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Council reapproves plan for 4 million-square-foot North Liberty Logistics Park with sidewalk and road variances
Summary
Council approved a preliminary development plan for a nine-building, roughly 4,000,000-square-foot industrial park between I-35 and U.S. 69, granting two variances related to sidewalks and improvements on Northeast 116th Street and requiring specified intersection improvements and landscaping.
The Liberty City Council on May 19 approved a preliminary development plan for North Liberty Logistics Park, a proposed nine-building industrial complex totaling about 4,000,000 square feet between Interstate 35 and U.S. 69.
Staff said the application includes two variances: one to omit sidewalks along Edgar Petty Road where it approaches I-35 and the other to avoid full improvements along Northeast 116th Street, a primarily rural road adjacent to residential areas. The developer proposes intersection improvements at Edgar Petty and 116th Street, extensive landscaping and other mitigation measures.
Why it matters: the project would add substantial industrial space and traffic to a corridor between I-35 and U.S. 69; variances affect long-term pedestrian infrastructure and who will finish roadway improvements if the area develops.
City staff described Northeast 116th Street as a rural road with no county classification and said the developer plans a 24-foot pavement section with a one-foot shoulder on each side to provide a maintainable driving surface. Sherry McIntyre, the city’s public works director, answered council questions about pavement type and right-of-way additions, noting the developer will convey additional right-of-way and provide pavement improvements appropriate for future maintenance.
Staff told the council they would install sidewalks on both sides of Edgar Petty Road up to the point where the property abuts Interstate 35 and argued full curb, gutter and sidewalks were not warranted in the rural stretch of 116th Street at this time. Council members asked who would pay for future sidewalks if the area were developed; staff replied that future development — particularly to the north — would likely be required to complete road sections or sidewalks.
The planning commission had voted unanimously in favor of the plan and variances; the council approved the preliminary development plan and associated resolution unanimously.
Discussion vs. decision: council discussion centered on whether the variances were requested during the project’s previous approval, the nature of pavement and sidewalk standards on 116th Street, and the long-term maintenance implications. The decision adopted the variances and preliminary development plan as presented.
