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Council approves first reading to rezone 5120 Tabor Drive to allow low‑density infill housing, despite neighborhood protest
Summary
Council approved the first reading of a rezoning to FSRL for 1.95 acres at 5120 Tabor Drive (7–9 units proposed). Neighbors raised concerns about wetlands, hydrology, wildlife habitat, and loss of green space; a certified petition required five affirmative votes, which the council provided to advance the application.
The City Council of the City of Ames on May 26 approved the first reading to rezone 5120 Tabor Drive from agricultural to FSRL (Floating Suburban Residential Low-density), clearing a procedural threshold required to advance a proposed 7–9 single-family‑lot master plan.
Planning staff described the parcel as about 1.95 acres, with a small western portion already zoned for future development; the FSRL designation requires a master plan and a minimum of 10% open space. Staff said the site was served by existing streets and utilities and that lots proposed by the developer would generally match surrounding lot sizes.
The hearing drew several neighborhood speakers organized around opposition. Jonathan Clausen and other residents pressed for a hydrological study, argued the property offers connected wildlife habitat and prairie remnants, and warned about potential drainage and basement‑flooding risks if lots encroach on the wetland fringe. Clausen said neighbors believed the area had been reserved as open space in connection with an earlier church plat and urged the council to consider acquisition or other preservation steps.
Developer Keith Arneson presented infill arguments, saying the parcel represents efficient use of already‑serviced city land and aligns with council goals to increase housing supply. Arneson said his typical developments are infill and described the proposal as low intensity compared with other redevelopment.
A valid petition of protest was certified earlier in the day, which under city rules required five affirmative votes to approve the rezoning. The council approved the first reading by roll call; staff noted the rezoning does not approve lot layout, preliminary plat, or final plat—the preliminary plat (and a public hearing) will follow and will include engineered stormwater and layout details.
Outcome: Motion to approve the first reading of rezoning passed by roll call. Additional public hearings and review of the preliminary plat and stormwater documents will follow before any building permits are issued.
