March 28, 2024

Downtown housing still a priority for city

Council to discuss approval of grant program

Since the implementation of the City of Newton’s comprehensive plan, most commonly referred to as Newton’s Future, growing local housing options has remained a priority, especially downtown. And it will continue to be a first concern following council approval of a resolution establishing the Newton Downtown Housing Grant Program.

The proposed program will require a one-to-one match by the owner or developer and will encourage private investors to create housing units within the Newton Main Street District. Funds bonded in 2017 — totaling $100,000 — have been set aside for this purpose. The maximum grant that can be awarded is $20,000.

Housing will increase even further upon the council’s approval of Promissory Note & Construction Contract from Ground Breaker Homes, LLC, of Clive, for the purchase of lot 15 in the Cardinal Ridge Subdivision Plat 1 and the development of a single family spec home on the lot. The city council had already approved the sale of land for the purpose of developing town homes on the available lots.

The Newton City Council will also discuss a resolution approving the granting of Downtown Micro Grant Funds for rehabilitating 112 N. Second Ave. E. to Julia Prendergast. The Downtown Grant Review Board met Aug. 15, reviewed Prendergast’s proposal and will recommend approval of a maximum total of $17,000, provided the one-to-one match is met for each program area.

Council will discuss its second consideration of an ordinance detailing changes to street parking near the intersection of South 14th Avenue West at West Sixth Street South. The Traffic Safety Committee received a request to examine the parking from two abutting property owners, who are concerned when vehicles park too close to the radius of the intersection that it does not allow room for vehicles turning off West Sixth Street South to clear the intersection. The Traffic Safety Committee recommends restricting parking on the north side of South 14th Avenue West from the west of the curb line of West Sixth Street South, west 35 feet.

Flood insurance

A public hearing will be held for a proposed ordinance amendment required by Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to maintain Newton’s status within the National Flood Insurance Program. New flood maps have been prepared and will be in effect Oct. 5. Following an Aug. 7 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, officials unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance amendments.

If approved, various city entities will receive new equipment. Westwood Golf Course requests a new greens mower to replace its 2001 model, which is well beyond its replacement age.

The Newton Parks Operations Division requests a $6,925 debris blower to remove park system leaves, sticks and grass clippings.

The Newton Public Library is in need of a new air conditioner to replace the unit installed in 1999. Staff recommend awarding a contract for the Newton Public Library Air Conditioner Replacement Project to Warnick & Reeves Mechanical for approximately $56,073, using $50,000 from the 2017C Bond and $6,073 from the Library Foundation.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com