One University Place PUD

"PUD" is an acronym for "Planned Unit Development" Developer Jeff Maxwell submitted his in May, and tomorrow night at our regular June meeting we will hold a Public Hearing for citizens to comment on it. MEETING AT HORN SCHOOL 7:00 PM

The PUD plan's components are spelled out in U-Heights' ordinance 180.  Here are links to the PUD plan itself and supporting documents submitted by the developer"

• One University Place PUD Plan cover letter (May 8)
• One University Place PUD Plan submission (May 8)
• Supplemental Memo from the developer (June 1)

Here are reports submitted by U-Heights staff evaluating the PUD Plan

• Letter from City Attorney (June 1)
• Staff Report from MPOjc (June 1)
• City Engineer Report (June 1)
• University Heights Police Report (June 1)
• Coralville Fire Department Report (June 1)
• City Attorney Legal Report on PUD application (June 8)
• City Building and Housing Staff report on PUD application June (8)

Here is a draft of a Development Agreement that is still being developed by City Council representatives, City Staff, and the developer's team:

• Draft of Developer's Agreement (June 8)

In addition to reading the submission, supporting documents and reports I have also been talking to residents about their concerns and suggestions. I have found that to be a very rewarding experience. I have heard good ideas that I would expect to find their way into the final plans. I have also heard concerns about size and height and potential traffic issues, as well as other externalities. I believe that ordinance 180 will be a good guide for how to proceed in evaluating this plan.

I see tomorrow night's Public Hearing as the beginning of the process rather than any conclusion. Here are two documents outlining the process and timeline for considering this proposal:

• Outline of Process to Evaluate PUD Application (Memo from City Attorney Steve Ballard to City Council on 2/19/2014)
• Timeline for Process to Evaluate PUD Application (May 16)

Another major step in all this will be consideration of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request should the developer make one. I said at the May meeting that I would want to hold a Public Hearing when we had financial information from the group the council has engaged to help evaluate the financial component of the project (National Development Council). This report will NOT be ready for tomorrow night, but I think being able to focus on the project details tomorrow will be good. I fully expect to also have citizen input after the NDC report arrives. 

If I have learned anything during the last 6 years as I've  watched this project both as a citizen and a council member, it is that University Heights citizens will have comments about many aspects of this plan. My job is to listen carefully and evaluate them in light of what I consider my guiding duty, to make decisions that are to the benefit of all of our community, especially with an eye to the future and how to continue to make our town a strong, and vibrant community that continues to welcome new citizens and honor our long time residents.

Tomorrow should be quite interesting I hope we get a good turnout.