Mull changes, but let projects proceed

The Gazette Editorial Board

----

Whoa, there, Iowa City. What exactly is the plan?

Last month, when city residents stormed Council chambers to complain about a near-downtown mixed-use development, they were told that nothing could be done to stop the project.

Now, council might put a 60-day hold on the project in advance of a March public hearing on possible changes to the zoning code.

We're glad council is looking into zoning laws to address concerns over the stability of core neighborhoods being displaced by large apartment buildings.

But the idea of a moratorium that could force projects already under way to change their plans, incur more costs or make them less feasible doesn't seem fair or prudent if the developers have met all the criteria along the way.

They've bought the property, demolished existing buildings and worked with city staff at every step in the process. Now they're supposed to cool their heels for weeks while we debate zoning changes that might prohibit the type of construction they've been planning all along? That's hardly fair.

Council must proceed with caution and avoid knee-jerk decisions as they gather input and develop zoning rules that support a long-term vision for Iowa City's near-downtown neighborhoods, while keeping diverse interests in mind.

Thousands of Iowa City residents signed petitions last month opposing a plan to demolish three buildings on the 500 block of East Washington Street to make way for a $7.25 million building project that would include ground-floor retail space and three stories of apartments above.

They argued that the Washington Plaza project was damaging to the neighborhood's character, but city council members said their hands were tied because the project met current zoning code.

Now the city is considering changes to that code that would limit the size and density of new apartment construction in neighborhoods near downtown and the University of Iowa campus.

City officials say the proposed changes aren't aimed at any development in particular, but they could have a major impact on the Washington Plaza project. A moratorium would strike a significant blow to other developments ready to break ground as construction season is about to begin.

Council members are expected to decide today whether to set a March public hearing on the proposed changes and impose a construction moratorium until after the hearing is held.

It's high time the city took another look at the direction near-downtown development is taking. But they need to find a way to consider changes without calling “time out” on million dollar projects that already are under way.

n Comments: thegazette.com/

category/opinion/editorial or

editorial@sourcemedia.net