Houses or something more 'versatile' for north Naperville?
The neighborhood immediately north of downtown Naperville is filled mainly by older houses right now, but what will it be in the future?
The city council will begin discussions at 7 p.m. Tuesday about what type of development should be encouraged in the area bounded by Douglas Avenue on the north, Washington Street on the east, Benton Avenue on the south and Webster Street.
Shops, offices, restaurants and so-called "transitional uses" that combine offices and housing are some of the building types favored by downtown and planning leaders, who say the area has potential to develop into something more vibrant than simply houses.
City staff members say market demand will determine whether the area will be redone into new homes or an expanded retail or office district.
"They anticipate and have a vision that that portion of downtown Naperville at some point can be something more versatile than just residential," said Patty Gustin, chairwoman of the planning and zoning commission.
So instead of considering a specific redevelopment proposal or rezoning any of the properties in a way that would restrict them for only one type of development, the council will consider a proposal that officials say offers guidance and flexibility.
Called a zoning overlay district, the proposal would create new requirements to be applied in addition to the regulations of the zoning designation in which each property lies, said Allison Laff, operations manager.
"The overlay district actually puts special regulations in place that are specific to that geographic area," Laff said about 30 properties would be affected.
The overlay district would encourage construction other than houses by creating an additional layer of review in order for future stand-alone residences to be built. Future new homes would have to be approved by the planning and zoning commission and city council as a conditional use.
The overlay proposal also would limit restaurant locations to properties that face Washington Street between Franklin and Benton avenues, and it would impose height restrictions between 40 and 57 feet for new buildings.
"We just felt the need to ensure that there was some guidance there for developers who were coming in buying up property ... to make sure we don't have a hodgepodge and a bunch of disconnected concepts being built there," said Steve Rubin, chairman of the downtown advisory commission.
While the city council will begin consideration of the zoning overlay district on Tuesday, action won't be taken until later.