer Cholaes Responses
Yes 97.92% 47
No 2.08% 1
Total 48
A
If yes, what are these opportunities?
Data
1
wider sidewalks - more walkable "freshen up" downtown with new landscape, esp. trees
11/1712014 10:50 AM
2
There always are. Trees. The Civic District due to surface lots - really lacks in this.
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
3
Powerwash sidewalks Lighting Greenspace
11/17/2014 10:42 AM
4
Expand streetscape views for right of way- include street designs to these areas, signs, etc.
11/1712014 9:20 AM
5
There are always opportunities. I think distinctive lamps and user friendly benches are nice. Pet waterers are
11/! V2014 1:24 PM
good.
6
Make areas an extension of downtown and northside marketplace where possible, including streetscape
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
elements. Consider bike lanes as well.
7
Green things up. Separation between sidewalks and street. More bike facilities, better lighting —like northside.
10131/2014 8:54 AM
8
Better lighting. Mini parks.bike fix stations. Better way for venues to post... digital?
10/30/2014 8:23 PM
9
Preservation of existing buildings when possible, maintaining and expanding green spaces, lowering amount of
10/30/2014 8:19 PM
signage / advertising allowed.
10
Use permeable paving around trees that are planted and make the mixture of trees more diverse. Give the trees a
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
chance: more access to water than they get now will enable more kinds to grow downtown.
11
Edible landscapes;
10/300014 6AU PM
12
Development of this area will expand the downtown IC areas and could be the next "North IC' development area
10/30/2014 5:26 PM
to grow our city in the directions needed.
13
1 would like to see some connections with the river areas
10/30/2014 1:03 PM
14
Green areas, set -backs from buildings.
10/3012014 9:19 AM
15
See the streetscape plan
10/30/2014 3:26 AM
1/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
16
Large, even tall buildings are fine. They can have setbacks at street level, and allow for plantings and other
10/2912014 11:35 AM
features that add to the pleasure of walking in their midst, but low profile buildings close to the center of town are
the wrong and old way to be thinking.
17
Everywhere - there doesn't seem to be much in either district.
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
18
Yes - way finding, lighting, sidewalks and connections to Ralston Creek - if the Creek were ever treated as an
10/2912014 9:50 AM
amenity and cleaned up and improved.
19
Green, and places for activities are always good, accompanied by public art.
10/28/2014 1:06 PM
20
elements that make the street a more pleasant place for pedestrians
10/28/2014 8:45 AM
21
Update lights, signs.
10/27/2014 9'33 PM
22
Show Iowa City that progress can come without sacrificing the historical. Create contemporary, modern buildings
10/27/2014 8:27 PM
to blend.
23
porous pavements on sidewalks to reduce snow/ice hazards, lighting, community gardens, art, maps/wayfinding
10127/2014 2:16 PM
integrated (vs looking like it doesn't belong).
�
24
look at plan
10/27/2014 1:49 PM
25
"Brighter" architecture is one thing. Glass and metal have really brightened up the Ped Mall so things aren't so
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
brown. quality retail is the best way to bring people onto the sidewalks.
26
The city is in the works of improving our streetscape, which is very impressive, but we just need to expand both
10/27/2014 10:35 AM
to the east and south.
27
Lighting and the new building will improve the overall area
10127/2014 9:42 AM
28
The street art including statues, banners, benches etc. should continue -- though I suggest other yearly statues
10/26/2014 3:2(5 PM
beyond Herky. I don't know the feasibility of transforming the non -University into useable public space that is
much more attractive than currently is. But if able to be accomplished, this has always struck me as an under
developed possibility from the power plant and south.
29
Modernize it and get rid of vacant locations.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
30
Should just be consistent with the downtown master plan. Walking 1 biking being the main elements.
10/24/2014 11:35 AM
31
bike lanes, better sidewalks and more blue light emergency buttons (there's not that many, if you notice ... just a
1024/2014 3:55 AM
few here and there - i think little of eastern illinois university (small Charleston, illincis) had more than 1 see here)
32
Intersections and medians. Take a look at van buren and Washington and Iowa Avenue --this is a great area.
10/23/2014 2:55 PM
Decorative brick, nice lighting, plantings, simple benches, art. Treat this are like the northside shopping area.
33
Expand amenities seen in the Central Business District and Nodhside Marketplace --plantings, street furniture,
lo12312014 1:29 PM
lighting.
34
current space has beautiful mural which has been there for a few years now.
10/23/2014 12:29 PM
35
The civic area is particularly unattractive.
10/23/2014 1.2:12 AM
36
Additional trees, plantings, flower pots, pedestrian -friendly intersections, and outdoor dining should be included in
10/22/2014 1:10 PM
any proposals for these two districts.
37
More ornamental street lighting, cohesive planters and paving (more brick?), aesthetically designed
1012212014 12:41 PM
crosswalks/alley entrances. Expanding the "literary walk" area.
38
Utilize plantings, sculptures, distinctive signage and lighting. Require all designs to have "human dimensions"
10/2112014 10:40 AM
such as porches, street side entrances, sidewalks, landscaping, etc. Minimize the prominence of parking by
putting it in back of buildings or requiring landscaping that softens the effect of multiple cars (a good example of
the latter is the parking [of of Mercy Hospital's Emergency entrance along Gilbert Street... care was taker, to
create a buffer of plantings, a mini park with benches and planters).
39
I'd like to see more covered walkways next to buildings.
10/21/2014 9:09 AM
40
Hlgh quality building design and materials,
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
41
it fine as is.
1012112014 8:17 AM
2/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
42 Parking -lot views aren't attractive. Putting parking under new structures would be very wise. We have already 10/20/2014 3:32 PM
begun this in (or near) both districts, and it works.
43 Keep the pavements clean and updated. Keep Jefferson and Market as two-way streets. Lights and holiday 10/20/2014 2,02 PM
decorations encourage people to get in a buying spirit. Flowers in the spring and summer-
3/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
Yes
No
Answer Choices
Yes
Is there the opportunity to strengthen
pedestrian and bicycle amenities?
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 5C% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Responses
93.62%
44
No
6.38%
3
Total
47
#
If yes, what are these opportunities?
Date
1
More bike parking
11/17/2014 10:50 AM
2
Bicycle parking in Civic District. Easily access to drive on Dubuque Street
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
3
If it doesn't interfere with cars
1Ill 7/2014 10:42 AM
4
Continue streetscape plans to keep continuous look
- 11/1712014 9:2.0 AM
5
More bike racks. More enforcement of ordinances prohibiting bike riding on sidewalks in and around the ped mall
11111/2014 1:24 PM
(I realize that's not in these districts).
5
Widen sidewalks, decorative or brick paving, more bike lanes.
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
7
More bike racks. Covered racks.
1013'/2014 8:54 AM
8
Better / more bike lanes and bicycle parking, a covered bicycle parking area. More clearly marked cross walks.
10/30/2014 8:19 PM
9
More and better racks for bicycles and motor bikes.
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
10
Bike !ones and parking. Bike service stations. Wen just having a full -service grocery store in the walkable-
10/3012014 4:44 PM
bikeable part of town is an important element in empowering bicyclists and pedestrians. Reduce car traffic
wherever possible to slow down traffic and make it safer.
11
Especially more and better bikeways, close -in bike parking, rapid pedestran-friendly transportation to the hospital
10/30/2014 1:03 PM
and across the river, perhaps to places like the center at Ccralville (maybe using the river as a rapid linkage.)
ALSO, A GOOD BIKEWAY EXCLUSIVELY FOR BIKES THAT RUNS FROM EAST OF DOWNTOWN, SHIFTING
TO BURLINGTON STREET, ACROSS THE RIVER, THROUGH THE HOSPITAILISPORTS CAMPUS ON
MELROSE (INTO UHEIGHTS AND BEYOND TO C-VILLE).
12
Broader sidewalks.
10/30/2014 9:19 AM
13
See streetscape plan
1013012014 3:26 AM
1/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
14
1 think the streets cape mentioned above will help with pedestrians, but I'm not well versed on how to improve .
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
bicycling needs.
15
This can always be done.
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
16
More bike lanes out of downtown and also would love to see some some bike locker opportunities, either on the
1012812014 2:02 PM
streetscape or in the parking garage for downtown residents to store bikes downtown long term
17
safe and attractive paths and walkways connected to the country are huge
1 W28/2014 1:06 PM
18
streetscape elements
10/28/2014 8:45 AM
19
More bike friendly roads.
10/27/214 9:33 PM
20
intermodal might decrease cars traffic -widen existing roads and/or sidewalks as has been done north of i80 on
io/2712OU 2:16 PM
dubuque street.
21
look at plan
10/27/2014 1:49 PM
22
NA
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
23
bike lanes, boulevards,
10/27/2014 10:35 AM
24
Connect this area to the rest of downtown
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
25
Smart Growth for Iowa City. Make it a place where people want to Live and Work and be proud to say you live in
10/2612014 4:55 PM
Iowa City,
26
Though possibly an odd way of responding, it amazes me that bicycles are not more closely regulated downtown.
10/2612014 3:26 PM
This is a hazard to those on bikes too. Stop signs are usually not obeys, many go the wrong way on busy streets,
and dash from riding on the street to sidewalks. I've been close to hit many times. For bikes and pedestrians and
motorists to get along well safety laws should be a priority as the were, I think, until the current police chief.
27
Make tt bicycle friend with wide sidewalks and a transition on on street paths.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
28
BIKE LANES! (ht(p:llwww.pedbikeinfo.org/index.cfm) -Iowa should be on this map! sample bike lane:
10/24/2014 3:55 AM
http://w .nycgovlhtmlldotlimages/bicyclists/ppw_crossing.jpg- something more detailed.
29
More bike parking (some covered would be nice). How about someplace to sit or fnd cover while you are waiting
10123/2014 2:55 PM
for the bus.
30
A road diet and ample bike parking, a better way to limit bike storage in highly used areas (perhaps by requiring
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
residential bike parking), wide radius "bump outs" at intersections, zebra crossings, etc.
31
accessible bike lanes
101232014 1229 PM
32
People living in these "affordable units" and working downtown could do without automobiles, hence advocating
10/23/2014 9:41 AM
bicycles and pedestrians
33
Improve sidewalks and add bike lanes
10123/2014 12:12 AM
34
It would be great to minimize the need for addtional cars in these two districts by including additional pedestrian
10/22/2014 1:10 PM
and bicycle amenities. These amenihss would enhance the people -oriented nature of the districts and encourage
people to enjoy the areas without concern for increased traffic.
35
Designated bike tines (more than "shanows") wherever space allows. Prettier crosswalks (again, paving comes
10/2212014 12:41 PM
to mind -the area at Iowa Ave. and Linn Street is a nice example.
36
Create bicycle paths, pull out lanes for buses, and add benches, decorative walkwaystsidewalks with planters,
10/21/2014 10:40 AM
etc ... see the suggestions for strenthening streetscapes above.
37
wider sidewalks, bike racks, seating
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
38
Its tine as is
10/2112014 6:17 AM
39
These areas are already very walkable and bikeable, but In the Civic District, biking north -south is largely
10/2012014 3:32 PM
confined to Gilbert, one of the most bicycle unfriendly streets in town (North Clinton serves as a way for cyclists
to dodge the heavier traf9c or, Dubuque, in contrast). It would be nice if there was an easy way, coming north on
Gilbert, to dodge east onto Van Buren, perhaps following the creek (on the diagonal). The barriers to this are
mostly south of the Civic District.
2/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
40 Don't use sharrows. They are horrid. I prefer wider sidewalks. Remember, a lot of people will continue to use
cars. If you want People to shop and buy lots of stuff, don't discourage the use of cars.
3/3
10IM2014 2:02 Put
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
Answer Choices
Yes
No
Total
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Verticality is a must as pan of the building mix, and I think flexibility in zoning variances are in order to
accommodate more density by going up. The downtown can be an even more exciting landscape with additional
"high-rises." For other kinds of historic low profile landscapes and neighborhoods, people need only to journey
cut from the canter of the city to areas where this character will inevitably (and appropriately) be maintained and
cherished. iObviously there are some downtown properties or historical significance that need to be preserved,
and I see this happening with the Englert, the MidWesore building, and likely the deffamer Hotel.) For the
future, verticality is a must. The downtown. can be an exciting landscape with additional high-rises. For other
kinds of historic bw profile landscapes and neighborhoods, people need only to journey out from the center of the
city to areas where this character will inevitably (and aoproprialely) be maintained and cherished.
In the North Clinton/Dubuque Street
District, is there the opportunity to increase
residential density (the number of dwelling
units in a given area)?
Yes
No
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Responses
82.50%
17.50%
If yes, what are these oppontinrUes? Gate
Perhaps be careful of obscurity gateway to downtown. I like the feeling of residential mix now - at least the 11/17/2014 10:49 AM
properties that are kept neatly.
Encourage development of high-rise apartments/condos.
Redevelop non -historic buildings into taller, larger apartmenticondo buildings.
Please no more new apartment buildings. Keep the older houses. Offer help for upkeep, or buy out the current
owners, remodel and repair if necessary, and then sell them to families.
Upscale housing is needed for professionals outside of the College attendees. Will increase economy and build a
better mix of individuals into Iowa City living.
BUT NOT FOR MORE STUDENT HOUSING. 10130120141:00 PM
Isn't there enough saturation already? 1(/3012014 3:26 AM
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
11/11120141:24 PM
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
1013012014 8:00 PM
10/30/2014 5:26 PM
33
7
40
1/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
9
This already has high density in it and across from it with the dorms. This isn't going to be single family homes.
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
Students want to live close to campus - add density here, relieves pressure from other neighborhoods where
single families live (or could live).
10
This area would be well suited for Mixed Use Residential -density is critical to ensuring an efficient use of the
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
City's infrastructure already in place and to support the larger Downtown commercial base. Housing for both
students and young professionals should be considered.
Yes, but with less college student housing and more units aimed at more permanent residents. Love the
10/28/2014 2:02 PM
UnlvarCity program, that's a great idea. More of that would be so great!
12
1 feel it is essential to build up, not out
10/28/2014 1,06 PM
13
taller buildings
10/28/2014 8:45 AM
14
Increase vertical density.
10/27/2014 9:33 PM
15
Through condo buildings AND town home units (5 pick)
10/27/2014 8-27 PM
16
re -zone to accomodate 4-8 story construction with a sensitivity to current aesthetic.
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
17
Building some higher buildings will increase density. This will hopefully add people without adding to parking
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
Issues.
18
not sure, it seems like that's pretty dense, but I'm not sure of numbers.
