Hunter
07/28/21
The Iowa City City Council has rejected a proposed development near Hickory Hill Park.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the councilors voted 5-2 on the proposal’s third reading, after approving it, albeit narrowly, at its second reading and okaying the project 5-2 on its first reading.
Mayor Bruce Teague, Mayor Pro-Tem Mazahir Salih, Pauline Taylor, Janice Weiner, and John Thomas voted no, while Susan Mims and Laura Bergus voted in favor of the project.
The Council’s about-face was likely caused by opposition to the plan by members of the public. The Press-Citizen reports that 17 members of the public voiced their concerns during Tuesday’s meeting. Most of the email correspondence also opposed the project.
After several adjustments to the original plans, the development was to include a senior living center and single family housing. A 14-acre buffer was planned between the development and Hickory Hill Park.
There’s no word whether litigation will ensue from the council’s vote.