By Kendrew Panyanouvong
The Iowa Board of Adjustment’s met Wednesday night with locals to dispute the proposed 7,476 square-foot Kinnick Stadium replica structure that would be built in the historic Manville Heights neighborhood.
Locals crowded the facilitated discussion in attempt to appeal the start of construction of the Kinnick-style house.
While the hearing from the Board was intended to come to a decision Wednesday night, the Board has halted the final outcome until next Wednesday.
Reed and Sandy Carlson, of Decorah, have filed building plans with Iowa City officials for the structure to be constructed on 101 Lusk Avenue.
While the City of Iowa City had issued a building permit in June, residents and property owners later filed an appeal. The list of applicants who filed include the Neighbors on Manville Heights Association, property owners of Lusk Avenue, Bayard Street, and Rowland Court.
“It’s been a very eye opening experience to see how the city works. Obviously, there have been issues that have been clarified tonight,” said Diane Duncan-Goldsmith, a resident of Manville Heights.
The home, designed to hold more than 200 people, is being retaliated by locals because of a range of various concerns.
Applicants argue the construction of the house that is supposed to replicate the 87-year-old University of Iowa football stadium would cause drainage and fire safety issues, erosion, as well as unnecessary rowdiness that would possibly affect the surrounding areas.
Some expressed worries the UI might eventually purchase the venue, although the UI responded in June that there is no intention in intervening with construction.
The Board of Adjustment is a citizen panel that reviews requests for special exceptions and variances. The Board also considers appeals when there is a disagreement about an administrative decision made by the City.