10/27/2014 10:35 AM
19
The Chauncy project will provide much needed housing.
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
20
The current development plan for the old bus station parcel and I would say the Hieronymous property on Clinton
10/26/'2014 326 PM
street but am not sure the University is not planning to develop it.
21
High -end housing is needed to attract the people to the downtown so it can thrive.
10/26/2014 3:14 PM
22
Go up.
10/24/2014 4:37 PM
23
If I were king for a day, I would find clusters of old houses that are not in good repair nor have historical value and
10/24/2014 11:35 AM
work to raze and create townhouse projects which could keep ownership costs down but create small niches for
families among the college residents to help reshape neighborhoods. Mann Is a critical piece of the puzzle, this
area needs a school which attracts young families. I support the notion of taking down the old school, building a
new learning environment on the city park property and then putting a new park on the old footprint of the Mann
school.
24
it is already too crowded. the empty spaces, you will need to put storefronts (corner shop groceries like John's,
10/24/2014 3:55 AM
art galleries, coffee shops, bars and dance clubs). if you want more housing, go to the south end: benton and
riverside - make hig!lrise apartments) start building UP and create a skyline in Iowa city)
25
1 think the areas close to campus are good for student housing. But preserve historic buildings.
10/23/2014 2:55 PM
26
Find a way to require surface parking be developed to a higher use so (hat residential units would be built. An
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
ordinance setting the City as the only entity allowed to provide parking for hire. Continue to allow demolition of
non -historic buildings through increased density in zoning. Conduct a historic property identification and
evaluation inventory survey in the two districts as directed by Certified Local Government requirements.
27
If so, only by AFFORDABLE housing, Iowa City lacks affordable housing for young professionals, which is why
10/23/2014 12:29 PM
many entering the job market are forced elsewhere. we have a surplus of 5+ bedroom houses, and single
bedroom apartments well over 1000/mo. Where is affordable housing for couple who work at the public library,
university or other low paying but highly importantjobs. Consider how many people live below the poverty level, a
student can't work enough hours to afford rent alone.
28
More efficient buildings, is commercial !at floor residential upper fors
10/231201412:12 AM
29
Please refer to my response to Question No. 4. In addition, increasing residential density in this District would
10/22/2014 1:10 PM
provide more of an 24-hour area that would encourage commercial development; it would also reduce pressure
ir, the North Side to convert homes into multi -family housing or to remove existing structures for multi -family
housing.
30
Yesi Taller buildings I would thinks the most efficient and common-sense way to accomplish this.
10/22/2014 12:41 PM
2/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
31 1 would be very careful about this. This area has a strong mix already of historic houses and apartment buildings.
Greater density is not something I would encourage, or at least I would be VERY careful about so as not to
disrupt the character of this area as an important transition zone between residential/neighborhood and the
downtownlunivemity district.
32 Taller, more dense buildings. But you first need to find a land owner who wants to do this and help make it
financially possible.
33
34
35
With up not out.
Mostly at the north and, replacing old rooming houses and small frats with buildings more akin to the newer
building on the southwest comer of Daverport and Dubuque. This fills a quarter block with parking underneath.
It's rather characterless, but still, an effective use of space.
SurveyMonkey
10/21/2014 10:40 AM
10121 /2014 8:38 AM
10l2112014 8:17 AM
10;2012014 3:32 PM
Do NOT increase the density of housingl 10/20/2014 2:02 PM
3/3
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
-;> In the Civic District, are there
opportunities to increase mixed -use
facilities? (Mixed -use development blends a
combination of residential, commercial,
cultural, institutional, or industrial uses,
where those functions are physically and
functionally integrated, and that provides
pedestrian connections.)
43 t<Yi9ped: 12
Yes
No 1
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Answer Chokes Responses
Yes 95,35%
No 4.65%
Total
#
If yet, what are these opportunities?
Date
1
Surface parking lot south of the parking garage. Mixed use - high density residential.
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
2
Not until all downtown storefronts have businesses (and some look like bad space).
11/17/2014 10:42 AM
3
Get going on The Chauncey. Thars the perfect example of how to help the downtown footprint step east across
i V1112014 1:24 PM
Gilbert Street,
4
Redevelop non -historic buildings into taller, lager mired -use apartment/condo buildings, ?artially fill in surface
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
parking lots with buildings that have underground parking, leave small amount of surface parking if needed. Make
it an extension of downtown proper.
5
Coop.
10/31120148:54 AM
6
Please NO industrial stuff. More housing for middle income elderly people downtown: giving up driving but still
1013012014 8:00 PM
being able to easily access the ICPL, restaurants, Credit Union, groceries (Coop, Bread Garden) and the UIHC
and Dental College via bus would be very attractive to a lot of people. And dilute the student and oligarchy
population that is there.
7
Office space, variety of housing accommodations, entertainment facilities.
10/30/2014 9:19 AM
................. .
8
Yes. Innovative and appropriate partnerships are desirable - the Plaza Towers, 201 @ Park, the new UIMA
10/30/2014 3:26 AM
project are excellent examples!
1/3
41
E
43
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
9
I'm in favor of doing this anywhere it becomes possible downtown, especially in these areas of current concern,
10129/2014 11:35 AM
of course. The focus in mixed use (based on dramatic demographic changes coming) should be or incorporating
condominiums for people to buy as they downslze and want to spend their later years close to Iowa City's best
offehngs. (The same is true of young professionals who want to live close in while building up equity in property.
but walking -distance close to the amazing cultural scene that we have here.)
10
Yes - see comments above.
1W29/2014 9:50 AM
11
61cre buildings like plaza tower that are mixed used, appeal to mixed generations, provide additional amenities
10128.r2014 2:02 PM
like hotels, grocery, entertainment, etc give Iowa City a metropolitan feel that is Incredibly appealing to the type of
urban population that we want more of downtown.
12
1 think the Chauncey is a perfect opportunity, blending residential,cultural and commercial. And it goes up, not
10/28/2014 1:06 PM
I out. It expands the mix downtown and brings a new excitement to the city.
13
taller mixed use buildings
10/2812014 8:45 AM
14
Any development in this area should consider mixed use. Make the living exciting by bring a reason to live and
10/2712014 9:33 PM
visit these units by interesting other parts of the mixed use areas.
15
The current plans for improving this area should be approved.
10/27/2014 9:04 PM
16
The Chauncey. Moen has shown the success of plaza towers and park 201. Those projects and their successes
10/27/2014 8:27 PM
speak for themselves. Plaza towers has become the hub for downtown activity.
17
diy shops to enhance the neighborhood connections, miniature versions of shops for bikes, cars, gardening, beer
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
making so that it almost has a maker space feel encouraging the neighborhoods to seek out advice and how to
for their own propery(s).
18
chauncey plan allows of that
10/27/2014 1,49 PM
19
NA
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
20
1 was under the assumption that we were moving forward to do that, which is exciting, I don't think those areas
10/27/2014 10:35 AM
are very aesthetically pleasing as the planned developments. It would be a big improvement to have The
Chauncey and New Pi developments done and help bring more people downtown, both as residents and
shoppers.
21
The proposed Chauncey has all of this
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
22
As is occurring, buildings with businesses and offices on the ground floor and living spaces above.
10/26/2014 3:26 PM
23
The Chimney please.
10/2412014 4:37 PM
24
It seems like this is being done with the new UI led properties.
1012412014 11:35 AM
25
with flatemities/sororities, religious groups and the library, there are plenty of volunteers to make things happen!
10/24/2014 3:55 AM
26
Sure, but don't bring the height of downtown across Gilbert St. Clean up the old bus station / Jon Wilson area but
10/23/2014 2:55 PM
don't erect a building that overwhelms the park, the farmers market, and the civic uses. Keep It low. Provide
opportunities for seniors and families who are attracted the the library, Robert Lee, and farmers market and coop.
Leave the high-rises to River Crossing. No high-rises on Iowa Ave. either. Old Cap should be the focal point, not a
glass and steel box.
27
Proceed with the Chauncey as designed and approved. Allow air rights to private housing and commercial
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
properties over City owned surface parking. Industrial zoning probably is out of place as is intensive commercial
uses.
28
cultural --walking paths. residential --affordable housing units.
10/23/2014 9:41 AM
29
More efficient buildings, is commercial tat floor residential upper floors
10/23/2014 12:12 AM
30
Absolutely. The Gilbeh/College site is exactly where additional housing could be placed to further provide readily
1012212014 1:10 PM
evai!ab!e residents to support the CBD and the proposed Clinton0ubuque District. I suspect the impact that
Plaza Towers and the Library had on Linn Street would also enhance the Gilbert Street area.
31
Planned deve!opmenls like the proposals for College/Gilbert corner with bowlinglit ie theater, gallery, offices,
10/22/2014 12:41 PM
cafe, and residential. Can we get something like that in more locations? Is this being considered for the public
parking lot area next to Bluebird Cafe/Riverside Theater?
213
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
32 Your statement says it well ... the combination integrates a variety of uses and provides pedestrian connections. 1 10/21/2014 10:40 AM
This Is vital to the success of a downtown.
33 complete the developer agreement for the Chauncey building ASAP and get is started.
34 develop more mixed -use buildings at larger scale, less small scale buildings with level one commercial and two
levels of student housing.
35 This is less clear. but proposals for short towers with apartments above commercial space make sense. The one
proposal that has come and gone would have been an eyesore, but the basic idea is sound.
30 You could consider art studio/sales space below residences or commercial office space. Only make the space
available to those who also sell their work. Encourage companies like Meta Communications to locate downtown.
3/3
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
10/21/2014 8:17 AM
10/20/2014 3:32 PM
10/2012014 2:02 PM
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
i In the Civic District, how can the
Ralston Creek corridor be enhanced?
�cswemr9: 3; sk;ope d: .
# Responses
Oaf
1 Would be nice to feel like the natural area was more accessible - very overgrown - riprap Is unattractive - could
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
be address
2 Clean Creek
11/17/2014 1042 AM
3 Move faster to develop Chauncy project
11/17/2014 9:20 AM
4 Clean up the creek. Maybe provide more walkinglbiking paths along the creek.
11/11/2014 1,24 PM
5 Have a small green belt and trails follow the creek, occasional pocket park, perhaps.
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
R More views of creek. Seating, Native plants.
10/31/2014 8:54 AM
7 New pi!
10/30/2014 8:23 PM
8 More maintenance on creek sides, benches, areas for people to relax. New Pi irs such an essential part of
1013012014 8:19 PM�
downtown, but better / safe pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow needs to be implemented in their lot and alley
areas.
9 Clean it up every spring.
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
10 Turn it into green space, flood -proof event space, or parking. Move New Pi and other businesses away from it
10/30/2014 4:44 PM
and reduce the impact of flooding.
11 PRESERVING THE HISTORICAL FEEL RATHER THAN PLOWING IT OVER
10/30120141:03 PM
12 Looks difficult to me --the creek there seems to be under existing structures for the most part. If a new structure
10129/2014 11:35 AM
sometime is put in place in this area that goes above the creek perhaps the structure can be elevated above the
flood area, and then have people -friendly viewing areas of the stream on the creek level.
13 Give it room to breath -allow trails along it. Add some greenspace
10129/2014 10:11 AM
14 It can be opened up to serve as an amenity to the public, allowing for paths alongside for the oublic and to
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
restore it to it's natural state.
15 Would love to see a walking path that runs the length, I creek is kinds hidden.
10/2812014 2:02 PM
16 Beautify it with plantings, stone walls and footbridges. Keep it clean.
10/2812014 1:06 PM
17 open it up; bike trail along it
I W2812014 8:45 AM
18 Clean it up and enhance it. Celebrate the creek!
1012712014 9:33 PM
19 1
10/2712014 9:04 PM
20 Provide more drainage and flood mitigation systems.
10/2712014 8:27 PM
21 river/creek-b!ketwalk trails, mini amphitheaterlstage where existing new pi is located,
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
22 NA-
101271201411:01 AM
23 Walk ability, lighting, aes:heficalty pleasing buildings with multiple uses
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
24 1 am not sure.
10/2612014 3:26 PM
25 More development of recreation areas and removal of old stuctures.
10126/2014 3:14 PM
26 Cleared with a trail would be great.
10/24/2014 4:37 PM
27 what Is "ralslon creek'?
10/2412014 3:55 AM
112
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
28 Clean it up. Artand seating along the area between parking ramp and creek. Also it would be nice to have 10/23/2014 2:55 PM
Information about the creek —maybe a map or something. The Robert Lee parking lot needs some help.
29 Enhancement would be tricky and would require the cooperation of private land owners. However, an opportunity
exists to swap land with the New Pioneer Coop to provide air rights over city -owned parking and to construct
downtown park amenities in place of the current store location.
30 See above
31 Clean up the creek
32 Accommodations should be made to enhance the riverbanks, provide picnic facilities and shelters and
bike/pedestran paths.
33 Not sure what's needed for the waterway to be protected. The walled area near the Coop seems less than ideal
and has caused Flooding concerns in the past. Perhaps a larger culvert under Washington street, with nicely
designed bridge aspects? A Flood wall with a murel? A mini skate park that doubles as spillway fcr the creek?
34 I haven't thought about this much, but I would strongly encourage thoughtful consideration of this issue. Take
care to preserve (or recreate) as much of the natural environment as passible, but also make the creek a
community asset. think "a natural park running through town."
35 Green space and park space. When the Coop Moves, that space should be a park1green space/flood plain.
36 clear out the weed trees
37 connect mixed -use with downtown.
38 Turning the creek into a greenbelt instead of a ditch would be nice, but this is a pie in the sky idea that would
involve pulling development back half a block from the creek and removing a century of fill (some probably toxic)
from the land in question. The net result would significantly lower the upstream flash flood risk, and could pay off
in the very long rum, but in the short run, it would cost money we don't have.
39 Clean it up periodically.
2/2
10/23/2014 1:29 PM
":OI23/2014 9:41 AM
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10/22/2014 1:10 PM
10/22/201412:41 PM
10/21 /2014 10:40 AM
10/2112014 9:09 AM
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
10/21/2014 8:17 AM
10/20/2014 3:32 PM
10/20/2014 2:02 PM
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
What other factors should the City
consider?
,answer-ar]: 37 5#+o ee:e; 52
#
Responses
Date
1
Get more people living close to downtown - consider mixed use that includes high density residential - build up in
1 V1712014 10:49 AM
civic district
2
Families still need vehicles
11117/2014 10:42 AM
3
Continue improvements- those that don't keep business updated and clean
I Ill7/2014 9:20 AM
4
1) Haw can the City protect against erosion of lax base (i.e., keep more property from becoming UI owned). 2)
11/11/2014 1:24 PM
How can the City best attract young professionals and empty -nesters -through housing, office space, and
entertainment opportunities.
