[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6641977,"mediaKeyId","3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff","parentId",3415969,"title","Developer seeks storefront instead of enclosed garage at Broad & Main BM6; council raises parking and driveway concerns","audioSeconds",419,"startMs",9059000,"endMs",9478000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff&start=9059&end=9478","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff/thumbnail_9059000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641977/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Developer-seeks-storefront-instead-of-enclosed-garage-at-Broad-Main-BM6-council-raises-parking-and-driveway-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641977-705b2ecabe85cab6bb517cdae9a59fa1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607493&Signature=fkAQUgd6lTMynMWJEkI5A1Kecb9BJSGRpQ8O-9HCUJFAdn4xmmMBSfe4KEQA59srV-Bq7YsivuTiyo11nR0iSM5-d8B5i5i4t7KHeZBUMROABmKM4x2NAJSwqWBMoTOAXDD13zLjFyATLu-dFBHEu2J3nYmKUnkZeEHRmfi8ShGQ6TiMER-o-TuQ7tWZqcBvL1uj7o1MlCGlLkBb8riqrw2w~VgwhsDtw6ADi072a3a~U5OS2rfeIa7js9hC75SYd1Sir9tTJ6nZP4OBHAGwiccSyjAQlZvqm9ovUUEyol5ec0oRSnYZTKpG6Y03UadlBc0V9~l9pwjwC5mZKJZSVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","Marion — A developer request to modify the approved Broad & Main BM6 design — converting part of the lower‑level enclosed garage into commercial tenant space and adding storefront windows — drew questions about parking supply and vehicle access during Marion's May 20 work session.

Planning consultant Emily Houston presented the change request. The proposed modification would convert about 3,000 square feet of the lower level (previously designed as an enclosed parking garage) to commercial tenant space, remove five of the enclosed parking stalls, and shorten a stairway adjacent to the central plaza. The project team said the surface parking lot between the BM6 and BM7 buildings (48 spaces) was expected to be underused historically and could absorb some displaced resident parking.

Staff said the reduced enclosed parking would leave 30 spaces for the BM6 residents and that the building would have 42 units; staff modeled overall utilization in the study area and warned a restaurant tenant would push demand closer to capacity than a retail or office tenant would. Councilmembers expressed concern about additional driveways onto Sixth Avenue and about vehicles entering and exiting the enclosed garage at a busy corridor location; one councilmember suggested a right‑in/right‑out restriction at the garage entrance could reduce conflict.

Planning said exterior appearance changes in the Uptown‑2 (U2) district require Planning & Zoning and council review; the BM6 change will appear on the agenda for further consideration. No action was taken at the May 20 work session; council asked staff for additional parking counts, footprints and driveway/traffic analysis ahead of formal consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - Audio/Presentation - 5.20.25","oneSentenceSummary","A request to convert part of the approved Broad & Main BM6 building's lower‑level enclosed parking into commercial space prompted council questions about parking adequacy and driveway access on Sixth Avenue.","taxTitle","Marion City, Linn County, Iowa","taxId",55360,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641982,"Marion reports solid‑waste automation results: tonnage up, teams add route telemetry and consider yard‑waste truck",463,7112000,7575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff&start=7112&end=7575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff/thumbnail_7112000.jpg","/articles/6641982/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-reports-solidwaste-automation-results-tonnage-up-teams-add-route-telemetry-and-consider-yardwaste-truck","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641982-c56a32617208a78e483f21ca4cdf9b6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607493&Signature=hcEjoZs8B39NjnBjlDmXxJ9ugBFCJbDVc8MuiIvXjQhJbFdGyVN3PKsZ0wnUZJyGlIEsEumxvb0dsuP4GDNYgevownqK-2dM~HF5OfS-V3hRFJOCtzWJibsls9w865sip7XFQ4LgYyKpihuxPIJVrmS~MzYKxa7JzgzdI0mrQ~9V-TzsnZcU9pEzyRqimCVM4-5H6C~pjAS2xVrcc5JwAAWS9uPSEcrp6DSQaL~1jtVpOr61aTtUmjynrGsaKI--DN7zTsNQjsElgvyT2QgcSvKXjX6uDxYNWMVBobGIBMYPo5IIIBDkGD4AJV0tzddwytXLE9M5Kzetyp6Rh5OeGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion — Public Works staff updated council on the city's automated curbside collection on May 20, reporting higher tonnage, new telematics installation, and operational follow‑up steps.

