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Hiawatha City Commission hears housing proposal

By Greg Bebermeyer

08/13/2025

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission heard a housing proposal when they meet Monday evening.

Local resident Richard Meiners and BB Brothers Construction representative Hernan Avalos appeared before the Commission to discuss the proposal.

They would like to use city-owned property, located in the 900 block of Kickapoo Street near Starr Park, for the location of a 8-lot trailer park.

Meiners said the property is already set up as a trailer park, with sewer and water hookups in place.

Plans are to purchase new trailers, which would be available for rent or to purchase.

Meiners said the city currently doesn't have enough low-income housing in town, and this would provide an option.

The city's zoning ordinance currently prohibits trailers in town, and would have to be amended to allow the proposed project to move forward.

The city will also have to determine how much they are willing to sell the property for.

Mayor Becky Shamburg asked Meiners and Avalos to come back with more information but was supportive of the proposal.

In other business, an effort to remove the requirement that residents wanting to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting come in the Wednesday before a meeting and fill out a form failed to gain approval.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd made a motion to remove the requirement, which was seconded by Commissioner Tom Martin.