Review: Multi-family at 321 State Street
 |
Bronwyn's Council Review |
As usual for the review, my comments are red and italicized in the context of the latest Council Preview by David Martin.
OR BY TELEPHONE BY DIALING: US:1-312-626-6799 or toll-free: 1-888-475-4499 Zoom Meeting ID: 826 593 023
YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING ONLINE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/ameschannel12
https://www.cityofames.org/channel12
or watch the meeting live on Mediacom Channel 12
The Ames City Council meets on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. The agenda includes:
-
1. Workshop regarding multi-family component of 321 State Avenue development (No final decision will be made at this meeting). The City of Ames has owned the former middle school property at 321 State Avenue for over four years now and has been working to create affordable housing opportunities there. In February, Council voted on a layout for the site ("Option F") including 26 single-family homes, at least 14 that will be affordable to households earning no more than 80% of average median income, and designating almost 3 acres south of Tripp St as likely multi-family (e.g., apartments or multiplex) LIHTC housing.
In a LIHTC (low income housing tax credit) development, housing is leased at cheaper than market rates because the construction costs are offset by LIHTC tax credits. In this workshop, Council will discuss the process for attracting a LIHTC developer and will hear from members of the community who wish to address council on this plan.
I understand the next main decisions for Council will be to finalize and issue a formal request for proposals from LIHTC developers. According to the current plan, we'll delay that vote for another week simply in order to allow more time to hear from the community on the topic. However, note that this workshop (July 21) is the time set aside to hear from members of the public. There may be no opportunity to address council during our regular meeting the following week. Of course, Council can be reached by email as well via MayorCouncil@amescitycouncil.org.
Council made three motions relative to the potential multi-family development at 321 State Ave. First, to limit construction to no more than three stories tall; second, to consider aesthetic factors when evaluating proposals; and third, to consider both rental as well as rent-to-own options for the development. All three motions passed 6-0.
-
2. Resolution approving/motion denying mandating masks to be worn in City buildings. Even though Ames currently has no authority to mandate face coverings in public places and businesses, we do have authority to set rules for the use of city buildings and facilities. Currently, City policy is that using face coverings indoors is "expected" and I hear that this has been working well. But given that Iowa State has exercised its own authority to "require" face coverings on campus where physical distancing isn't possible, Council will now discuss whether to similarly "require" face coverings within city buildings and Cy-Ride buses. In any case, staff is recommending that the Parks and Recreation department still retain discretion to determine face covering rules for indoor physical activities.
Council voted 5-1 (Gartin voting Nay) to require masks in City buildings, allow Parks and Recreation Staff to decide what mask compliance levels are expected for exercise classes and other Parks & Rec programming, and to request the Transit Board require masks on CyRide.
Non-Agenda Packet: The following items are requests and communications to the council that are not on the agenda for full discussion. This includes staff reports and communications or requests from constituents and developers. Typically the council will ask city staff for more information (a memo), put the item on a future agenda for deliberation and possible action, or just accept the communication, taking no further action. Council generally processes these requests and communications during the agenda portion called "Disposition of Communications to Council."
- Fall Special Events. The City has received several applications for use of downtown sidewalk/street space for special events this fall. This memo asks Council for direction on whether to consider permitting these events or not.
Council moved 6-0 to put this on a future agenda.
Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen
Ames City Council, At Large