During the recent City Council meeting in Des Moines, significant discussions centered around two rezoning requests that could reshape local neighborhoods. The meeting, held on November 4, 2024, highlighted community concerns regarding increased density and its potential impact on safety and quality of life.

The first item on the agenda involved a request from GCAM Group LLC to rezone a property at 1419 Pennsylvania Avenue from N3C Neighborhood District to N3C-two Neighborhood District. This change would allow for the reuse of the existing structure as a duplex. The council voted unanimously to advance this request to the next meeting on November 18, 2024, indicating initial support for the proposal.

The second item, however, sparked considerable debate. A request from 3,708 Southeast 14th LLC sought to amend the comprehensive plan for a property near 3710 Southeast 14th Street, changing its designation from medium density residential to high density residential. This amendment would facilitate the expansion of an existing multiple household residential development, potentially increasing the density to over 17 dwelling units per acre.

Residents living within 250 feet of the proposed site expressed strong opposition during the public comment period. Concerns were raised about the proximity of new three-story buildings to existing homes, with residents fearing increased traffic, noise, and crime. One resident, Bernard Lippold, highlighted that the proposed development would be just 45 feet from his property, exacerbating existing issues with traffic and disturbances. He presented a petition signed by over 40 neighbors opposing the rezoning, emphasizing that the area is already struggling with crime and safety concerns.

Claudia Lucia, another resident, shared her long-term perspective on the neighborhood, noting that while improvements in management of existing apartments had led to some positive changes, the potential for increased density raised fears of a return to higher crime rates. She urged the council to consider the cumulative impact of adding more residents to an already congested area.

Yvonne Morris, who also spoke against the rezoning, raised specific concerns about traffic safety. She described dangerous conditions at existing driveways and the potential for accidents due to increased vehicle flow from the proposed development. Morris emphasized that the neighborhood, which consists of 128 homes, has already experienced significant challenges with crime and traffic, and further development could exacerbate these issues.

The council's discussions reflect a broader tension between the need for housing development and the preservation of community safety and quality of life. As the council prepares to revisit these proposals, the voices of concerned residents will likely play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. The upcoming meeting on November 18 will be pivotal in determining the future of these neighborhoods and the balance between development and community well-being.