Community voices oppose new housing development near schools citing safety and traffic concerns

Concerns over safety and community impact dominated the Des Moines Plan and Zoning Meeting on December 19, 2024, as residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed development project. The plan, which aimed to rezone a property for nine townhome units, faced backlash primarily due to fears about increased traffic and safety risks for children attending nearby schools.

One resident, whose son was involved in a recent accident at a nearby intersection, passionately argued against the project, stating, "More cars makes it worse. Fewer cars would make it better." This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, with many community members expressing worries that the development would exacerbate existing traffic issues in the area.

While some commissioners acknowledged the need for increased housing density in Des Moines, they also highlighted the importance of community input and safety. One commissioner noted, "Community opposition makes final approval of this project very difficult," indicating the uphill battle the developers face in gaining support.

The developer attempted to address concerns by reducing the number of proposed units from 15 to 9 and clarifying details about the project’s design. However, many commissioners remained skeptical, emphasizing the need for more detailed site plans and community engagement before moving forward.

Ultimately, the commission voted against the staff recommendation to approve the rezoning, with a motion for denial passing. This decision reflects the ongoing tension between the need for housing development and the community's desire for safety and preservation of neighborhood character. The developers now have the option to revise their proposal and resubmit for consideration in the future.