Group opposing Iowa City tower sues city council

IOWA CITY (AP) ? A group that opposes a 20-story tower in Iowa City is suing the city council over a rezoning request.

The Coalition Against the Shadow filed a lawsuit Monday in Johnson County District Court. It claims city officials engaged in spot zoning by creating properties with usage restrictions that are different from surrounding properties.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports the group requested in May to rezone the property under a classification that prohibits buildings taller than about six stories. The council denied it.

The group wants a court to overturn the council's decision. The coalition says it just wants the city to follow its own rules. City attorney Eleanor Dilkes says she is confident the council's decision will hold up.

The tower would become Iowa City's tallest building.