[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6007053,"mediaKeyId","5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903","parentId",5822528,"title","Developer update sought after Paradise Estates construction lags; city staff to request developer status","audioSeconds",184,"startMs",268000,"endMs",452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903&start=268&end=452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903/thumbnail_268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6007053/Waterloo/Black-Hawk-County/Iowa/Developer-update-sought-after-Paradise-Estates-construction-lags-city-staff-to-request-developer-status","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6007053-fbc331146f6de1090677aa18fff85e89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770570182&Signature=bInf0e0T0xm-VZJpQ67wCsoWWC~AJ55VySyOGzcL1EWY30nlc5F3rWI16tBPltyErpmUMdWYiK6y1U6rrQFf504bJjPfIkenR9oJnXbQQjkeyQ1zJpx4y2b5THGnW027xirQJg85SbyLlQbMgUoDN28vYPDY4CrmilRu7WE~18yJpPsuD9sOhygC86i4tLrz19iJ9yClP5LsEDPQeGOpFxEfuLSlNEG~~03r~mp2nu~HnPedQ-1vXVzKbGU0clKgvpDD7WYnNdg-lWLMLSU3hx2XGQ4ttXklJtMMkHdecP2XGm-rYVb8s1gTEvi35CYCtVnNO-FaxHWSMFV1kMiaqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Waterloo","date","2025-08-13T00:00:00Z","article","A resident asked the Planning Commission for an update on Paradise Estates during the meeting’s non‑agenda public comment period, saying news reports and an earlier ground‑breaking suggested dozens of houses would be built quickly but that as of the meeting “there's been 6 houses started. About 1 of them, as far as I know, has been completed.”

City planning staff response
City planner Eric Schrader replied that he was aware the project is progressing more slowly than originally expected but that staff did not have details on the developer’s timeline. Schrader said he would contact Noel Anderson, the Community Planning and Development director, and the developer (identified in public comment as Corey) and promised to pass an update back to the neighborhood.

Quote
\"As of to date, there's been 6 houses started. About 1 of them, as far as I know, has been completed,\" resident Mike Henning said at the podium. \"We'll reach out to Noel Anderson and maybe we can reach out to the developer and see if we can get some sort of update that we can pass along to the neighborhood,\" Eric Schrader responded.

Ending
Staff committed to seeking a status update from the director and developer and to provide that information to the resident and neighborhood contact who requested it.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Waterloo Planning, Programming & Zoning Commission Meeting - Tuesday, August 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident asked the commission for an update on Paradise Estates, noting only six houses started and one completed despite earlier reports; City planner Eric Schrader said staff will contact Director Noel Anderson and the developer for an update and pass it along to the neighborhood.","taxTitle","Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa","taxId",3694,"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},6007058,"Commission approves final plat for three‑lot Martin Road industrial subdivision",99,7909000,8008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903&start=7909&end=8008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903/thumbnail_7909000.jpg","/articles/6007058/Waterloo/Black-Hawk-County/Iowa/Commission-approves-final-plat-for-threelot-Martin-Road-industrial-subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6007058-4248ae86c190b541df289f09022d8892/orig.mp4?Expires=1770570182&Signature=mTmx3Dn3yU-qgcxfmeRaNFn2IF3LYQsoTSPH4QCkHggLQUCVWSFxhQ5OYjcKYQGpKWoSPy1y5FoaugLL3lQC9-5UQ2S-grUyr~5Zmq9n~ZOiFQ3FcA~7heA~IP2XIVorTOdYF7UkEHEZ0wfsgajZAqlGPZ38T5ABPgis3ziZ-H9kdK80yaoeQ~vGV28La7WM4HU-oZu0jxO80PWzVuuzaCFpaVua1aG~AiiANeUNu9Ynr9FSr9QxTq8ulVpoFFfh0-bNHFHP49NXmejyC54qZ-ChnSbAPUCQHcnulYYGHZwIV-ZigrpE2o~aaTPq7WChT4eW2oAmy369qDyJ8zyHaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission approved the final plat for the Martin Road subdivision, a three‑lot commercial/industrial subdivision in the M2 planned industrial district at 1330–1350 Martin Road.

Staff summary and findings
Staff reported the plat conforms to the subdivision ordinance and the city’s future land use designation of industrial. The area had been rezoned to M2P in 2004. Staff noted the existing buildings were constructed to meet 100‑year floodplain requirements by siting finished floors at least one foot above base flood elevation. Existing infrastructure includes an 8‑inch sanitary sewer on Martin Road and overhead electric along the east side of the road; no additional infrastructure was required for the plat.

