Oswego Village Board Meeting – March 16, 2026

The Oswego Village Board held its regular meeting on March 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Oswego Village Hall. The meeting began with recognitions for artists from the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce Hometown Expo, followed by an Earth Hour proclamation for March 28, 2026. The public forum featured multiple residents voicing concerns about the proposed Parksmith Run development, a proposed bike path along the Fox River, and other neighborhood issues. The board then approved the consent agenda, bill list, and several new business items including an economic incentive for La Marimba restaurant, a concept plan amendment for Parksmith Run (with direction to modify), and multiple approvals for Hummel Trails 12 & 13 and Traughber Estates due diligence agreements.

Consent Calendar

• G.1–G.8 Approved unanimously: minutes from March 3, 2026; a bond reimbursement resolution; purchase of a 2026 Ford Ranger for $35,074.36; disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment; a special use permit for a motor vehicle rental at 4100 Route 71 (The Motor House); amendments to subdivision and development regulations (stormwater, floodplains, procedures); and an increase in a Class K liquor license for 3 Eights Hair at 4535 Route 71.
• Bill List Approved: Bill list dated March 16, 2026, in the amount of $1,208,368.19 (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ryan Zabrowski (Linwood subdivision resident) opposed the connection of Lewis Street through the new Parksmith Run development, citing safety concerns at the intersection of Anna Maria Lane and Rickard Drive, lack of sidewalks, increased speeding, wildlife displacement, and overcrowding at Yorkville 115 schools.
• Steve Asser (Linwood resident, 35 years) opposed the development, questioning the need for a traffic light on Route 34, urging preservation of the wooded area as a park, and expressing concerns about traffic, wildlife, and quality of life.
• Cindy Smith (west side of Fox River) opposed a proposed bike path from the east side bridge north along Route 31 through her property and others, citing loss of privacy, safety hazards, property value impacts, and floodplain concerns. She requested respectful treatment similar to past acquisitions for Hudson Crossing Park and Troy Park.
• Matt Koteski (Gates Creek West resident) expressed concerns about D.R. Horton’s speculative homes, small lot sizes, lack of basements, loss of mature trees, debris from construction, inadequate HOA management, traffic safety, and lack of speed control on Berrywood and Pirate’s Drive South.
• Sandy (last name not stated) (Linwood resident) reiterated opposition to connecting Lewis Street, citing narrow streets, child safety, and wildlife. She requested the street remain closed.
• Genesee Christian (Linwood resident) supported a bike path instead of a road connection and noted increased traffic since Anna Maria Lane opened, asking for a bike path alternative.
• Kara Bass (Gates Creek West resident) echoed concerns about tree canopy removal, buffering between new and existing homes, traffic from north-south openings, and lack of attention to Gates Creek West issues at earlier meetings.

Discussion Items

• Parksmith Run Concept Plan (J.1) – D.R. Horton (represented by Chris Funkhelser) presented a revised concept for the 107.5-acre site, originally approved in 2007 for 154 single-family homes and 88 townhomes. The new proposal includes 210 single-family homes and 76 townhomes (total 286 units), a 4.95-acre park (reduced from 7 acres per park district request), and commercial frontage on Route 34. The planning and zoning commission recommended approval with the condition that minimum lot widths be increased to 70 feet. Residents raised concerns about traffic, safety, wildlife, and connectivity. After board discussion, consensus emerged to eliminate the vehicular connection via Lewis Street but maintain a pedestrian/bike connection. The developer agreed to consider increasing lot widths to 70 feet and preserving more 80-foot lots. No formal vote was taken; direction was given to staff and developer to refine the plan.
• La Marimba Economic Incentive (J.2) – The board approved an ordinance granting up to $40,000 in reimbursable grant funding to La Marimba Restaurants, LLC for a $120,000 facade and patio renovation at 65 W. Washington Street. The project includes a new front entrance, pergola, glass garage door, upgraded signage, and planters. Staff recommended approval, and the restaurant owner Luis Prado presented the plans. The incentive was approved 7-0.
• Hummel Trails 12 & 13 (J.3) – The board conducted a public hearing and then approved three ordinances: (a) an annexation agreement amendment with Lenar Homes for the 80-acre site at the southwest corner of Woolley and Douglas Roads; (b) rezoning to R-2, R-4, and B-1 districts; (c) a special use permit for a preliminary planned unit development with 67 single-family homes (Hartford series) and 100 duplex units (age-targeted ranches with full basements). Lenar also agreed to step in to complete Woolley Road improvements, addressing a prior issue with Turnstone. All three items passed 7-0.
• Traughber Estates Due Diligence Agreements (J.4) – The board approved four agreements to facilitate the redevelopment of the school district-owned property: (a) ordinance declaring necessity of use and authorizing acquisition; (b) intergovernmental purchase and sale agreement with School District 308 (purchase price $2.1 million, but village intends not to pay out of pocket; TIF increment will cover it); (c) temporary diligence license agreement for developer JM Developers LLC to conduct site work; (d) intergovernmental agreement for shared consultant services with School District 308 to split the cost of financial analysis (approx. $20,000). All items passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda and bill list approved unanimously.
• La Marimba incentive approved (7-0).
• Hummel Trails 12 & 13 annexation amendment, rezoning, and preliminary PUD approved (all 7-0), subject to attorney review.
• Traughber Estates due diligence agreements approved (all 7-0).
• Parksmith Run concept plan direction given: eliminate vehicular connection via Lewis Street, maintain pedestrian/bike connection; increase minimum lot widths to 70 feet; explore preserving more 80-foot lots; developer to return with revised plan.
• Earth Hour proclamation recognized March 28, 2026, 8:30-9:30 PM.
• Recognitions presented to 33 student and adult artists from the Hometown Expo.
• No old business; no closed session actions reported.