The Sioux City Council approved steps for a new affordable housing development project on the north side in its meeting Monday.
During the meeting the city council had a long discussion on the development project, which would include 85 single-family homes, 38 twin homes, 21 three-plexes, 12 four-plex units, and a public park. The council has discussed the project since 2019.
Multiple residents brought up their concerns about the project, including traffic. Some also expressed they are not against development; they are against the current location for the project.
The units would be somewhat close to North Middle School. Mayor Bob Scott says he supports the project but that many people are concerned about “how to get out and go to work in the morning” in areas that could be congested.
Ryan Callaghan, an official with Civil Engineers and Constructors in North Sioux City, said a traffic study for the project is expected to be done by the end of January.
Council members asked if a vote on the project should be postponed until the traffic study is done. Callaghan said, “I see no reason to wait. The plans are 60 percent in the city’s possession.”
Scott said he was frustrated that the study was not done.
City officials in recent years have had the goal of adding more affordable housing.
