Council approves rezoning and master plan for 202–210 SE 2nd Street; applicant proposes mixed‑use infill

Planning staff presented a rezoning application from KHDP Enterprises on behalf of Overflow Thrift to rezone approximately 1.29 acres on Southeast 2nd Street from HOC (Highway‑Oriented Commercial) to Neighborhood Commercial with a master plan. The proposed master plan envisions up to three stories with ground‑floor commercial and up to 30 residential units on upper floors.

Staff said the parcel sits in a redirection subarea of the Ames 2040 plan that envisions mid‑density mixed‑use development in this corridor and recommended approval with a zoning agreement prior to third reading to clarify expected commercial square footage and parking arrangements. Council members questioned the breadth of public outreach beyond the standard 400‑foot notice and discussed infrastructure and multimodal access; staff said the 400‑foot notice had been used and that sidewalks and other connectivity would be required at site development.

Applicant Kevin Heiss and developer representatives described interest in employer‑linked housing and potential office or restaurant uses; Heiss said the rezoning was an important condition to make the project financially feasible and that they expected to close on the property soon. After public comment from an individual with development experience endorsing mixed‑use infill, council moved and approved the rezoning and master plan with the staff condition to draft a zoning agreement prior to the third reading.