The Iowa City City Council approved the first consideration of an ordinance requiring the city to vacate a portion of the Melrose Place public-right-of-way.

The land would be converted into a 252-space surface parking lot for the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Councilors approved the first consideration Tuesday on a 5-2 vote, with Councilors Rick Dobyns and Jim Throgmorton voting no.

The council will vote on the second consideration of the ordinance at its next meeting, May 15. An ordinance require three readings.

— by Kristen East