Old Middle School Development Options
 |
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen's Council Preview |
The regular meeting of the Ames City Council begins at 6:00. The agenda includes:
- 23. Motion directing staff regarding amount to make available for Outside Funding Requests in FY2017/18.
At a recent meeting, Council was asked to provide direction to staff regarding outside funding requests. (Examples include Main St. Cultural District, Campustown Action Association, and the Ames Historical Society) Council wanted more information on MSCD’s request for a 77% increase in funding. Staff report back that MSCD plans to use this additional funding for more lights ($20K) and beautification. -
24. Trinitas annexation. Motion referring Petition for Voluntary Annexation to Planning & Housing Commission and motion directing staff to negotiate terms of development agreement.
A development company called Trinitas is hoping to develop an 800 bed student housing development on the west edge of Ames. There are two decisions to be made at Tuesday’s meeting. First, this land is not currently in the city, so annexation would be required to proceed. The second issue is whether or not to pursue a pre-annexation development agreement. This area is underserved in several ways, and such a development would require improvements to Lincoln Way, a shared use path into town, water main extensions, sanitary sewer, storm water improvements, and this area isn’t currently served by CyRide. The City Manager recommends proceeding with annexation and a development agreement to answer the many needs required to serve that area.
-
25. Staff Report on 321 State (Old Middle School site) Development Options.
In June, Council directed staff to seek a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area designation from the federal Housing and Urban Development department. The NRSA designation was recently approved, so the city can now proceed with planning for the development of this property. Staff are now presenting six items which need further clarification, after which staff will develop an RFP. The City's goal is for finished houses by 2018.1. Should City serve as developer, or partner with a master developer? Staff advise against City serving as the developer of the subdivision.
2. For development, which financial incentives should be offered?
3. What percentage of homes should be for low and moderate incomes? Current requirement is 51%, should City set a higher goal?
4. What is Council’s preference as to ownership vs. rental in the development?
5. What building types should be allowed? (Only single family houses vs. multi family units, etc.)
6. Should the City incorporate any open space in the development? This is a new issue, and is being proposed because of the impending purchase of Franklin Park. The suggestion in the staff report is that the city could use the current Franklin Park for medium density affordable housing, while transferring the open space from the current park to 321 State St.
-
26. Resolution authorizing Mayor to sign the Real Estate Purchase Agreement and Sales Contract with Iowa State University to purchase property at 201 S. Franklin Avenue (aka Franklin Park) in connection with the Citys CDBG State Avenue Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).
At a recent council meeting, it was revealed that ISU is not interested in renewing leases on a few properties currently leased by the City for parks. One such property is Franklin Park, and the City is planning to buy this property from ISU. -
27. 2016/17 U. S. Highway 69 Improvements Program (South Duff Avenue Traffic Signal).
In October, Council approved plans and specs for improvements to South Duff/Hwy 69, including a traffic signal and raised median. While plans and specs were approved at that time, Council delayed awarding the bid until a funding arrangement could be reached with Wal-Mart and Hunziker Co. If all parties sign the necessary agreements by January 10th, then staff recommend Council award the bid and move forward on this project. If, however, any of the parties haven’t signed by 1/10/17, then staff recommend Council reject the bid. -
28. Staff Report regarding Long-Range Transportation Plan to implement bike route/park trail connections.
One of the goals of the Ames City Council is to “Encourage Healthy Lifestyles”, and several of the specific tasks related to that goal involve our bike path and park trail system. Staff have included in this report a list of state/federal/private funding sources available for trails, a map of our current trail system (showing gaps needing connection), and a five year plan to complete these connections.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
City Council At-Large
| Others can subscribe at |  |
| Follow Council News on |  |
| View council on line live at |  |
Any corrections or additions to this email will be posted at the Council Preview Blog.