The Des Moines City Council is holding two open houses to gather the community's thoughts and ideas on proposed zoning changes for the Marina District neighborhood. Interested parties are invited to attend an open house on Saturday, April 30th from 9 a.m. to Noon and Wednesday, May 4th from 5-8 p.m. at the Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St.

The council wants to improve the economic health of the Marina District and accelerate positive change by removing development obstacles; providing flexibility in the city's development regulations; and identifying tools and incentives to spur economic investment. These economic development goals seek to create a thriving business district that provides a variety of goods, services, activities and events for the community and visitors to enjoy.
In order to realize these goals, the council is looking at changes to the D-C Downtown Commercial Zone that would include:
Raising building heights along 7th Avenue South to 45 feet;
Establishing building height bonus areas that would allow some buildings of 45 to 75 feet if certain public benefits are included in a project;
20-foot setbacks from street corners to enhance visibility and allow for dynamic pedestrian spaces;
Possible angle parking along Marine View Drive;
More flexible building design standards.
"The open houses provide an opportunity for everyone to learn about the proposed zoning changes and to share their ideas about the future, the look, the character and the economic health of the Marina District. We want to hear from residents and businesses in the downtown, and those who work, shop, play or travel through there," said Mayor Bob Sheckler.
Background information on the proposal - Draft Ordinance No. 11-011 - and an online comment form relating to these changes are on the city's website at: www.desmoineswa.gov.