Matt (solid waste manager) told council that curbside garbage tonnage has increased about 8.75% and recycling tonnage about 8.32% since automation began. He described average daily stops by route and said roughly 86% of households use the 64‑gallon carts for trash while 85% use 64‑gallon recycling containers. He noted yard‑waste subscription uptake of about 29% of households and that yard‑waste processing is weather‑sensitive.

Staff recently installed Samsara telematics devices and is implementing RouteWare route software, with a goal to have full integration by June 30. Matt said the team is evaluating whether to add a dedicated yard‑waste truck because current split‑hopper trucks are not ideal for yard debris; councilmembers also asked staff to consider whether to expand yard‑waste and recycling center hours (currently Tuesdays and Saturdays, with extended Tuesday hours to 5:45 p.m.).

Council asked about handling overturned carts and placement errors; Matt said drivers are instructed to pick up knocked‑over containers and that an electronic tagging system documents improper placement so staff can notify residents. No policy change was adopted at the May 20 meeting; staff will return with options, including staffing impacts and cost, for any hours or truck purchases.","After automated cart rollout, Marion's curbside garbage and recycling tonnages rose about 8%. Staff reported Samsara telemetry and RouteWare integration, discussed yard‑waste operations and said they are evaluating a dedicated yard‑waste truck and potential hours at the drop‑off site.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641987,"Willowwood Park aquatic center moves toward 30% design, council to review preliminary pricing in June",505,6260000,6765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff&start=6260&end=6765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff/thumbnail_6260000.jpg","/articles/6641987/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Willowwood-Park-aquatic-center-moves-toward-30-design-council-to-review-preliminary-pricing-in-June","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641987-0176f484045a4f14dad96c3316543c79/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607493&Signature=Vq7t7WArE5qcokG62eiEFrULfVtnd3gihhVfS0OdiAant09RQ-ysulKq8kN0SkTbHK8GsdYqlZTbdIUBZIxpc0s1V92TsCL71a-KTc-3An6cGaYg9TjQDRy4gFOwIm6MoF37gv~1l~ztsyqNN~4kH8-E~HuEiHdRO8SbT-lIwMH4V8Xh7i9MqwmJC9Mn9w3dQwaNYlIeW-PVRv09g6V9~P4k~0ub-p8euF7tU~3GDICWq1XJmfzsmIlkz1GZ4UUjLNKJBe5XxeFU3BGEjOpwDYlra4BdGtJlDhNyTYPOg2guER95mc2iqQl05hKWYR2j7G-YRoI3XS1FxDV-Mhl5tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion — City staff updated the council on schematic designs and the schedule for the proposed aquatic center at Willowwood Park on May 20, identifying design features, a June pricing review and a target for referendum language in July.

Project manager Seth (parks staff) said schematic design is complete and the team has produced a conceptual site layout that includes an aquatic facility with a leisure pool, lazy river, lap pool and specialty slides; a market pavilion; playground; and a cluster of 12 pickleball courts and other dry‑recreation amenities on the site. The schematic drawings will move to 30% construction documents with pricing from a construction manager at risk (CMAR). Seth said the team will present preliminary pricing and cost modeling to council on June 17; staff aims to have draft referendum language ready by July 17 for a potential November 4 bond referendum.

Seth said the CMAR selection and pricing will drive refined scope and possible phasing options. He also noted parking supply concerns raised by councilmembers during the presentation; staff will ask the design team to revisit parking assumptions for market days and events.

