Coralville residents get their first look at land use plan in city’s west side

CORALVILLE - Members of the public received their first look into the latest land use plan that will shape future development in Coralville's west side.

More than 60 area residents attended Wednesday's presentation and public input session at Coralville City Hall hosted by Des Moines based firm Confluence.

Using remote clickers, the crowd helped provide their input on a variety of planning aspects including parks, housing development, and types of commercial businesses.

The meeting was the first of many to help shape how development might look in the approximately 2,000 acre plot of land bordered roughly by Coral Ridge Avenue, Interstate 380, Forevergreen Road, and Interstate 80.

"We have an open slate," Confluence Principal Chris Shires said. "When we're done we want this to be the community's place."

Ellen Habel, assistant city administrator, said the area is already seeing increased interest from developers due to it's untapped potential, varied terrain, and natural resource features.

'It's a really sizable area that remains to be developed in Coralville,” she said. 'As a result of that, all of those variables, we see a lot of different land use potentials out there.”

By creating a West Land Use Area Plan, the city will be able to not only ensure the necessary utilities are in place for development, but also that the area has the zoning to shape what development takes place and where.

Habel said the area has potential for a slew of options including a corporate campus, low or medium density residential development, or commercial opportunities.

'We have opportunities for lots of different things out there,” she said.

The public will have additional opportunities to weigh in on the plan, which is expected to be completed later this summer.

'This is really the first one, we're gathering initial ideas and feedback, as we get a little further we'll want more feedback,” Habel said.

Ultimately, the Coralville planning and zoning commission and full city council will vote on the land use plan.

While things begin to take shape, Shires said he applauded Coralville's efforts to make a preemptive effort to plan out the west area before much development begins.

"It's not every day that the community really wants to do this kind of advanced planning," he said. "This could really be a nice marquis area for the community."