The Ames City Council is considering revising an ordinance in order to preserve single-family dwellings in downtown Ames.

The plan, called the Conservation Overlay Zone, responds to residents’ concerns about the increasing number of multiple-family structures.

Although the debate is surrounded with technicalities, many Ames residents who live or own rental property in the area expressed their concerns to the council at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Nick Howell, 918 Burnett Ave., said he reluctantly supports the issue because it offers protection to the area. Although he purchased a house in the area just over a year ago, “I feel like I’ve lived here about 30 years,” he said.

“I think that with the addition of apartment units … people like me won’t have as much an opportunity to own property like this,” he added. Howell also said destruction of historic homes in the area to build apartments and duplexes would mean a loss of character to the neighborhood.

But another Ames resident isn’t so pleased with the idea. Edward Stout, 2109 McCarthy Road, owns a duplex in the area and is concerned about the effect of a possible new ordinance on his property.

“We strongly object to having it enforced on us,” he said. Stout is particularly concerned that damage to his duplex would have to be refurbished to the new standards.

Council member John Parks suggested a review of rebuilding issues surrounding the ordinance before further action is taken.

In other business

* After the Ames police had checked on the businesses, the city council approved liquor licenses for Cyclone Liquors, 626 Lincoln Way, and Lucullan’s, 400 Main St.

A liquor license for Carlos O’Kelly’s, 631 Lincoln Way, was approved. The council also approved a seasonal beer permit for the outdoor service area for the Ames Slowpitch Association at River Valley Park, E. 13th St.

A different liquor license was denied Club Utopia, 111 5th St. The council denied the license because the club’s owner, Tony Chu, pleaded guilty to possession and intent to deliver a controlled substance.

* The council approved a resolution to allocate funds to the Elwood Drive Bikepath Project, which will begin after a contract is awarded for the bid in May.

* Ames-Story Environment Landfill’s contract as a yard waste disposal site was approved for 1997. The landfill will receive approximately $18,500 this season for the contract.

* A resolution regarding the need of a laptop computer was approved. The computer would aid the Ames Police Department and the Ames school district in projects to improve and enforce drug laws. The council will apply for a grant through the Governor’s Alliance for Substance Abuse to purchase the computer.