Public hearing set on Cosley Zoo proposal

A new plan for expanded parking at Wheaton’s Cosley Zoo will be the subject of a public hearing at 7 p.m. March 12 before the Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board.

The Wheaton Park District is requesting approval for construction of a new 93-space parking lot across the street from Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave.

An existing 30-space parking lot serving employees of a park district administration building, 1351 N. Gary Ave., will be removed for a net addition of 63 spaces. Park district employees will use the new lot across the street.

A parking lot adjacent to the zoo currently offers 80 parking spaces.

The initial plan for expanded parking proposed 258 new spaces on the east side of Gary Avenue. Before the current plan released Feb. 16, the number was reduced in December to a first phase of 73 spaces with a second phase of 77 spaces to be constructed later, if necessary.

The March 12 hearing will be held in person at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., and also on Zoom. For information, call Wheaton Planning & Economic Development at (630) 260-2008; or visit www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter.