West Des Moines' Valley Junction rezoning revives debate
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Mockups of the proposed townhomes in Valley Junction. Rendering courtesy of WB Realty
West Des Moines officials are considering rezoning some residential neighborhoods in Valley Junction to grow more businesses and new types of housing.
Why it matters: Some residents and elected officials say the rezonings could cut down West Des Moines' supply of affordable single-family homes, though supporters say it would help build needed "middle housing," like townhomes and duplexes.
The big picture: As part of Valley Junction's master plan, city staff are proposing rezoning five residential areas near the business district to help grow more "mom-and-pop" shops and diversify housing options.
- Proposed parcels include 5th Street between Vine and Locust streets; 6th Street between Locust and Walnut streets; and parts of 4th Street between Walnut Street to Railroad Avenue.
- If rezoned, these areas could redevelop to include more medium-density housing like row houses, plus small businesses like boutiques, hair salons and yoga studios.
- "I think there's demand," says Ryan Moffatt, WDM's economic development director. "With all the work that's been done in this district, we do have an area that people and businesses want to be a part of."
Catch up quick: Elected officials first considered the Valley Junction transition zones in 2022, though they delayed a decision amid pushback from residents and questions from council members.
State of play: It came up again last month because of a request to demolish homes at 308, 312 and 316 4th St.
- The century-old rental homes are owned by WB Realty. Ryan Wiederstein, owner of WB Realty, says their rents range from $600 to $1,200 a month.
- In their place, Wiederstein says they want to build 12 townhome units around 1,100 square feet each.
- "We're looking at replacing three homes that we feel are at the end of life," Wiederstein says.
What they're saying: City councilmember Kevin Trevillyan, who represents the Valley Junction area, says he is against the rezonings.
- Trevillyan says it takes away affordable single-family homes and is concerned they could become a money grab for developers.
- "Why would you bulldoze housing for either more commercial or apartments?" Trevillyan tells Axios. "Why would we force our starter families into an apartment when they could have had a house?"
Between the lines: Valley Junction is the most ethnically diverse part of the city, and includes more lower-income households than the rest of West Des Moines.
- Since 2016, the city has been working on a master plan that's focused on the area's commercial district. Now, they're extending to residential parts, though there's tension between preservation and new development.
What's next: Last month, the majority of WDM City Council members approved studying the transition zones during a workshop meeting.
- City staff will workshop more and return to the City Council to get their thoughts, though a timeline isn't firm, Moffatt says.