5
Expand downtown. ncrease residential density, particularly aimed more toward young workforce, working -aged
1113/2014 140 Pfvi
professional couples in mind. Probably more student apartments as well, but the professional age group is still
currently the most underserved. Keep in mind the shockingly low vacancy rate of apartments/condos within a 1
mile radius of the center o' downtown and encourage as much building for greater density as possible while
protecting historic character where feasible.
6
Keep TIF to a minimum. If you have to clean stuff up, fine. But realize if you TIF something in one place you eat
� 10/3112014 8:54 AM
into market on other properties, Why do offices need so much money to go downtown? You shouldn't have to
pay to finish their space and provide free parking.
7
Add sound fixtures to the permanent stage! Thus it's an ongoing expense for artists.
10/30/2014 8:23 PM
8
Not spoiling the atmosphere of the town that we have now. It's not broken, so don't try to fix it.
10/30/2014 8:00 PM
9
1 view the Chauncy project as the most comprehensive and inclusive project presented. Moen Mgmt continues to
10130/2014 5:26 PM
remain forward thinking in ways that create a unique opportunity for the lifestyles of Iowa City residents and
guests. Their other building projects brought in high end residents which enabled the retail market to change in
downtown IC. Upscale restaurant needs, activity choices are not as focused on college acivities. We need to
continue to growth of this level of building to build and expand on the college base.
10
Obviously the development south of Burlington should be considered over the next thirty years.
10/30/2014 1:03 PM
11
The civic mindedness of the developers' proposals, based on their previous work In the City and their presence in
10/3012014 9:19 AM
the City.
12
1 applaud the City Council and City planners for not allowing themselves to be trapped in old zoning boxes In
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
public high -use areas.
13
A permanent home that's speck to the Farmer's Market - maybe something that allows for a few year-round
10/29/2014 10:11 AM
farmer's market shops.
14
Encouraging energy efficiency within buildings is Important. But it isn't as important as encouraging the densest
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
projects (and efficient buildings) in the City center, which in the end, keep population and employment bases
centralized to utilize infrastructure already in place, reduce carbon emissions from cars, and encourage a healthy
citizen basen walkable communities.
15
Lots of emphasis on pedestrians and safe and enjoyable movement of walkers and bikers.
10/2812014 106 PM
16
Don't be afraid of higher density. Give citizens more reasons to live downtown. T
10127/2014 9:33 PM
17
Inter mode!, move to electric light rail, bus or large vans
101272014 2:16 PM
18
NA
10/27/2014 11.01 AM
19
1 think the City has done a great job of looking forward, gathering great proposals and developing our core to
10)272014 10:35 AM
strengthen our whole community.
20
Please move the Chauncey forward it is long overdue and will be a great addition to downtown.
10/27/2014 9.42 AM
1/2
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts SurveyMonkey
21
Do you aspire to help create places people LOVE?
10/2612014 4,55 PM
22
Congruency between new buildings themselves and the architectural history remaining in the area.
10126/2014 3:26 PM
23
Madison WI, they did a nice job.
10126/2014 3:14 PM
24
Increasing the commercial tax base in order to provide some top notch social services and increase the borders
10124/2014 4:37 PM
of the SSMID.
25
Affordable housing, unique housing stock and blending different economic classes together should be the overall
10124/2014 11:35 AM
goal. The more people live proximate to downtown the more vibrant it can be. People wan! to get away from the
suburban scrawl, car intensive model. If people can afford to live in a manner where they can work, educate,
shop and play without a car, this community can really thrive.
26
ART GALLERIES! and integraSng the college kids with the "townies'.
10/2412014 3:55 AM
27
Keep it funky and local and eclectic. Keep it local. Green it up.
10123/2014 2:55 PM
28
The City should take into account that it has provided TIFs to competitors to the New Pioneer Coop and chosen
10/2312014 1:29 PM
against including them in recent development. The complaints of a transltlon zone, to me, are a moot point as
there are lower intensity areas already in place due to current zoning in the blocks separating the College Green
neighborhood and the Civic District and the North Clinton/Dubuque Street District and the Northside
Neighborhood.
29
affordable housing, increasing cultural and non-alcoholic entertainment and value, emphasis on history of Iowa
1012312014 12:29 PM
city and fame as literature UNESCO site,
30
The skyline tapering from the 12 and 14 story buildings in the heart of downtown to the 2 story houses in the Van
10/2312014 9'41 AM
Buren -Dodge Street area. The present commitment of the city for a 15-20 story building on the College/ Gilbert
site is not acceptable.
31
The civic district often feels unsafe.
10/23/2014 12:12 AM
32
Don't be afraid of higher density and diversity of uses. To the extent the City can facilitate for -profit development,
10/2272014 12-41 PM
mixed use should be the key -- not mare apartment buildings.
33
Iowa City has made some mistakes in its town planning/urban development, but it is strong when it listens to the
10/21/2014 10:40 AM
residents of a given area. Give everyone a chance for input (as you're doing here —bravo"'), use balanced and
informed judgement in writing guidelines, making plans, etc. give the residents ample opportunity for review and
input, and LISTEN to them, making adjustments as necessary. Put COMMUNITY AND CHARACTER first!
34
That small vocal segments of the public really do not know what they are talking about.
10/21/2014 8:38 AM
35
density, cost.
10121/2014 8:17 AM
36
I've run out of ideas.
10/2012014 332 PM
37
City planners should listen to all paints of view, notjust those people who agree with the planners' points of view.
10/20/2014 2:02 PM
When the planners solicit input, It too often appears their materials are designed to seek a predetermined
response. Some critical self reflection of success and failures by city staff is also important.
2/2
Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurvcyMonkey
Q11 Other comments
9
Responses _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ — _
[Date _
1
Really like the Chauncey plans - do more like that in civic district to bring people to urban core
11/17/2014 10:49 AM
2
1 think things are generally an the right track. I'm 51 and have been in Iowa City and working downtown about 25
11/11/2014 1:24 PM
years. The movement of what I'd call the downtown'south across Burlington is finally taking shape, and ifs going
to be awesome. I think if I eat tight and make it to the gym a bit more, IT live long enough to see if the
requirement that various residential buildings downtown have retail space on the ground floor makes sense. I will
say that many, many of those required storefronts are empty or turn over. A lot. BUT, consistent with requiring
property owners now to set those spaces aside for the time when the market demands them, if the City
encourages more density in development downtown - high-rises, multi -use faci!Ities, etc. -the effort will
complement that prior planning. Thanks for the opportunity.
3
More tall buildings because they are the most off clent use of space In addition to being the most environmentally
11/3/2014 1:40 PM
friendly. Building "up" instead of "out" not only adds vibrancy but is also the more environmentally -sustainable
practice.
4
Keep it green. Open. Don't make it all hardscape. Buildings should be no taller than 5-6 stories.
10/31/2014 8:54 AM
5
Please consider easing busking restrictions. It's sucked the soul out of town, Weird is ok!
10/3012014 8:23 PM
6
Permeable pavingl!
1013012014 B:00 PM
7
Please include New Pioneer Coop in the plans! They and the Iowa City Farmers Market have been the brightest
10/30/2014 6:40 PM
shining stars in Iowa City for a long timel
8
We are truely a blue zone community and more zoning to create well rounded urban living is essential.
10/3012014 5:26 PM
9
Please please please make sure that New Pioneer Co-op is included in long range planning for the downtown
10/30/2014 4:58 PM
areal It is essential to the spirit of Iowa City as an independent minded community.
10
Iowa City is increasingly a magnet both for retirees and for young professionals anxious to avoid the commuting
1013012014 9:19 AM
life. Population movement from the suburbs back into cities is a nationwide phenomenon to which Iowa City
should be hospitable. As a university town is it is ideally placed to accommodate this demographic shift which,
among other benefits, reduces the carbon footprint of the population by reducing the need for automobile
transportation.
11
A new demographic day is coming, and more and more people (beyond the ever-present burgeoning hoard of UI
10/29/2014 11:35 AM
student renters) will want to take up residence as close to the center of town as possible. At present almost all
habitable space other than Plaza Towers and a few other condos are available. Our city continues to be listed as
one of the top 10 places in the U.S. in which to retire/reside because of our amenities. But close to the center of
the action, where?
12
The City should approve the Chauncey and New Pi proposals in the civic district area. They are great projects
10/29/2014 9:50 AM
that add to the commercial care's viability. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
13
If I can provide any more feedback, I'd love to help. Andy Stoll, downtown resident andy@stol!.net
10/28/2014 2:02 PM
14
Keep the growth going. There are some exciting developments happening in Iowa City. See them through.
10/27/2014 9:33 PM
15
Keep us moving forward on downtown developmentl
10127/2014 9:04 PM
16
small shops and cafes exist throughout europe that encourage strolling, looking at a city view watching people
10/27/2014 2:16 PM
play chess/checkers or botche ball (boule) sip on a glass of wine ar a cup of coffee In the afternoon promoting
interactive play and conversations) among multiple ethnicities, perspectives, culture... idyllic but not
accomplished unless tried.
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Civic and North Chnton/Dubuque Street Districts
SurveyMonkey
17 1 have run RAYCUN on the Ped Mall for the last 4 years, and with stores in Des Moines and Kansas City, we've
10/27/2014 11:01 AM
been able to compare those 3 markets. Iowa City is the weakest market, and I think the crux of that is trying to
create a downtown that better balances students and residents. Too many students scare off the residents, and
the residents usually spend more money. However, Iowa City wouldn't be the city it is without the university.
Adding a more "grown up" side of downtown — taller buildings, on -street -retail, etc — may be a good way to
advance downtown beyond just the Ped Mall.
18 The vocal minority that opposes all development does not speak off all of us and slows down the progress the
10/27/2014 9:42 AM
city is making.
19 Chop. Chop,Keep this going and get it done.
10128I2014 3:14 PM
20 again, start building UP and proactively design a skyline for Iowa City's hilly landscape.
10/24/2014 3:55 AM
21 It was a shame that you didn4 ask the public for Input before the chancey debacle. That was bad planning Also,
10/23/2014 2:55 PM
it would have been nice to have more notice of the meeting. And ycu don't even have a link on your home page.
22 It is good these areas are being looked at and incorporated into the compreheni plan.
10123f2014 1:29 PM
23 Will the City Council actually pay any attention to this new plan?
10/23/2014 9:41 AM
24 Thank you for the chance to weigh in on this areal It was good to look at what's there now and see the potential
10/2212014 12:41 PM
for really positive improvement for some denser development with diverse offerings, not just bars or multi -family.
25 Thanks for the opportunity to offer my thoughtsif I care deeply about this subject and the areas in question. Many
10121/2014 10:40 AM
people do ... listen to them.
28 Development money is scarce and Iowa City must compete with many other towns and cities for that money. It's
10121(2014 9:09 AM
important that Iowa City captures development dollars and use them rather than !et them "leak" to other
communi8es.
27 This is a very odd survey. It seems more like an opportunity to write an opinion piece, not a survey.
10121/2014 8:38 AM
28 ditto
10120/2014 3:32 PM
29 There are other important areas of Iowa City besides the downtown and surrounding areas. Please keep it
10120/2014 2:02 PM
convenient for people to travel across town and to commute into Iowa City. If you make traffic too slow, people
won't want to cross town much or companies will locate businesses outside of Iowa City where it is easier to get
to.
212
October 31, 2014
N
Q
Mayor and City Council -•• — }p
LI i
City of Iowa City
9
410 E. Washington Street r .-•I 4 .®
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
terry 5
Mayor and City Council Members, �.
Thank you for inviting the community to comment on the Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street
Districts and the comprehensive plan vision for these areas. As you know, the Iowa City Downtdwn
District is a non-profit entity with a mission to champion the Downtown District as a progressive,
healthy, and culturally vibrant urban center of the region.
The ICDD Board of Directors has discussed the City's Comprehensive Plan review for these areas and
proposed development plans within the Civic District. We are unanimous in our support of increased
mixed -use density in both the Civic and North Clinton/Dubuque Street Districts. New, dense infill
development that brings additional residents, employees and exciting entertainment and cultural uses
like bowling, cinema space, and other amenities to our near -in environments is a win for our commercial
core. Similar to the newly selected site for the University of Iowa Museum of Art and the Voxman
School of Music underway, the Chauncey and New Pi developments will support our existing businesses
with an influx of new people that will help keep the Downtown and Northside Neighborhood businesses
economically viable.
The ICDD also believes in a "2% Solution" for supporting a vibrant downtown (Bruce Katz, Brookings
Institute.) This entails providing opportunities for 2% of our community's population to live in our City
core. New developments that include a mix of housing units tailored towards a mix of incomes and
household types will help us achieve this goal.
The ICDD is growing in a positive direction and the "natural" boundaries of Downtown are evolving.
Community members are already calling areas to the east of our boundaryto Ralston Creek and along
the Burlington Street Corridor "Downtown." We believe that accommodating equally dense
developments in these close -in areas is a sustainable and efficient approach to growth that best utilizes
public infrastructure already in place.
Thank you very much for your hard work, patience, and vision for the sustainable growth of Iowa City.
Sincerely,
q4 l cft— — zQ
Nancy Bird
Executive Director
Iowa City Downtown District
Iowa City Downtown District 14'/ S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
John Yapp
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 8:03 AM
To: Tom Markus; Doug Boothroy; John Yapp
Subject: FW: Comprehensive Plan for Civic District
Fyi
From: Kieft, David W [mailto:david-kieft@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2014 7:52 AM
To: 'Marc Moen'
Cc: Jeff Davidson; Geoff Fruin
Subject: Comprehensive Plan for Civic District
Marc:
University of Iowa leadership has discussed the City's Comprehensive Plan review for the "civic district" and
specifically the two proposed development projects, The Chauncy and New Pi's new location. The University is
supportive of both projects. Both will bring additional housing and retail opportunities to downtown and the
University area, which is something the University supports; but more importantly, the University is in favor of
the programmatic aspects of The Chauncy. The bowling alley and expanded location for Film Scene are both
unique venues which will serve UI students, faculty and staff. They also contribute to the marketability of the
University and Iowa City. These are the types of spaces other developers have not proposed in the many recent
development projects that have come before the City.
I have copied City leadership on this email.
David
David W. Kieft
University Business Manager & Director of Real Estate
University of Iowa
301 University Services Building (USB)
Iowa City, IA 52242-5500
John Yapp
From: mark@shopactiveendeavors.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 11:13 AM
Subject: CB-10 Zoning
Dear Council Member,
We are writing you to express our support of the expansion of the municipal campus area to CB-10 zoning.
