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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: April 18, 2019
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving a Final Plan and granting a setback variance on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1330 Marseillaise Place for a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the Parolini Music Center (Aurora University - 19-0240 / AU20/4-19.047-Fpn - TV - Ward 4)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Aurora University, is requesting approval of a Final Plan and a setback variance for a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the Parolini Music Center located at 1330 Marseillaise Place.
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. Some of the homes acquired have been demolished and have been devoted to open space until redevelopment occurs. The remaining acquired homes are being used for University offices, classrooms and a studio.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan with a setback variance for the Parolini Music Center. The Parolini Music Center is located on the north part of the Campus along Marselliase Place, between S. Randall Road and S. Calumet Avenue. The University is in the process of renovating the Music Center building. Concurrently with the renovation, the University is proposing to construct a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the eastern portion of the building for a performance area. An 8.28’ setback variance is being requested setback along the north property line, as the existing building and the building addition does not meet the current 20 foot setback required in the Plan Description. The existing building is setback 11.72 feet and the addition will be setback 14 feet from the property line.
As part of this proposal, the elevation of the Parolini Music Center building is also being updated. The building addition will match the brick on existing building. The mansard roof is being removed and replace with a flat metal accent panel. They are also adding a metal louver equipment screen on the roof of the building.
The University is proposing to remove the parking lot on the south side of the building with the exception of the access road which is required to remain as it is a fire lane. They will also be relocating a hydrant so it is adjacent to the access road. The removal of the parking lot is off setting any additional stormwater requirement for the addition.
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 building addition is matches the existing building’s setback, therefore, Staff does not feel that this will have a negative impact on the surrounding area.
Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff has not received public inquiries regarding this petition.
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(3) To protect, preserve and restore the historical and architectural heritage of the City.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning Commission recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the Resolution Approving a Final Plan and granting a setback variance on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1330 Marseillaise Place for a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the Parolini Music Center with the following conditions:
1. That prior to the removal of the parking lot, the Fire Access Plan shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
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: 19-0240
cc:
Alderman Michael B. Saville, Chairman
Alderman Sherman Jenkins, Member
Alderman Carl Franco, Member
Alderman William "Bill" Donnell, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Approving a Final Plan and granting a setback variance on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision located at 1330 Marseillaise Place for a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the Parolini Music 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 March 21, 2019, Aurora University filed with the City of Aurora a petition requesting approval of a Final Plan and a setback variance for a 1,090 sq. ft. addition to the Parolini Music Center located at 1330 Marseillaise Place 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, and after due notice and publication of said notice, the Aurora Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on April 17, 2019, reviewed the petition and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on April 25, 2019, the Planning and Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Final Plan and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby grants APPROVAL of said Final Plan with the setback variance with the following conditions:
1. That prior to the removal of the parking lot, the Fire Access Plan shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
Section Two: That the variation is hereby granted reducing the setback from 20' to 12.9', being a, 8.1' variance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council 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.