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Council authorizes manager to negotiate tiny-home village at Chesterfield School site
Summary
The Des Moines City Council authorized the city manager to negotiate with Japa to develop a tiny-home village at the former Chesterfield School site, 2501 Morris Street. Councilmembers praised the site's infrastructure and neighborhood support; the motion carried 6-0 with one abstention.
The Des Moines City Council on Aug. 4 authorized the city manager to negotiate an agreement with Japa to develop a tiny-home village at the Chesterfield School site at 2501 Morris Street.
Council members said the project began on County Line Road but that the Chesterfield School site was a better location with existing streets and infrastructure and neighborhood support. "I am... happy that the site is going to be in my ward. I'm happy to be supportive of that, and I'd love to have this get moving forward," Councilperson Gatto said.
Other council members noted practical advantages of the site, including a bus line and a landlord they described as cooperative. The council moved, seconded and approved the authorization to negotiate; the roll-call vote was recorded as 6 yes, 1 abstain and the motion carried.
Council discussion emphasized that additional steps remain before development, including negotiated terms and required approvals. The authorization at the Aug. 4 meeting grants the city manager authority to negotiate an agreement with Japa; it does not finalize any contract or appropriate funds.
Background provided during the discussion: the project previously identified property on County Line Road and the council, county and community stakeholders worked to identify the Chesterfield School site as an alternative location. The agenda item was listed as Council Communication 25-300.
