Times/News Correspondent

A citizen initiated rezoning for townhouse development along Pacific Highway south of South 260th Street could increase congestion for Des Moines drivers if approved, city council members were told Oct. 13.

A large public response to the proposed development and unanswered questions about its impact prompted lawmakers to extend last week's public hearing to Nov. 17.

A public hearing on the proposed rezoning of what then was an 8.26-acre site, known as the Mitchell/Chamilian project, was held in 2004.

That site now includes an an additional 1.8 acres, which would also be rezoned from commercial use to allow townhouse development if the project is approved.

Since last year, the consideration of the rezoning request has been delayed because of extensive revisions to the planned project.

Two persons spoke in support of the plan at the city council