Cedar Falls council adopts multi-residential urban revitalization plan over neighborhood objections

The Cedar Falls City Council voted to adopt a multi-residential urban revitalization plan for a defined area near the intersection of Green Hill Road and Cedar Heights Drive, approving a 10-year, 100% property tax abatement on the increased valuation for qualifying multifamily developments.

The plan, which the council approved after public comment and internal debate, applies only to multifamily housing (three dwelling units or more) inside the boundaries shown in the plan. Council members recorded a 5–2 vote to adopt the revitalization plan in the public hearing; the related ordinance designating the area passed first consideration on a 6–1 vote.

Council and staff said the incentive is intended to encourage new multifamily construction at a publicly discussed site that includes a former church parcel and two nearby vacant strips of land. Shane Graham, a city staff member working on the proposals, told the council the plan was developed to comply with state law and to promote multifamily housing: “This plan is intended to encourage development, redevelopment and revitalization within this area of the city by offering a tax incentive,” Graham said.

The adoption drew sustained…