Council approves final plat for Anne's Nature Preserve addition

The Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved the final plat for "Anne's Nature Preserve Addition," creating Lot 1 (a roughly 13-acre nature preserve) and Lot 2 (about 10 acres retained by Ms. Schroeder) under a donation agreement that includes use restrictions for the preserve. Planning staff said the applicant is the City of Bettendorf together with Schroeder, that zoning and the future land-use map were consistent with the proposed subdivision, and that staff recommended approval.

Planning staff described modest adjustments to the northern property line after neighbor input to keep the creekway on private property and reduce trespass concerns. City staff told the council that a separate adjacent 1-acre parcel east of Lot 2 is not part of the current plat and that Ms. Schroeder currently owns both parcels; if she sold the 1-acre parcel in the future, staff said an express easement could be recorded to preserve access. The staff report said notice was published as required under the subdivision ordinance and that the planning and zoning commission had unanimously recommended approval.

Neighbor Chad Miller spoke during public comment opposing development on certain portions of the property and urged the council to consider including the 1-acre parcel in the plat; staff responded that the 1-acre parcel is not before the council tonight. Council Member Palczynski moved for approval of the final plat, the council seconded the motion and approved it by unanimous roll-call vote.