Commission recommends approval of preliminary plat for Kestrel Hills at former ACT campus

The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a preliminary plat for the 109‑acre Kestrel Hills community at the former ACT campus in Iowa City.

Anne Russett, with Neighborhood and Development Services, presented the plan and said it proposes 14 developable lots and two private outlots on land north and south of North Scott Boulevard. "This is a 109‑acre subdivision containing 14 residential and commercial lots and two outlots for private open space," Russett said, adding that staff recommends approval and expects the commission's recommendation to go to the City Council on July 15.

The proposal follows a recent comprehensive plan amendment and three rezoning actions that changed portions of the site to commercial and mixed‑use designations, Russett said. The project includes conversion of some existing streets to public streets, extensions to improve connectivity, a planned 10‑foot sidewalk on North Dodge Street, intersection improvements at North Dodge and ACT Circle and conservation easements to protect woodland areas.

Russett said the development would preserve about 27% of woodlands on the commercial portion of the property, above the 10% preservation requirement, and that wetlands on Lot 7 would not be impacted. She noted that "critical slopes, about 31%, will be impacted and a maximum of 35% is allowed," and that protected slopes and buffers will not be affected.

Developer representatives said the submission is the first phase of a larger redevelopment. "We've been working on this for over two years ... taking a piece of land that really no one ever thought would be available and trying to reimagine and recreate it to repurpose it as an asset to the community," said Steve Long of JMB Campus.

Tom Martinez, speaking for Greater Iowa City Incorporated, urged the commission to recommend approval, saying the redevelopment would expand housing availability, create business opportunities and preserve natural amenities. "We respectfully encourage the commission to recommend approval of the preliminary plat," Martinez said.

One resident, Bill Simon of 833 Cypress Court, asked that Lot 12 be presented separately because it is noncontiguous with the main campus and abuts Hickory Hill Park, creating different community concerns and access issues along 1st Avenue.

Commissioners asked technical questions about why the plan shows only 14 lots on 109 acres and about street and engineering standards; staff said all lots meet zoning standards, engineering has reviewed construction documents and outstanding access details (including a write‑in/write‑out on North Dodge Street) will require Iowa DOT approval and be addressed at final plat stage.

Commissioner Jim moved to approve the recommendation and Russett recorded the second; the commission then voted to approve the preliminary plat recommendation unanimously. The commission also approved the minutes from the June 17 meeting, with one member abstaining because they were not present at that prior meeting.

The commission's recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for consideration on July 15. If approved by the council, subsequent review items at final plat stage will address construction details, street standards and any rezoning needed for individual lots such as Lot 12.