Board of Adjustment gives green light to Hartwood Inn proposal

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Board of Adjustment is recommending the approval of a conditional use permit that would facilitate the conversion of the Hartwood Inn into residential multi-family units following a public hearing on Friday, June 9.

Jerry Hegtvedt of Cedar Valley Iowa Realty & Auction Co. was present at the meeting along with professional property manager Jim Steiner to explain their plans for the property and address concerns that the board and the community have about its development.

“There’s a lot of stigma attached to that property and we realize that,” said Hegtvedt, explaining that Cedar Valley Iowa Realty has entered into a purchase agreement with current owner Gilbert Starble, whose practices while operating the inn and his own plans to convert the property into a multi-family residence were met with strong criticism from the community last year.

Recognizing the unlikelihood of the property ever operating as a hotel again, Cedar Valley Iowa Realty wants to see the property re-developed into apartments. To move forward with that plan, the property will need a conditional use permit to allow it to operate in an area not zoned for that use.

“It’s a fantastic solution to a longstanding problem the community has,” said Hegtvedt.

Hegtvedt emphasized that Starble will not be involved in the development plan if it is approved and that Cedar Valley Iowa Realty’s interest in the project is to expand its own property management endeavors.

“It’s become a big part of our business,” said Hegtvedt. “We want to continue to grow that business.”

The new plan for the property involves a $1.5 million renovation project that will, eventually, convert the three buildings of the property into 25 to 27 units designed for mid-term rentals. In particular, the project will cater to skilled professionals on contract, such as nurses, who will pay higher rents for mid-term housing.

“Quite frankly, it will be nicer than some of our houses,” said Steiner. “This property has to be a high-end property or else it’s not going to work.”

Neighboring residents voiced their opposition to the project, both in written form and in person, but the clarification that Starble will not be involved in the project did seem to alleviate some of those concerns. Still, the Board of Adjustment grilled Hegtvedt and Steiner about the project, making sure that it falls in line with the city’s recommendations.

“I’m going to be a hard-ass on this,” said Board of Adjustment member Michael Hammond. “I’m going to make darn sure the city has way above and beyond the reach on who is in this property.”

After going over parking lot plans, property line barriers, tenant screening and eviction policy, financing and construction timelines, traffic flow, and more, the board closed the hearing and voted to make their recommendation to the city that the conditional use permit be granted.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m satisfied that all conditions can be met,” said Hammond.

Board member Gene LaBounty abstained due to his association with Cedar Valley Iowa Realty.