Council members asked when operational budgets and levy impacts will be available; Seth said a business plan and operational budget estimates will be provided for council review before the referendum decision. No referendum language or financing action was taken at the May 20 work session; those items will be addressed in June and July as the design and pricing are refined.","Staff presented schematic designs and a schedule for the proposed Willowwood Park aquatic center and related park improvements, including a June 17 meeting to review preliminary pricing and a July draft referendum language deadline for an anticipated November ballot.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641992,"Cedar Rapids Transit and Horizons present annual report; Marion service unchanged, NTS seeks 5% funding increase",533,5067000,5600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff&start=5067&end=5600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff/thumbnail_5067000.jpg","/articles/6641992/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Cedar-Rapids-Transit-and-Horizons-present-annual-report-Marion-service-unchanged-NTS-seeks-5-funding-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641992-95255b087c765e6299cf5506314808c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607493&Signature=CkT5Vd34B5LiR0YXdMX3TfAIt4qseUGL8mxzLCcd1kyS~LS5i5v~rxR-kC1VZgL8FoRBPEfKHVoRWJzNzzN07lzK5-ZizDaQMdvdAEd0qltDzg-UayIjWfJT-NsyVJkQ3v7XkBIcGL3abxmKo1nOIhmM6gfubCJA1YAZYdpprg-WHteEVB5ifaj1XDoKP65SsVcaacuVuv3AGag1NIiJPdkE3VkvkPTKohb8HioKABzgFZxtzYc3Eb5LC379QCWa5iStHOCnzKhaXSP~AY~ZbJXS5-cAEstSmaJsOFz12H2AMdXSsSJk5PbqgG0DaNqoKRTSx7U~QfQOz9b6aD9MXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion — Representatives from Cedar Rapids Transit and Horizons presented their annual service update to the Marion City Council on May 20, describing current operations, ridership trends and a pending FY26 funding request.

Sergio Hill, Cedar Rapids Transit manager, told council that service levels will remain unchanged in FY26 under the current intergovernmental agreement. He said Marion accounts for about 3.5% of the system's roughly $13.2 million operations budget and that the agency will continue existing weekday and Saturday routes, paratransit, and after‑hours demand‑response service contracted to Horizons. Hill said vehicle replacement planning and reliability remain priorities; the system is pursuing hybrid buses rather than a full electric conversion at this time.

Sandy Wigger, director of community transportation for Horizons' NTS, gave Marion‑specific ridership figures. She said NTS provided 3,736 rides in the past 12 months that originated or terminated in Marion and reported that survey respondents cited improved employment opportunities and independence from the service. NTS asked Marion for a 5% increase in FY26 funding (the request shown in the packet was $44,415) to cover higher operating costs.

Councilmembers asked about marketing and outreach to increase ridership and about capital funds for transit shelters and stops. Staff said Marion has CMAQ/Metropolitan Planning Organization funds reserved for transit stop improvements and will return with a presentation on stop/shelter options.

