[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6268993,"mediaKeyId","3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947","parentId",3048364,"title","Iowa City council defers North Governor Street rezoning after resident protests, seeks Planning & Zoning review","audioSeconds",3130,"startMs",2145000,"endMs",5275000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947&start=2145&end=5275","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947/thumbnail_2145000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268993/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Iowa-City-council-defers-North-Governor-Street-rezoning-after-resident-protests-seeks-Planning-Zoning-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268993-330f20f332520baf01c8c8d27b822044/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179598&Signature=gC5VRA2PoqK9HoRKsUr6nGSH5vTRIiWVYMf1i3GtxM7lWP1lUOm75uaGEQFrlo9BXaLiqKegohHcDTAva0tH8vFdM4CAGvI0DqUMKKogqM0oohfTV20QhudThbdZjDF9BV6qDCKuP3awXLxkvY-zYMUZivgYkk6-WrkxgUQIxnc5riYIrID-MkoeR3rrMWYlNElBnN5cpOkx~qan6ulM5D00qTOVwVZtgJEKERdk94vxAudbMAmY408ib81BungRPv1NF4c0JlD3JaI~GPFoKaOHSVT8m~D7qwtdqHdH5nPZff9jgUw-7mqqgElGHb3iYeYgPxXidzynNQiwXUB6CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Iowa City","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","Iowa City Council members on April 15 deferred action on a proposed rezoning for a 5.49-acre site between North Dodge and North Governor streets after residents raised concerns about scale, tree removal and pedestrian access.

The zoning change under consideration would have consolidated several existing zoning districts and replaced obsolete R3B zoning with a mix of RS-12 with a planned development overlay for part of the site and RM-20 with an OPD for the majority, allowing a redevelopment plan that shows two multi-family buildings of 42 units each (84 units total).

Planning staff told the council the project was intended to produce infill housing and bring older, vacant buildings into modern compliance. Anne Russet, senior planner, summarized the technical review and conditions recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission, including a required replat before building permits, conversion of a duplex on North Dodge to a single unit to meet density rules, dedication of right of way and temporary construction easements, relocation of water service lines off North Governor onto North Dodge, and S-3 screening for a retaining wall at the site’s southern edge. Russet also noted the conditional zoning agreement had been signed and that protest petitions met the 28% threshold that requires a supermajority vote of council for approval.

Developer John Marner of MMS Consultants told the council the applicant had been working with staff and neighbors on a cohesive plan and that plans and site review materials were already under review. “We…saw an opportunity to work towards a site development that would be more cohesive for the neighborhood as opposed to a piecemeal” approach, Marner said during the meeting.

Dozens of residents and neighborhood representatives urged the council to slow down or reject the proposal. Concerns raised in public comment included the height and bulk of buildings visible from Happy Hollow Park, the perceived loss of tree cover, the project’s effect on neighborhood character and pedestrian safety, the adequacy of sidewalks and connections to the park, and whether the development would include affordable units. Multiple speakers pointed to the irregular R3B zoning history and argued the theoretical maximum under the old R3B rules was not practically achievable.

The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning with conditions (6–1). Because the protest petition threshold was reached, council members said they needed more time to consult with the commission and to hear additional technical follow-up. Councilor Mezaher Saleh moved to defer the item for consultation with Planning & Zoning; the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Moe, passed unanimously (7–0). Council scheduled follow-up for May 6 if Planning & Zoning can attend; otherwise the item will return to a later meeting.

Why it matters: The rezoning would have converted a patchwork of outdated mid‑century zoning to modern districts and cleared the way for an 84‑unit infill project. Opponents and some council members said the scale and siting warrant closer scrutiny because the project abuts a public park and sensitive slopes; supporters argue the change replaces obsolete standards and advances the city’s housing goals.

What’s next: Staff said the final plat, site plan and design review will return to the council or be handled administratively depending on the application. Council and staff asked Planning & Zoning to consult on the outstanding conditions and neighborhood concerns before the item returns for a vote.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to defer rezoning for further Planning & Zoning consult (moved by Saleh; seconded by Moe): passed 7–0.

