Despite concerns from nearby residents, North Liberty voted to move forward with zoning that will transform roughly 20 city acres into residential housing.
The rezoning is part of the city’s $100 million Urban Central District project to create more than 350 high-density housing units. The project will also establish several retail and other commercial spaces.
North Liberty approved a site plan in August for a 63-unit building on the property’s westside.
The buildings will be built between Cherry Street and Zeller Street on industrial or undeveloped land. The city is providing $20 million in public funds to the North Liberty-based Lion Development Group instead of property tax rebates, which are more commonly attached to similar projects.
The North Liberty City Council unanimously approved changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, then voted 5-0 to approve a first consideration of the rezoning to allow higher-density development on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The proposed flat-roof residential buildings are estimated to be just over 47 feet tall. The rezoning is conditional on a 60-foot maximum height.
The council is expected to vote on a second consideration of the rezoning at its next meeting on Nov. 25. Three readings are needed to pass.
Concern over N. Liberty urban district’s size draws some public outcry
Several residents spoke out against the rezoning on Tuesday, with a few suggesting the city abandon the project.
North Liberty resident Karen Johnson encouraged the city to explore developments that better enhance the nearby single-family development to the east instead of six, multi-story apartment buildings.
“Some people are happy to live in a bustling urban environment. They seek it out. They go there,” Johnson said. “While some people prefer the peace and quiet of a small town. I would suggest that a majority of people that live in North Liberty live here because they like the less dense environment, and they have purposefully sought it out.”
Allan Schau also lives near the proposed development and accused the city of moving forward before consulting neighbors.
Schau said the city was “not making a way, they are trying to plow the way” through concerned neighbors.
“The proposed monstrosity would be a giant wall of a housing complex that will completely remove the charm and the feel of the only place in North Liberty that we call ‘Old Town,'” Schau said.
Council continues to back project, pointing to local developer
North Liberty councilor Brian Wayson lived across the street from cornfields for years.
When he first joined the council, a rezoning was proposed for the property outside his front window.
“It is now full of houses,” Wayson said. “But, we did the same thing. We went through everything, and it’s better because of that [compared] to what was originally proposed.”
The council was complimentary public input while they’ve worked to establish the Urban Central District.
Councilor Brent Smith said he wouldn’t support the project it was handled by an out-of-state firm. Lion Development Group Owner Brandon Pratt is a North Liberty native.
“…[T]here wouldn’t have been the trust level that there was with somebody local,” Smith said. “And I think that matters.”
What’s next for North Liberty’s Urban Central District?
Councilors and city staff repeatedly noted that the urban central district was in the “preliminary” stage or a “work in progress.”
North Liberty Planning, Building and Development director Ryan Rusnak said the rezoning is the first step in a four-part plan, which will include a subdivision plat, construction plans and ultimately, construction.
In a March presentation to the council, Pratt said he expected demolition, mitigation and construction to last five to seven years.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: North Liberty OKs urban district rezoning for 350 housing units despite pushback
Reporting by Ryan Hansen, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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