A Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning ordinance for property at the corner of Main and Union Streets in Pella was passed by the Pella City Council earlier this evening.

Now that it has been approved, Casey’s General Store can begin construction on a new, 4475-square foot convenience store intended to eventually replace three others in town, including the two located on Washington Street on the downtown square and the store on Oskaloosa Street. As part of the agreement, Casey’s agreed to re-purpose those three existing sites they plan to close–including removal of tanks and pumps, limit their hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and add additional landscaping beyond what’s required by city code to mitigate impacts on the adjacent neighbors. A site plan already approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission was also passed as part of adoption of the ordinance.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the third and final reading, with Dan Vander Beek abstaining due to his relationship with the property owner, Dennis Vander Beek, who is selling the land to Casey’s, and Bruce Schiebout alone in opposition. It was subsequently adopted unanimously. No council members made comment prior to the vote.

Ten residents spoke at a public forum scheduled before council’s regular business, seven of whom were against the zoning change request, citing concerns with how the decisions have been made, the possible store’s safety impacts, potential consequences on future land-use decisions, and how a utility marking company was called to the site Tuesday afternoon prior to the final vote.

“What I was going to say tonight was I hope there would be two people here tonight who would be that thoughtful and brave,” Rhonda Kermode, who has led the group opposing the store, said prior to the vote. “Unfortunately, as I saw the utility locating services truck in the lot behind me today–also known as the ‘future Casey’s,’ I realized this is a done deal, and has been a done deal.”

“Apparently, it’s done not just before the ink is dry, but before it’s even on the paper.”

“I don’t know what the homeowners will do, but the real crime here is that they’ve been ignored,” Jody Mansueto said.

There were others in favor of the site plan and zoning change, citing the work city boards and staff have done to get to this point and refuting claims it was unsafe. They also urged the council to move on passed what has been a divisive issue.

“I admire you gentlemen for the tough decision you have to make,” John Vandewert said.

Prior to the vote, legal counsel clarified all of the documents considered by the council in relation to the PUD ordinance, including a reminder of all hearings held by city boards and commissions considering the new proposal, recommendations made by city staff, and letters and comments submitted by all parties involved.