Council delays decision on zoning text amendment to allow wholesale in C-3 (ORD 25-03) after public concern about truck traffic
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Summary
On third consideration of ORD 25-03, the council heard testimony from the petitioners attorney and a long public comment urging traffic and noise studies before allowing wholesale uses by right in C-3 corridors; the council voted to keep the item on the discussion agenda for further review.
The Davenport City Council Committee of the Whole heard the third consideration of Ordinance ORD 25-03 on Jan. 7, a zoning text amendment requested by Leverage Holdings LLC to permit wholesale establishments as a permitted use in the citys C-3 commercial districts and to add principal use standards.
Tom Pasternak, attorney for the petitioner, told the council the change aims to "reenergize development in the C-3 districts" and argued wholesaling will ease reuse of older commercial buildings. He said wholesaling was previously allowed in some C-3 areas under the citys prior zoning code and that the overlay districts and existing standards will govern new development.
Resident Judith Lee (Second Ward) urged caution, saying the proposal would permit wholesale by right throughout C-3 districts and asking for specific studies. She flagged potential increases in semi/truck traffic on Kimberly and Elmore, the need for noise and vibration analysis, and concerns about the character of retail corridors if warehouses and six-foot fenced storage areas proliferate. "Don't just accept assurances that everything is fine," she said, asking council to request traffic and noise data and to consider the long-term impact on road maintenance and nearby retailers.
Council members asked staff for clarifications. Planner Laura Berkeley (Development Neighborhood Services) said the item is a zoning text change applying citywide to C-3 districts (not a specific rezoning of a parcel) and that the petitioner sought by-right allowance under certain restrictions rather than repeated special-use requests to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Aldermen asked for maps showing which parcels would be affected and whether the Elmore Corridor overlay standards apply.
After discussion, Alderman Lienen moved to place ORD 25-03 on the discussion agenda so new council members could review additional information; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (Aye). No final vote on the ordinance was taken; the council left the matter for further study and staff follow-up.
