A proposed senior housing complex in downtown Keokuk continues to garner both support and concerns from city and community leaders.
The $9-million, 45-unit development would be built on a vacant lot along Main Street between 9th and 10th Streets. The location prompted Main Street Keokuk to take a closer at the proposal and what it will do for the area.
Board Member Dale Thomas told the city council his organization backs the project in principal but would like to see some changes, starting with the roof.
"We feel that to modify the (proposed gabled roof) into a commercial-type flat roof, or a pitched roof, would be aesthetically pleasing to the look of downtown," Thomas said.
Main Street Keokuk is also worried about having ground floor living so close to the sidewalk. This is not normally an issue because city code prohibits ground floor living in the downtown district, but the Keokuk Board of Adjustment waived that rule for this project.
In response, Main Street Keokuk would like to see a five-foot buffer between the sidewalk and the front of the building filled with heavy landscaping.
Pete Schweigeraht, who represents the Miller-Valentine Group out of Cincinnati, Ohio, which proposed the senior housing complex, stressed to the city council that the commercial development firm wants to make sure everyone is on board with the project. That being said, Schweigeraht added changes such as a new roof or landscaping would have to be financially sound.
“We have a certain budget and anything we can do within those economic constraints could be achieved and we are certainly happy to do so," said Schweigeraht.
One thing Schweigeraht said the firm cannot do is alter the plan for funding the project. The firm is seeking millions of dollars in tax credits from the Iowa Finance Authority.
Schweigeraht said to qualify for the competitive grant, the city must waive the property taxes on the site for 12 years, which is more than twice as long as what other businesses in that area would qualify to receive.
Waiving more than $500,000 over the next twelve years concerns 7th Ward Alderwoman Susan Dunek.
“We want them to have this project approved, but how much can and should we actually do to contribute the financial incentives," said Dunek.
She is confident an incentive package can be agreed upon before the application is due in early December.