Iowa City is in dire need of expanding and further developing its downtown area. We believe the Chauncey and
New Pi projects are well thought out and essential for further growth. If we are to continue developing a
vibrant, energetic, and dynamic urban feel for our downtown we need projects such as these. We have
witnessed a terrific rebirth and resurgence of our unique downtown in the past few years and these
developments will help us continue to grow and create a place where our citizens can live, work, and play... the
place we all want Iowa City to be.
Thank you for your vision and perseverance through this difficult process.
Best regards,
Mark Weaver & Eadie Fawcett Weaver
Mark R Weaver
President
Active Endeavors -Iowa City
319-337-9444 office
319-400-2414 cell
Serving Iowa since 1986
w-%vw. shopactiveendeavors.com
www.active-sandals.com
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Item: REZ14-00023 Northgate Drive
GENERAL INFORMATION:
STAFF REPORT
Prepared by: Robert Miklo
Date: January 15, 2015
Applicant: Southgate Companies
755 Mormon Trek Blvd.
Iowa City, iA 52244
319-466-4321
jhughes@southgateco.com
Contact: F. Joe Hughes
755 Mormon Trek Blvd.
PO Box 1907
Iowa City, IA 52244
319-325-8113
jhughes@southgateco.com
Property Owner:
Requested Action:
Purpose:
Location:
Size:
Existing Land Use and Zoning:
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
File Date:
45 Day Limitation Period:
Bilam Properties LLC
Rezoning from Interim Development Research Park
(ID -RP) to Commercial Office (CO-1)
To allow for office development
North of Northgate Drive
34.21 acres
Agricultural (ID -RP)
North: County Agricultural (A)
South: Office (CO-1)
East: Agricultural (ID-ORP)
West: Agricultural (ID-ORP) and Office (CO-1)
November 25, 2014
January 15, 2015
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: This properly was annexed in to the City sometime between
1969 and 1972. It was zoned RI -A, a single family residential zone. In 1983 was zoned Interim
Development -Office Research Park (ID -OAP), when a new city-wide zoning map and ordinance
where adopted. In 2005 when a new zoning ordinance and map were adopted the zoning of all
ID-ORP districts was changed to Interim Development -Research Park (iD-RP). The applicant is
now requesting that the property be rezoned from ID -RP to Commercial Office (CO-1).
2
On December 10, the applicant conducted a Good Neighbor Meeting. Eleven area property
owners attended. The attached summary provides a description of the meeting. The applicant
has also submitted the attached concept plan showing how the property may develop in the
future.
ANALYSIS:
Current zoning: This property is currently zoned Interim Development — Research Development
Park (ID -RP). The purpose of the ID zone is to provide for areas of managed growth in which
agricultural and other non -urban uses of land may continue until such time as City services are
provided and urban development can occur. Upon provision of City services, the City or the
property owner may initiate rezoning to zones consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as
amended.
Proposed zoning: The purpose of the Commercial Office Zone (CO-1) is to provide specific
areas where office functions, compatible businesses, apartments and certain public and
semipublic uses may be developed in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. The CO-1 Zone
can serve as a buffer between residential and more intensive commercial or industrial areas.
Comprehensive Plan: This property is located in the North Corridor District. Although a
detailed district plan has not been adopted for the North Corridor District, the Comprehensive
Plan land use map depicts this area as appropriate for Office Research Development Centers.
The proposed CO-1 zoning, as well as the Research Development Park (RD) and Office
Research Park (ORP), are appropriate zoning districts to implement the land use plan.
Compatibility with neighborhood: The property to the south is currently zoned CO-1 and
developed as Northgate Office Park. Properties to the west, north and east are currently used
for agriculture, including a farm residence that is located directly north. The land use plan
depicts the areas to the west and east of the subject property as also being appropriate for
Office Research Development Centers. The property to the north is identified as Rural
Residential.
The CO-1 zone is generally viewed as being compatible with residential neighborhoods. It has a
maximum building height of 25 feet (generally two stories) and does not allow more intense
commercial uses that may detract from nearby residences. The Commercial Site Development
Standards that apply to the CO-1 zone require street trees, parking lot coverage trees and
landscaping around the perimeter of parking lots to further improve compatibility with nearby
residential uses.
Environmentally sensitive areas: The property has been used for row crops for several
decades. There are no known sensitive areas present.
Traffic implications: initially the only street access to this property will be via Northgate Drive,
which intersects with Dodge Street (Highway 1) approximately Y: mile to west of this property. In
the long-term Oakdale Boulevard is planned to cross the northern portion of this property to
provide additional access to Highway 1. Additional access may also be available from %loss
Ridge Road as shown on the concept plan.
Staff measured existing traffic volumes, and forecasted future volumes, at several locations
along Northgate Drive. It was concluded that at the Steindler Orthopedic Clinic Driveway the
average daily traffic (ADT) on Northgate Drive would be approximately 5,547 upon full 'build -out'
of the subject property — assuming similar land -uses currently present on Northgate Drive. This
3
figure was derived using existing traffic counts and existing developed acreage which resulted in
an additional 84 vehicles per day per acre. Traffic volumes were measured at the Steindler
driveway as there is a secondary means of access at this point which allows egress between
Northgate Drive and the Quality Inn Property.
Subdivision requirements state that a secondary means of access can be required on a
collector street when average daily traffic exceeds 2,500 vehicles per day. However, adherence
to this requirement is often driven by ser5ifivi4y fpr anpronr'sate traffic volome_R in res dentia!
areas, or when there is an increased sensitivity to a single means of access being blocked to
special populations (facilities serving elderly or persons with disabilities) — neither of which
appear to be significant factors in this case. As noted, the subject property has also been
appropriately planned to allow for the future extension of Oakdale Boulevard east of Highway 1,
as well as a future connection to the Moss Ridge Drive / Highway 1 intersection.
Staff used traffic signal software to measure the effects of the proposed development on peak
hour operations at the Northgate Drive / Highway 1 intersection. The unit measurement for
traffic signals is 'Levekof-Service" (LOS), which is a graded scale, A-F. Level of Service A is
free -flow traffic, and Level of Service F is gridlock. Level of Service E during peak traffic periods
is considered acceptable.
Current PM peak hour Level -of -Service (LOS) for westbound vehicles is acceptable at a LOS D
(53.9 seconds of delay per vehicle) with all other movements operating at a LOS D or better.
With the addition of development traffic (and with optimizing traffic signal timing to account for
new traffic), the LOS remains at a LOS D and shows slight improvement compared to existing
conditions. To measure future conditions, a 2025 scenario was developed which included the
proposed development traffic and future Moss Ridge Drive development traffic. Under these
conditions, westbound PM peak hour traffic would operate at a LOS E (59.1 seconds of delay
per vehicle) with all other movements operating at an acceptable LOS D or better. Given the
results of the Synchro analysis, it does not appear that the addition of turning lanes is necessary
(nor would help to reduce overall intersection delay) at the Northgate Drive / Highway 1
intersection due to the anticipated traffic generated by the proposed development.
As demonstrated in the aforementioned analysis, staff does not foresee any major traffic
implications related to the subject plat. Traffic volumes will be managed through optimizing the
traffic signal timing at the Northgate Drive and Highway 1 intersection.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that REZ14-00023, an application submitted by Southgate Companies for a
rezoning from Interim Development -Research Park (ID -RP) to Commercial Office (CO-1) zone
for approximately 34.21 acres of property located north of Northgate Drive be approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
1, Location Map
2. Concept Mope-
3. Summan of Good
Approved by:
Neighborhood and Development Services
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CITY OF ION CITY ON�
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SITE LOCATION: Northgate Drive REZ14-00023
CONCEPTUAL LAYOUT: HIGHLANDER FOURTH ADDITION
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INFOR
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775MORMONTREK BIVD-
... IOWA CITY. to 52245
PHONE. 3193258113
Summary Report for t =,--�-
Good Neighbor Meeting``
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Project Name: Highlander 4th Addition Project Project Location: North - Northgate Drive
Meeting Date and Time: December 10, 2014 from 4:30-6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert E Lee Rec Center, Meeting Room A, 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA
Names of Applicant Representatives attending: Joe Hughes, SouthGate; James Langel, HBK;
Brian Boelk, HBK
Names of City Staff Representatives attending: Kent Ralston
Number of Neighbors Attending: 11+ Sign -In Attached? Yes X No
General Comments received regarding project (attach additional sheets if necessary) -
Most neighbors are in support of the project, and feel that continuing Northgate
Drive with the same CO-1 zoning that currently exists makes the most sense.
The commercial owners and tenants are happy to see their park grow with similar
types of businesses.
Concerns expressed regarding project (attach additional sheets if necessary) -
The concerns most often brought up are regarding the ability for vehicles to exit
Northgate Drive onto Highway 1. Currently, traffic becomes very congested at 5 p.m.
on weekdays when many of the workers leave for the day. Concerns about secondary
access have been expressed. There is, however, secondary emergency access through
the Clarion hotel parking lot. Also, the homeowners to the north would like screening
between their farmstead and Oakdale Blvd.
Will there be any changes made to the proposal based on this input? If so, describe:
There will be no changes to the proposal, however we will look at additional screening
options for the neighbors to the north.
Staff Representative Comments
I (Kent Ralston) attended the meeting and concur with the information presented in this meeting summary.
I have no additional comments with respect to the input received via the public meeting.
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MINUTES PRELIMINARY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 18, 2014 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks Paula Swygard, Phoebe
Martin, Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, John Yapp, Robert Miklo, Sarah Walz
OTHERS PRESENT: Alicia Trimble, Ginalie Swaim, Ted Pacha, Jim McCarragher, William
Ingles, Jen Allen, Kate Corcoran, Mary Bennett, Don Ancinux, Janice Fry,
Pam Michaud, Theresa Koppel, Steve Gordon, Jason Harder
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend an application submitted by Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission for a rezoning to designate the properties located at 608, 610 and 614
S. Dubuque Street as Iowa City Historic Landmarks. (REZ14-00024)
The Commission moved by a vote of 6-0 (Freerks absent) to recommend a rezoning to amend an
OPD- 12 plan to allow 72 multi -family condominium dwellings for property currently zoned for
single-family manufactured housing on 21.24 acres of property located south of Paddock Circle and
west of Heinz Road. (REZ14-00010) with conditions outlined in the Staff report.
The Commission moved by a vote of 6-0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of SUB14-00022, a
preliminary plat of Churchill Meadows, a 98-lot, 39.6-acre residential subdivision located at 4701
Herbert Hoover Highway.
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were none
Comprehensive Plan Item
Set a public hearing for January 15, 2015 for discussion of amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan for the blocks generally bounded by Clinton Street, Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and
Dubuque Street (AKA the North Clinton / Dubuque Street District): and the blocks generally bounded
by Gilbert Street, Burlington Street, Van Buren Street, and Iowa Avenue (AKA the Civic District).
Yapp explained to the Commission that upon, setting up the hearing staff will notify all parties who
have expressed interest in being informed of this process (by providing email addresses), will place
the staff report on the City webpage, will update the public comment webpage, and will issue a
media release of the availability of the staff report for public review, and the date of the Planning
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 2 of 23
and Zoning Commission's public hearing. Yapp told the Commission they are allowed to set the
hearing for a date other than January 15, that date was chosen because it is the next regularly
scheduled meeting of the Commission.
Eastham moved set a public hearing for January 15, 2015 for discussion of amendments to
the Comprehensive Plan.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0.
Rezoning Item (REZ14-00024)
Discussion of an application submitted by Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission for a
rezoning to designate the properties located at 608, 610 and 614 S. Dubuque Street as Iowa
City Historic Landmarks.
Yapp showed a map of the area and stated the Commission had received a rezoning application for
this block several months ago but that application has since been withdrawn. He showed images of
the buildings in question for the historic landmark application. Yapp described the background as
Alicia Trimble, Executive Director of Friends of Historic Preservation, has requested that the
properties at 608, 610, and 614 South Dubuque Street be designated as Iowa City Historic
Landmarks. The enclosed Iowa Site Inventory Form provides a detailed discussion of the buildings'
history and architecture. The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission met on December 11,
2014 and conducted a public hearing where they reviewed and evaluated the historic significance of
the properties. The Commission determined that the properties meet the requirements for landmark
designation and voted 9-0 to recommend approval of the designation of 608, 610, and 614 South
Dubuque Street as Iowa City Historic Landmarks.
If approved by the City Council, designation of the properties as Iowa City Historic Landmarks will
require Historic Preservation Commission approval of any significant changes to the exterior of the
buildings. Landmark status will also make the properties eligible for transfer of development rights
according to the Riverfront Crossings Form Based Code, and special exceptions that would allow the
Board of Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning requirements.
Yapp said that regarding Planning and Zoning Commission Review: Landmark Designation is a
zoning overlay and therefore requires a recommendation to the City Council from the Planning and
Zoning Commission. The Commission's role is to review the proposed designation based on its
relation to the Comprehensive Plan (the Riverfront Crossings area) and proposed public
improvements and plans for renewal of the area involved.
The Downtown & Riverfront Crossings Master Plan of the Comprehensive Plan applies to this
proposal. Beginning on page 51 the Plan discusses development opportunities throughout the sub
districts of Downtown and Riverfront Crossings. The introduction to the chapter states:
A key element of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings District Master Plan
is the identification of future development opportunities. These opportunities
emerged from the Visioning Process, were tested during the Design Charrette,
and further refined and vetted during the refinement period following the
Charrette. They are grounded in the Market Analysis prepared for this plan, and
have been developed to the level of detail possible in a long-range plan.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - rormal
Page 3 of 23
Yapp explained that in the memo there are sentences in bold, and they are in bold in the memo
because they are bolded in the Riverfront Crossings plan.
It bears emphasizing — the Development Opportunities identified on the following pages are
conceptual in nature. Like their predecessors in previous planning efforts, their value is to
identify visions and ideas for sped; flic areas. Successful visions will endure, but details will
change and evolve as projects are implemented. The plan is simply a vision, highlighting certain
areas. The decision to redevelop is ultimately up to the property owner.
Pages 66 through 69 of the Plan discuss the Central Crossings Subdistrict including the following on
page 69:
Cottage Preservation — Three historic brick cottages are located on the east side of
Dubuque Street between Prentiss Street and the Iowa Interstate Railroad line. Because they
are unique 19'� century buildings, preservation of these structures should be a goal. In order to
encourage their preservation, it is recommended that a density bonus be granted for their
preservation and renovation.
