HomeMy WebLinkAboutA010 - Urgent memorandum from Chamber of Commerce to Chamber and AEDC Members regarding proposed ordinance Ames Chamber of Commerce 1 ° W -
URGENT MEMORANDUM
To: Chamber and AEDC Members
From: Ben Allen, President, Ames Chamber of Commerce
Russ Cross, President, Ames Economic Development Commission
Date: July 27, 1998
Subject: New Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations
Public Input Session on July 30, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
These proposed ordinances and regulations are available at the Planning and Housing
Department, at the Ames Public Library and on the internet under the City's home page.
We urge all interested Chamber and AEDC members to attend the meeting and provide
input to the City Council at its meeting on July 30, 1998. These initiatives have serious
implications to providing adequate housing to meet demands for fixture growth.
The Chamber and AEDC have had a task force reviewing the proposed new ordinance
and subdivision regulations. During the last five months, we have had meetings with
City staff and have provided written comments on the first draft of the new zoning
ordinance and subdivision regulations.
While we appreciate the City Council incorporating most of our suggested changes into
the latest revised document, the following areas are of concern to us:
• The new zoning ordinance would require that all parcels of land larger than 40 acres
in size be developed as Village Residential. The developer can try to get the property
rezoned to Suburban Residential if they can demonstrate that the parcel due to its
configuration, shape or unique topographic conditions cannot be developed to meet
the goals in the Land Use Policy Plan to provide for design integration and social and
physical interaction. This exception seems very vague and causes more uncertainty
for developers. We believe that developers should be given the choice to either
develop under Village Residential or Suburban Residential for the following reasons:
* The developer has its capital at risk and is in the best position to
determine what consumers want in terms of new residential
developments.
213 Duff Avenue • Ames, Iowa 50010 • (515) 232-2310 • FAX(515) 232-6716
web site: www.ames.ia.us e-mail:chamber®ames.net
• Consumers should be given a choice in developments and not have to
select from only new village developments.
• The Somerset development is exciting but its ultimate commercial
success is uncertain. Should all new lands be developed as village
residential when we do not know if this type of development will be
embraced by consumers?
* Given the ordinance as drafted, developers will choose to build fewer
homes in Ames. They will make their investments in nearby cities.
This population and purchasing power loss will dramatically impact all
businesses in Ames.
• Medium density multi-family developments will be required to have a minimum
landscape area of 40%. Almost all recently built apartment complexes of this type do
not have this much land devoted to landscaping. With more landscaping, you can
build less units on a given parcel of land. The land cost will have to be spread to a
smaller number of units which increases the cost per unit. This landscaping
requirement will increase apartment rental rates in Ames. This also counters efforts
to intensify development.
The Chamber and AEDC will be making a statement at the meeting on these items as
well as on others. We will also be thanking the council for making many changes which
have improved the new ordinance.
Thanks in advance for your serious interest in this important issue and make plans to
attend this Thursday's (July 30) City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
P.S. Please feel welcome to express your views during the meeting--- your opinions
need to be heard!
acc98Auppzon/7-30mtg.doc