A developer’s plan to rezone 19 plus acres platted for 73 manufactured homes, to 19 apartment buildings with 154 units, is being nixed by Iowa City (Iowa) planning staffers. Although there is already a concentration of multifamily housing on that side of town, the primary reason for denying the proposal, according to Jeff Davidson, director of planning and community development, is one private street that now goes through the manufactured home community would be insufficient to serve all the residents. The city says the road is too narrow, a public safety concern of the fire department. Developer Steve Gordon of AM Management, Inc. says the project would bring “much needed new rental units for working individuals and their families,” and generate $215,000 annual property taxes for the city and add $11 million to the city’s tax base. According to thegazette.com, the city’s comprehensive housing plan seeks small, affordable multifamily buildings on corners adjoining main streets. The planning and zoning commission will meet Sept. 5 to consider the application. MHProNews understands developers typically alter their plans when they know planners are lined up against them.
