Calling it the best option available now and the toughest decision they’ve had to make while serving the community, the Pella City Council passed the first of three readings of a zoning ordinance submitted by Casey’s General Store at their meeting last night.
The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Councilmember Bruce Schiebout voting against the proposal and Councilmember Dan Vander Beek abstaining from all discussion and votes related to the matter, due to his relation to owners of the property Dennis and Joyce Vander Beek. Since it’s an ordinance, the Pella City Council will have to approve the zoning change two more times in order for it to be adopted, barring a waiver of the third reading at their September 20th meeting.
Citizens living in the adjacent neighborhood to the proposed site at the corner of Main and Union Streets continued to raise objections as they have consistently since December at various city board meetings. Those who spoke mentioned concerns with traffic safety, environmental impacts, possible decline in value to properties adjacent to the proposed store, how the previous property was demolished, and the nature of how Casey’s attorneys and representatives are attempting to accomplish their goals, referring to the organization as a “bully” on several occasions.

The city council responded to the crowd of 120-plus citizens–including those in an overflow area, following over an hour of public comment mostly against the planned unit development.
Councilmembers Tony Bokhoven, Harold Van Stryland, Larry Peterson, Mark De Jong, and Schiebout all shared their thoughts. Generally, they spoke about their appreciation for the community’s response, relayed the difficulty of the decision they had to make, and shared comments they received in favor of a new Casey’s General Store at the proposed site. The council also refuted claims they were making their decisions based on threats of litigation. Currently, Casey’s is suing the city of Pella over rejection of site plans submitted previously and how the Planning and Zoning Commission rejected their proposals. A trial date scheduled in November.
Mayor Jim Mueller–who only votes to break ties, also made his stance on the planned unit development publicly before council discussion, saying he was in favor of the proposal and how it represented the best available option to the city at this time. Mueller previously expressed his desire to see a PUD put into motion before the council approved a plan.
As part of the Planned Unit Development, Casey’s General Store is required to purchase the land formally by February 1st, 2017. They also have agreed to remove gas tanks, pumps, and canopies at the three stores they plan to close, including both on the downtown square and the location on Oskaloosa Street, and have them repurposed within 30 days of their closure.
The next reading will be held on September 20th.