SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A rezoning plan that had drawn criticism from some Sioux Falls homeowners was passed by the City Council Tuesday night.
The council voted 7-1 to rezone a small parcel of land near 69th street from offices to townhomes, which are expected to be a couple stories tall.
Nearby homeowners at the council meeting say they disagree with the change, arguing new townhomes would hurt the fabric of their neighborhood.
The change in zoning is considered a “down-zone” by the city, indicating that the new zoning places more restrictions on the building’s height than the current zoning does.
Councilor Greg Neitzert said the rezoning was reasonable given the city’s need for affordable housing.
“[The developer is] voluntarily asking us to down-zone the property,” Neitzert said. “If we’re going to get to the point where we start treating all residential as blighting on a neighborhood, we’re in deep trouble.”
Councilor Theresa Stehly disagreed, saying the city needs to grow in a balanced way.
“We’re throwing these apartment complexes in places where I’m not sure they belong,” Stehly said.
The council passed an amendment mandating the townhome buildings contain a maximum of seven units.
Councilor Janet Brekke proposed deferring the decision to March 17, but the measure was defeated 5-3.
