Rezoning for controversial Johnson County subdivision approved

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Thursday gave final approval to the controversial rezoning of farmland north of Iowa City to allow for a housing subdivision.

The supervisors voted 4-1 to rezone 91 acres at 2915 Newport Rd. from agricultural to residential. The vote, with John Etheredge opposed, was the same as the first two considerations of the rezoning request.

Real estate agent Bill Young wants to build 70 homes on the property, which is owned by Sharon Dooley.

The proposal has met stiff resistance from neighbors and others, like bicyclists, who enjoy the rural character of the area. Some of the opponents say they are going to start a hog operation across the street from the Dooley property in a few weeks and also will actively campaign against the county's justice center bond issue, which goes to voters in a special election May 7.

The supervisors voting in the majority have said the proposal meets all of the county's policies and the property is in a designated growth area. The county still will have input on aspects of the housing plan, including the platting process.