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River Run developers wait on final OK

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By Mary Louise Speer | Wednesday, May 21, 2008 |

LeCLAIRE, Iowa — A final resolution on the River Run commercial development along Canal Shore Drive is still a couple of weeks away.

The LeClaire City Council unanimously approved a retail site plan this week and a second reading of a planned development district, or PDD, rezoning ordinance.

Although the development will bring new businesses to town, some homeowners on Canal Shore fear it will attract more traffic and noise to the quiet neighborhood. The development is located at the juncture of Canal Shore Drive, Eagle Ridge Road and U.S. 67.

“The bottom line is that there will be more commercial taxes coming in,” council member Debra Smith said. “I’m sure if I lived down there I wouldn’t want another business coming in, but it’s been zoned commercial for 20-some years.”

City officials will vote June 2 on a third reading for the PDD ordinance. Smith chose not to waive a final reading, saying she’s concerned about giving people enough time to comment.

“It gives everyone plenty of time to think about it and see if there are any more issues,” she said.

Representatives for the developer, the city and those who oppose the project met earlier this month and attempted to hew out a final solution, Mayor Robert Scannell said.

An offer was made, but no agreements reached, he said. “We want this development to get in. We’ve done just about everything we can as a city to make it happen,” he said.

Thomas Dalton, manager of River Run LLC and River Run Lot 3 LLC, said he is frustrated with another delay in beginning construction for a retail mall and Bierstube Bar and Grill. The plan has been in the works for three years.

“We were hoping to waive the third reading because now we have a two-week delay,” he said, referring to the June 2 meeting. “We’ll hopefully get final approval and we can get going again.”

He and his partners were ready to have contractors pour a foundation in December 2007 when a Scott County judge ruled the city had acted illegally in approving a PDD. The ruling halted work on the project.

Thomas and Linda Kamp, Canal Shore Drive residents, oppose the project with concerns about parking, screening and boat ramps. The Kamps filed a lawsuit against the River Run development in July 2006.

Those concerns remain, said Michael Meloy, a Bettendorf attorney who represents the Kamps. “They believe the PDD does not meet the minimum code requirements for a PDD,” he said.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.