Speakers (selected)
- Anne Russet, Senior Planner, City of Iowa City (staff)
- John Marner, MMS Consultants (applicant representative)
- Matthew Bijer, resident (public commenter)
- Audrey Barrack, resident (public commenter)
- Sharon DeGraw, resident (public commenter)

Authorities cited or relevant
- Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation (vote 6–1)
- Central District Plan / IC 02/1930 future land use guidance (referenced by staff)
- Iowa Supreme Court decisions and subsequent 2018 case (referenced in staff background)

Clarifying details
- Site area discussed: ~5.49 acres (between North Dodge and North Governor Streets)
- Proposed units in developer preliminary plan: 84 units (two 42‑unit buildings)
- Proposed rezoning maximum density in RM‑20: 24 dwelling units per net acre (staff stated)
- R3B (historic district) density referenced: up to 58 dwelling units per acre in earlier code (staff comment)
- Planning & Zoning recommended conditions (summary): replat prior to building permit; convert duplex on North Dodge; dedicate ROW and construction easements; relocate apartment water services to North Dodge; S‑3 screening for retaining wall

Proper_names:[{\"name\":\"Happy Hollow Park\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"North Governor Street\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"North Dodge Street\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"MMS Consultants\",\"type\":\"business\"},{\"name\":\"Planning & Zoning Commission\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Iowa City\",\"type\":\"location\"}]

Provenance:
- topicintro: block_id=\"2145.4648\", local_start=0, local_end=271, evidence_excerpt=\"We're on to item number 9 c, Rezoning North Governor Street, ordinance conditional to rezone in approximately 5.49 acres...\" tc_start=\"00:35:45\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"5315.955\", local_start=0, local_end=90, evidence_excerpt=\"To defer this item? I will move commission to defer. Moved by Saleh. Seconded by Moe...To defer to May 6. All in favor say aye...Motion to defer pass 7 to 0.\" tc_start=\"01:26:55\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Iowa City Council Meeting of April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Iowa City Council deferred a contested rezoning for a 5.49‑acre site north of Happy Hollow Park after residents raised concerns about building scale, loss of tree cover and pedestrian access. The item will return after further consultation with Planning & Zoning.","taxTitle","Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa","taxId",4187,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268985,"Iowa City adopts FY 2026 budget after hours‑long debate over police funding, transit and housing investments",7957,9017000,16974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947&start=9017&end=16974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947/thumbnail_9017000.jpg","/articles/6268985/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Iowa-City-adopts-FY-2026-budget-after-hourslong-debate-over-police-funding-transit-and-housing-investments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268985-c49ee153c9ceaa9b730f27a9d0e77b5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179598&Signature=S1WA5FnPBDzqeoa8wV76x8uKbHdzK2Bs9tzMJaEd6djQe3NaGwtKFuPDguaQkFssjY7GgGVc6svO5UKSHRJTsbtYahlw6JiI5JRjASuHmKfG0zfUf4qFTgDfMxwvpse7WR5r2U6Vtr4YCeKRbgyq24OaeAH4va85D~joji7NEg3tmJThVq8bduoeFjr5Uqx-KXpAeC~EUttwEkek52I2TrRWcpQKceyEh6y4fItqDzRDfd-HpZKYONw9ZKT1bEi0HX6yFzrqZ9kVxmjNbJZ1~ndAxJwdYEEs0t6pb7LNQIWd5uIR5qeaF~BaLs34HQaDhbX1xmzNJK24JkgSTyLvsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Iowa City Council voted 4–3 on April 15 to adopt the fiscal year 2026 municipal budget and a three‑year financial plan after prolonged council debate and extended public comment about public safety, housing and transit funding.

What the council approved
- FY 2026 annual budget and three‑year financial plan (adopted 4–3).
- FY 2025 budget amendment (technical adjustments to current year): approved earlier in the meeting (7–0).
- Transit consolidated funding application (state and federal): council authorized filing for about $40.3 million in combined state and federal funds, including an estimated $36 million in capital requests for bus replacements and $3.5 million in federal operating funds.
- Utility rate ordinance (water rate increase of 3% and other fee adjustments) and related fee schedule changes: first consideration passed 7–0.

Major financial figures and context
- Council and staff said the general fund projects a roughly $2.8 million budget deficit in FY 2026, driven by reduced state property tax replacements and other revenue changes.
- The city is in the final year of a state commercial/industrial backfill; staff said the backfill will decline to about $308,000 in FY26 and then disappear in FY27.
- The facility reserve used for capital projects (City Park Pool and other projects) was reported at about $16.5 million. Staff described the City Park Pool construction estimate and related soft costs at roughly $16.8 million and said the city planned to bond about $1.3 million as part of the financing; if the pool project proceeds as bid, staff projected roughly $950,000 would remain in the facility reserve.
- Transit: to sustain fare‑free transit beyond pilot federal funding, staff recommended a utility‑franchise tax increase from 1% to 2%, estimated to raise roughly $1 million annually for transit operations; council included the change in discussions tied to the budget.