The Historic Preservation Commission has recommended approval of the designation of 608, 610 and
614 South Dubuque Street as Iowa City Historic Landmarks, finding that the properties meet the
criteria for landmark designation, specifically criteria:
a. Significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture,
archaeology and culture;
b. Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship;
c. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to
the broad patterns of our history;
Cl. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
In summary The Riverfront Crossings Plan, in the 'Development Opportunities' section, states
that preservation of these structures should be a goal and that it is recommended that density
bonuses be granted for their preservation. While it is a goal/opportunity, it is not a requirement,
and in this case the property owner has not sought a density bonus and the property owner has
submitted a formal protest for the requested rezoning.
Yapp also referred the Commission to some late handouts that were emailed just a few days prior to
the meeting and were not in the original packet. One was the minutes from the Historicai Preservation
Commission, another was a statement written by Kelsey Pacha which was read to the Historical
Preservation Commission, and finally a copy of an online petition named "Tell Planning & Zoning
Commission to defer their vote until they have all the facts'.
Frearks asked about the discussion at the August 12, 2014 Planning and Zoning meeting where they
discussed the Tate Arms building and its recommendation for historical preservation, and if staff
recommended the preservation of the Tate Arms building in their report, why do staff not state a
recommendation for the Cottages preservation in this report? Yapp stated the difference is with the
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 4 of 23
previous rezoning application for this property, staff had already made a recommendation that if the
structures (the cottages) were found to be structurally unsound and were not to be preserved, then
documentation of the structures should be required.
Eastham asked if because the Plan already encourages the preservation of the cottages, is there a
need for a historical status any more than already exists? Yapp stated the Plan would have to adhere
to the Code which states they need to be found eligible for historical preservation status to qualify for
transfer of development density. Eastham asked if the Tate Arms building had been designated as
historical status and Yapp stated it was designated as a historic landmark.
Eastham asked in reference to page one of the staff report, under Planning and Zoning Commission
review it is noted that the Commission's duty is to review the zoning overlay and questioned if
previous comprehensive plans applied to this area also indicated the desirability of some degree of
preservation for these properties. Miklo stated there was the Near South Side Plan which was before
Riverfront crossings, it wasn't adopted by the plan, but was adopted by resolution from the Council
and was put on a list of potential historic properties.
Eastham asked if there were objections by anyone during the considerations of the Riverfront
Crossings plan, and if there were objections on designating these particular properties as having a
goal of preserving them. Yapp could not recall any objections, and Miklo also stated he did not recall
any objections.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Alicia Trimble, Executive Director of Friends of Historic Preservation, stated that what the community
was asking for today is not extraordinary as a Planning and Zoning Commission's responsibility is to
make sure the City's Comprehensive Plan, in this case the Riverfront Crossings Plan, is followed and
since the cottages are in this plan the Friends of Historic Preservation ask that the Commission
forward the application. Trimble went on to say that Rivertront Crossings Plan is a great plan, it is a
beautiful vision for a sustainable neighborhood that contains both charming historic buildings as well
as significant new development. The cottages are specifically listed on page 69 of the Riverfront
Crossings Plan for preservation. Furthermore the Riverfront Crossings Plan area is supposed to have
a mix of housing with townhouses, condos, and small cottages because it is a centra! crossing area
specifically envisioned as a neighborhood. The retail and office space in, this area should also be
conducive to neighborhoods, and vie know that different types of buildings attract different types of
businesses. Right now the area is attracting businesses like bookstores, antique shops and martial
arts studios all beneficial to neighborhood development. However, based on the development on
Washington Street where the Red Avocado once stood, large buildings, as the one proposed, would
either be empty on the commercial floor cr more likely be businesses that cater to college aged
students living above in the building. Trimble stated another large misconception that is going around
is that if these cottages are demolished the developer will be ailcwed to build a large four-story
building from the street to railroad track. Hcwever'ooking at the propose building and the
Comprehensive Plan, it doesn't appear the building design would pass the Commission because it
fails to meet the basic criteria of a building in a livable neighborhood.
Trimble pointed out that the Historic Preservation Commission found that the cottages were worthy
under landmark status criteria A, B, C and D. Trimble would also argue they are eligible under E and
F. Please note the Historic Preservation Commission had all available information to date on the
cottages when they cast their vote. The chair of the Commission will discuss their vote and the criteria
chosen later in the meeting.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 5 of 23
Trimble also wanted to state that the cottages are structurally sound and safe, according to the
engineer report completed. That was the only criteria given by a member of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as to why the cottages would not be savable at the November 6 meeting. At the next
meeting, November 20, the developer's structural engineer found that all three cottages were
structurally unsound; ho>vever the decision today has nothing to do with the structural integrity of the
buildings, instead the Corni-nssioii is deciding if the Icr;diiiwk application meets the Riverfront
Crossings Plan. Trimble would also like to reiterate what a small portion of this lot that the cottages
are a part of and showed a slide of the footprint of the area. She pointed out that eve^ setting aside
the cottages there was ample area on the property to build upon. She pointed out that there was open
space shown on the plan that would make up for the square footage covered by the cottages.
Finally Trimble wished to address those that say this has been an eleventh hour move on the part of
the preservationists. She stated that if 22 years is eleventh hour then nothing would ever get done,
she joined the Historic Preservation Commission in 2006 and served until 2012 and in that time the
Commission took steps each year to try to get a survey done of this area and some attempts have
failed, but both the Commission and the Friends of Historic Preservation have never taken a break
from preservation of the near south side. Finally in October 2011 they were presented with an
opportunity to get this area surveyed, ironically after planning for that survey for three years, the
survey was to kick off today, December 18. Historic preservation does take time, what does not take
much time in Iowa City is demolishing a building that only has a seven day waiting period. Lastly
Trimble wanted to state one of the reasons preservation takes time is because it is a benefit to the
whole community and as part of that no individual goes it alone. The City of Iowa City offers transfer
of development rights for historic properties in this area, and in this case that means a four story
density bonus just as the developers of Tate Arms are receiving in addition to parking bonuses for the
preservation of another Iowa City landmark. As the more expensive steel and concrete building
supplies are only necessary for six stories and taller, a fifth floor could be added to the building without
the additional cost of more expensive building supplies. The state historic preservation office is also
available to help, when state historic status is received the owner will become eligible for bonus state
and federal tax credits as well as a number of grants. By not preserving these buildings, the
developer is losing some amazing opportunities from the preservationists.
In closing, Trimble stated the only decision before the Commission is if the application meets the
Riverfront Crossings Plan. As it is specifically mentioned and illustrated in the Plan, it is requested
that the Commission help and act the community's vision today.
Eastham asked Trimble about the grants available from the state for historical preservation, and if
those monies could only be used for the three buildings under consideration, and that the owners
could not use part of the money to build a new building. Trimble confirmed grant money would only be
available to do work on the cottages.
Freerks asked if Friends of Historic Preservation had to initiate the Tate Arms landmark status.
Trimble stated they initiated the nomination as a landmark. When the City indicated to the developer
that they wanted the building saved, the developer contacted Friends of Historic Preservation and
asked to join in the landmark application.
Hektoen clarified for the record that the owner has withdrawn their request for rezoning of this area, so
there is currently no proposed development.
Ginalie Swaim, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, spoke regarding their meeting of
December 11, 2014 where they discussed the application for landmark status of the cottages
submitted by Trimble and the Friends of Historic Preservation. The application detailed the cottages
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December 18, 2014 - Formal
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architectural features, the history, and their significance with a multi -page document with several
sources cited. Also on December 11, 2014, Trimble submitted a written correction to one portion of
the application. The correction explained that three of the eight early settler families named in
association with the properties were actually not in association with those properties. It should be
noted however it is not unusual at all for such documents to evolve with additions and corrections
being made as applications move through the channels of approval, even to the point up to the
national level of approval. Like all historical research these documents are works in progress.
Copies of Trimble's corrections were distributed by hard to the Commission before the meeting was
called to order to inform commissioners of this minor change which in the end did not invalidate the
document or the conclusion of the Commission. Swaim stated the meeting began with a public
hearing and then the Commission's task was to decide if the cottages met the approval criteria as
spelled out in the zoning code, specifically:
1. The significance to Iowa or American history, architecture, archeology, or culture which the
Commission determined the cottages clearly are.
2. That the cottages possess integrity of location, designs, building materials and workmanship,
which they do.
Swaim stated the Commission also determined the cottages met two additional criteria:
1. That they are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
2. And associated with broad patterns in our history.
Swaim stated in this case these worker cottages are a clear part of the story of the arrival of the
railroad in Iowa City on New Year's Eve in 1855 and subsequent changes as doubling of the
population of the town in a very short while, development of working class houses such as these
cottages, and growth of the surrounding neighborhood. The Commission's vote was unanimous to
designate the cottages as landmarks.
Swaim expressed that all along protecting these cottages have been in line with the City's
Comprehensive Plan and strategy. As early as 1992 the Near South Side Neighborhood
Redevelopment Plan listed the three brick cottages as buildings considered for preservation. The
same plan recommended zoning as a preservation strategy as allowing the transfer of development
rights from historic properties to other sites and lowering parking requirements for uses In historic
structures. In 2009 the City's intentions concerning those cottages were further strengthened when
the City undertook a multi -year process to update the Comprehensive Plan and invited citizen input
through interviews and a very well attended visioning workshop. In 2013 the update was completed
and the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan was adopted. The pertinent sections of that
master plan state the buildings of historic significance are important to identify and actively protect.
So as plans for the area move forv✓ard, development 'incentives such as density bonuses and policy
options that encourage preservation should be implemented. An introductory map identifies the three
cottages as historic significance and the section of the Plan titled "Cottage Preservation" again signals
out those three brick cottages as unique 19'h century buildings and recognizes a density bonus for
their preservation and renovation including additional height allowances.
Swaim concluded by saying City plans over the past 20 years or more have indicated that the
cottages are historically significant and spelled out ways to compensate their owners such as chance
for development rights according to the Riverfront Crossings form -based code and special exemptions
that would allow the Board of Adjustment waive or modify certain zoning requirements. The Historical
Preservation Commission clearly designated the cottages unanimously as local landmarks based on
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December 18, 2014 - Formal
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criteria in the zoning code. The City has long recognized the importance of the cottages and thus
devised policy to protect them amid surrounding development. The Historical Preservation
Commission asks for the Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of this application.
Ted Pacha, owner of the property reiterated to the Commission that he first calve in front of the
Cots i-nission ir: October 2014 with a simple rezoning application, nothing was mentioned about historic
landmarks nothing about demolitions, the application was just to rezone the property and meet the
Riverlront Crossings Plan. The vote on the application was deferred based on the City staff's
recommendation to defer at that time. Pacha came back in front of the Commission in November
2014 with the application for rezoning, this time with a recommendation from the City staff to approve
the application. The application did not come to a vote that evening as well due to two hours and
thirty minutes of public hearing opposing the rezoning. This meeting is the third time Pacha has been
before the Commission, however this time he is asking the Commission to not recommend rezoning
his property against his will. He has objected to the rezoning publicaily and is doing so again this
evening. Pacha stated it is hard to understand how some stranger car. come into your life and
propose a rezoning of his property he has owned for 18+ years.
Pacha said he is not discussing whether the cottages are historic or not, but rather wants to discuss
the process. People have trespassed on his property to conduct a second structural study, telling the
tenants that the Planning and Zoning Commission requested that they do this study and that Pacha
has agreed to allow the engineers to have keys to those buildings. Pacha stated he was not aware of
this study and was not there when it was conducted as he should have been. There has been many
media stories, none telling his side of the story. Just East Saturday there was a huge story stating
"come to the Kung Fu Studio before it's torn down". That building was not being torn down, it's still
standing there tonight. Pacha is concerned about Alicia Trimble and the tactics taken working the
public into a frenzy over this issue.
Pacha stated the Freerks had spoken to him at the end of the November meeting, asking him to be a
good citizen and to try to work with John Yapp from the City to find perhaps a second structural
engineering firm to conduct a study of the cottages. After leaving the meeting, Pacha thought he
would be able to talk to the members of the Friends of Historic Preservation but rather read in the
paper just five days later that study ,had already been done in his buildings, on his property, without his
knowledge, stating the structures were sound two weeks before the report was written or was seen by
Pacha. Pacha had agreed to be the good citizen, despite the structural engineer report he had done
that he had to follow due to his liability for the properties, He feels the good citizenship has not been
returned.
Pacha said he did submit a demolition application, but that was just to have it in place in case the
liability didn't go away and so forth. The City states the signs must be placed on the buildings seven
days before a permit is issued. Pacha thought he would get the permit, pay the fees, and then post
signs and have to wait seven days, or up to six months, to actually do the demolition. He understands
how posting the signs can get everyone in turmoil, however the structures are still standing. This
whole situation has been difficult for him, his family and everyone involved. The justificaton given for
the inaccurate information in Trmble's letter is extraordinary circumstances has made a typical longer
process impossible. Pacha would like clarification on what circumstances are being referenced. The
fear Trimble has put out into the community that the buildings have gone down without a chance is
unfair.
Pacha stated he was astonished by the Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes.
Questions like what difference does 18 years or 18 months or 18 days matter for these building being
declared historic. Pacha maintains that 18 months could have made a significant difference, 18 years
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December 18, 2014 - Formal
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would have been phenomenal. Pacha is upset that no one said one word to him about this historic
situation, he was open to listen, but at that meeting it was stated it wouldn't have made any difference.
Pacha said that the notion of the eleventh hour was due to the demolition permits, however those
permits weren't obtained until a couple of weeks after the second time Pacha had been before this
Commission. That was never the original intention, all he ever wanted was to rezone the property to
see if a developer, who has now pulled out of the project, would be interested in redeveloping the
property. Pacha declared that crisis created clarity, however the only clarity he can see in this
process is that hR has no say in this process regarding this rezoning request, his property he has
nurtured and been � a good steward of for over 30 years. These delays have subjected him to city
citations and fines because two of the tenants will not leave their buildings even though the City has
said they are in violation. He and his famiy have been vilified in the media, the tenants are upset, and
it appears everyone has more rights in this situation than the property owner.
In closing, Pacha reiterated his son's written statement which says a vote for this request, a vote for
this last minute process, the scare tactics used with a memorial for the buildings without integrity, is
this the precedent this City, this P & Z group, wants to set. When a property owner tries to make a
decision about his property, is it permissible for an outside organization to apply for a rezoning without
the property owners consent or even talking to him. Do you want to allow this communication, all
these hearings to be a circus in the future, if not we need to vote against this rezoning. Pacha has
filed a formal protest and asks that the Commission vote not in favor of this application because it
does not make any sense.