No contract action was taken at the May 20 meeting; funding requests will be considered as part of Marion's FY26 budget process.","Cedar Rapids Transit reported FY26 service will remain at current levels under the existing agreement; Marion comprises about 3.5% of system costs. Horizons/NTS reported local demand‑response numbers and requested a 5% funding increase for FY26.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641996,"Marion council debates zoning code amendments; agrees on 16‑pump cap for Tower Terrace gas stations, asks P&Z for more work",4542,816000,5358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff&start=816&end=5358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3415969-c196acf28e39c138a67878ba9e2dc2ff/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6641996/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-council-debates-zoning-code-amendments-agrees-on-16pump-cap-for-Tower-Terrace-gas-stations-asks-PZ-for-more-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641996-82e317b38504c974dd85f17c5fb432cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773607493&Signature=IZt8AYJffvpC0BslEg03~nl8eKVBc1d~tCT7mGwkVCsK~FmFLlblcUDKpF7qxqnTGoerpm02e~Ls0F5N4oAGCvnPTewnBC2sIi0F4mzo06R3cmkVbPsQ3luBJOliWgIN6R22sm5gEQm-UzK~e0tKIZJDAcWVqI~yJ7bCIwDJgO--eXo1MAolSQondNw8lBQtBdxFJwSG9rqVEqHtq5g6sN-xqskcJ8T093Dk7vlGa2sfBxg0M5FgO7a81asE9iVjoYvCKYT3g8RX4dufLjRF2ztfZSyOT1~wDnjBlV4j-ySbNCxuHYJ7vLpX9pL~yiX1Q6YOxasdlxH2MONY5tw5pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion — Marion City Council members and staff reviewed a package of zoning code amendments on May 20 that implement recommendations from the city's comprehensive plan and a temporary moratorium on certain uses.

The package, presented by Nicole (planning staff) and Charlie Cowell of RDG Planning and Design, would update use definitions, development and design standards, and targeted corridor rules. The proposed changes would prohibit some uses within 600 feet of selected corridors and add separation or design standards for others; the sign code will be considered separately in June.

Council discussion focused heavily on gas stations along Tower Terrace Road. Cowell said the draft would allow gas stations on that corridor but impose a one‑mile buffer between stations, require a convenience store component, and limit pump counts — the draft initially set a 16‑pump maximum. Planning and Zoning recommended raising the maximum to 24 pumps, citing projected demand; the commission vote on that recommendation was close (4–3).

Council members said 24 pumps would be too large for much of Tower Terrace because residences are close to the corridor. After extensive discussion, council reached consensus to retain a 16‑pump maximum for gas stations along Tower Terrace Road but to exempt highway intersections (for example the Tower Terrace–Highway 13 node) from that size limit so larger stations could locate at major intersections. Council also asked staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission to do additional mapping and analysis and to continue work on a more specific, parcel‑level approach to where gas stations can go.

Councilmembers also asked Planning & Zoning to revisit the city's legal nonconforming rule that allows a discontinued nonconforming use to reestablish within 180 days (six months). Several councilmembers asked staff to prepare options for amending that period to reduce repeat reestablishment of uses not allowed under the new code.

Other proposed changes included: adding a one‑mile separation for liquor/tobacco/vape stores (citywide), a 1,000‑foot separation for pawn shops, permitting multifamily as a conditional use behind a commercial frontage in local business districts, and new architectural, landscaping and buffering standards on key corridors. Cowell said adopted PUDs and master plans (for example the Neighborhood at Indian Creek) would continue to govern parcels covered by those plans and would supersede the new code where applicable.

Next steps: staff will present final ordinance language and accompanying maps at upcoming meetings; the sign code will return as a separate package in June. Council directed staff to return to Planning & Zoning with refined options on the Tower Terrace buffer/distance rule and the six‑month nonconforming provision before final readings.

The council did not adopt ordinance language at the May 20 session; the meeting recorded direction to staff and a consensus on the pump limit and highway‑intersection exception.","City staff and consultant presented broad code changes tied to the comprehensive plan. Councilmembers focused on gas stations along Tower Terrace Road and agreed on a 16‑pump maximum with an exception for highway intersections and asked Planning & Zoning to refine distance rules and other details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer seeks storefront instead of enclosed garage at Broad & Main BM6; council raises parking and driveway concerns

Marion reports solid‑waste automation results: tonnage up, teams add route telemetry and consider yard‑waste truck

Willowwood Park aquatic center moves toward 30% design, council to review preliminary pricing in June

Cedar Rapids Transit and Horizons present annual report; Marion service unchanged, NTS seeks 5% funding increase

Marion council debates zoning code amendments; agrees on 16‑pump cap for Tower Terrace gas stations, asks P&Z for more work