Police budget debate and amendment attempt
Councilor Bergus proposed an amendment to hold the police department appropriation at the FY2025 funding level rather than adopt the higher FY2026 line item. Specifically, she proposed lowering the draft FY26 police line from $17,520,200 to $16,644,190 (the FY25 level). Bergus cited prior years of unspent police budget authority — staff noted unspent amounts of $678,399 in FY23 and $822,795 in FY24 and a current‑year spending rate of roughly 71% to date — and argued that some funds could instead support mental‑health response, housing and other community safety investments.

The amendment failed on a 4–3 roll call (yes: Bergus, Weiline, Alter, ??? — see vote record below). Councilors who opposed the reduction argued the city needs to preserve public safety staffing and other services, said the police budget includes collective bargaining commitments and that unspent funds in prior years do not translate to guaranteed savings for reallocation.

Public comment at the meeting was robust on the topic: multiple residents urged cuts to police spending and more investment in housing and crisis response; others urged full funding for police and fire services and emphasized traffic safety concerns.

Why it matters
The budget vote came amid state policy changes that reduce local property tax revenue growth and remove earlier state replacements for certain tax cuts. Council actions signal the city’s approach to fare‑free transit, capital investments in pools and facilities, and the ongoing local debate over public safety and alternative crisis response models.

Follow‑ups and next steps
- Staff will continue to implement the adopted budget; council asked for follow‑up work sessions on mental‑health response options, affordable housing use of reserves and facility reserve priorities.
- The transit consolidated funding application will be filed with the Iowa DOT and MPO as required; staff sought federal/state capital and operating awards.

Votes at a glance (selected)
- FY 2026 budget adoption (resolution): passed 4–3 (Teague, Alter, Harmsen, Moe voted yes; Weiline, Bergus, Sala voted no). (See official roll call in minutes.)
- FY 2025 amendment: passed 7–0.
- Transit consolidated funding application authorization: passed 7–0.
- Utility rate ordinance (first consideration): passed 7–0.
- Motion to amend police appropriation down to FY25 level (moved by Bergus): failed 4–3.

Speakers (selected)
- Jeff Ruan, City Manager (delivered budget presentation)
- Councilor Bergus (moved amendment to reduce police appropriation)
- Multiple residents and advocates (public comment; pro and anti‑police funding positions were represented)

Clarifying details
- Projected FY26 general fund deficit: $2,800,000 (staff projection)
- Facility reserve cash on hand: approximately $16,500,000 (staff stated)
- City Park Pool estimated total: ~ $16,800,000 (construction + soft costs + contingency reported in staff comments)
- Transit consolidated funding ask: ~$3.5M federal operating + ~$36M federal capital = ~$40.3M combined

Provenance:
- topicintro: block_id=\"9017.455\", local_start=0, local_end=180, evidence_excerpt=\"Thank you, mayor and council. You have 4 budget items remaining on your agenda tonight...\" tc_start=\"02:30:17\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"16952.895\", local_start=0, local_end=120, evidence_excerpt=\"Can I get a motion to accept correspondence? So moved... Motion passes 4 to 3 on the FY26 budget adoption.\" tc_start=\"04:42:32\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","Council approved the city’s FY2026 budget, three‑year financial plan and five‑year CIP after a 4–3 vote. The meeting included a prolonged debate over whether to trim the police budget and reallocate expected underspends to mental‑health and housing programs; other votes advanced utility rate changes and transit funding requests.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268991,"Iowa City council gives first reading to form‑based code revisions aimed at enabling missing‑middle housing",4895,3195000,8090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947&start=3195&end=8090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048364-84e6bac868339ab942609a13bdaaf947/thumbnail_3195000.jpg","/articles/6268991/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Iowa-City-council-gives-first-reading-to-formbased-code-revisions-aimed-at-enabling-missingmiddle-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268991-ebda7e0bf426d01e555cdf05c297e271/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179598&Signature=g-fdo5LOCV7Wuxpze-LltySmL4-oxdFNzDZAW2LgKqyX-vSmva~ffacvAAU4UyTEQ9bXn9XqZjfKYMolv~yqIZgytuDYP8aOhqcLoh2-wuntKaWpCkW9B4PpxiOun2khhxUH3MSlxmE44wUtaLzxwSN8PwRth3i7DGfSVOixDlm7b-iYIDJbbzpaGJ-EcpAFrChipGtch501uX7KrsQU800TL-8FLtWxH3OTB3oFY24t-HdbVxyCuK6relU6thEA310D9hs~UbMmdXIHfhP1HCP9FGB3VM06OB72T2-LpTTpIFpIupTtaNrwFkIx6hziF3ePcCVOaemenfzpG8gaIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Iowa City Council on April 15 advanced zoning text amendments to the city’s form‑based code that staff said are intended to make the rules more feasible for actual development while preserving the code’s design principles.

