Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – January 8, 2026

The Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission met on January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Village Hall. The main agenda item was a concept plan review for a proposed residential development on a 6.7‑acre site along Route 31, north of River Road. The applicant, Property Addon, presented a plan for 60 units (20 townhomes and 40 condominiums) at a density of 8.95 units per acre. After extensive discussion, the commission voted 5‑2 to reject the concept plan. Public forum followed, with four residents speaking.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (December 4, 2025): Unanimously approved by roll call vote (9‑0).

Discussion Items

• Route 31 Property Concept Plan (Project #1296.25):
  • Applicant Presentation: Carrie Hansen (Shoppy Design Associates) and Rohit Dhingra (Property Addon) presented a high‑level concept for 20 townhomes in five buildings and 40 condominiums in one five‑story building. The site is unincorporated, zoned R3 in Kendall County, and the applicant seeks annexation as D1 PUD. Key features: one divided boulevard entrance, 0.8 acres of stormwater management, 2.47 acres of open space, a 325‑foot setback from the Fox River, and parking exceeding UDO requirements. The project aligns with the 2015 Comprehensive Plan’s downtown district designation, which envisions expanded downtown with riverfront density.
  • Commissioner Concerns: Multiple commissioners expressed that the density (8.95 units/acre) was too high compared to surrounding single‑family homes (e.g., River Run at 2.27 units/acre, River Mist at 3.33 units/acre). The five‑story building was seen as out of scale and incompatible with existing neighborhoods. Concerns included impact on property values, lack of walkability to downtown (requiring crossing Route 31), insufficient emergency vehicle access, and disruption of wildlife and privacy for adjacent homeowners. Commissioner Pager argued the project was exactly what downtown needs to attract businesses and increase foot traffic.
  • Commissioner Positions: Several commissioners (Bradshaw, Hillman, Coon, McCallum, Sather) opposed the plan due to density and compatibility. Pager and Roode supported the concept in principle, with Roode suggesting reduced density (4–5 units/acre).
  • Staff Comments: Development Services noted the comp plan is being updated and encouraged public participation. The traffic study and detailed engineering would come later if the plan advanced.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Brodemus (2470 State Route 31, 40‑year resident): Advocated for a “Burnham Plan” making the riverfront park space, noting sewer infrastructure challenges on the east side of Route 31.
• Kevin Stone (90 Hickory Street, 40+ year resident): Thanked the commission for rejecting the plan. Said residents are “tired of seeing apartments” and urged more community input in the comp plan update.
• Terry Anderson (568 Sudbury Circle, resident since 1967): Supported the concept, noting River Mist residents want walkability to downtown. Called for open‑mindedness about density near the river.
• Renee Atkins (2216 State Route 31, riverfront owner): Opposed the plan as incompatible with surrounding acre‑lot homes. Asked to preserve the riverfront corridor’s character.

Key Outcomes

• Vote to Reject the Concept Plan: Motion by Commissioner Sather, seconded by Commissioner Bradshaw. Roll call: Bradshaw (yes), Collins (yes), Hillman (yes), Coon (yes), McCallum (yes), Pager (no), Roode (no). Motion carried 5‑2. The concept plan is denied at this stage; the applicant may choose to revise and return to the Village Board.
• Next Steps: The developer may seek input from the Village Board. The next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2026.