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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: September 19, 2019
SUBJECT:
A Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Resolution Approving a Final Plan on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1433 Prairie Street for a Student Success Center (Aurora University - 19-0761 / AU20/3-19.132-Fpn - TV - Ward 4)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Aurora University, is requesting approval of a Final Plan for Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1433 Prairie Street for a Student Success Center.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property currently includes Aurora University, a private, post-secondary institution of higher education with accredited Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral level programs. The Campus currently consists of approximately 40 acres and includes 18 major buildings, 7 parking lots and a football field/soccer field with bleachers. The University has acquired all but one property on the south side of Southlawn Place, which is currently a single-family dwelling with R-1 One-Family Dwelling District zoning. Most of the homes acquired have been demolished for redevelopment. The remaining acquired homes are being used for University offices, classrooms and a studio.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan. The details of the request include the demolition of the existing house and driveway and the construction of a 7,320 square foot Student Success Center. As part of the proposal, a structured detention system is being proposed along Prairie Street to fulfill the stormwater requirements.
The building elevation for the Student Success Center is a combination of stone and cedar siding. Landscaping is being implemented around the entire building.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Final Plan petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
The Final Plan for the Student Success Center is keeping with the approved 2018 Master Plan.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
14.1(5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning Commission recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Resolution Approving a Final Plan on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1433 Prairie Street for a Student Success Center with the following condition:
1. That approval of the Final Plan be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A-1" Final Plan
Exhibit "A-2" Landscape Plan
Exhibit "A-3" Building and Signage Elevations
Fire Access Plan
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Property Research Sheet
Legistar History Report
Legistar Number: 19-0761
cc:
Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee:
Alderman Michael B. Saville, Chairperson
Alderman Sherman Jenkins, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Carl Franco
Alderman Robert J. O’Connor
Alderman Juany Garza
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Building, Zoning and Economic Development Resolution Approving a Final Plan on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1433 Prairie Street for a Student Success Center
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, by petition dated August 28, 2019, Aurora University filed with the City of Aurora a petition Requesting approval of a Final Plan for Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1433 Prairie Street for a Student Success Center and related required documents as attached hereto as Exhibits "A-1" through Exhibit “A-3”; and
WHEREAS, after referral of said petition from the Aurora City Council, the Aurora Planning Commission conducted a hearing on September 18, 2019, reviewed the petition and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2019, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Final Plan and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, the decision of the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee with respect to a final plan is subject to appeal to the City Council in the manner set forth in the City of Aurora Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, no person authorized under City of Aurora Zoning Ordinance to appeal such decision having done so in the manner set forth in the Ordinance, the Decision of the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee constitutes final action on the proposed final plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby grants CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said Final Plan with the following conditions:
1. That approval of the Final Plan be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora hereby adopts the Final Plan and related required documents, as attached hereto as Exhibit "A-1" Final Plan, Exhibit “A-2” Landscape Plan, and Exhibit “A-3” Building and Signage Elevations, along with any easement dedications or vacations deemed necessary by the Aurora City Engineer.