April 25, 2024

Fairmeadows North, Hotel Maytag top city council agenda

By Jamee A

The city looks to extend the Fairmeadows North development into the Plat 8 extension adding 23 new builder lots. (Jamee A)

Several high-profile projects currently underway will be up for discussion at Tuesday’s city council meeting. Awarding the contract for the Fairmeadows North Plat 8 extension, the development agreement for Hotel Maytag and extension of the Housing Initiative program are on the agenda for action.

The city entered into an agreement with the Newton Housing Development Corporation to facilitate the purchase of 7.3 acres of land north of the current Fairmeadows North subdivision. Since the purchase, steps have been taken to divide and develop the land into 23 lot residential subdivision.

Six firms submitted bids for the construction plans and specifications prepared by Snyder and Associates for the area. With the add-alternate included in the bid, the lower bidder of Sandstone Management LTD of Carlisle is recommended for the project.

The completion date of the base project is May 15, 2018 while the completion date is moved up to Nov. 30 with the selection of Add-Alternate 2.

A proposed public hearing for the development agreement with Hotel Maytag Investors, LLC is also on the agenda. The city is looking to enter into an agreement with Hotel Maytag Investors in connection with the redevelopment of Hotel Maytag building.

The development agreement would provide economic development grants to the developer in the amount of more than $2.8 million and property tax incentives in the form of annual appropriation incremental property tax rebate payments in the amount not to exceed $360,000.

An ongoing incentive provided by the city, the Newton Housing Initiative program has been very successful since its inception. It is proposed to extend the program through December 2020.

Currently, building permit and inspection fees are waived. Under the new proposal, building permit and inspection fees would be phased in during a three year period.

In 2018, these fees will be waived completely. In 2019, a 50 percent discount on these fees would be provided and starting on Jan. 1, 2020, any person applying for a building permit would pay the full amount of building permit and inspection fees.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com