Commission recommends approval of North Dodge/North Governor rezoning for 84-unit multifamily project over resident objections

The Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 19 recommended approval of REZ24‑0001 by a 6‑1 vote, authorizing a planned‑development overlay (OPD) and RM‑20 zoning over approximately 5.49 acres along North Dodge Street and North Governor Street. The proposal calls for demolition of a vacant office building and two houses and construction of two multi‑family residential buildings, 42 units each for a total of 84 units. The motion passed 6‑1; Commissioner Townsend cast the lone dissenting vote.

Anne Russett, Neighborhood and Development Services, described the site’s complex zoning history, including legacy R3B zoning from the 1970s and past court rulings that limit the city’s ability to change those parcels without litigation. Russett told the commission the IC 2030 comprehensive plan and the Central District plan envision multi‑family development on most of the site and that the OPD is required because proposed impacts would affect more than the 35% of…