Marshalltown City Council narrowly adopts 2045 Comprehensive Plan amid data center controversy
The Marshalltown City Council narrowly adopted its 2045 Comprehensive Plan after a 3.5-hour meeting, with the 4-3 vote primarily driven by controversy over potential data center development. Public concerns were raised about the annexation and rezoning of agricultural parcels for a "speculated" data center, though city officials clarified the standard zoning process for annexed land. The plan was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Marshalltown City Council recently adopted its 2045 Comprehensive Plan in a narrow 4-3 vote, concluding a lengthy process of planning sessions and public engagement. Mayor Mike Ladehoff presided over a public hearing on the matter, which followed discussions on a data center moratorium and a proposed project in the Edgewood Industrial Park.
Assistant Housing and Community Development Director Clayton Ender presented the new 20-year plan, acknowledging the contributions of Charlie Cowell from RDG Planning & Design and the steering committee. Ender stated that the plan addresses land use, mobility, housing, parks, economic development, and infrastructure, accounting for recent events like a tornado and derecho. The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the plan.
During public comments, Layne Pieri voiced concerns about the potential annexation and rezoning of agricultural parcels along Shady Oaks Road, questioning if it would grant vested rights to a "speculated" data center developer. Mayor Ladehoff denied any written agreements, while Ender clarified that future land uses within two miles of city limits were reviewed, with most areas maintaining their current status. Annexed properties would automatically be zoned low-density residential, with any subsequent rezoning requiring a separate process.
Councilor Gary Thompson raised a point about residents near a data center being considered legal non-conforming, to which Ender responded that it would depend on specific properties and rezoning. The motion to approve the comprehensive plan ultimately passed 4-3, with Councilors Jeff Schneider, Melisa Fonseca, Sue Cahill, and Greg Nichols voting in favor, and Marco Yepez-Gomez, Thompson, and Mark Mitchell opposed.