Long-vacant south Des Moines tract could become senior housing

Driving the news: The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission on Thursday recommended City Council approval of rezoning to allow higher-density housing for people 55 and older.

Zoom in: The first phase near 1310 E. Diehl Ave. would include a five-story, 110-unit senior apartment building.

• Future phases could add additional apartment buildings or townhomes, but their number, timing and other details remain undetermined.

State of play: The first phase is in the early planning stage.

• The zoning request doesn't include an estimated construction cost, conceptual building design, groundbreaking date or anticipated opening date.

Flashback: Soil contamination near the site was linked to COTA's tank-cleaning wastewater and buried chemical drums. The company closed in 1989.

• Federal regulators determined no further action was needed after the cleanup, and the Iowa DNR lists the case as closed.

Yes, but: Further environmental testing may be needed before significant investments at the site, according to city documents.

What they're saying: Some neighbors raised concerns about traffic congestion and noise.

The other side: The South Central DSM Neighborhood Association supports the project, saying development could curb dumping and proposed street changes could ease traffic concerns.

Behind the scenes: Nelson plans to seek low-income housing tax credits for the first building, chief operating officer Alexander Grgurich tells Axios.

• Construction could begin as early as summer 2027 if Nelson receives the credits and completes the remaining city reviews, he said.

What's next: The Des Moines City Council will consider the rezoning after a public hearing on Aug. 3.