Coralville panel backs land-use change and approves Oakdale Overlook preliminary plat and PUD-A

CORALVILLE, Iowa — On June 6, 2026, the City of Coralville Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a land use map amendment and approved a preliminary plat and a PUD-A master site plan for Oakdale Overlook, a proposed development at the northeast corner of Oakdale Blvd. and Jones Blvd.

Dave Johnson, Coralville’s Community Development Director, told the commission the applicant, Grand Rail Development, seeks to reclassify a 3.69-acre portion of the future Oakdale Overlook Subdivision from Corridor Commercial to High-Density Residential to allow a 63-unit multi-family building. Johnson said the application results in an average residential density of about 17 dwelling units per acre, above the High-Density Residential threshold of 16 units per acre; he added staff supports the change as compatible with nearby commercial and residential uses.

The staff presentation also described the overall parcel in two nearby references: the land-use hearing noted a 3.69-acre portion of a future 7.06-acre subdivision, while the subsequent preliminary-plat presentation described the property as roughly 7.09 acres. The commission record does not reconcile that numeric difference.

Johnson said the proposal preserves commercial presence at the Oakdale/Jones intersection while introducing additional housing near clinics, grocery stores and schools. He described the site context as immediately east of Oakdale Plaza and adjacent to planned mixed-use buildings, townhomes and single-family homes in the Coralville West Village subdivision.

The project as presented includes a 63-unit multi-family building and four commercial multi-tenant buildings. Parking shown on the PUD-A plan totals 210 stalls: 115 stalls for the residential component (based on the developer’s market demand of 1.5 stalls per unit), with 70 residential stalls provided in-building, and 95 stalls for the commercial component. Kelly Beckler of MMS Consultants, representing the applicant, said about half the residential units would be one-bedroom and the remainder two-bedroom and said he was available to answer questions.

Commissioners asked several site-specific questions before voting. Commissioner Wenman asked whether future alignment of Jones Blvd. would be driven by northward development; Johnson said the city is coordinating with the State of Iowa on the alignment and that the subdivision will initiate the northward extension. Commissioner Holderness asked about a proposed pond that lies on University of Iowa property; Johnson said the university is agreeable to that pond location. Holderness also asked whether staff had reviewed the driveway location near a planned roundabout on Jones Blvd.; Johnson said staff is comfortable with the driveway location.

At the meeting the commission took these formal actions: it recommended approval of the land use map amendment, approved the preliminary plat and approved the PUD-A site plan; each motion passed unanimously, 6-0. The commission minutes show earlier routine business included approval of the agenda and the April 1, 2026 minutes, each carried 6-0. Johnson said construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026 and conclude in spring 2028; staff said more detailed PUD-B site plans will be required for future review and approval.

The commission adjourned at 6:10 p.m.; Johnson told commissioners he expects at least one project to appear on the July agenda.