Iowa City Council gives green light to 187-unit affordable housing complex

IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a rezoning request and comprehensive plan update that will allow for the development of a 187-unit affordable housing complex.

The 9.9-acre property, at 611 Greenwood Dr., is the site of the former Roosevelt Elementary School.

The school was closed by the district in 2012 and was sold to Indiana-based TWG Development in 2021 for $1.25 million. The school building still stands on the property, but would be demolished as part of development.

TWG Development is working with Iowa City-based MMS Consultants Inc., to pursue federal low-income housing tax credits for the project. All the units within the property will be income-restricted based on area median income.

The developer said the building likely will set income requirements of around 60 percent of the area median income, which is around $57,000 for a household of two, though that has not been finalized.

Projects that receive low-income housing tax credits typically have a 30-year guaranteed affordability period.

The four-story building will include units ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The planned complex also includes an interior courtyard and dog park. The development team also is considering adding a fitness center.

The complex will have 113 parking spaces on the east side of the property. The city typically, and in this case, waives minimum parking requirements for housing developments with an affordability component.

Traffic concerns surrounding development

Members of the public who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting raised concerns about increased traffic in the area around Benton Street. Traffic from the complex will be directed onto Greenwood Drive, and only emergency vehicles will be able to access the complex from Benton Street.

While the city council approved the rezoning request, council members said they’d like for traffic in the area to be monitored. Additionally, the council said it would like to improve pedestrian access to nearby neighborhood amenities.

“I hear from people who live in that neighborhood about this frustration about lack of sidewalk connectivity to Benton Hill Park. I don't think that's a reason to stop this rezoning. I think it's just us saying, ‘Hey, city staff, can we look at maybe the sidewalks and the intersection there … and we can maybe improve both pedestrian and traffic connectivity there’,” said council member Josh Moe.

A city traffic study found that no changes need to be made, other than adding an elevated crosswalk near the complex.

“We desperately need … affordable housing of all stripes, and Roosevelt in its current state, it's dilapidated … I think that it is time that we actually get something really productive and good out of the space,” said council member Megan Alter.

Next Steps

The city council will be required to approve the rezoning request and comprehensive plan update at two more readings.

The developer has not yet secured low-income housing tax credits, and a potential construction schedule has not been finalized.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com

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