Despite voicing our concerns to the City Council, they decided to support the project by a 6-1 vote. Our lone supporter was Mayor Frank Cownie. The council did raise very valid concerns in regard to the infrastructure, design of the development and pricing of the individual units.
Of those who spoke on this topic, nearly all were opposed to the development. It's important to note that of those who spoke in support were 3 Southwestern Hills board members and the developers realtor. ZERO residents spoke to support this project. I say it's important to note that because the Southwestern Hills board IS NOT representing the views of it's residents. Nearly 350 signatures have been obtained to vote down this project, many of those in the Southwestern Hills neighborhood, yet the board members have dismissed them all.
The developer was instructed to revise his design to move the main building back from Fleur drive so it's not “on-top” of the corridor. By doing so it will all but likely result in removal of the century old oak tree standing in that lot. Though the developer says he wants to keep it, an arborist has told him it most likely will not survive the development. Keep in mind Des Moines is a recognized “Tree City USA” meaning we have a responsibility to protect mature trees and the benefits they offer us.
The next step is another City Council meeting where the developer will propose his updated plans.
We are continuing to gain support in opposition to the development and are not going anywhere. We are a strong coalition and growing every day. We will keep you updated.
The Oaks on Fleur developer requested to meet with residents within the 250 foot circumference. This meeting was held on March 8th, 2022.
At this meeting the developer proposed changes that would reduce the size of the third building (not on a road) from 3 stories to 2. We also reiterated other concerns from traffic, rain runoff, snow melt etc.
At the end of the meeting a vote was held and the residents again voted against this development.
This was originally scheduled for February 21st HOWEVER the developer asked the City Council to reschedule until March 21st.
The Des Moines City Council will discuss "The Oaks on Fleur" project at their March 21st meeting.
Location Information: City Hall, Council Chambers, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the FINAL opportunity for residents to speak out against this development.
We are also asking for you to reach out to Des Moines City Council members and express your concerns.
IF this project moves forward, we will forever lose the charm and architectural beauty the Southwestern Hills neighborhood is known for.
It was a wonderful evening last night at the zoning meeting.
After a presentation of the proposed plan, speakers in support, speakers in opposition and neutral speakers, a small Q&A with staff, the applicant’s rebuttal and a short deliberation, the application to rezone was DENIED by a 9-5 vote!
You can watch the proposal here https://youtu.be/6KYCX0NzYv8?t=3690
With over 20% of the residents within 200 feet being opposed to this project (I suspect more if more time to respond were given) and the zoning commission denying this application, we are hopeful this project will not move forward but we still have the largest hurdle ahead.
The proposal now goes in front of the City Council. As of now, a date has not been set.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, sent emails and to everyone who came out to speak up!
Keep spreading the word about this project and direct people to www.theoaksonfleur.com to sign the petition to have this project stopped. We will be keeping you all updated and thank you again!
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Our small coalition of residents has done everything within our power and pocketbooks to fight to save our neighborhood. We have legal representation however are seeking funds to proceed with litigation.
FUNDS RECEIVED IN ADDITION TO LEGAL FEES, WILL BE USED TO PLANT TREES TO REPLACE THE ONES ALREADY REMOVED BY THE DEVELOPER.