CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Pass the ordinance amending Chapter 11 (Comprehensive Plan) of Title 1 (Administrative) and Article G (College/University District of Chapter 7 (Business Districts) of Title 6 (Zoning Regulations) of the Naperville Municipal Code to adopt the North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034 - PZC 24-1-081
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Sara Kopinski, AICP
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted the public hearing regarding the proposed North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034 and associated text amendments on August 7, 2024 and voted to recommend approval of the requests (approved 7-0). Staff concurs.
City Council held the first reading of the ordinance to amend the Municipal Code to adopt the North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034 on August 20, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034 (MLUP) was initially adopted in 1989 as a component of the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan. Updated in 2001, and again in 2010, the plan identifies North Central College’s (College) existing property and boundaries, areas on campus that could be developed in the future, and potential facility needs in the next decade. As the current plan is set to expire, the college initiated another update to its Master Land Use Plan to re-evaluate its future growth and facility expansion for the next 10 years.
The MLUP is a high-level guiding policy document for College land use and decision-making, and a resource for the City of Naperville, the surrounding neighborhood, and the broader community. It is intended to be a flexible plan that will evolve as financial circumstances, marketplace dynamics, and College needs change over time.
DISCUSSION:
Public Process Summary
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
The HPC reviewed the historic preservation components of the proposed MLUP at their meeting on July 25 and discussed buildings slated for potential redevelopment and the historical significance of certain buildings on campus. College representatives reiterated that while the MLUP provides information about historic structures located within the College’s campus, its adoption does not grant any approvals for said structures. A formal HPC vote is not required on the MLUP; however, meeting minutes from the July 25 HPC meeting have been included in the attachments for reference.
Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC)
The PZC conducted the public hearing to consider the College’s MLUP and the associated text amendment on August 7, 2024. No members of the public provided testimony. PZC members commended the College for their attention to detail and the story the MLUP tells about the College’s history. At the conclusion of comments, the PZC closed the public hearing and recommended approval of the College’s requests (approved 7-0). Staff concurs with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation.
City Council First Reading
City Council held the first reading of the ordinance to adopt the North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034 on August 20, 2024. During the City Council meeting, it was confirmed that any College buildings located within the boundaries of the Historic District will continue to require review and approval by the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Changes Made to the Plan Following the First Reading
North Central College proactively provided the City Council with a list of anticipated plan revisions to be completed prior to the second reading of the ordinance and City Council’s adoption of the North Central College Master Land Use Plan 2024-2034. The anticipated plan revisions did not change the intent or recommendations already included in the plan; rather, the changes provide additional clarification on specific items.
The changes made to the MLUP since the first reading of the ordinance are highlighted in the attached Revisions Made in Response to Comments. Two additional revisions were made, including: (i) clarifying the location and number of the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, and (ii) deleting references to the prior President of the College.
The final MLUP is attached to the ordinance as Exhibit A.
RELATED FILES
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