West Des Moines Development News
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City Council Meeting - June 15, 2026
Published: Jun 15, 2026
City Council Preview Upcoming July 4th Concert and Highlight Major Development Projects
The council discussed upcoming community events, including a free concert at Jordan Creek Town Center on July 4th, starting at 5 PM with food trucks and live music. Details about the band will be announced after June 20th. The council also briefly touched upon the Consolidated Grand Experience Urban Renewal Area, noting it's an important development. A significant announcement was made about the Water Park Hotel Convention Center project moving forward, with the water park size comparable to Great Wolf Lodge and including a family fun center and hotel. There will be future announcements regarding this project. Additionally, the Iowa Clinic's expansion in West Des Moines was highlighted as a positive development, involving millions of dollars in investment, new jobs, and proximity to the new Des Moines University medical campus.
Water Conservation Urged Amidst High Nitrates; City Highlights Treatment Capacity Investments
The council addressed ongoing water conservation efforts and the mandatory Stage 3 water warning, explaining the reasons behind it. The issue is not a volume problem but a pollution problem with elevated nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, impacting the water treatment capacity. The city is cooperating with the water department and implementing water quality improvement projects. There's a need for public education on the watering ban and the distinction between the city's role and the West Des Moines Waterworks' role. The document also debunks myths about data center water usage, stating Microsoft accounts for only 2% of city water use, with residential lawn watering being the largest contributor. Significant investments are being made to upgrade water treatment capacity with federal and state funding, including a $25 million allocation to Central Iowa Waterworks to double treatment capacity within three years. There's a call for a broad educational campaign and clarification that irrigation from lakes (like Raccoon River Park) does not use potable water. The complexities of aquifer usage and the differences between waterworks entities are also highlighted. The discussion concludes with optimism about future improvements and the ongoing need for conservation.
Council Debates 'Blended Neighborhood' Zoning to Boost Housing Options and Affordability
The council discussed and provided feedback on a proposal for a new "Blended Neighborhood" residential zoning district. This district aims to integrate single-family homes and small multi-family units (fourplexes) within the same neighborhood in new, greenfield developments. The goal is to increase housing availability, provide options for empty nesters and first-time homebuyers, spread development costs, potentially reduce housing prices, increase the tax base, and proactively address potential state legislation mandating greater housing density. Key principles include master-planned subdivisions, maintaining context with existing single-family homes through transition buffers, using the same lot size and setbacks as single-family homes to control building envelopes, and establishing a pattern of approximately 70% single-family to 30% multi-family units. The proposal also includes discussions on modifying setbacks, eliminating density caps in favor of lot-based development, and reconsidering the requirement for garages, with a focus on maintaining neighborhood character and affordability.
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The West Des Moines News archive
City Council Meeting - June 15, 2026
City Council Meeting - June 15, 2026
City Council Meeting - June 01, 2026
City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026
City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026
Special City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026
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