The new loft development is a controversial plan. Many area business owners have expressed opposition, citing spot zoning. Other landowners in the area, some with prominent locations, support the idea. Among them are Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Co. and National Farms Inc., which owns land where the city recently agreed to build a parking garage to be used by Butler Manufacturing and patrons of Kemper Arena.

At least one development group, one called 3rd Millennium Developers, has proposed 34 lofts in a used tire warehouse at the corner of 12th and Liberty streets. A lawyer for the group said 3rd Millennium planned to purchase the building within the next few weeks and begin renovation sometime this year.

Councilman Ed Ford asked for a resolution that would allow for a 60-day study of mixed housing in the West Bottoms. The council voted 11-2 in favor of the rezoning. Paul Danaher and Terry Riley voted no.