By Anelia K. Dimitrova
Revitalizing College Hill has been the task of several city councils over the years, but on Wednesday, the initiative of re-energizing the most visible area where the university and the town intersect made an important step forward.
The College Hill improvement ideation, which was summed up in a 2021 document called Imagine College Hill Vision Plan took the shape of an actionable project with a presentation of a specific plan to make public a draft of zoning code suggestions intended to simplify and spell out rules for developing and beautifying the historic area. Here is a video link to the Jan. 28 meeting.
Outdated and overly complicated zoning band aids have impeded the area’s growth at the very spot where youthful vibe and community spirit could thrive together, developers and business leaders agree. Hence, the need for a fresh start.
Leslie Oberholtzer, a principal at Codametrics, the company hired by the city to turn the vision into a comprehensive zoning plan for the area, briefed the Cedar Falls Planning and Zoning Commission at the council chambers on proposed updates for the College Hill Business District, the areas adjacent to the university and the residential neighborhood.
A stakeholder meeting for neighborhood residents will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at City Hall. Prior to that, from 3 – 5 p.m., there will be an open house in the lobby outside the council chambers. The zoning code consultant and staff will be available to hear feedback answer questions.
In a nutshell, the updated plan outlines forward-looking strategies to ensure the preservation of the character of the area while positioning it for measured growth with clear articulation of the zoning requirements in each of the areas. It also updates existing standards or establishes new standards to streamline the review process for developers, and, among other things, revises parking requirements to support development and redevelopment.
The goals for the project include establishing standards for building forms and uses; the creation of mixed use, attractive buildings which will feature residential living on top and retail spaces on the street level, all the while promoting walkability and biking. The proposed zoning code also aims to offer developers clarity and predictability when considering more student housing options.
Significantly, the draft code also articulates new standards that will help with addressing the multiple deteriorating housing structures near campus, among other things. And just as importantly, the new standards take into account that prospective new developments harmonize with the “scale and character” of the residential area in the neighborhood.
Oberholtzer noted that the draft her company created drew on the vision plan for the area but implemented a “targeted approach that looks at the market and the developability of all of these sites in the area, as well as the surrounding context and character.”
She said the goal was to implement the vision but also, for the rules to “work within the context of the area as well.”
In the lobby, visitors could see presentation boards with highlights of the presentation Oberholtzer delivered and by Friday, the city will add a link to the project so interested parties can take a deeper look at the proposed updates. Here is a link to the project. The initial draft will be available for review by the end of the day on Jan. 30.
The public is invited to provide comments by Feb. 27, after which a revised version of the plan will be prepared.
Audience response
Dr. Rebecca Kauten, who recently moved back to Cedar Falls and now lives in the College Hill neighborhood, said she is happy that College Hill is a focus of the city’s attention. As a former member of the College Hill Partnership, she was hopeful to see ideas turn into specific and transparent rules that move the area forward in terms of character and economic development.
“I was a student at UNI as an undergrad, and it was nice to be able to rely on the local neighborhood for just basic necessities,” she said. “And I think it’s really important to have that tie not only to the university, but as a resident, now living in the neighborhood years later, being able to rely on your neighborhood for your resources.”
Councilwoman at-large Kelly Dunn and Tom Nagle, who represents District 3, were among the community members attending the event.
“The presentation on the draft version of the College Hill Zoning update was very informative and it appears that it will be much simpler than the current overlay,” said Nagle. “I look forward to hearing feedback from citizens and stakeholders in the College Hill area.”
Andy Mauer, who lives in the neighborhood, was glad the project was moving forward.
“It’s always nerve wracking when you see these new developments come in,” he said.
Heath Wilken, who owns the barber shop on the Hill, and also owns rental properties, said he was pleased to see clarity of proposed zoning codes.
“I think it showed where the zoning can be improved to allow more efficient and appropriate development for the College Hill area,” he said.