In a recent Plan and Zoning Meeting held by the City of Des Moines, residents voiced their concerns over a proposed zoning change for Arbor Masters, an out-of-state business operating in their neighborhood. The meeting, which took place on November 7, 2024, highlighted the tensions between local homeowners and the commercial entity, raising questions about property rights, community impact, and zoning regulations.

As the meeting unfolded, one resident expressed frustration over Arbor Masters' operations, noting the significant increase in impervious surfaces on the property without adequate drainage solutions. The resident pointed out that their own property had been negatively affected by the business's activities, including damage from heavy equipment and inadequate maintenance of shared driveways. They argued that Arbor Masters, a multimillion-dollar company, should seek a more suitable location for their operations rather than imposing on local homeowners.

Another resident, Tiffany Allison, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the ongoing issues with outside storage and the size of the equipment used by Arbor Masters. She highlighted that the proposed privacy fence would not sufficiently shield the residential area from the business's operations. Allison raised concerns about the lack of accountability from Arbor Masters and their landlord, Jumbo LLC, questioning the city's rationale for considering the rezoning request. She pointed out that the business had already caused significant damage to her property, amounting to over $30,000, without any efforts for repair.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a broader concern among residents about the potential impact of commercial operations on their quality of life and property values. Homeowners expressed a desire for clearer safeguards and assurances from the city regarding the management of such businesses in residential areas. As the meeting concluded, the community remained anxious about the future of their neighborhood and the balance between commercial interests and residential rights.