The Dubuque City Council voted 7‑0 Wednesday to approve an irrevocable license allowing the University of Dubuque’s remodel at 500 Main Street to encroach into public right‑of‑way. The license covers portions of an existing and reconstructed foundation and limited architectural projections for the new John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine.
City engineer Gus Sahoyis told the council the property, at the northeast quadrant of Fifth and Main streets, is being redeveloped and that some footings and portions of the reconstructed south and west facades will extend into the adjacent street right‑of‑way. "All documents have been received from the University of Dubuque including an exhibit, irrevocable license, insurance, and license fee," Sahoyis said, and he recommended council approval.
The engineering department, planning services and building services have reviewed and approved the request, Sahoyis said, and all affected public and private utility owners have submitted signed consent forms. He said most of the encroachments are very small — "less than a foot, less than a half a foot" — and that some encroachments are existing foundation footings.
Councilmember Sprang asked whether the proposed work would obstruct drivers' sight lines. Planning Services Director Wally Wernemont and Sahoyis said the development sits outside the intersection visibility triangle, and the traffic review found no visibility concerns. Sahoyis noted a stop sign on Main Street and said Fifth Street is through traffic; Wernemont added that a separate site review by the development review team will examine final sight‑line and design details.
Councilmembers also asked whether sidewalks or public access would be lost. Sahoyis said sidewalks at the site are wide and the encroachments would be within the sidewalk area; "there will be any loss of street right of way access for the public," he said, adding the city wants to encourage pedestrian circulation for the downtown medical college campus.
As part of the redevelopment, the university also will seek administrative approval for minor revocable encroachments such as a dumpster enclosure, HVAC equipment, and stairs and railings. Sahoyis said those items will be handled through the revocable license process rather than by tonight’s irrevocable license.
Mayor Cavanaugh called the roll after a motion by Councilmember Jones and a second by Councilmember Wethal. The clerk recorded seven ayes and no dissenting votes; the motion passed unanimously.
The council convened the special session solely to consider the irrevocable license and to hold a work session on the unified development code update; the meeting notice and an announcement at the start of the session stated that public input was not accepted for this special meeting.
Documents filed with the city, and cited by staff tonight, include an exhibit showing the encroachments, an irrevocable license agreement, proof of insurance and a license fee. Sahoyis asked the council to approve the license so the university can proceed with construction and with related administrative approvals.