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Des Moines council approves preliminary terms for 33‑story 515 Walnut tower after debate over apprenticeships and payroll oversight
Summary
The City Council approved preliminary urban‑renewal terms for a 33‑story, 390‑unit development at 515 Walnut but spent an extended session pressing for stronger apprenticeship commitments, contractor insurance proofs and ways to verify payroll and subcontractor lists before finalizing the development agreement.
The Des Moines City Council voted Dec. 23 to approve preliminary urban‑renewal terms for a 33‑story, 390‑unit tower at 515 Walnut, but not before a 90‑minute debate over labor standards, insurance verification and how the city will enforce contractor obligations.
Supporters said the project—expected to be financed partly through tax‑increment financing and tax abatement—could be transformative for downtown and generate substantial tax revenue over time. Opponents and some council members urged stronger, written commitments from the developer on apprenticeships, proof of workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance from contractors and subcontractors, and the ability to request payroll records and subcontractor lists for transparency and enforcement.
Council members…
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