Norwalk council approves voluntary annexation of roughly 2,900 acres for southwest corridor; residents urge delay

The Norwalk City Council on Thursday approved a resolution accepting landowner applications for a voluntary annexation of about 2,900 acres southwest of the existing city limits, extending the city’s boundary toward Interstate 35 and the Madison County line.

The annexation is intended to protect and support $10 million in planned infrastructure — including the first phase of a North River trunk sewer interceptor — and to advance the city’s 2018 goal to expand its commercial and industrial tax base. City staff and elected officials told council the annexation is largely voluntary: more than 96% of the area’s acreage is covered by landowner petitions, and one nonconsenting owner holds roughly 134 acres.

City staff described steps taken before the hearing to prepare the area for development, including land purchases and engineering studies. Jim (staff member) explained the legal framework to the audience, saying, “Annexation is the process of a city changing its city boundaries,” and that Iowa law allows a primarily voluntary annexation to include up to 20% nonconsenting property…