Commission action
A motion to adopt staff’s recommendation and approve the final plat was made and seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Ending
Staff will record the final plat and update planning files; because the subdivision and buildings are existing, no immediate new public improvements were required as a condition of the plat approval.","Planning staff recommended and the commission approved the final plat for Martin Road subdivision, creating three industrial lots in an M2 planned industrial district; staff said buildings were built to floodplain standards and the plat meets subdivision code.",{"_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},6007062,"Commission approves encroachment agreement for patio, pergola and fence at 130 Columbia Circle",248,502000,750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903&start=502&end=750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903/thumbnail_502000.jpg","/articles/6007062/Waterloo/Black-Hawk-County/Iowa/Commission-approves-encroachment-agreement-for-patio-pergola-and-fence-at-130-Columbia-Circle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6007062-3ce3075aef8272839c46a6c45b2168b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770570182&Signature=UXU0wqz38fVXq7nIX~ycjxfivrQBYcdPWfNhN6A1PeACsc2ZyyPP278m4GubbylXabm4b8ALjsEDfEbuaXaY3fTAQZ8d3-OYFr49mjXWPoAzc2HG40EFrsAqGXY6aE3wxkuuMPDWSzNLh~Bl6Eiikr0shi9sWkSdkdrYZO-qdBE9lfMKB1QfrlKqNXpPgRkB7LC8KRk7pF-Q8Vu6tvWqniumjg7rfr-8mTo7OGQjQ8zLn6L4-lKfgMXCUetGaeH7orRWWngHb1DK6pauAH6Wr7dyZdB9oyUXhaYkf6RpeqhZWv8SVGsGc948OTfedNOlrVtoiwGC2dmx7FtdORQy9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission approved an encroachment agreement Tuesday to allow a patio, pergola and fence partially within a city‑owned alley right‑of‑way at 130 Columbia Circle.

Staff report and findings
Planning staff reported the patio and fence already exist in the rear yard and were constructed by a previous owner. The current homeowner discovered the encroachment while seeking a permit to place a 12 by 16‑foot pergola on the existing patio. Staff said the lot is zoned R‑1 (one‑ and two‑family district) and the encroachment is at the rear of the lot where the alley is undeveloped grass for most of the block. Staff noted several similar encroachments in the block, including a garage at 517 Campbell Avenue and fences on other properties, and said no utilities or recorded easements were identified in the alley.

Commission action
Commissioner Shirk made a motion to approve the encroachment agreement, with a second, and the motion carried unanimously. Staff indicated approval was subject to the assigned and executed encroachment agreement and standard conditions.

Quote
“The applicant is requesting the approval of an encroaching agreement to allow for a patio, pergola, and fence partially within the city owned alley right of way,” planning staff said in the report.

Ending
The approval allows the homeowner to construct the pergola over the existing patio and formalizes retention of the fence and patio that already extend into the city‑owned alley, subject to execution of the encroachment agreement.","The commission approved an encroachment agreement allowing a patio, pergola and fence to remain partially in a city‑owned alley at 130 Columbia Circle, subject to an executed encroachment agreement; staff said similar encroachments exist in the block and no utilities or easements are affected.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6007066,"Planning commission tables request to vacate Cedar Street after staff raises infrastructure concerns",1235,783000,2018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903&start=783&end=2018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903/thumbnail_783000.jpg","/articles/6007066/Waterloo/Black-Hawk-County/Iowa/Planning-commission-tables-request-to-vacate-Cedar-Street-after-staff-raises-infrastructure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6007066-417ec149e66b066479de9f31cf2322d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770570182&Signature=BLNu2ZQl3blHsb2Hi5uAPcnBT1T6KRBxMQDyAWlncua3ZR54Clnuz0F4Z6gUGgqfMXSuL9U7F9LjuW3GRTqZPeBIfpf9GmzsJWnWznYtP-socOpzbGiIbbh0jjdCFMXxSyIPooDlWseMgvqPdv-8BhupKWEJZLhAy8dgUHGB2mb6~rU4Tt19c9un-Jie-QwVbuhcHAIDQlgZplEpRtojrV4ev~2ZbmH81T8cVKSOksUvJdI00pIzrQFWlHl0cK57KW4D4WNASu8xRNZVImQvgYJ7jELFtkcimqAtUt7zpx8-xH9V18BmgY2rDIxTRfokLUI8uHuG6wXfk6q4vh1e6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission voted to table a request from Waterfall Plaza LLC to vacate Cedar Street from West Park Avenue to West Fourth Street after staff told commissioners the city needs more information on utilities, pedestrian connections and a redevelopment agreement.