Pacha also expressed that at the last meeting his tenants were asked if they were informed of the
neighborhood meeting and he was concerned about that question because as he understands it all
property owners within a 300 or 600 foot radius of the area proposed for rezoning should be invited to
the neighborhood meeting. His tenants are not property owners, he is the property owner.
Jim McCarragher, attorney for Ted Pacha, stated that as the Commission, considers whether to
approve the rezoning application for historic preservation of the property owned by Pacha, he would
like to discuss several matters with the Commission. First, the property owner, when a property is
purchased people do so, rather than rent, so they can have a say in what is done with the property. If
a property owner's health is poor and wants to use the property for the best interest of his family, he
can do so. If someone would like you to consider something else for the property, the least that
should be expected is for the property owner to be consulted before a major decision is made.
Second, if it's claimed the buildings have historic value that did not happen just when the original
rezoning application came forward. What is concerning is that the property owner has made lawful
decisions on the use of his property and then at the last moment people come in with their ideas to
suddenly appear to frustrate the rights and the planning of the property owner saying no we have a
different opinion on what you can and cannot do with what they do not awn. ,No one came to Pacha to
discuss the historical value until he sought to sell his property for the purpose he spend time and
money considering due to health reasons. If these buildings were thought to be historic landmarks
then Pacha should have been approached before he made the decision to spend the time and money
and working with City staff only to tCe confronted the first time of the subject at the prior Planning and
Zoning meeting. The historic overlay was only conceptual, not a requirement, under the
Comprehensive Plan. McCarragher declared to vote yes today would reward the last minute attack on
the property owner's decision, pitting his rights against a request that is conceptual and not a
requirement under the Comprehensive Plan.
McCarragher said for the record, the owner of the property is opposed to the proposed historic
landmark designation and overlay and has filed a protest with the City regarding his property. The
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December 18, 2014 - Formal
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media has been focused on the tenants and their businesses rather than the property owner's rights.
This focus seems to place the tenants' rights above that of the owner. Their tenancies are conditioned
on the terms of their leases. 614 S. Dubuque Street tenant has already voluntarily left. 608's tenancy
terminates on December 31, 2014, and 610's written lease states if occupancy is not vacated due to
dangerous conditions prior to My 31 will not be renewed. In addition, when looking at property rights
of the owner affected, keep in mind the request before the Conhmission today for iihe Historic plan inir ig
overlay is made or, behalf of someone who does not own the building and would not be required to
pay the substantial costs associated with the requests. Liability; the criteria mentioned in the Friends
application for historic landmark designation that is not met in this case involving multiple buildings is
diverse ownership. The financial burden of landmark designation for not one, but three buildings, in
this case fall upon one owner unlike a normal situation where there would be diverse ownership.
Even if capable of repair, which based upon an opinion of a structural engineer does not believe is
possible, it would be a long process route with risk of injury and extremely expensive cost all again
falling upon the shoulder of the property owner, a person with little ability to ever recover what will
have to be expended let alone any change of yielding a reasonable return afterwards. In addition the
legal 4abillty tails with one owner, not multiple owners, based upon the engineers repent, t?. G'ity's
violation notice and now multiple infractions. The buildings have been certified by a qualified
structural engineer and the City has declared the buildings dangerous and unsafe. The potential
liability is substantial. The certified structural engineer states the repair of the walls is not possible
because of the extent of the deterioration and risk of injury if repair is attempted. The liability exists
whether the buildings are occupied or no. This notice of municipal infraction filed by the City requires
the owner to vacate and then abate, repair or demolition. It first says it must be vacated because it
states dangerous conditions. The decision on how to abate should remain with the owner who would
have to incur the financial costs. To date the remaining tenants have refused to comply with the
owners request to vacate and now expense to him are incurred as civil expenses and court costs.
McCarragher said that there have been multiple conversations regarding the two reports and their
validity, however the owner and the City must take the conservative approach and not get into a battle
of the experts. If someone were injured by building declared to be unsafe, I doubt that an injured party
as a satisfactory reason that there is a second report. The liability will be based on the first report.
The combined effect exposes one owner to substantial liability. To vote yes today continues to delay
Pacha's ability to protect the safety of the people and remove the substantial risk of liability from the
shoulder of one person. Finally, these buildings are unsafe. Jim Jacob, a structural engineer with VG
Engineering, a long standing engineering firm in the community or, which this Commission has seen
on many occasion has reviewed the buildings and discussed and examined and in Jim Jacob's
opinion strongly concluded many of the brick units are badly deteriorated, have little strength, the
masonry walls of the structures are badly deteriorated showing uneven settling with bowing and
cracking are beyond the useful life and are unstable. The buildings are essentially are in danger of
collapse. In Jim Jacob's opinion the structures pose real danger to the tenants, their guests, and
bystanders. Jim Jacobs previously gave a presentation before this Commission regarding the
buildings and its findings. After that the City issued t;heir notice to the owner. Jim Jacobs has
reviewed the report from the MonningStar Studio and stands firmly in his opinion.
McCarragher concluded to vote yes today exposes the tenants who have not yet agreed to leave, their
guests and customers, and any person in the immediate vicinity of the buildings to risk of serious
harm. A vote of yes potentially poses a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars upon the property
owner if the buildings could even be repaired. It signifcartly reduces the value of the area and stifles
development in the entire area. The owner requests that you vote no to the historic zoning overlay
request for 608, 610, and 614 South Dubuque Street.
William Ingles, lives and works at 608 South Dubuque Street, and feels the last speaker spoke of
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December 18, 2014 - Formal
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many things that misrepresented the truth and hopes to correct some of things the Commission just
heard. First is the Jacobs' inspection report, it is full of errors, misstatements and exaggerations
mistaking cosmetic injury for structure': engineering problems. When Jacobs stood before the
Commission at the November meeting and stated that Ingles' place should have never been allowed
to have books in it because the floor was unsupported when actually this structural engineer missed a
40 foot beam that travels from the front to the back of the building and is supported by seven jack
posts. Jim Jacobs is called upon every time Hodge Construction needs to tear down a building in
order to make something new in its place. Hodge got just what he paid for when Jim Jacobs filed his
report. Many things have happened to Pacha unfortunately due to the Jacobs report including a
vacate and abate order issued by the City, and again to correct the previous speaker, it's not a vacate
and then abate, it's a vacate and abate so vacating does not need to happen before any abatement
needs to be performed. That is just an example of mistakes stated from the previous speaker.
Regarding the second inspection done by Shannon Duggan, Ingies said every single tenant allowed
Ms. Duggan to come in. We had no idea that Pacha had any qualms about that. Last Engles was
aware, a second inspection was discussed here at the last Commission meeting where Pacha had
stood up and said a second inspection was fine as long as he did not have to pay for it. That criteria
was met, there was a crowd funded second inspection, an inspector from Cedar Rapids, not Iowa
City, so there would be no conflict of interest. Many things have descended from that first report. A
vacate and abate order, the allowance of a demolition permit request, and now Pacha has to
apparently make an appearance on January 8 regarding his violations. All of that stems from an
inaccurate report which for some reason the City is tied to despite the second report clearly refuting
point by point in exhaustive detail every mistake made by the first report. Ingles is unaware if any of
this information is even germane to the topic before the Commission tonight, whether the property is
historic or not, but hopes the decision the Commission makes be flavored by such poor information
that was heard by the previous speaker.
Jen Allen, lives in a 100 year old historic house and declared she has insurance for liability. She
asserted that these lovely buildings, if torn down, the whole block will go which would be a shame.
Allen also acknowledged that no one has said, in media or otherwise, while there is sympathy for the
property owner thank God there is allowance for public input and a zoning commission.
Kate Corcoran, an at -large member of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, would like to
attest to the fact that the Historic Commission had correct and thorouah information at the December
11 meeting last week when it considered the Friends of Historic Preservation's application for
designation of 608, 610, and 614 South Dubuque Street as historic landmarks. All members of the
Commission had sufficient time prior to the meeting to review the 28 pages of documents and 16
pages of photos that were in the meeting packets. The Commission also received a memo from Alicia
Trimble, director of the Friends of Historic Preservation, submitted prior to the meeting, and then
during the meeting they listened to the testimony of Ms. Trimble, Mr. Pacha and his son Kelsey, Mr.
McCarragher, two tenants with businesses in the cottages, and a number of lcwa City residents. That
public comment probably took at least an hour. After the public comments, the Commission had a
serious discussion regarding the merits of the application and a thoughtful consideration cf the criteria,
and then decided unanimously by a vote of 9-0 that the properties met more than the minimum criteria
for the landmark designation. Corcoran just wanted to assure the Planning and Zoning Commission
that her colleagues and she take their responsibilities serious and exercise them properly last week
when they voted to approve this application.
Mary Bennett (1107 Muscatine Ave) wished to speak about the intangibles, and looks to this
Commission as giving the citizens of Iowa City a recourse against all this rampant development that is
happening around us and how we are so easily erasing the memory of those who came before us.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
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The people that built this town, that gave us the stories we want to tell over and over again, and she
feels it is very disrespectful to the Old Capital Building and the history of Iowa when we disregard it
and build high buildings around it. She feels it is disrespectful that we don't understand the location of
that depot created the development of the small businesses and cottages around it which is an
integral pa i of all our history. Bennett declared she does believe when a property owner buys
property they do Have right, but if they target their purchase as a older building they have added
responsibilities to the citizens of this community. They should be stewards of that lard, not;ust
looking at it as opportunist for profits. If this plan was in place as early as the 1990's, or in the time
period when the owner was buying the property, he should have been aware, just looking at there; one
can see they are historic and date back 15C years. So it is somewhat naive to come here tonight and
say gee I didn't know these were important buildings because they have been that way forever.
Bennett believes the owner has a responsibility to the citizens of Iowa City, the Commission has a
responsibility to the citizens, and the Friends of Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation
Commission have done their duty. They are not just looking at things from an economic point of view,
the Planning and Zoning Commission, is not to iook only at things from an economic point of view, the
Commission's duty is to restore balance in the community and allow voices to be heard. The purpose
of the Comprehensive Plan, and the workshop with 300 people, and the progression of this plan over
time which of course has to adapted and revised, everything is pointed in a direction that these are
truly significant buildings. Therefore it is very dismissive to stand here tonight and say they would
harm economic development because she feels they can help economic development. Bennett urges
the Commission to adopt this application for landmark status, so even if ultimately the buildings are
torn down, some mitigation efforts might be taken to document them in the most thorough and
accurate manner.
Don Anciaux (2119 Russell Drive) stated he used to serve on the Iowa City Planning and Zoning
Commission and remembers several of these rezoning for historic preservations on buildings. The
main one he recalls is the Carnegie Library, where again at the last minute they came in and said they
wanted the library preserved. He doesn't understand, that after that was accomplished, the library
was "saved", Anciaux spoke with the Historic Preservation Commission chairman after that and told
him he did not want to see one of those last minute situations again. If it is to be decided a building is
historic and need preservation, the commission needs to get going as soon as possible and get it in
progress. This waiting until the last minute to come up with the historic preservation needs of some
buildings is ridiculous. The preservation folks need to inventory what is in Iowa City, decide what is
important, and have the process done in a thorough manner and in a comprehensive manner. These
people that come in the eleventh hour and say this is historic, these are historic buildings, but they
should have been on the historic register or whatever years ago. They did not become historic last
week, not six months ago, they were historic about 50-60 years ago. Unfortunately 50-60 years ago
we didn't pay as much attention to historic buildings, as seen by the buildings that were demolished
for the Oid Capitol Mall, it's sad, but again it needs to be done in a timely manner and it needs to be
done comprehensively and then hopefully it would avoid all this confusion in the future.
Janice Fry (922 N. Dodge St.) is very concerned with the fact that everyone seems to be talking about
the timing of this and if these buildings are demolished there is no issue anymore. She believes we
need to do what we can to save them from that fate so there can be more public input There are a lot
of stories behind these cottages and there are people still alive in the city who know those stories and
they should have an opportunity to speak to that. She hopes the Commission does vote to approve
the rezoning.
Pam Michaud (109 S. Johnson St) has been a member of the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission for 12 years and lives behind where the Red Avocado used to be adjacent to a block long
four story building. Her neighborhood as totally been transformed from gentile Victorian, when she
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December 18, 2014 -Formal
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bought her house she was not aware it was CB-2, she should have done her homework, she assumed
the neighborhood would stay as was. Michaud is from Chicago and her neighborhood there, as well
as much of the north side, has not been touched. There is a no -tear down ruse in the many
contiguous ethnic neighborhoods. Today, Michaud was at the public library and looked at the historic
photos, she vent to the Heirloom restaurant and looked at historic photos, and all were
unrecognizable. There was nothing looking down Dubuque Street that we should recognize today.
The Sheraton .Hotel is there and the new high rises, funded by public funds in spite of other funds
being available from private developers. It is easy to knock things down, however hindsight is always
20/20. In the 12 years Michaud has been involved with the Historic Preservation Commission they
have reviewed numerous neighborhoods, they've added the Jefferson Street Historic District, they
have address issues having to do with the University and buildings that were flooded out and
destroyed, that was time consuming. The Commission also dealt with the tornado damage in 2006,
particularly on Iowa Avenue. Her point is the Historic Commission has not been idle, there are more
things on their backburner than they have time for. Michaud stated that the budget for the Historic
Preservation Commission's staff has been cut. So if people want historic preservation to move
forward there should be City funding for a full-time historic preservation assistant. Michaud expressed
that they are a volunteer organization, that put in three or four hour meetings at times, the discussion
at last week's meeting was well over two hours. Please bear in mind that there is not enough City
Staff support to push these things forward to designation.
Theresa Koppel (1701 Flatiron Ave.) wished to speak on behalf of accepting this application for
landmark status. She feels the Friends of Historic Preservation have done a marvelous job putting
together the package they did in the amount of time they had available to them. They had plans to
push though historic preservation for this property in the next year, they didn't know there was going to
be the urgent desire to all of a sudden change the zoning and tear these building down before there
was a chance. The fact that they were able to come such a comprehensive and thorough plan
analysis of the situation and their historic designation is evidence that they had planned to do this.
The fact that this was done at the "last" minute is not on any fault of the Friends of the Historic
Preservation but rather because they had no idea that this was going to go through in such a rapid
rushed urgent manner and they would have to act that quickly. It has been said that it is not a surprise
that these buildings are historic in nature that we've known that for 50 or 60 years and Koppel would
put forward that, the owner also knew these buildings were historic when he purchased the property.
