The council rezoned 1011 Park Avenue to allow a 10-bed short-term shelter for adult women who survived human trafficking, by a 7–0 vote.
Approved the rezoning. Moved by Mandelbaum, seconded by Gatto. Ordinance readings followed. Passed 7–0; no members voted no.
What this means (Rezoning): Zoning sets what can be built or done on each piece of land, such as homes, shops or industry.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | Yes |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | Yes |
More from the record
Youth Homes of Mid-America owns a former youth group home at 1011 Park Avenue. The applicant, Dorothy’s House, proposes using it as a 10-bed shelter for adult women survivors of trafficking, exploitation and prostitution, with stays of up to 30 days and 24-hour staff on site. The use needs "NX2" zoning; the site was "NX1." The shelter must meet supplemental rules, including floor space per occupant and a 1,320-foot spacing from similar facilities. Staff and the Plan and Zoning Commission (9–0 on May 21, 2026) recommended approval. Resolution and staff report, roll call 26-0774 (saved copy)
The alternative
No other options were presented in the record.
Health and safety
- Who
- Adult women survivors of trafficking in Iowa
- How
- A 10-bed short-term shelter with 24-hour staffing
- When
- Opening date: Not in the record
- Source
- Resolution 26-0774 (saved copy)
Housing and neighborhood
- Who
- Neighbors on Park Avenue near SW 10th Street
- How
- A former group home becomes a temporary shelter, subject to supplemental use rules
- When
- Not in the record
- Source
- Resolution 26-0774 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, item 55 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Jun 29, 2026 meeting, p. 10 (roll call 26-0774) (saved copy) · Resolution and staff report (saved copy)