At the City Council meeting Tuesday night, the council discussed zoning for the Breckenridge property, which was voted on, as well as the second vote for development in the Research Park.

The City Council voted 6-0 on a resolution approving amendment to the Land Use Policy Plan for future land use. That land includes the Lincoln Way parcel allowing for mix-use residential and commercial use, which was approved in a settlement agreement between the City of Ames and the Breckenridge Group.

Sharon Guber, Ames resident, expressed her concerns, including Iowa State’s growing enrollment that could eventually stall out, leaving numerous empty apartment buildings. Gruber pointed out Iowa State only has plans to build one new residential hall.

“How do you convert vacant apartment buildings?” Guber asked.

The development will have a three-story residential space with 422 beds and between 15,000 and 40,000 square feet of commercial space.

“I fear that to say no to this option would guilt a worse result,” said Matthew Goodman, at-large councilman.

Goodman reminded the council the original Breckenridge Group proposal was a 900 plus bedroom range, and the council was able to bring down that number.

Gloria Betcher, ward one representative, thanked Ames citizens for their involvement throughout the entire Breckenridge process and encouraged citizens to stay involved.

“I do want people to stay involved in this process,” Betcher said.

The passing of the resolution makes it so the properties located at 101, 105, 107 and 205 South Wilmoth Ave and 3316 Lincoln Way are all zoned as highway oriented commercial. The remaining area of the site will be zoned as high density residential allowing for the commercial space to be in the front part of the lot.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously approved the plan at their meeting Sept. 2 with a 6-0 vote.

The second passage of ordinance rezoning with master plan properties in the ISU Research Park was passed. 

The ordinance will allow for the park to become more developed in the future. Plans include an activity hub as well as use for office, trade and industrial space.