Perry Council advances three zoning changes as two developers pursue low-income housing credits

Perry City Council on Tuesday advanced first readings on three zoning changes that would clear the way for proposed low-income housing projects and other development, and it heard extended testimony from developers and nearby property owners concerned about locating apartments next to industrial uses.

Planning staff told the council the rezonings are required before the applicants can apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. “A requirement per the application is to have the property that they’re interested in developing be rezoned appropriately prior to application,” Planning staff member Molly said, explaining the review under the city’s 2030 comprehensive plan.

Barry Countis, representing Cooper Companies, described a conceptual project on a parcel south of Iowa Street near Highway 141 and the recently completed detention pond. He said the proposal would include about 47 units with a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments and provided estimated rent ranges: “one‑bedrooms as of today would be between $685 and $1,115 a month; the two‑bedrooms would range from $810 to $1,325 a month; and the three‑bedrooms would be from $930 to $1,526 a month.” Countis said the firms pursue the state credits because they make the projects feasible.

Randy Shima of Meridian Development described a second proposal at 602 West Third Street and said his firm plans a 36‑unit project that would be “100% affordable. So, there won’t be any market rate units in this.” He said his team intends to retain ownership and management if the project is built.

Residents and neighboring business owners urged caution. “This is the wrong place for housing,” said Brett Weer, who owns property adjacent to the West Third site, and warned of truck traffic, noise and health concerns from placing family housing next to industrial operations. Resident Eddie asked what safeguards would ensure high‑quality construction; developers and staff answered that LIHTC projects are subject to a 15‑year compliance period with state review and that local building codes and permitting will apply.

Staff and developers also discussed how competitive Iowa’s tax‑credit scoring is and how community and developer caps can limit awards. Developers said Perry could feasibly receive one or two awards depending on scoring; no credits have been awarded yet, and the state decision is the determinative step.

Councilors conducted first readings of the three ordinances (industrial park parcel to light industrial; a parcel near the detention pond to residential multifamily; and 602 West Third from light industrial to residential multifamily). No final zoning approvals were adopted at the meeting; the items will return for further readings or action per the council’s schedule. The state tax‑credit award process and site‑level engineering, permitting and stormwater review will determine whether any proposal proceeds to construction.