A staff report on the implementation of the Ames Lincoln Way Corridor Plan has recommended that the city focus their efforts on what has been designated as “Focus Area No. 1,” which consists of the area of Lincoln Way between Clark and Duff Avenue.

The Ames City Council voted to recognize “Focus Area No. 1” as a priority to improve commercial and aesthetic elements in the area. The council also voted to add a section to the Land Use Policy Plan that acknowledges the Ames Lincoln Way Corridor Plan.

The staff report asked the council to prioritize the area because of the ongoing discussions about housing ordinances relating to student housing and rentals in general.

The report explained that three other areas were potentially going to be impacted by any changes in housing ordinances whereas the focus area is much less likely to be effected.

“Focus Area No. 2” is on hold because a portion of the area north of Lincoln Way is currently owned by the Iowa Department of Transportation and has not yet been opened to development.

Public hearings on the plan will take place in October.