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Maquoketa council authorizes mayor to back interest in medium‑density zoning for Thriving Communities application
Summary
The council voted to authorize Mayor Tom Mezzello to sign a letter supporting a Thriving Communities Program application that signals Maquoketa's interest in medium‑density residential zoning to attract workforce housing. A developer presenter described example layouts and estimated sale prices in the mid‑$200,000s; formal zoning changes would require planning and zoning review.
The Maquoketa City Council on Monday authorized Mayor Tom Mezzello to sign a letter of support to the Iowa Finance Authority indicating the city’s interest in medium‑density residential zoning as part of a Thriving Communities Program application.
The motion, made by Councilmember Callister and seconded (recorded) by Rick Rowe, passed on a roll call vote. Council members discussed the request as an expression of interest, not a binding commitment: any zoning or code changes would still require formal review and recommendation by the city’s Planning & Zoning board.
A developer‑presenter identified in the record as Bernie described possible housing examples and site layout options, emphasizing flexibility in unit configuration. Bernie said such zoning “opens the door for more” development types and noted examples where garages are placed in the rear to help with drainage and streetscape. On pricing, Bernie estimated the townhome‑style units would likely sell in the mid‑$200,000s: “I think right now, you know, you'd probably be in the mid twos, you know, 200 … 250,000, somewhere in there.” He also said he preferred to sell units rather than operate them as rentals.
Council members referenced neighborhood examples and market interest; one councilmember noted the city currently has roughly “almost 900 or 1,000 rentals in town,” a figure offered in the discussion as context for workforce housing needs. City staff clarified that the letter of support would be a signal for the state application and would not bypass local planning processes.
What happens next: staff will prepare the letter for the mayor to sign and any future zoning text changes or site proposals would be referred to Planning & Zoning for a recommendation before returning to council for action.
