City Council to discuss zoning, Affirmative Action plan

Makayla Tendall

This week’s City Council meeting will center on Breckenridge Group’s zoning request.

Breckenridge Group Ames Iowa, LLC proposed building three apartment buildings near Ames Middle School. The three properties are currently set as low density residential or suburban residential parcels of land.

In past City Council meetings, members said they would not advise apartment buildings in the area because of the overcrowding it would create for CyRide and because of the suburban housing that is already in the area.

Breckenridge withdrew its rezoning request but asked City Council to hold a special meeting to discuss the future of the properties.

The meeting is set for May 6.

It was proposed that the city manager and housing and planning director meet with the developers and neighborhood representatives of the area before the May 6 meeting to discuss concerns.

Also on the agenda for the meeting is the Affirmative Action Compliance Plan that will outline how the city will assist persons with limited English proficiency.

The plan previously only detailed the city’s responsibility to assist persons with limited English proficiency during public meetings. The new plan will assist those who have more frequent dealings with city staff.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce will look to set up provisions for the Ames Main Street Farmers Market on Saturdays from May 3 to October 25. It will ask for a resolution to approve the closure of the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

It will also look to approve waiving parking enforcement in those areas during the time of the Farmers Market.

Bars such as Charlie Yokes are also looking to obtain outdoor service privileges.