There has been a lot said, both at the City Council meeting last week, and again tonight, about
owners' rights, there is also a concept as owner responsibility. First of all, the owner had a
responsibility to maintain those properties in a way that the tenants and passersbys would not be at
risk from being in or near those buildings. And yet the engineers report suggests those properties
have been allowed to deteriorate to the point that those tenants who had leases and paid rent, and an
business in those buildings were at risk. That is not an appropriate way to be a responsible property
owner. Secondly when one owns a property that has historic landmarks status potentially, they should
act as stewards of the property, that although they own the property legally that history belongs to
every resident of 'owa City and they are steviiards of that history. And to think vte would lose that
history for the sake of a new development, there is nothing that says a developer cannot develop that
property, what is being said is to develop that property in iight of the fact that there are three important
cottages that are an important part of our heritage to the residents of Iowa City. We just recently
celebrated Iowa City's 175 anniversary, the mayor had some wonderful fine remarks about the
importance of acknowledging our history and remembering where we come from and who we are.
Then immediately a week later voted against holding a public hearing to take a little more time to
discuss the historic significance of these buildings and Koppel finds these two statements and actions
to be in total opposition. All that was asked for was the time to develop this application, this
application was put through the Historic Preservation Commission who agreed unanimously that these
buildings have historic landmark status and should be preserved and she urges the Planning and
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December 1-8, 2014 - Formal
Page 13 of 23
Zoning Commission to uphold that.
McCarragher rebutted a couple of points brought up this evening. With regards to the point that one
does not have to vacate in order to abate, it is in the Commission's packet the notice that specifically
states vacate the premise and abate. If there are structural problems with the buildings, and in both
reports structural problems are identified, there is no way to repair structural problems with. anyone
living in the buildings. Secondly, McCarragher stated he was not at the Commission meeting last
week, an earlier testimony identified him as being there. Finally all the owner expects is if someone
(City or Friends of Historic Preservation) thinks a building is historic, talk to the owner. Talk to the
owner, they don't have to get a designation that it is historic, let the owner know so if decisions are to
be made on the future of the building, the owner has all the information.
Freerks closed public hearing,
Eastham moved that the Commission approve an application submitted by Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission for a rezoning to designate the properties located at 608, 810 and
614 S. Dubuque Street as Iowa City Historic Landmarks. (REZ14-00024)
Theobald seconded the motion.
Freeks began the discussion saying that while there was lots of discussion about lots of different
topics related to these structures about what the past has held and what the future might hold, the
charge to the Commission this evening is very concise and clear, simply to review the designation
based on its relation to the Comprehensive Plan and proposed public improvements and plans for
renewal of the area involved.
Eastham asked Hektoen for clarification on the Historic Preservation Commission and their
recommendation that these buildings qualify as Iowa City Historic Landmarks, and if the Planning and
Zoning Commission does not have to review their recommendation. Hektoen confirmed that the
Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation to Council is separate from Planning and
Zoning's recommendation to Council. They are separate entities.
Eastham also discussed the immense information the Commission received about the structural
conditions of the buildings, and questioned how that information is to pertain to the Commission's
discussion and decision this evening. Hektoen stated that information is for City Council, a memo to
City Council has been written by the City Attorney stating it is not the Council's, or the Commission's,
place to get involved deciding which engineer's study is more or less accurate. As Mr. McCarragher
indicated there are liability issues associated with taking a less conservative approach.
Freerks stated she has looked through the Riverfront Crossings Plan carefully and already there are
two stFuctures there, the water treatment plant and Sabin School, which are headed for the :wrecking
ball and the City has something to do with that. She believes the City can now have something to do
with extending the conversation of what occurs in this situation with the cottages. She believes these
are historic buildings, that has been clear for some time, and agrees it would be nicer to work on these
historic designations in a more efficient timeline however there really is a resource crunch and there
are times where just letting something be will be okay. Freeks does think it is clear that this
designation does meet the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, it is called out specifically in a paragraph
with an illustration, and does also show that perhaps it is not best for the area to have block long multi-
story buildings. The Plan provides a vision and gives one an idea what is really expected for the
future of this area. Free, ks believes this whole situation is alb one unfortunate circumstance after
another and hopes that something can occur that is the best for the public and the -owner.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 14 of 23
Eastham reviewed the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan again today and noticed as the Staff points
out there is a specific illustration in the planning document that was approved within the last year, after
a two-year long public hearing process, that shows these three buildings specifically have a potential
historic significance. Therefore in his mind, these buildings have beer identified publicaily as
potentially having historic significance for quite some time now. There is also a sentence in the Staff
report that is taken from the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan un page g that reads "these buildings
provide character and ambiance to the study area and as such are important to identify and take
measures to actively protect". The phrase Eastham is most moved by is the "contribution of these and
other buildings in the Riverfront Crossings area establish the area as a unique place in Iowa City".
Therefore the Plan does not contemplate preserving gust specific buildings, the Plan contemplates
preserving the specific kind of area within: the city and these buildings help establish that area.
Eastham stated he is happy that the Historic Preservation Commission has gone through the process
to recommend designation of these buildings as Iowa City Historic Landmarks
Thomas acknowledged that clearly the Riverfront Crossings Plan highlights the cottages and some of
the findings of the Historic Preservation Commission gave support and narrative to the Riverfront
Crossings Plan. One thing the Commission's findings identified was the contribution of the buildings
to the setting. There is a relationship to those cottages, the depot, to the development of a
neighborhood commercial zone there, which is precisely the kind of mixed -use commercial
development we are trying to support and sustain in the downtown area. Thomas believes this
particular block is crucial to the development of the Central Crossings sub district.
Martin stated she agrees with her fellow Commissioners and shares a great deal of respect for the
history of Iowa City, particularly this neighborhood. However, what leaves her uncomfortable is how
this process happened and understands that is not relevant to the vote tonight. It brings the question
that now that these buildings are being deemed structurally unsound and notices have been placed on
the buildings, if the owner doesn't want them historic, do they become abandoned, do they become
completely dilapidated, was this all for not. The answer is are they deemed historic, probably yes, but
the process does not sit well.
Freerks stated there was a plan to survey this area, which was to start today, in the works before any
of this was an issue. The speed by which all this happened was due to an action of an application to
rezone the area.
Martin expressed it is not the speed that is concerning to her, it is the overall process
Eastham asserted that Martin is concerned of what happens if a building is designated historic, what
happens if the owner ignores the building. What happens then? Martin Confirmed that is what her
concern. is. Freerks declared that in the past when buildings were designated as historic that needed
a great deal of work, it takes time to complete the work and there is nct an easy or quick answer.
Eastham also reiterated that a previous speaker mentioned there is state and federal grants available
for preserving historic landmarks. Freerks believed there is some responsibility to the owner to try to
maintain. the historic landmark buildings. Hektoen stated there are provisions in the code that seek to
prevent demolition by neglect.
Swygard declared that she agreed with all that has been said.
Theobald agreed everyone has pretty much summed up everything, but would also like to thank Mr.
Pacha for his endurance while the City has worked through this process in this very public forum and
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 15 of 23
also want to thank him for using the good neighbor policy in good faith at the very beginning of the
original process and application which is voluntary and only requires property owners within 300 feet
be notified. Theobald also wanted to thank the community members who have been part of this
process. She feels it is very clear to her that these are historic buildings and secondly the Riverfront
Crossings Plan calls them out for preservation, so she will be supporting this application.
Dyer stated for the record she agreed with all that has been said and had nothing to add
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
The Commission took a five minute recess, when reconvened Freeks had to leave so Eastham took
over as chair of the meeting.
Rezoning Item (REZ14-00010)
Discussion of an application submitted by Steve Gordon for a rezoning to amend an OPD- 12
plan to allow 72 multi -family condominium dwellings for property currently zoned for
single-family manufactured housing on 21.24 acres of property located south of Paddock
Circle and west of Heinz Road.
Eastham stated he had a conversation with the applicant several days ago and in that conversation it
was discussed how Eastham goes about making decisions, which is he looks at the Comprehensive
Plan, the zoning, and ordinances and try to reconcile those in regard to a specific application. Eastham
also noted he prefers to see if there are any gray or unclear areas in the application with regard to the
zoning code or Comprehensive Plan and to advise applicants to pay specific attention to that.
Walz began by showing the location map of the area, and the area is served now by a private drive that
circles through the manufactured housing area that is constructed. She pointed on the map the portion
of the development that remains undeveloped, and it is stated in her report that the factory built housing
zoning district no longer exists in the zoning code. So at the time the zoning code rewrite took place
the designation was changed to RS-12 with a Planned Development Overlay and now the applicant is
wanting to amend that overlay to allow for alternative ownership condominiums. In 2008 the crisis in
the housing market caused a change in manufactured housing, the market for that type of housing is
greatly diminished due to requirements for mortgages, so in Staff's view it seems prudent to consider
what is an appropriate alternative in this location. Walz showed a view of the larger development area,
pointing out the other mobile home park in the area, Bon Aire, which is not part of this planned
development, and it is not under the ownership of this organization that is proposing for this rezoning.
Walz pointed out Heinz Road and stated it is the only public road for this development, the other public
outlet to a street through Paddock Circle is to Pinto Lane. Heinz Road wilt eventually extend down to a
future arterial street, the extension of FVcCol!ister Blvd, other future streets not yet built but part of
another future development are Mustang Lane and Shire which are both private streets. So the only
public streets in this area are the eventual extension of McCollister to connect to Heinz Road.
Walz pointed to the larger South District Plan and showed that this is an area that is fairly cut off from
the rest of the community. She pointed out the Saddlebrook area, the manufactured home area, some
multi -family homes, some townhomes, and the future areas of duplexes and townhomes. What the
applicant is proposing with this development to create the extension of Shire Lane to public street
standards, and to extend Mustang Lane to public street standards so they would have the street width,
sidewalks, and tree requirements to public standards. In order to construct the deve!opment Shire
Lane would be built down to the end of the development and Staff is recommending if that is approved
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal -
Page 16 of 23
it is approved with the condition it comes all the way down to the right-of-way line. Because at this time
it is not connected to a public street Staff would recommend that the applicant maintain the street until
such time as Mustang Lane is built as a public street and that will occur as a condition of the rezoning
that occurs before any further development occurs along Heinz and before any further development
happens south of Mustang.
Under the current zoning the applicant would be allowed to do 73 units of manufactured housing,
however what the applicant is proposing to do with that density is to provide 72 units (one less) in four
multi -family buildings, they are proposing to do one and two bedroom apartments. In terms of intensity
and traffic that would probably be less traffic and fewer people living on the property than if you had the
manufactured housing. The applicant is agreeing to provide half of the required parking in garages and
proposed to put those around the perimeter of the parking area to screen views of the parking from the
public street and adjacent areas. They have also proposed to keep the area along Paddock Circle as
open space and the area along the development and the stormwater pond as open space and to
provide trail connections to that area. Staff suggested that buildings be of a higher quality and you'll
see in the recommendations Staff is asking for higher quality materials.
Wa!z shored an aerial view of the area and discussed when the property was annexed into the city
and rezoned for the manufactured housing that a large area of wetlands was set aside. She showed
that is the stormwater pond area, and the overall development has done a good job of providing trails
and providing other amenities.
The application today is due to the changes in the housing market, and the question is if this is an
appropriate level of density of housing, it is no more than would have been allowed under
manufactured housing, but in the Comprehensive Plan there is some cautionary language about the
amount of multi -family housing in large concentrations in the South District. Walz discussed various
multi -family areas in the South District and stated the applicant here has addressed Staff concerns and
is making a conscious effort to integrate the new development into the neighborhood with the
greenspace and trail connectivity. The other benefit to the community is the eventual extension of the
public streets.
Thomas questioned the Heinz Road extension and connectivity and future development. Walz replied
that the applicant can better explain the development, but it is a concern that needs to be addressed.
Staff recommends approval of REZ14-00010, an amendment to the OPD-RS12 development
plan to allow the establishment of 72 units of housing under alternative ownership/condominium on
property located south of Paddock Circle and west of Heinz Road subject to the following
conditions:
1. Any development shall be in substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations
submitted (including the use of masonry and cement board siding) and shall be limited to
one- and two -bedroom units as proposed by the applicant;
2. Priorto issuance of a building permit for any of the 72 units, the following must occur:
a. The Subdivider's Agreement for Part Two of Saddlebrook must be amended to
require Mustang Lane west of Heinz Road and the extension of Heinz Road to
Mustang Lane to be built and dedicated as a public improvement prior to any
development east of Shire Lane;
b. Shire Lane and Mustang Lane shall be platted as public streets;
c. The applicant will provide a statement from his engineer indicating that the
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 -Formal
Page 17 of 23
stormwater detention pond is adequate to handle the proposed development
and that all necessary modifications due to the extension of McCollister
Boulevard can be constructed on site.
3. Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for any of the 72 units, Shire Lane shall
be extended to the McCollister Blvd. right-of-way with a temporary turnaround
constructed at the south end of Shire Lane. The cost of removing the temporary turn-
around improvement shall be deposited in an escrow account to ersure that it is
removed when McCollister Boulevard is extended;
4. The City will accept dedication of Shire Lane as a public improvement concurrent with the
dedication of Heinz Road and Mustang Lane. Prior to dedication, Shire will be inspected
by the Public Works Department. Any repairs deemed necessary must be made by the
developer before the city will except dedication; and
5. The applicant will receive written notice from the City at the time funding for the extension
of McCollister Boulevard is approved and will have 6 months from that date to make ail
necessary modifications to the stormwater detention pond. A letter of credit will be
required to backup the applicant's guarantee.
Eastham questioned if the proposed rezoning and preliminary plat would have access via Paddock
Circle only. Walz confirmed that is correct until Heinz and Mustang are constructed. Eastham
asked if the City has the ability to require a developer to construct the roads prior to development so
there would be collector street access to this area. Walz stated the Heinz extension is part of a
separate development, and conditions are placed on the recommendation to discuss the street
developments. Yapp stated if there is a public need for the street infrastructure to allow for the
rezoning it can be requested, however the application before the Commission today is not an increase
in the number of units that would be allowed under the current zoning. Eastham recalled at another
preliminary plat there was a considerable amount of concern from residents in the area of traf Fc going
through Paddock Circle to Whispering Prairie. VValz stated traffic could take that route, however in her
opinion the convenience for all would be to use Heinz Road. Eastham asked if once Heinz Road
extension and Shire are constructed there is no possibility to get bus service to the development.
Walz confirmed that bus service does pick up near the Heinz Road/Hwy 6 interchange but believes
eventually when McCollister is extended there will be the potential to bring bus service all the way into
the development.
