Attempt Fails to Limit Building Height Where 20-Story Chauncey Proposed

A bid failed on Tuesday evening to block the building of a proposed 20-story high rise known as the Chauncey by limiting the allowable structure height on that plot of land. 

Iowa City Council members voted 5-2 against the rezoning request to change the parcel at Gilbert and College Streets to a CB-5, which would have the effect of limiting building height to 75 feet, or about six stories. 

"I think there is a better land use for this parcel," Mayor Matt Hayek said moments before casting a vote against the rezoning. 

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Hayek, Rick Dobyns, Terry Dickens, Susan Mims and Connie Champion voted for against the rezoning, which was also denied by the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. Michelle Payne and Jim Throgmorton voted for the rezoning.

Those voting against said such a rezoning would limit what they could do with the land.

"This doesn't mean we are going to build a 20-story building," Champion said.