Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Planning & Zoning Commission held four public hearings on April 9, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM at Village Hall. Items included a self-storage special use permit, a fence variance, a mixed-use planned unit development, and a major PUD amendment for a HomeGoods store. The Commission approved three items and denied the staff recommendation on the self-storage permit.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 5, 2026 Minutes: Approved unanimously by roll call vote (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oswego Self-Storage (D1):
  • Jess Chaffoletti, a commercial real estate broker/developer with 35 years of experience, urged the Commission to be flexible with zoning, stating that there are no retailers left for the Orchard Road corridor and that the site has been vacant for decades. He noted that the Jewel store is at risk of closing.
  • Laura Thompson, of Romo Properties, confirmed she listed the parcel for 28 years and that over 30 acres of retail-zoned land on Orchard Road remain unsold. She argued that the Commission is hurting landowners by not considering alternative uses.
• Harrison Square (D3):
  • Scott Richmond, attorney for the applicant, requested the Commission reconsider the use of Chanticleer pear trees in the landscape plan, noting they will be classified as a toxic weed in 2028. Staff acknowledged they already suggested alternative options.
• HomeGoods (D4):
  • Peter Theodore, the project architect, commented that the development is long overdue and will fill a vacant lot. He thanked the Commission.

Discussion Items

• D1 – Oswego Self-Storage (Special Use Permit): Staff recommended denial, stating the use does not fit the Orchard Way commercial corridor and is more appropriate for industrial districts. The applicant, Phil McAllister, argued that self-storage has evolved, the site has been vacant for decades with no retail interest, and there is a market need (0.93 square feet of storage per person in a 3-mile radius vs. a balanced 8 sq ft). Commissioners discussed fencing, building design, and the property's long-term viability. A motion to deny failed (2 yeas, 7 nays; David Roode and Charlie Pager voted to deny). A subsequent motion to approve passed (7 yeas, 2 nays; David Roode and Charlie Pager dissented).
• D2 – 104 Preakness Drive (Variance): The applicant installed a 4-foot tall fence with approximately 33% openness, exceeding the 3-foot height limit and not meeting the 50% openness requirement for corner side yards. Staff recommended approval, noting the fence is set back 78 feet with no sight-line issues. Commissioners expressed concern about the clarity of the definition of “open fence” and directed staff to review the UDO language. The variance was approved unanimously.
• D3 – Harrison Square (Preliminary and Final PUD): The proposal reuses an existing industrial building for commercial multi-tenant space, a recreational area, food trucks with a pavilion, and small retail shops. Staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan. The only concern raised was about the Chanticleer pear trees, which will be addressed by staff. The PUD was approved unanimously.
• D4 – HomeGoods (Major PUD Amendment): The amendment allows a 25,000 sq ft HomeGoods building (8,000 sq ft larger than the approved footprint) and a wall sign with letters up to 72 inches (exceeding the 48-inch limit). Staff noted similar sign amendments have been granted to other tenants (e.g., Aldi). The Commission approved the amendment unanimously. A commissioner asked about potential noise impacts on the adjacent Steeplechase subdivision; the applicant noted the development complies with noise ordinances.

Key Outcomes

• Oswego Self-Storage: Approved (7-2) – special use permit granted for a self-storage facility at the southwest corner of Lewis Drive and Station Drive.
• 104 Preakness Drive Variance: Approved (9-0) – variance granted for the existing 4-foot fence. Staff directed to review and clarify the fence openness definition in the UDO.
• Harrison Square PUD: Approved (9-0) – preliminary and final PUD approved for commercial development at 174 South Harrison Street.
• HomeGoods PUD Amendment: Approved (9-0) – major amendment to allow a 25,000 sq ft building and 72-inch wall sign letters.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for May 7, 2026.