Property owners push back against development of The Family Leader complex
The Family Leader wants Polk County to rezone the former Geisler Farm so it can build an office building, event center and more.
The Family Leader wants Polk County to rezone the former Geisler Farm so it can build an office building, event center and more.
The Family Leader wants Polk County to rezone the former Geisler Farm so it can build an office building, event center and more.
Some property owners near Bondurant are pushing back on a proposal for The Family Leader to build a rural campus.
The Family Leader is a socially-conservative Christian organization based in the Des Moines metro. Its mission is to "strengthen families, by inspiring Christ-like leadership in the home, the church, and the government," according to its website.
At a Polk County rezoning meeting, one resident raised concerns about the design plans, saying the plans don't fit with the area surroundings. Others voiced complaints about tax exemptions and the safety of first responders who may need access to the rural area.
The Family Leader wants Polk County to rezone the former Geisler Farm so it can build an office building, event center and more.
The organization's director says this is part of a long-time agreement with the Geisler Family and is the best use of the land.
"If we don't allow something like this to happen, what do you allow this property to be used for? Because it's not going to go back to row crop," said Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The Family Leader.
The Polk County Board approved a second reading of the rezoning request Wednesday.
It will need to vote on a third reading before considering the request.