Planning and Zoning Commission Defers on Decision to Recommend a Rezoning Opinion for the Chauncey: Iowa City Daily News Links, April 5

Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday. #MissionCreek

On to the Links

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Hayley Bruce of the Gazette writes that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to defer on its decision on whether to rezone the property for the Chauncey building to give more time to discuss it. Lee Hermiston of the Press-Citizen also had a report.

Tara Bannow of the Press-Citizen writes that opponents of the Johnson County Justice Center are planning a campaign against the referendum again as the May vote approaches.

Some records were broken at the West High hosted track meet. (KCRG)

"So, uh guys, here's my controversial healthcare plan. Hope you like it! TTYL!" Gov. Branstad. (Des Moines Register)

Iowa City Weekender for this weekend from Little Village Magazine.

City High tennis triumphs over C.R. Prairie. (Press-Citizen)

City High soccer also triumphs over Cedar Falls (Waterloo Courier)

The Press-Citizen editorial board says Iowa City parents should approach the BLDD Architect led facilities plan workshops with cautious optimism.

Iowa's State Auditor is stepping down to take a different position. (Des Moines Register)

Daily Links Excerpt of the Day

The commission also heard from members of Trinity Episcopal Church — which neighbors the land to the west and opposes the project —  along with several community members and downtown business owners. Many opponents argued the development doesn’t fit in with the feel and culture of Iowa City, while proponents said the development would ensure the lasting economic vitality of downtown.

“Anything that brings more people downtown is great for downtown business,” said George Etre, owner of Takanami, 219 Iowa Ave. “I support more downtown entertainment options and things included in the downtown development. I was born and raised in Iowa City like many people here and I have seen downtown change and grow … I can tell you for the first time in a long time it is becoming exciting and I think projects like this only help with the vibrancy of downtown.”

Because the Commission only votes to make recommendations to the City Council — who has already voted to enter negotiations with Moen’s team to start the project — the council has the final say on zoning issues. Both zonings would allow a variety of retail, office, personal service and residential uses. None of the final proposals for the property were under 75 feet in height. The next planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for April 18.

Daily Links Featured Directory Links of the Day: Grant Wood Elementary School