Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – July 16, 2025
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – July 16, 2025
The Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until 8:30 PM. Seven commissioners were present (Shafeek Abubaker, Tom Castagnoli, Derek McDaniel, Mark S. Wright, Meghna Bansal, Courtney Naumes, Whitney Robbins); Carl Richelia was absent. The commission conducted two public hearings, received board training, and approved the previous meeting's minutes.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Reserves of Saddle Creek (DEV-0033-2025):
- Kathy Subber (neighbor, resident of Saddle Creek) requested a buffer between her property and the proposed development, citing concerns about tree loss, privacy, stormwater, and traffic safety. She expressed appreciation for the builder's reputation but asked for measures such as higher trees, privacy fencing, and preservation of existing features.
- Calvin Roland (Naperville resident, Saddle Creek neighbor) objected to the petition, calling the destruction of 97% of the forest (only 12 of ~300 trees remaining) “gross” and “irresponsible.” He argued the development lacks value for the existing community, violates the 90% rule, ignores wildlife habitat, and fails to provide parkland dedication. He requested that the park donation be converted to a sizable land dedication and that at least eight homes be omitted to preserve green space.
- Guzman y Gomez (DEV-0049-2025): No public speakers signed up.
Discussion Items
- Reserves of Saddle Creek (DEV-0033-2025): Staff presented the request for rezoning to R1A upon annexation, a subdivision deviation from the 90% rule for lots 13 and 14, and a rear yard setback variance (from 28.2 to 20 feet) for lot 14 – all due to the required alignment of Clearwater Lane. The petitioner (attorney Rich Guerard, builder Doug Overstreet, engineer Nick Varchetto) explained that the road alignment created hardships, making the deviations necessary. Commissioners questioned tree preservation (only 5–12 trees could be saved due to stormwater grading), fencing (petitioner agreed to a 6-foot solid fence on lot 14 but not on other lots), and landscaping buffers (no specific plan beyond city minimums). Commissioner McDaniel noted the developer has coordinated with Naper Settlement and Naperville Preservation Inc. regarding historic structures. The Park District declined dedicated park space and instead supported a monetary donation.
- Guzman y Gomez (DEV-0049-2025): Staff presented the request for a major change to the Fox River Commons PUD and a final PUD plat to build a 2,668 sq. ft. single-story restaurant with a drive-through and 31 parking spaces at 844 S. Route 59. Petitioner Michael Klingl (JSD Professional Services) and Jason Trombley (GYG) highlighted a new sidewalk extension along Route 59, a covered patio, and signage that meets code without exceptions. Commissioner McDaniel praised the restaurant, and Commissioner Robbins appreciated the sidewalk extension. No opposition was raised.
- Board and Commission Training: Adam Beaver delivered a presentation on member responsibilities, attendance requirements (75% minimum), ethics, Open Meetings Act compliance, remote participation rules, and the upcoming transition from city email accounts to personal emails (subject to FOIA). Commissioners acknowledged the training.
Key Outcomes
- Reserves of Saddle Creek – Motion to Recommend Approval (DEV-0033-2025): Commissioner Naumes moved, seconded by Commissioner McDaniel, to adopt the findings of fact and recommend approval of the rezoning to R1A, subdivision deviation, and rear yard setback variance (subject to the condition of a 6-foot solid fence on lot 14). Vote: 7 ayes (all present), 0 nays. (Absent: Richelia).
- Guzman y Gomez – Motion to Recommend Approval (DEV-0049-2025): Commissioner Bansal moved, seconded by Commissioner McDaniel, to adopt the findings of fact and recommend approval of the major change to the Fox River Commons PUD and final PUD plat. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
- Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 18, 2025 meeting.
Meeting Transcript
I would like to call the planning and zoning meeting commission meeting for July 16th, 2025 to order. All right, thank you. And let's get started. Secretary Wright, please conduct roll call. Abu Baker, Bonzel. Here. Just ignoting Namas? Here. McDaniel? Here. Rogelia? Wright is here. And Robins. Here. Madam Chair, we have a quorum. Great. The first order of business tonight in the public forum during the public forum, members of the public have the opportunity to address the planning and zoning commission on issues which are not part of tonight's agenda. Please keep your comments limited to three minutes. Also, for the sake of all those in attendance, please refrain from clapping or shouting out in response to comments made by any speaker. Secretary Wright, do we have anyone signed up in the public forum? Uh Doug, old start, did you did you mean to sign up for the open forum? Doug? I thought I did sign up. For did you want to speak on the uh in the public forum section? No, okay. Thank you. No one else signed up. Great. Thank you. Our next order of business and public hearings for each hearing will begin with a staff presentation or introduction followed by the petitioner's presentation. We will then take public testimony to ensure that we have an opportunity to hear from each person wishing to speak. Please keep your comments specific to the request under consideration and try to avoid repetitive comments. Also, for the sake of all of those in attendance, please refrain from clapping or shouting in response to comments made by any speaker. Following the public testimony, the petitioner will provide closing remarks just prior to the closure of the public meeting. No further public testimony will be taken after the petitioner begins their closing remarks or during the planning and zoning commission's deliberation. I will now swear in any of the members of the public wishing to speak. Those who wish to provide testimony, please stand up. Please raise your right hand and respond. I do. I swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Great. Thank you. The first case on tonight's agenda is development-0033-2025, reserves of Saddle Creek. Anna Franco from staff will present the case. Thank you, Chair. Anna Franco at the city's planning services team. The petitioner for DEV-0033-2025 requests approval of annexation into the city of Naperville, rezoning to R1A upon annexation, a preliminary and final plat of subdivision, a subdivision deviation to the 90% rule, a rear yard setback variants, and engineering manual deviations to develop the property at 10826-10846 South Book Road with 14 single-family homes to be known as the reserves of Saddle Creek. The subject property is approximately eight acres and is located on the west side of Book Road where Clearwater Lane intersects with Book Road. Adjacent uses include the Clow Creek Greenway to the north and surrounding single family residential. As part of this request, the petitioner seeks to rezone the subject property to the R1A low density single family district upon annexation.
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