Map, zoning label altered for proposed apartments

The Greenfield City Council unanimously approved updates to the Future Land Use Map and zoning designation for a parcel adjacent to Southside Park during last Tuesday’s meeting. The property had been incorrectly designated as Parks and Recreation and was updated to reflect its appropriate residential use.

The changes are connected to the proposed Commons on First project, a 24-unit apartment development by Gratus Development of Des Moines along South 1st Street.

As part of the action, the property was reclassified as residential on the Future Land Use Map and rezoned from R-2 to R-3, which allows for multi-family housing.

Greenfield resident Paul Ehm spoke during the public hearing, saying he wants to see Greenfield make good decisions so that people are not stuck living next to things they would rather not.

The council meeting followed a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing, where the nine-member commission forwarded the request to the council without a formal recommendation, noting that the final decision rests with the council.

At that hearing, four residents who live near Southside Park spoke about the apartment complex. Danielle Welsch Massey, a representative of Gratus Development with family ties to Adair County, was present to answer questions and provide additional details.

Jim Sheriff asked about the potential impact a new apartment complex could have on existing landlords with current openings. City officials said the data does not indicate an oversupply of housing, with available units typically filling quickly. Employers in the area added that many prospective employees are looking for more modern rental housing options, which are limited in the current market.

“Our goal is to turn this into something the community is proud of, quality housing that supports our workforce and strengthens Greenfield’s housing options. We are still down 54 housing units, many of which were rentals, and that continues to put pressure on our housing market,” City Administrator Michelle Carns said. ”This is an opportunity to return the parcel to productive use, strengthen the long-term tax base and help address those shortages. We’re not just hoping for a good outcome; there has been a great deal of intentional planning and thoughtful consideration behind this project.”

Sheriff and others, including Zeke Chafa and Doug Welsch, raised concerns about frequent semi-truck and heavy-equipment traffic on the south side, as well as noise from nearby from the grain elevator, salvage yard and city and county facilities.

City officials acknowledged those realities, noting that each area of town has its own characteristics, particularly in a working community like Greenfield. They said traffic is being monitored closely and that additional measures, such as stop signs, are under consideration based on conditions and community feedback.

Welsch Massey added that Gratus will take nearby noise into account in the project’s design, including the use of building materials and landscaping to help mitigate impacts.

Carns noted that local option sales tax funding could be one avenue for future street improvements on the south side. Commission member Max Brashear, of Greenfield Municipal Utilities, stated that infrastructure in the area is adequate to support a development of this type.

Chafa also asked about the potential impact on nearby home values. City officials said they remain committed to maintaining property standards across the community to support long-term value. Carns added that proceeds from the land sale will be reinvested into Southside Park, including improvements like tree planting and amenities for residents.

The apartments, which are still in the approval process, could begin construction in spring 2027, with an estimated total cost of $9 million. Under the program being used, rents must remain below 80% of the area median income.

Gratus Development has committed to owning the property for 30 years. If ownership changes, any successor would be required to adhere to the same program requirements for the remainder of that period.

The development will qualify for a five-year tax abatement available to similar projects, with eligibility for renewal due to its scale.

“When it comes to housing, the City is being as supportive as we can with the tools available to us,” Carns said.