A new regional mall is one step closer to becoming reality after the Ames City Council voted early Wednesday morning to change the city’s Land Use Policy Plan.

After six hours of public debate and council deliberation, the City Council voted 4-2 in favor of changing the city’s Land Use Policy Plan by moving the regional retail commercial zone from its current location at Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30 to Interstate 35 and 13th Street.

Council members Sharon Wirth and Matt Goodman voted against the change.

Most of Tuesday’s council meeting was consumed by public forum, in which more than 100 people gave three-minute arguments for and against the policy change.

Nearing midnight Tuesday, the council began internal discussion on the issue.

Wirth began the discussion with her rendition of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as an effort to lighten the mood of the meeting. She quickly slipped into her thoughts on the map change.

“As a 14-year member of this group, this is the most intense discussion we’ve heard,” she said.

Other council members said they were delighted at the amount of public debate and feedback the council received in the past few months.

“Keep us on our toes,” said Councilman Riad Mahayni. “I don’t mind reading e-mails at 11 at night.”

Councilman Russ Cross agreed the amount of feedback the council received was more than expected.

“You understand, I hope, that your voices have been heard and your letters and e-mails have been read. I’ve been overwhelmed,” Cross said.

Wirth expressed her concern about the environmental impact the proposed mall could have on nearby Ketelsen Marsh. The runoff of waste from parking lots was a concern for many citizens who spoke during the meeting.

Wirth suggested the council appoint a group of experts to look into the effects of the proposed mall on Ketelsen Marsh.

The effects on downtown businesses were also a big subject of discussion among council members.

“I believe the impact will be somewhat minimal on downtown,” said Councilman Steve Goodhue. “We will continue to invest [in downtown].”

Goodman said changing the mall-friendly zone in the Land Use Policy Plan to an area that is not currently a shopping area would drive consumers away from the heart of Ames.

“[The site] prevents and will not facilitate travel in my community,” he said. “It’s not anti-growth. I love growth, and I relish competition.”

Council members agreed the decision reached on the proposed mall was a substantial one.

“I think it will have lasting impact on this community whichever way we go,” said Councilman Daryle Vegge.

The City Council urged North Grand Mall developers, who recently unveiled expansion plans, to use the prospect of a new mall as motivation.

“Put your money where your mouth is,” Goodman said to L&H Real Estate Group, the owners of North Grand Mall.

The council said it will still consider approving renovations and expansions to North Grand Mall.

Cross said he viewed the mall conflict as a positive situation.

“It’s an opportunity for the two malls, both out-of-state interests, to compete for retailers,” he said.