To the editor:

There is nothing wrong with multi-family housing but the city should move with caution when considering the duplex proposal reported in (the March 14) Messenger. I wonder if the city has an actual plan for the 60 acres of just plans to open it up for new housing. Typically, a city should have a master plan for an area like the one being developed. If multi-family housing were to be part of the planned development area, the lots for duplexes, town houses, or small apartments should be clearly identified to potential buyers and would usually be separate from the areas set aside for single family detached housing. A buyer of a single family lot, in an area planned for development, should have a high degree of confidence that zoning will not be modified or changed in a way that might potentially lower future value of their property.

There are some other things the city should consider before granting final approval of the proposed duplex development. The first homes built in an area like this frequently set the market for much of the remaining housing. Is multi-family housing the type of housing the city prefers for this project? If this developer is granted the zoning modification would it invite other investors to propose this same type of housing? Would the duplex be owner occupied of would they be investor owned and turned into rental units? Would the proposed location for the duplexes affect the value of the undeveloped adjacent lots? Typically, even in a well-planned development lots adjacent to multi-family homes sell for less and generate lower green space. How much does the introduction of multi-family housing in an area zoned single-family affect the value of existing resident’s property? What is the planned density for the 60 acres and does the city have a master plan for this tract of land?

I would ask our city officials and appointed board members to look carefully at this proposal and not be too anxious to approve a modification or change in existing zoning just to jump start this project.

Robert Allen

Fort Dodge