Controversial West Des Moines project approved by council

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The West Des Moines City Council this week approved the site plan for a mixed-use development that several Valley Junction residents oppose. Developer Scott Cutler presented about the property at 304 Fifth St. in January and plans to raze a two-story house and build a three-story structure with ground-level retail and office space and apartments on the second and third floors. Some business owners and residents oppose the development saying the structure’s architecture doesn’t fit the historic district and that Valley Junction doesn’t need more apartments. The city’s Plan and Zoning Commission discussed the project in April; a vote ended in a tie. The council, on a 4-1 vote, approved the site plan during its meeting on Monday. Council member Kevin Trevillyan voted against the site plan.