8-unit apartment complex wins Decorah City Council approval

The Decorah City council has voted 5-2 to approve a proposed 8-unit apartment complex on St. Lawrence Street.  The vote ends a lengthy process which saw ten different proposals for the apartment development.

Decorah Attorney Karl Knudson argued Monday night against approval, saying that the 10th version of the site plan should be sent to the Board of Adjustment to get approval of variances needed for the project.  But City Manager Chad Bird said the latest site plan met all city guidelines and didn't need any variances.

Neighbors had collected nearly 30 signatures of people opposed to the project, citing parking problems and rainwater runoff issues.  But several city officials mentioned the need for more affordable housing options in Decorah as their reason for supporting the development.