City Council approves Hackett development zoning, plats and development agreement despite neighborhood opposition

The Muscatine City Council on July 17 approved rezoning, preliminary and final plats and a development agreement for a 9.25-acre project behind the southern end of Claretback Lane and the northern end of Greenacres Drive, clearing the way for a subdivision that will include 10 single-family homes and 16 townhomes. Council action included third and final reading of the zoning amendment, adoption of preliminary and final plats, and a resolution approving a development agreement that authorizes annual tax-increment payments.

Neighbors who live on Greenacres told the council the proposal and associated street connection would turn a quiet dead-end street into a busy throughway. "How is this a win for the 22 houses on Greenacres?" said Gina Othmer, a Greenacres resident, during the public hearing. Several other residents described limited prior notice and worries about added traffic near multiple schools.

Proponents and the developer said the project will add housing and tax base. Todd Hackett, who identified himself as the developer and said he lives at 1923 Wildwood Lane, told the council he disputed claims the plan had been under discussion for a year and said he had met with some neighbors and taken steps to stake property lines during grading.

Council members moved and seconded the ordinance and resolutions on the council floor. Council member Connor moved adoption of the zoning ordinance on third and final reading; Council member Lampe seconded. The council voted unanimously in favor. Council member Gordon moved adoption of the preliminary plat resolution, seconded by Council member Gingerich; the vote was unanimous. The final plat was moved by Council member Connor, seconded by Council member Lewis, and approved with all ayes. A resolution approving the development agreement and authorizing annual appropriation tax-increment payments was moved by Council member Lampe, seconded by Council member Lewis, and adopted unanimously.

Discussion at the hearing focused on neighborhood impacts rather than changes to the plat or zoning language. Residents asked what safeguards the city would provide to prevent subsequent widening or sidewalk requirements that would alter front yards; the mayor reiterated that the third reading before council addressed zoning only. The public hearing record includes neighbor statements that the neighborhood had not been contacted before public notices and that traffic on nearby streets and multiple adjacent schools make a new through connection particularly concerning.

The council directed publication of the ordinance and advanced the development agreement. The record shows no subsequent amendment to the approved zoning map or plats at the meeting; council members who supported the measures said the development will expand housing options and raise tax revenue. No legal challenges or further approvals were announced at the meeting.

The action follows the council's standard procedures for zoning amendments, plats and development agreements and will be published as required by law.