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CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids City Council has signaled early intent to rezone the land around a former elementary school for an upcoming apartment development.

The council on Tuesday held a public hearing on the project planned for the former Garfield Elementary School and voted 8-0 to approve the rezoning’s first reading. Two additional readings are needed for the change to take effect.

Developer Steve Emerson last year bought the property — located at 1201 Maplewood Dr. NE — from the Cedar Rapids Community School District for $160,000. He intends to renovate the building into 30 market-rate apartments.

“I think this is a great story,” council member Ashley Vanorny said ahead of Tuesda

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