March 29, 2024

Council to determine max building height near exit 168

Public hearing for FAA grant, development agreement changes also on docket

City staff have requested the Newton City Council approve the third reading of an ordinance changing the maximum allowable height of buildings developed in a commercial district near Interstate 80 exit 168.

Height limitations on the C-T: Tourism Orient Commercial District zone are currently set at 35 feet, which staff said may be “too restrictive” to accommodate multi-story projects, like hotels, which would extend and expand Newton’s economic development footprint.

Per staff’s proposal, the city recommends increasing the maximum allowable height to 80 feet.

This would place the district “well within the range of existing maximum allowable heights found in comparable zones within the city” and could accommodate much taller structures, according to city council agenda documents.

Public hearing for FAA funding application

During its Monday evening meeting, the Newton City Council will hold a public hearing for a resolution approving an application to acquire federal funding to pay for the Newton Airport Apron Expansion project, a contract of which would be contingent upon the receipt of the acquired grant.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the City of Newton to submit an application for funding assistance for the design and construction costs of the airport’s apron expansion project following the receipt of bids, agenda documents said.

Clapsaddle-Garber Associates prepared the apron expansion project’s construction plans and specifications.

City staff recommends to approve the submission of the FAA grant application and also award the project to Con-Struct, Inc. for $511,595.

Development agreement
amendment

Newton Elite Properties, LLC has requested to amend its agreement with the city to increase the economic development grant amount it received in June 2018 to rehabilitate the former Scoreboard building.

The front entrance of the property, now to be known as Esther & Co., at 122 N. Second Ave. W., needed reworked by the developer to meet the adopted codes of the city. The rework was estimated to cost $6,425.18.

The amendment would include the following language: “The City hereby agrees to provide an additional grant in an amount not to exceed $3,212.59 for the provision of an ADA compliant front entrance.” The other half would be paid for by the developer.

The Newton City Council will meet 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

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