DES MOINES, Iowa — This week, the Des Moines City Council approved a plan to begin negotiations in a public-private partnership with homeless advocacy non-profit Joppa to build a tiny home village southeast of downtown.
The “village” of some 50 small homes would be located on the city-owned site of the former Chesterfield School at 2501 Maury Street, a location leaders say is more suitable than others considered previously.
“This is right on the bus line,” says councilman, Joe Gatto, who represents the modest neighborhood of existing small homes, a few churches, and a smattering of blue collar businesses. “It’s a good spot.”
Final touches being made in preparation for Iowa State Fair
Gatto says while he’s spoken to many in the area supportive of the idea, he’s aware that some neighbors have concerns — ranging from the look of the village itself to the effect of its residents wandering through their streets…