Eastham opened public hearing.
Steve Gordon, as applicant addressed the Commission beginning with answering Thomas' question
regarding the development and Heinz Road. Gordon explained that the development will be
developed in the area where Heinz Road currently dead ends, he explained that on the map what
looks like undeveloped area along Heinz Road is actually purposely maintained green space for the
area. Thomas stated he felt the development being pr posed tonight Ys°'LSu!d benefit from ex°ending
Heinz Road to Mustang Lane which would then connect to Shire. Gordon agreed with Thomas that
from a traffic circulation standpoint that would be ideal, but economicaliy it is not feasible to extend
Heinz Road at this time. Gordon also addressed Eastman's concern stating that one of the
requirements of Saddlebrook initially was a secondary access, they were able to build a certain
number of units and then needed to add a secondary access before more could be built, and the best
solution at that time was to extend Pinto Lane to Whispering Meadows. Eastham asked if McCollister
Boulevard were built from Highway 5 now to where Heinz Road would intercept it, would that be
considered. the access needed for them to finish Heinz Road and connect to this multi -family
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014- Formal
Page 18 of 23
development. Gordon stated it would provide an additionally third access but is unsure if that would
spur the economic interest to fund Heinz Road and the units to go along with it. He feels McCollister
extension to the west is more beneficial to potential homeowners.
Gordon continued with his presentation, reminding the Commission he was before them over a year
ago with a different site plan which was not approved by the Commission and then withdrawn from
City Council consideration. They have worked diligently with City Staff since that time taking all the
comments received by the Commission to heart, and believe the current application does address
substantially if not all the concerns voiced. He believes this is an important project for the residents of
Saddlebrook as well as the city. Saddlebrook has been a large project that has spanned many years,
may be the single largest annexation in the city's history, with a project of this magnitude there are
changes along the way. The planning of Saddlebrook began in 1991 when 420 acres came into
common ownership over the next three years the owners worked closely with the City and in 1994 the
area was annexed into the city. Zoning, Infrastructure, and wetland mitigation issues were discussed
and approved at that time in and in 1997 the first home was built in Saddlebrook Addition Part One. In
2001 Saddlebrook AddNon Part Two was platted and approved, this area was zoned RFBH for
residential manufactured housing and the site plan was approved. That completed the initial plan of
Saddlebrook. Since then other areas have been developed and rezoned for duplexes and condos,
and the area being discussed this evening is the last undeveloped area from the original plans. Since
1997 142 manufactured housing units have been placed and either sold or rented, the eastern edge of
the park was rezoned for attached single-family townhomes and two small muiti-family buildings and
to date 43 of these units have been built and sold. That rezoning was supported by City Staff and
approved by this Commission and the Council as it provided a greater diversity of housing types within
the development. In the northern section of the subdivision there are 144 condominiums which have
been built and sold and 94 apartments, which Saddlebrook development owns and rents. As of today
the owners of Saddlebrook have been planning, developing and selling homes to people for 25 years.
They have made a huge investment of their capital into the Saddlebrook community including original
purchase o, the land, dedication of 200 acres to a conservation easement. There are now wetlands
and trails, open spaces, parks and a clubhouse, and they purchased and developed additional land to
allow secondary access into the development. Saddlebrook is ready and the infrastructure is in place
to move to the next phase of the development.
The next phase of the development is currently platted and approved for 73 manufactured homes on
land -leased lots. An upscale land -leased manufactured home is not financially viable in today's
market. There is a lack of affordable financing for purchasing a manufactured home on a !eased lot
leading to this situation. As discussed a year ago, Gordon is seeking approval to amend the current
site plan to build a high quality garden style condominium project with the intention to lease the units
as apartments. There is a need for quality rental units in Iowa City evidenced by consistent low
vacancy rates and addressed in recent market studies and City Steps reports. Gordon stated for
many years the market has been dominated by high priced student housing and not much for the nor -
student renter looking for a quality apartment unit vwith amenities as the Saddlebrook development
has. The major concerns about the application of a year ago were density, design, and connectivity.
Taking the Commission's comments from a year ago they worked closely with City Staff, their
architect, and land planner and come forward today with a plan City Staff supports. Density is
reduced with one less unit than it is currently platted for, the units are smaller with less bedrooms than
the manufactured homes, it would actually reduce traffic in the area. They chose a court -yard design
as recommended by City Staff which gives the project a more open feel as you drive down the street.
The buildings were designed by an architect, adding garages to the site plan reducing the amount of
parking lot parking, and added landscaping in critical areas all which give the area a residential feel.
Lastly they agree to build and maintain Shire Lane as a City street and replat Mustang Lane the same.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 -Formal
Page 19 of 23
Gordon confirmed they are aware there is concern from some of the compatibility of this plan with the
Comprehensive Plan. if this were a separate piece of land, un-zoned and un-platted, that would be a
viable concern, however there are two critical factors with this particular application that need to be
considered. First, this piece of land is already zoned and platted and the amendment being sought
improves on what could be built there today, it improves it fcr Saddlebrook and its current residents
as it gives them less density, less traffic, public streets where there are none today, better design,
more ;pleasing aesthetics and more useable greatly enhanced greenspace. For the city as a whole it
provides a needed housing type, it provides construction dollars spent locally where manufactured
housing does not, and it provides a property tax base where manufactured does not. Second, if taken
as a whole, Saddlebrook has done a tremendous job brining the type of housing desired in the
Comprehensive Plan to southeast Iowa City. Last month the Commission approved a plat of 15
single-family and townhome lots, also Gordon's group finished the 70 lot development that granted the
secondary access point to Saddlebrook, of which 21 homes Have been butt and sold, and they are in
the process of building F more. They have an additional 48 acres zoned IRS-8 (medium density,
single family) to the west. Saddlebrook is a model development with a large diversity of housing, open
space, affordability, and amenities. It has been over three years ago they started this process of
planning what will be of the best use for this part of the Saddlebrook community, many options were
reviewed, but what they feel is the best is a well -developed, low density apartment condominium
complex.
In closing, Gordon addressed some of the recommendations Staff made. The first that Shire Lane be
built all the way to the parkway, Gordon states they have been waiting a long time for the parkway,
hoping it will be built, but are fearful there is no guarantee it will ever be built, and thus would propose
that Shire Lane not be extended all the way to the parkway because if the parkway is never built it
would be a misuse of allocations with a street serving no purpose. They will agree to guarantee the
completion of Shire Lane once the parkway is completed with a letter of credit. Secondly Staff has
recommended cement board siding for the buildings, no other buildings in Saddlebrook use cement
board siding, and of course the manufactured homes that would be built under the current zoning
would not have cement board siding. He feels the buildings are a quality design and the traditional
vinyl siding is used elsewhere in the development and should be an appropriate material for this
project as well.
Gordon presented a petition from the residents of Saddlebrook supporting the proposal
Martin asked if the condominium buildings would be owner -occupied or if Saddlebrook would rent
them. Gordon answered they will be built as condominiums, which is a legal description for quality of
construction with the possibility of being sold as individual units, but the intention at this point is to
maintain ownership of the units and rent them as apartments. Martin also questioned now Shire Lane
will serve this development. Gordon explained Shire would end at the parking lots of the buildings.
Eastham questioned if a fire truck turnaround would be needed at the end of Shire Lane, and Gordon
explained that the turnaround is the parking lot. If Shire Lane is extended all the way to the future
parkway, it would then be a dead-end street and they woUd be required to add a fire truck turnaround
at the end of Shire.
Thomas asked about the use of the area at the top of the drawing and Gordon explained that was
open space, and would remain a neighborhood open space.
Eastham asked if there were any way to influence or control traffic to inhibit the number of vehicles
that will go down Pinto Lane over into the housing developments to the west. Gordon doesn't believe
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 20 of 23
travelers will use that access point unless they are going specifically to Grantwood School as it is
quicker and easier to go up Heinz Road to the stoplight on Highway 6.
Thomas asked if the buildings were being built all at once or in phases. Gordon believes two buildings
will be built a year, so a two-year project or maybe just one building per year so a four-year project
depending on feasibility. Gordon stated fliey would begin with 1he northern most building and work
towards the south.
Swygard asked if Shire Lane would be built all the way down to the fourth building on the outset of
construction, even if the fourth building isn't built for 2-4 years. Gordon said the engineering has not
been done, but he believed that yes, Shire Lane would be completed at the onset of the project
because it would be needed for access to parking for all the buildings and the fire truck turnaround.
Eastham closed public hearing.
Dyer moved to approve for a rezoning to amend an OPD- 12 plan to allow 72 multi -family
condominium dwellings for property currently zoned for single-family manufactured housing
on 21.24 acres of property located south of Paddock Circle and west of Heinz Road. (REZ14-
00010) with conditions outlined in the Staff report.
Sevygard seconded the motion.
Martin stated she was excited for this development seeing a lot of need for housing in this area, the
look of the buildings is nice as are the open spaces. She also drives that area frequently and does not
like winding through Whispering Prairie so believes that will be a deterrent for increased traffic in that
direction. Martin asserted that she believes it is not up to the Commission or City to state what type of
siding a builder uses, so long as it fits the rest of the development, and doesn't see the need for that
condition. Additionally she feels the applicant is correct on completing Shire Lane only to the project
at this time, not requiring it to go all the way to a future road (McCollister).
Swygard agreed it is a nice looking development, a good solution to an economic problem.
Theobald declared she is in favor of the type of siding recommended by staff as it leads to ensuring a
quality development and it looks nice with the style of buildings proposed. Swygard agreed.
Thomas agrees with respect to the siding, it really contributed to the quality of the Peninsula
development as well, it adds value to the project. Thomas also acknowledged he liked that the plan
upgrades the streets to City standards, however the street connectivity is an ongoing issues. The trail
connectivity between developments is a positive as is all the open space.
Eastham stated he feels this is a well thought out concept for multi -family homes, with the courtyard
and parking behind, there is an abundance of open space in this whole general area. In terms of not
increasing costs, he would be in favor or not requiring the cement based siding but will not press that
issue. The street connectivity has sorne disadvantages obviously, it would be much better if Heinz
was extended and Mustang Lane was built, but Staff has decided not to require that and he wall not
oppose that recommendation. Eastham dud question Staff if there has been any systematic study of
traffic patterns because it was an issue for residents of Whispering Meadows area. Wa!z did not
believe there has been any study comparing number of cars using Pinto Lane or Heinz Road to
access Saddlebrook, but observationally it is believed a lot more cars are using Heinz Road 'because
it is much easier access.
A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0 (Freerks absent for vote)
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 21 of 23
Development item (SUB14-00022)
Discussion of an application submitted by Build to Suit Inc. for a preliminary plat of
Churchill Meadows, a 96-lot, 39.6-acre residential subdivision located at 4701 Herbert Hoover
Highway.
Miklo stated this this property was annexed into Iowa City in June, 2014 and rezoned to Low
Density Single Family Residential (RS-5) for 32.34 acres and Low Density Multifamily (RM-12) for
7.26 acres. Tonight before the Commission is the preliminary plat which includes three multi -family
lots along Herbert Hoover Highway, some smaller single family lots that will have alley access and
then the majority of the remainder of the land would be single family units, with some being attached
units at the corner lots. Staff reviewed the plat for compliance with the subdivision regulations,
conditional zoning agreement, zoning ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan and found it meets all
those with one exception.
One area does exceed the 600 foot block length requirement in the subdivision code but staff agreed
it is an acceptable waiver because there is a stream corridor that runs through the area to the east
and the county subdivision next to this area has a large storm water easement which would result in
no development the area to the east. Staff is recommending that the outlot be retained as a potential
future right -a -way or access to the east as it is planned to be park land.
Staff believes this subdivision has good street connectivity with access in three locations to the west,
two to the east, two to the south, and two to the north. The developer has maintained some open
space in the center of the development, which will also be used for stormwater management. This
design follows the district plan which states open areas should be included in subdivisions.
The applicant proposes to provide sanitary sewer service by installing a sanitary sewer line in the
right-of-way in Herbert Hoover Highway, and a lift station near the southeast corner of the property
to pump sewage to an existing gravity flow sewer line located in Olde Towne Village. There is a
possibility that in the future a gravity flow sewer will be constructed across the property located to the
south east to connect to the trunk located in Stonebridge Estates south of Lower West Branch Road.
This would eliminate the need for the lift station. There is also a pedestrian connection back to the
city via Herbert Hoover Highway.
A revised plat has been submitted and the City Engineer has reviewed it and signed off on it.
Therefore Staff recommends approval of SUB14-00022, a preliminary plat of Churchill Meadows, a
98-lot, 39.6-acre residential subdivision located at 4701 He, Hoover Highway.
Eastham asked about Outlot A and Outlot C don't appear to have any trail access, is that something
Staff considered. Miklo stated it was thought of as a possibility but due to the number of sidewalks in
the area there is not a need for trail access. Eastham aiso questi•cned the stormwater drainage being to
the southeast will cause water drainage into a future subdivision that may cause future flooding issues.
Miklo stated that in discussions with the engineer they felt the water would be contained and not be an
issue. Any future subdivisions would design their stormwater drainage in connection.
Thomas asked if the open space in the center of the development qualifies as open space for the
development. Miklo answered it would not. Miklo said because of the stormwater management
facilities, the Parks and Recreation Department did not want to take that area. So fees will be paid in
lieu of open space.
Eastham asked then for confirmation that this subdivision will not have a city maintained park and Miklo
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 18, 2014 - Formal
Page 22 of 23
confirmed that was true.
Eastham opened public hearing.
Jason Harder, representing Build to Suit, said they have worked closely with City Staff on over a dozen
revision s of this plat working together to come up with the best solutions.
There were no questions for the applicant.
Martin moved approval of SUB14-00022, a preliminary plat of Churchill Meadows, a 98-lot,
39.6-acre residential subdivision located at 4701 Herbert Hoover Highway.
Thomas seconded the motion.
Eastham commented he was happy to see a number of townhome and multi -family lots in this
development and is delighted that Staff and the developer have worked together to also add in lots that
could be used as duplexes throughout the subdivision. Eastham did share his concern for a need for
paved access for persons with disabilities to open spaces within subdivisions.
A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0 (Freerks was absent)
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: November 20, 2014
Swygard moved to approve the minutes of November 20, 2014. Theobald seconded the motion. A
vote was taken and motion carried 6-0. (Freerks was absent.)
Planning & Zoning Information
Cancellation of the January 1, 2015 meeting due to holiday.
Adjournment
Martin moved to adjourn, seconded by Theobald, a vote was taken and motion carried 6-0. (Freerks
was absent)
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