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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: November 19, 2015
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance Number 3100, being the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto, by Rezoning Property located at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling to P - Park and Recreation District (Whitt Law LLC - L15-00962 / AU16/4-15.163-Rz/Su/Fpn - TV - WARD 6)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Whitt Law LLC is Requesting to rezone the West Aurora School District 129 Nancy Hill Elementary School property at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling Districts to P Park and Recreation District.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property is generally located at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue with Nancy Hill Elementary School as a longtime grandfathered use.
In 1888, a one-room schoolhouse was opened at the corner of Pennsylvania and Illinois Avenues. Four years later, a second floor with four classrooms was added. On June 11, 1928, after another addition was completed, the school was renamed to honor Nancy L. Hill, who had taught in the District for seven years and served as a principal for another nineteen years. In 1956, the School District completed another addition. The present capacity of the school building is 617 students and the present enrollment of the school is 614 students.
The Subject Property is being rezoned from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling Districts to P Park and Recreation District. This zoning is consistent with other school sites in the city.
The Special Use and Final Plan Proposal, which is under separate action being reviewed and approved concurrently, consists of requesting approval of a Special Use for an Educational Services (6100) Use. The Final Plan proposal includes the construction of a new building on the west side of the site and the demolition of the existing building after completion. The new school building will be approximately 72,330 square feet and will have a target capacity of 750 students. Along with the new building, an 80 space parking lot is also being proposed on the southeast portion of the property where the existing school currently is located. Access into the site will be from Pennsylvania with a drive around the parking lot to provide stacking for drop off and departure. The Final Plan proposal also includes landscaping to be implemented throughout the site, signage and building elevations.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Rezoning petition, submitted by the petitioner and have sent comments back to them on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff has received public inquiries requesting additional information on this petition.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES :
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.
11.0 To guide the growth of the City in an orderly and structured manner.
11.1(5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
12.0 To plan and provide for the growth of the city through the integration of land use patterns and functions that promotes complementary interactions between different land use components.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Planning Commission recommends APPROVAL of the Ordinance Amending Ordinance Number 3100, being the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto, by Rezoning Property located at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling to P - Park and Recreation District.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Legal Description
Finding of Facts
Land Use Petition with Supporting Documents
Property Research Sheet
Legistar Number: L15-00962
cc: Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance Number 3100, being the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto, by Rezoning Property located at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling to P - Park and Recreation District
body
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, West Aurora School District #129 is the owner of record of the real estate legally described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, by petition dated October 22, 2015, Whitt Law LLC filed with the City of Aurora a petition requesting to rezone the West Aurora School District 129 Nancy Hill Elementary School property at 724 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling Districts to P - Park and Recreation District.
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 November 18, 2015, reviewed the petition and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, on November 23, 2015, the Planning and Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Rezoning and Special Use and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, based upon the recommendation and the stated standards of the Planning Commission, finds that the proposed Rezoning is not contrary to the purpose and intent of Ordinance Number 3100, being the Aurora Zoning Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois finds as fact all of the preamble recitals of this Ordinance.
Section Two: That all Ordinances or part of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as any conflict exists.
Section Three: That Ordinance Number 3100, being the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map attached thereto be, and the same are, hereby amended to rezone the real estate property described in Exhibit “A”, from R-1 and R-3 One Family Dwelling to P - Park and Recreation District.
Section Four: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Five: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.