Photo is of rendering presented by Rowland Real Estate with some changes for added curb appeal
For a good part of 2020, one of the most polarizing topics for Carroll’s city leaders has revolved around rental properties. Monday night was no exception. Several concerned residents either submitted comments to or attended via Zoom the Monday night Carroll City Council meeting for a public hearing on the purchase and development of the former City Apartments location at 224 N. Main St. The city put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year. More than 100 people viewed the document, but only one bid was received by the deadline. Rowland Real Estate LLC of Clive submitted a proposal to purchase the lot for $1,000 and construct a four-plex of two-story rental units with an estimated monthly rental rate of $1,000 each. City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, says a local entity did express interest, but it came to light after the window hand closed. Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Peggy Buman also submitted a comment prior to the meeting saying she was disappointed in the design included in the packet. Immediately prior to the meeting, Andy Rowland sent a new rendering which showed more design options to improve curb appeal, a copy of this can be found with this story on our website. He also discussed with council members his flexibility in making adaptations to aesthetic features, including color, to have the structure reflect the neighborhood’s style. A Carroll landlord, Margaret Saddoris, read a letter from a concerned resident.
Pogge-Weaver explains that abatement does not give the developer $300,000.
Kyle Bauer voiced his opinion that the city did not adequately notify the public on the proposed sale of this property.
He also asked if the tax abatement would be lost if the project was not completed in the 18 months allotted in the RFP, how long Rowland Real Estate will own the property and whether it would be Section 8 housing for low-income individuals. Rowland says it will not be a Section 8 building and expressed his desire to construct a quality structure that will last for years.
Many council members said they would like to receive more money for the lot which was estimated to cost at least $150,000, if not more, to prep for sale. This included removal of the former City Apartments and all hazardous residue. However, they stood by the process, with the understanding that it could be stopped for non-compliance with the contract, and voted four in favor and one, Misty Boes, against to accept the Rowland Real Estate proposal. Councilman, LaVern Dirkx, was not present.
There were several different times audio cut out during this meeting. Below is an edited version with all spans of audio issues removed. It includes discussion on why the city did not put a bid limit on the sale, what neighbors are hoping to see done and on other properties the city has since acquired.