The ordinance package, developed by Neighborhood & Development Services with input from developer partners, amends multiple Title 14 sections and related Title 15 subdivision language. Staff said the changes respond to practical issues identified during design work and a 2022 grant program that encouraged developers to pilot form‑based approaches.

Key changes include:
- Reduced required ground‑floor glazing from 30% to 15% (minimum one window per building side still required), a change staff said Opticos Design (the city’s original form‑based consultant) reviewed as reasonable in other communities.
- Adjustments to setback and building‑placement rules to allow slightly larger building footprints on very small lots and to permit slightly revised rear/garage configurations for duplexes and townhouse types that reduce unnecessary wall area.
- Clarified porch and stoop measurement language and modestly reduced porch width/depth minimums to make frontages more practical to build.
- Minor increases in cottage‑court lot depth and selected dimensional tweaks intended to allow one‑story ranch units that better meet accessibility and senior housing demand.
- Additional administrative flexibility for transition areas that abut conventional development and a new mechanism to handle constrained block sizes and pedestrian passages in infill situations.

Staff presented the amendments as preserving the form‑based code’s emphasis on walkable streets, smaller building types and a cohesive public realm while removing measurement or design details that developers found impractical. Anne Rusman (senior planner) and Rachel Schafer (associate planner) walked council through the changes and explained where staff consulted Opticos Design and Navigate Homes for feedback.

Developer Gina Landau of Navigate Homes praised the revisions as clarifying language and removing barriers that would otherwise make form‑based projects difficult to build at attainable prices. “Doing these code changes is really gonna make it easier, not just for Navigate Homes, but for all developers or all people that own land in the form‑based code zone,” Landau said.

The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the text amendments and recommended approval (6–0). Council gave first consideration to the ordinance and the motion passed 7–0; additional council action is required to adopt the ordinance after the required public notice period.

Why it matters: Form‑based zoning is intended to encourage a mix of smaller, walkable housing types (the “missing middle”). Staff framed the changes as modest—mostly clarifying and technical—but potentially important for getting projects permitted and constructed in the South District and other areas where the form‑based code applies.

What’s next: The item received first consideration; council will take final action after the public notice and second consideration requirement are satisfied.

Speakers (selected)
- Danielle Sisman, Neighborhood & Development Services (staff)
- Rachel Schafer, Associate Planner (staff)
- Gina Landau, Navigate Homes (developer representative)

Authorities cited or relevant
- Title 14 (Zoning Code) and Title 15 (Land Subdivision Code) — proposed text amendments
- Opticos Design (consultant) — referenced as prior code authoring assistance
- Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation (6–0)

Clarifying details
- Ground‑floor glazing requirement changed from 30% to 15% (staff stated)
- RM‑20 density and other district numerics not changed in this text package; changes are primarily dimensional/clarifying and administrative
- Planning & Zoning vote: 6–0 in favor on March 5, 2025

Provenance:
- topicintro: block_id=\"5359.24\", local_start=0, local_end=180, evidence_excerpt=\"Thank you, Mayor and Council. Daniel Sisman, neighborhood and development services again. As you introduce this, this is a zoning code text change...\" tc_start=\"00:53:15\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"8082.96\", local_start=0, local_end=120, evidence_excerpt=\"Roll call, please...Motion passes 7 to 0.\" tc_start=\"02:14:42\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","Council advanced a package of zoning text amendments to Title 14 and Title 15 to clarify and relax several form‑based code standards — including ground‑floor glazing rules, setback and porch dimensions, cottage court allowances and administrative flexibilities — after staff and developer partners reviewed practical constraints.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Iowa City council defers North Governor Street rezoning after resident protests, seeks Planning & Zoning review

Iowa City adopts FY 2026 budget after hours‑long debate over police funding, transit and housing investments

Iowa City council gives first reading to form‑based code revisions aimed at enabling missing‑middle housing