Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – September 4, 2025

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on September 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Village Hall. The Commission considered multiple public hearings including a public works facility expansion, text amendments to subdivision and zoning regulations, a variance for an accessory structure, a 52-unit residential subdivision, and a concept plan for the redevelopment of the old Traughber School site. The meeting also included public forum comments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Works Facility: Tim Kellogg (representing Stone Hill) expressed appreciation for the village's collaboration and input on colors, fenestration, and the salt dome location, noting the developer listened to Stone Hill's concerns.
• Jade Estates: Dan Fogeris (310 Furlong Street) criticized the lack of architectural cohesion with the community, congestion, loss of green space, and density.
• Old Traughber School Concept Plan: Multiple residents spoke in opposition:
  • Mary Murray (Tyler Street) argued the five-story buildings do not fit the single-family neighborhood, raised traffic concerns, and noted impacts on property values and bus access.
  • Annie Fish (55 N Adams Street) expressed disappointment, noting the building served the YMCA, Senior Center, and food pantry; urged preservation of community culture.
  • Michael Reynolds (103 Franklin Street) criticized the process as secretive, questioned the traffic and flooding impacts, and worried about parking overflow and gentrification.
  • Mark Benstein (151 Franklin Street) raised traffic safety, privacy, and the wasted $7.3 million referendum investment.
  • Frank Woolley (97 Garfield) argued the development is inconsistent with surrounding neighborhoods, questioned the assumption residents would walk downtown, and called for balanced growth.
  • Other speakers echoed traffic, density, infrastructure, and property value concerns; no public speaker supported the proposal.

Discussion Items

• Wells Fargo Bank Major PUD Amendment (Project #1282.25): The applicant withdrew the request. The Commission formally opened and closed the public hearing (unanimous).
• Public Works Facility (Project #1284.25): Staff presented the preliminary and final PUD to expand the facility at 100 Theater Drive. The new administration building (14,000 sq ft) and vehicle storage garage (75,000 sq ft) would allow 40% immediate use and capacity for 20 years. Parking (138 spaces vs. code-required 450) was addressed as employee-only, and the dog park was closed. Architect Andy Dogen (Williams Architects) stated the cost per square foot (~$300) was less than recent similar projects. Commissioners discussed tree preservation, sidewalk connectivity, and building design. Public comment included support from Stone Hill and a concern about precast panel flexibility, which staff addressed with planned cutouts for expansion.
• Subdivision & Development Control Regulations Text Amendment (Project #1263.25): Staff proposed incorporating floodplain/floodway regulations (based on state model), updating definitions, and coordinating with UDO amendments. Village engineer Andrew Jungerman explained that merging floodplain ordinances brings standards up to current NOAA intensity levels. Commissioners discussed separating water and sewer lines to prevent cross-contamination.
• Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment (Project #1283.25): Staff proposed amendments to streamline surety/warranty process, remove duplicate floodplain references, add zoning verification letters, remove arbors/trellises permits, and revise wall sign and lighting standards. Commissioners asked about snow removal responsibility (remains with developer until village acceptance) and warranty amounts (20% of updated cost at initial acceptance).
• 316 Chicago Road – Variance for Accessory Structure (Project #1270.25): The property owner built a 1,200 sq ft detached garage (total 2,040 sq ft) without a permit. Staff noted the UDO does not anticipate lots over one acre (this lot is over three acres), and the current location preserves trees and avoids the creek. The Commission discussed scaling and future UDO updates.
• Jade Estates of Oswego (Project #1280.25): Developer Ram Prashanta (Pro Jade LLC) presented a 52-unit residential subdivision (8 acres, southwest corner of Wolf's Crossing and Douglas Road) with three four-plex townhomes and duplexes, all maintenance-free, owner-occupied, priced in upper $300s to mid $400s. The road was changed to public, and units reduced from 66 to 52. Commissioners expressed concerns about density (the commission had previously denied 56 and 66 units) but noted the village board already approved the annexation agreement. Public comment criticized lack of architectural cohesion. The Commission voted to recommend denial.
• Old Traughber School Site Redevelopment Concept Plan (Project #1279.25): JM Development/Cordogan Clark presented a 239-unit mixed-use concept (23 townhomes, 216 apartments) on the 12.5-acre former school property (Rt. 71 & Washington St.). The plan includes four-to-five-story apartment buildings, a park, dog park, pool, and over-parking (426 spaces, 40-45 over 1.7 ratio). The applicant noted they have iterated from an earlier 246-unit plan and are open to reducing height/scale. School District 308 Superintendent Dr. Kilgotti and Board President Dominic Sorella explained the RFP process (one respondent), the $250,000 annual cost to maintain the building, and the district's need to divest. Commissioners criticized the density, scale, lack of green space, traffic impact, and incongruity with the historic downtown character. Public testimony overwhelmingly opposed the project. The Commission voted to recommend denial 8-0.

Key Outcomes

• Public Works Facility: Unanimous approval to recommend acceptance of findings of fact and approval of the preliminary and final PUD for the expansion (8-0).
• Subdivision Regulations Text Amendment: Unanimous approval to recommend adoption of the amendments (8-0).
• UDO Text Amendment: Unanimous approval to recommend adoption of the amendments (8-0).
• 316 Chicago Road Variance: Unanimous approval to recommend approval of a variance for a 1,200 sq ft detached garage (8-0).
• Jade Estates of Oswego: Unanimous motion to recommend denial of the preliminary and final PUD and plat (8-0).
• Old Traughber School Concept Plan: Unanimous motion to recommend denial of the concept plan (8-0).
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 9, 2025 (potential cancellation noted).