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City staff updates commission on local economic development, Southwest Corridor delays and major projects
Summary
City planning staff updated the commission April 14 on a series of business openings, industrial development and pending delays on the Southwest Development Corridor caused by pending legislation and an annexation appeal.
City planning staff updated the Planning and Zoning Commission April 14 on a range of economic development projects, upcoming city priorities and potential delays affecting the Southwest Development Corridor.
Holly (planning staff) provided the monthly report and a legislative timetable, saying the city is monitoring a number of bills in the current legislative session that could affect public entities and how projects are funded. She noted that the session is scheduled to conclude May 2 but could extend.
On commercial and private development, Holly said Goodwill will open May 15 in the former Dollar Tree building, and a second Hilton-branded hotel under construction aims to open by year-end pending construction timelines. Pizza Ranch is under development; the Flamingo Lounge, in a renovated former clubhouse, hopes to open in May. Michael Foods’ expansion is close to completion and plans to begin production and hiring in May. Holly listed recent tenants in the industrial park and several retail and service openings in Norwalk Central, including Ember Market, which opened April 11.
Holly said a planned 12,000-square-foot medical facility from Dimas is proposed on Turnberry and Highway 208 north of C State Bank. She also reported that only two lots remain in Dunn Industrial Park and that the Nor River sewer is under construction.
On the Southwest Development Corridor, Holly said two primary holdups remain: (1) pending state legislation that could change tax-increment financing (TIF) rules and alter how infrastructure is paid for, and (2) an annexation appeal filed by a landowner who did not come in voluntarily. She said the appeal could delay the annexation process by several months depending on the outcome. The city has published a web page dedicated to the Southwest Corridor for public updates.
Holly also encouraged participation in state-level engagement: a Kosovo partnership conference April 30 at Camp Dodge and a state delegation trip to Washington, D.C., planned for June 15. She said the city budgets for some council members to attend the D.C. trip and that anyone in Warren County is welcome to participate.
Staff and commissioners discussed tracking where new employees from expansions such as Michael Foods will live; Holly said the Greater Des Moines Partnership conducts biennial studies showing worker inflow and outflow and that many entry-level workers currently commute into Norwalk. Luke (staff) and other commissioners noted Maple Heights sewer work expected this spring and that council will soon consider a temporary parking waiver for Fairway Fields; if council directs, planning staff will return options to the commission for review.
No formal votes or policy actions were taken on the development items during the meeting.
