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Council approves 90-day trial opening of gate at Riverstone subdivision with condition to address debris
Summary
After extended public comment and council debate, Clinton City Council approved a 90-day waiver to open the gate at Riverstone subdivision; council added an amendment requiring the developer to address on-site dirt/weed piles.
Clinton City Council on Jan. 14 approved a limited waiver to a Riverstone development agreement to open a subdivision gate for a 90-day trial, after lengthy public comment for and against the move. The council also adopted an amendment directing the developer to address a visible pile of dirt and related site maintenance.
Council member Seeley introduced the resolution authorizing a 90-day trial period to open the gate. Developers, residents and nearby property owners provided testimony both supporting and opposing the waiver. Opponents said the gate had been part of a compromise protecting existing residents; supporters, including developer Bill Wilford, said opening the gate is necessary to provide normal street access and services and that the original street configuration supported through traffic. Multiple residents and neighbors spoke during the public-comment period; some said construction vehicles and garbage trucks have been driving around the gate and damaging roadways.
Council debated public-safety access, impacts to neighbors, and enforcement. Several members supported a trial period to gather real-world data; others urged clearer criteria and monitoring. Council member Kearns said residents on one side of 9th Avenue North had contacted him and no longer wanted the gate. Council member Sealy said earlier communication problems had caused distrust and emphasized the trial nature of the action.
The council amended the resolution to add a requirement that the developer address accumulated dirt and weeds on affected properties; the amendment passed. Roll call on the amended resolution was 6 in favor, 1 opposed (Council member Detterman). The resolution authorizes the temporary opening; the gate must be closed at the end of the trial unless the council takes further action.
Council members said they expect to schedule follow-up review at the end of the trial and to address any complaints that arise during the period. The motion as amended passed and the city clerk will record the change to the development agreement as directed by the resolution.
