Development News for Grimes, Iowa

Intersection Improvements Approved for East Gateway, East First Street, and Other Key Locations

The council reviewed and approved resolutions for intersection improvements at East Gateway Drive and East First Street, along with other related locations. The project includes enhancements at East Gateway and East First Southeast, 11th and Highway 141, and Northeast Gateway Drive and Northeast Heritage Drive. Improvements involve adding turn lanes, extending lanes, and upgrading traffic signals. Six bids were received, with All Star Concrete of Johnston, Iowa, submitting the lowest bid of $1,788,394.50, which was 8% to 20% below the engineer's estimate. The project has a notice to proceed between August 11, 2025, and April 13, 2026, with completion required within 110 working days, plus an additional 10 days. The project will utilize $200,000 in Iowa DOT U-STEP funding. Schneider Associates, the consulting engineer, has prior positive experience with All Star Concrete.

US Bank Site Plan Approved for New Branch with Drive-Through Lanes

The council considered and approved the site plan for a new US Bank branch, located at 331 Northeast Cypress Drive, near Chipotle and the Hy-Vee multiplex. The property is zoned C2 and adheres to the transportation mixed-use overlay. The proposed 4,500 square foot building will feature two drive-through lanes with a bypass lane, 18 parking stalls, a dumpster enclosure, and sidewalk connections to the public trail. Building materials will include limestone block, earth-tone brick, and metal accent panels. Utilities will be managed through existing water and sanitary lines, with stormwater draining to a west detention pond. The project aims to enhance convenience and offer banking competition within the community.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Unkempt Apartment Construction Site

Residents Joe Wash and Nick Young addressed the council during the public forum regarding the ongoing construction of an apartment complex by an unnamed developer, located behind their properties. They detailed numerous issues including excessive garbage and litter, uncontrolled weeds, encroaching vegetation, mud and debris on sidewalks and streets, inadequate erosion control, and potential dumping of paint and concrete into a pond. Wash specifically mentioned that Dr. Horton, a nearby developer, maintained their site better. Young also raised concerns about safety, noting contractors not using safety gear and mentioning the risk of a job site fatality. Both residents expressed dissatisfaction with the site's upkeep and its negative impact on their neighborhood, urging the city to take action.

New Fire Chief Praises Department's Response to Weekend Fires

During the council meeting, the new Fire Chief, SIE Coleman, reported on recent emergency responses. He detailed two significant incidents that occurred on Saturday: a mutual aid response to a second alarm fire in Ankeny involving Station 38's tower ladder, and a structure fire in Grimes at 2100 block of Northeast 21st Street. Chief Coleman commended the Grimes fire department's rapid response and operational effectiveness in containing the Grimes fire to the garage, preventing spread to the main structure and allowing the family to return home after repairs. He highlighted that the rigorous training of the fire department personnel was evident in their performance.