Two hours were spent during the most recent Adel City Council meeting on one topic, and that was the Southbridge Planned Urban Development (PUD).

The Council held two public hearings that blended together, with the focus squarely on the area located south of 302nd Place and between Highway 169 and Old Portland Road. The initial plats for the PUD have already been approved, which includes various types of housing, parks, a commercial area, and potentially a new school building. What was causing the public consternation was a request to rezone the nearly 300-acres from A-1 (agricultural district) to R-1 (residential, high density). Residents expressed concerns about traffic flow and safety, current infrastructure, and an overriding feeling that the development was moving too fast, too soon.

Robert Cramer, owner of Cramer and Associates the developers behind Southbridge, attempted to address many of the concerns. He pointed out that all the development happening south of Adel has been a big reason why the City and the Department of Transportation are looking at improvements to Highway 169, including the proposed round-abouts expected to be built in the next year. Cramer emphasized that while it may seem like a lot is happening all at once with the PUD, in reality it will be built much slower.

Once everyone had said their piece, the Council discussed the proposals amongst themselves. They approved the amendment to the PUD, which adds 8.74 acres of land on the south end, which was changed in order to better position access roads from the highway. However, the request to rezone was denied. Council members Rob Christensen and Jody Selby voted against it, and since the request had been rejected by the Planning and Zoning Commission, it needed a supermajority of four “yes” votes in order to pass.

Discussions will continue regarding Southbridge, including a public hearing in May for a rezone request for a more specific portion of the PUD. However, the progress has been slowed by the Council’s decision, which was the primary goal of the citizens attending the meeting.