Waukee Council OKs Plans for Senior Citizen Apartments

A zoning change was approved this week by the Waukee City Council that allows a developer to build a low-income senior apartment complex in town.

Councilwoman Shelly Hughes joined Dan Dutcher, Mike Watts and Casey Harvey to pass the final reading of the zoning change, the Des Moines Register reported. Councilman Shane Blanchard voted against the change for a third time.

Hughes was previously opposed to the proposal, but said she believes changing the area’s zoning from commercial to residential is the best option for the neighborhood. She said she intends to be sure the developer follows the council-approved project, which calls for a 58-unit senior apartment complex to be built at 255 S.E. Brick Ave.

About 50 people were at an earlier meeting to oppose plans by developer James Bergman to construct two low-income housing complexes — one for all ages. The Register said residents initially opposed the proposal because they feared it would harm property values and increase police traffic.

The project the council gave its final OK to allows only for a senior citizen complex.

Annette McCarthy attended Monday's meeting to speak against the zoning change and building proposal, the newspaper reported.

Her business, RJ Lawn & Landscape Company, is near the site of the proposed apartments. Many of her concerns were addressed when the all-ages facility was removed, but she said she still had concerns to voice about the development.

“Otherwise, I am just one more person who stands up and barks a bunch of comments and doesn’t follow through,” McCarthy said.