Staff report and recommendation
City planning staff reported that Cedar Street abuts the Cedar River floodwall and serves as part of the Riverwalk pedestrian loop; there are existing utilities in the corridor, including a 10‑inch water main and a 15‑foot sanitary sewer easement. Staff said engineering and Waterworks opposed vacating the street without clarity on how the city would maintain access for floodwall operations and existing infrastructure, and recommended tabling the request until a development agreement and a definitive redevelopment plan are provided.

Applicant and public testimony
Applicant Dan Alton (appearing by Zoom, 2707 Congress Street, San Diego) told the commission he purchased the adjacent property in April and said his “plan for this parcel, if you will, including the sidewalk, is to just merely provide parking.” He asked the commission not to table the item and said he believed additional site details could be provided after a favorable vote. City council liaison Dave Bose spoke from the chambers to say the city council had recently approved spending $500,000 to acquire 132 feet of land from Cedar Street for future development and expressed concern about how a vacation would affect that parcel.

Commission discussion and action
Commissioners discussed the competing positions: the applicant’s immediate need for parking versus staff and departmental concerns about easements, floodwall access and the Riverwalk connection. A motion to deny the vacate was introduced, seconded and then withdrawn; commissioners then moved to table the item. The motion to table carried with one abstention. Staff indicated that further information on proposed uses, development agreements and how pedestrian connections and easements would be preserved is needed before the commission will forward a recommendation to City Council.

Quotes
“My plan for this parcel, if you will, including the sidewalk, is to just merely provide parking,” applicant Dan Alton said in the hearing. Planning staff summarized technical concerns: the vacate area contains a water main, sanitary easement and storm sewer and “Engineering stated that they do not support the vacate request and need more clarification from the applicant.”

Ending
The item was tabled pending a more comprehensive redevelopment plan and clarification of easements and infrastructure access; the applicant retains the option to reapply or take the matter to City Council after additional materials are provided.","A request from Waterfall Plaza LLC to vacate Cedar Street between West Park Avenue and West Fourth Street was tabled after staff warned of unresolved utility easements, potential pedestrian and traffic impacts and the absence of a redevelopment plan; applicant asked the commission to act rather than table, but commissioners voted to delay.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6007070,"Commissioners recommend rezoning former Orange School site for 70‑home Highland Meadows development",5831,2069000,7900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903&start=2069&end=7900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5822528-8ae34907d80a3f0e0711ef399f470903/thumbnail_2069000.jpg","/articles/6007070/Waterloo/Black-Hawk-County/Iowa/Commissioners-recommend-rezoning-former-Orange-School-site-for-70home-Highland-Meadows-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6007070-327f37a17c1765576612686f92e9de39/orig.mp4?Expires=1770570182&Signature=amWg19dj20qYkVWf9ahOlIfX1Gg4XG~CFdfZnFWpQFSI7EKQuyQBybafO2fyKZA5RmW~ipG6-YXfnGutBHQ33S01e20NyhTnz7Yd-fEkZ-ZAtxtNddI6gtNFfduq-rpxkkYfmu0KxXqkhIz9-LtAcBqYfNt0rRc-1XlDc6bmZioJceNR3EN2bxVJZSIVgEtUCTmpYhbFpK3cdDKTsfm9s5LGL1GFBshhwI4MQDjxPHW~cOS7I3ZLkhEfXtOa3wOuXcvf64bhtBD-Fe2uAzDwB1qPBl-OjdnsjJKYWfhsfVzLHowyib0sHnn4Sd1SAMd4K012iY9gY7of2ZKZPfzTQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of a rezoning and preliminary plat that would convert about 24.27 acres at the former Orange Elementary School site to a planned residential district and clear the way for a 70‑lot subdivision.

The commission voted 4–2 to recommend rezoning R‑1 (one‑ and two‑family residence district) to R1RP (planned residence) and to accept the preliminary plat for Highland Meadows, a proposal presented by Midwest Development Company and design consultants Hall and Hall Engineers.

Staff and the applicant said the project conforms to the city’s future land‑use map and is intended as infill on a former school site with existing utilities at the site boundary. “The request would not appear to have a negative impact on the surrounding area as it would qualify as infill development by going on a site with existing infrastructure in place on the borders,” City planner Joseph Gallman told the commission. Lauren Hoffman of Hall and Hall, the project planner, said, “New traffic generated by this development expected to be minimal,” and provided an engineer estimate of 49 peak AM trips and 66 PM peak trips.

