Council approves preliminary plat for former ACT campus; plan includes 14 developable lots

The Iowa City Council on July 14 approved a preliminary plat for the former ACT campus, described by staff as Castro Hills Community and referenced in public comment as Kestrel Hills. Neighborhood and development services staff said the plat creates 14 developable lots intended for a mix of residential and commercial uses, extends and formalizes streets (including ACT Drive as an extension of North First Avenue and Betler Drive to North Dodge Street), adds sidewalks to city standards, and designates approximately 3 acres of open space to be addressed at final plat stage (likely by fee-in-lieu).

Danielle Sussman of neighborhood and development services told the council the plat complies with the comprehensive plan and the city's subdivision ordinance; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 5–0. Steve Long, representing the ownership group, said some parcels have been sold—one to Oak Knoll (which plans 140 units) and Lot 10 to a senior housing developer planning 44 units for residents 55-plus—and that the development team intends to protect woodlands and natural areas in a later phase while allowing trails and connectivity.

Councilors asked questions about sensitive-area protections and stormwater management; staff said preliminary and final sensitive-area plans are required and may include easements or dedications to protect natural features. The council approved the preliminary plat by roll call, 6–0.

Next steps: staff said final plats and subdivider agreements will address open-space calculations, easements and specific infrastructure phasing.