Council affirms board of adjustment action allowing seasonal retreat use in Western Hills after neighborhood debate

The Sioux City Council voted to acknowledge on Monday a Board of Adjustment decision that granted a one‑year conditional use to allow leadership retreats and a bed‑and‑breakfast–style operation at a privately owned property in the Western Hills neighborhood near West 30th and Amanda Street.

Neighbors urged the council to remand the decision back to the Board of Adjustment, saying mailed notices were vague and that the proposed use — described by the applicant as seasonal retreats with yoga, small groups and quiet activities — would increase traffic, dust on gravel roads and overnight occupancy. The board’s action was upheld by council vote with three members in favor, two opposed and one abstention, according to the meeting record.

The applicant, Debbie LaCroix, told the council the proposed operation would be seasonal (she said the retreats would primarily run March through October), would host small groups, and that she was open to meeting neighbors and…