One step forward, one step back, for residential housing plans in the Decorah Business Park

On Monday night the Decorah City Council, on a 6-1 vote, approved the second reading for a rezoning request by Echo Development for apartment complexes in the Decorah Business Park. The zoning would be for two parcels transitioning to R-3 Multiple Family Residential District.

But following that vote, the Council voted 4-3 against approval of the second reading of a proposal related to designating that area as the Decorah Housing Urban Revitalization Area. Although it appeared there might be general support for the concept, several council members expressed concern regarding the level of proposed tax abatement for the property, as well as the unclear nature of the LMI (Low to Moderate Income) housing implementation plans (such as what type of units and their distribution).

To progress with development, negotiations between Echo Development and the Planning and Zoning Commission would need to start over.