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Commission recommends mixed-use rezoning for Indianola Road parcels; applicant says project will be market-rate
Summary
Planning staff recommended and the commission voted to recommend rezoning to RX1 for parcels near Indianola Road to enable about 34 townhome units; applicant said the $10 million project would not include affordable units and rents are expected at roughly $2,200–$2,400 per month.
The Des Moines Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to City Council approving rezoning of two combined parcels near Indianola Road and Southwest 1st Street to RX1 (mixed use) to permit approximately 34 three-story townhome units.
Bert Dross, planning staff, said the combined site is nearly two acres and the proposed density — roughly 17 units per acre — justifies a high-density future land-use designation. "Indianola Road is one of the busier streets in the area," Dross said, and staff concluded the RX1 district is appropriate and consistent with nearby redevelopment.
Applicant Adam Searen said the project is a roughly $10,000,000 development and that he had pursued but not received grayfield or workforce-housing tax credits. "No affordable units," Searen said in response to a commissioner question; he cited anticipated monthly rents around $2,200 to $2,400.
Public comments were mixed. Father Michael Amadeo, who lives across the street, supported redevelopment of what he called an "eyesore" but warned of traffic safety at the Indianola/SW 1st intersection. Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning, citing loss of parking, construction disruption, and concern about the scale of multiple new units near single-family blocks. Others, including an Indianola Hills neighborhood member, noted the prior success of similar townhome developments nearby and supported the project while urging attention to the intersection's traffic.
Commission discussion acknowledged the neighborhood concerns but emphasized the city's goals for increased housing density along this corridor. Commissioners asked staff about how the rezoning runs with the land (staff confirmed it does) and reminded the public that site-plan review and building standards would apply if the rezoning is approved by council.
A motion to move staff’s recommendation passed on a voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; if approved, the rezoning runs with the land and any future developer would still need site-plan approval and to secure any required relief or funding.
