HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Statement from residents dated August 27, 1990 about rezoning August 27 , 1990
THE REZONING OF BANDSHELL NEIGHBORHOOD
Statement of purpose
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Our Bandshell Neighborhood Association wishes to maintain the
existing balance of single family, multi-family, and city owned
property in our proposed rezoning to R-2 . We believe that rezoning
the area R-2 is good for our community. That designation will
encourage the maintenance and improvement of the area and also in
bordering lands and structures . We believe that the "future of the
community depends on the preservation and enhancement of the
existing neighborhoods because a poor housing stock can be
indicative of or lead to other community problems . " (Ames Land Use
Policy Plan , 1988 )
Rationale
We believe that the Bandshell Neighborhood contributes to the
quality of life in the city of Ames as a whole . The current balance
in the area includes affordable single family dwellings for singles ,
young couples, young families with children, and long time
residents . In addition, there are duplexes and multi-family units
with easy access to two city parks , a picnic area, and playgrounds
for young children. Within walking distance are Main Street
businesses , public library, post office, hospital , preschool
facilities, grocery stores , banks , City of Ames offices , newspaper
offices , etc. All of this is complimented by a number of historical
structures in the area.
Within the past several years , people have showed renewed interest
in restoration and rehabilitation of a significant number of the
older homes in the area. The City of Ames contributes much to the
neighborhood in terms of maintenance of attractive grounds . All of
this presents a positive image and extends to the entire community
a "Welcome" to our neighborhood, the Bandshell Park' s facilities,
and our special summer events - the city band concerts .
When the Bandshell Neighborhood area was last considered in 1983 , as
part of the city wide land use policy plan evaluation, half of the
area was designated low density. This can be seen on the current
land use policy plan map. Although a majority of the City Council
members at that time voted 4 to 2 to rezone that portion to R-2 , the
necessary 5 votes could not be obtained and the area remained R-3 .
Since 1983 , no new apartment structures have been built in this
area. The vision of the demand for more apartment building
development in this area has not been realized. Ames has
experienced moderate growth since the 1983 evaluation , not the high
growth predicted at that time . If Ames does experience more growth
in the future , the R-2 zoning would still allow for a denser
development than currently exists , so the area could still absorb
some growth.
A look at the current demographics of the area shows 13 structures
built for more than two apartments , 6 structures originally built as
single family homes which now contain more than two apartments , and
110 structures that are either duplexes or single family homes .
Clearly this shows a mixed use area that is still predominantly low
density.
In the past several years , more families have moved into the area.
Several have converted former apartment units back into single
family homes. Changing the zoning to R-2 would be consistent with
the current neighborhood trend. It would alleviate the fear for
residents of a large apartment building being built next door and
thus make the area attractive to more moderate income home buyers .
Ames has a critical need for moderately priced homes , in nice areas ,
for people to buy. A home in an R-3 area is not an attractive
purchase for many people making the largest investment of their
lives . An R-2 zoning would allow more moderate income people to own
nice homes in Ames , close to where they work.
It is time to zone this area to match the current trend. It is time
to allow this area to become a truely attractive and pleasant family
neighborhood again. Please support an R-2 zoning for this area.
RECEIVED
SEP 0 4 1990
DEPTCOF POLANNING&0 OUSING