Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Downtown Properties wants to develop high-end apartments and retail space inside the former Eagles building along Blondeau Street.
The plan calls for garages to be built on city-owned parking spaces behind the building.
The organization has received a variance to build the garages, pending the presentation of more detailed designs.
A neighbor wrote an email to the city in opposition to the garages.
Frank Pennington Jr. says he would lose the parking spaces used by the tenants of his rental property.
He says the garage will also block the view from several rooms.
Pennington says the garages could also lower the value of his property.
1st Ward Alderman Mike O'Connor says the city should not rush to sell the spaces.
"I feel like if the property owner has an objection to a variance," says O'Connor, "I think that should have substantial weight in our consideration."
Several Keokuk City Council members agreed with O'Connor's assessment.
They said Keokuk Downtown Properties should work to acquire a nearby parking lot for the garages.
The city council must still sign off on the sale of the parking spaces.