The Ottawa City Commission voted unanimously to grant a Conditional Use Permit to a contractor to build a duplex at 809 South Willow. This, despite the very vocal protests of neighbors in the area who cited drainage issues, parking problems, congestion and the building would not fit into the neighborhood, plus, overruling the Planning Commission recommendation to not allow the building.
Commissioner Mike Skidmore gave his reason for voting for the proposal, which included getting the vacant property on the tax rolls:
He also says two separate housing studies have indicated Ottawa is in great need of housing, both single family and multi-family units.