Why this matters: The item drew the meeting’s largest public turnout and sustained debate. Residents pressed officials on tree removal, the loss of a large neighborhood green space created around the old school, the adequacy of water pressure and sewer capacity, and how neighbors were notified. Developers and staff said the plat preserves perimeter trees where possible, includes stormwater basins and easements already negotiated with downstream property owners, and will add sidewalks along West Orange Road and Kimball Avenue.

Key facts and conditions
- Proposed zoning change: approximately 24.27 acres from R‑1 to R1RP (planned residence district). The applicant is Midwest Development Company; Hall and Hall Engineers prepared the plans.
- Proposed build: 70 single‑family lots, average lot size 10,815 sq ft (about 0.25 acre). Lot sizes range from 6,950 sq ft (0.16 acre) to 19,186 sq ft (0.44 acre); 53 of the 70 lots (75%) are larger than 9,000 sq ft. Minimum lot width at setback shown as 55 feet.
- Tracts: developer will dedicate Tract A (4.24 acres) for streets/right‑of‑way; Tracts B and C (2.53 acres total) will be private detention/open space; Tracts D (0.02 acres) and E (0.08 acres) are planned to be deeded to adjacent property owners at 155 West Orange Road and 6114 Kimball Avenue respectively.
- Utilities and infrastructure: 8‑inch sanitary lines and 12‑inch water mains exist in West Orange Road and Kimball Avenue; overhead electric lines along the west side of Kimball. Two stormwater detention basins are shown on the plat; staff says easements to downstream neighbors were negotiated over nearly a year.
- Sidewalks and rights‑of‑way: street right‑of‑way shown as 60 feet; sidewalks on internal streets and on the bordering portions of West Orange Road and Kimball Avenue are planned at 4 feet wide.
- School impacts: City staff said the Waterloo school district, a member of the technical review committee, reported no concerns about student capacity at Orange Elementary. City planning also said the proposed development is permitted under the city’s zoning formulas and is well under the maximum dwelling density allowed by the ordinance for the site.
- Conditions recommended by staff: property limited to single‑family homes; final site plan must meet all applicable city codes and standards (parking, landscaping, drainage, grading, etc.).

Public concerns and developer responses
Residents and neighborhood speakers said the former school grounds have functioned as a large, accessible green space used for organized soccer and informal recreation and that the proposed lots and house spacing do not match the existing neighborhood’s larger lots. Several speakers likewise raised water‑pressure and storm‑sewer concerns for lower properties on Kimball Avenue. In response, the applicant’s representative said the development has been phased and will include two detention basins and that a booster pump or pressure system is under design by Waterloo Waterworks with potential construction to be completed in 2026.

Developer and neighborhood interaction
Hall and Hall reported a neighborhood meeting on July 23 with several neighborhood requests addressed in the preliminary plat: the northeast detention basin was shifted away from Orange Road to preserve a row of mature evergreens; additional curbing was added to protect an existing cemetery access; and pollinator plantings are planned near stormwater areas. Developer representatives confirmed they had obtained phase‑1/phase‑2 environmental testing and transmission to IDNR with no contaminants above regulatory levels identified.

Decision and next steps
The commission’s recommendation now moves to the City Council, which will take the final action. Commissioners and staff reminded residents that the commission’s vote is advisory and that additional technical approvals (final plat, utility construction permits, final site plan) are required before lots may be recorded or houses built.

Quotes
“New traffic generated by this development expected to be minimal,” Lauren Hoffman of Hall and Hall said about projected trip generation. “We have been in conversation with the Waterloo Waterworks. They have a firm under design to go ahead and add infrastructure out there for increased water pressure,” Community Planning Director Noel Anderson said when asked about water service.

Ending
The commission’s favorable recommendation was 4–2. Staff asked neighbors who want more direct project notices to provide contact information to the planning office; the next formal step is a City Council public hearing and vote on the rezoning and preliminary plat.","The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission voted 4–2 to recommend rezoning about 24.27 acres south of Orange Road from R‑1 to R1RP to allow a planned 70‑lot single‑family subdivision called Highland Meadows; the decision drew extensive neighborhood opposition over lot sizes, open space, water pressure and notification.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer update sought after Paradise Estates construction lags; city staff to request developer status

Commission approves final plat for three‑lot Martin Road industrial subdivision

Commission approves encroachment agreement for patio, pergola and fence at 130 Columbia Circle

Planning commission tables request to vacate Cedar Street after staff raises infrastructure concerns

Commissioners recommend rezoning former Orange School site for 70‑home Highland Meadows development