Planners against major changes on Naperville land

After a year and a half of studying possible reconfigurations of the Caroline Martin Mitchell land that could have had a dramatic effect on Naperville's landscape, planners are recommending no major changes at the site.

The city has just released a detailed report on the history of the project and its suggestions for the 212-acre property near Aurora Avenue and West Street that includes many of the community's top public amenities.

While the proposed changes are relatively minor compared to previous options that have been considered, officials say the process was valuable for the increased communication it sparked among groups with a direct stake in the land.

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"The point of the process was to allow for open discussion to see if there were opportunities," community planner Amy Emery said Wednesday. "Ideas were considered but, at the end of the day, (a major change) wasn't determined to be necessary or desirable by those property owners."

Martin Mitchell donated the land to the city in 1936 for use by the public. She was the daughter of a wealthy brick and tile manufacturer who was one of the city's early business pioneers.

The site currently houses Naper Settlement, Naperville Central High School, Knoch Park, Von Oven Scout Reservation, Naperville Sportsman's Club, the park district's community garden plots, Naperville Cemetery and part of the Edward Hospital campus.

While there won't be any major land swaps as a result of the talks, the city is recommending smaller changes that would require landowner participation to come to fruition.

It's central policy recommendation is to evaluate any future changes in land use in the context of the entire site.

To that end, the Naperville Heritage Society would hold annual meetings to discuss coming projects related to all or parts of the campus and additional meetings as necessary.

Other recommendations include:

bull; Increased signage and fencing to define the Caroline Martin Mitchell campus and to educate visitors about what's there.

bull; Increased and improved trails and walkways.

bull; Additional area events such as an astronomy program, Scout fair and nature festival.

bull; Additional gathering spaces and public artwork.

Discussions about reconfiguring the land began in late 2006, due largely to Naperville Unit District 203's consideration of rebuilding Naperville Central High School.

At that time, the park district also was contemplating changes to Knoch Park; District 203's lease agreement with the Naperville Cemetery for land housing athletic fields was nearing expiration; and both Naper Settlement and Edward Hospital were considering their own expansions.

Officials spent more than a year getting input from all of the involved parties as well as residents to find out if there were better uses or layouts for the property.

The city, park district and Naperville Unit District 203 each pitched in $15,300 for consultants to study the land.

Among the suggestions were rebuilding Naperville Central on a different part of the site and turning the old building into a recreational center; creating a nature center and petting zoo; rerouting several roads in the area; and building a parking deck.

In late 2007, though, it became clear there wasn't enough public support to rebuild Naperville Central, not only for financial reasons but also because land issues were up in the air.

Once the school site was out of the mix, it left even fewer options for reconfiguring the remaining entities.

Emery said the rest of the property owners ultimately wanted to stay put.

But regardless of the outcome, officials from Naper Settlement, District 203 and the park district all agreed Wednesday that studying the site was worthwhile.

"I felt like this was a chance to really look at this critically and decide what to do with this property and it might be the only major chance they have in the next couple decades," said Craig Williams, chief information officer for District 203. "It's good not to miss that opportunity. There were some radical proposals on the table and they needed to be looked at."

Naper Settlement Executive Director Peggy Frank said the study validated the current uses of the land, ensuring Martin Mitchell's intent to keep it public is being followed. She especially likes the recommendation for increased signage to create more of a civic campus.

"It gives the opportunity to let residents today and those who come tomorrow after us understand who Caroline Martin Mitchell was and why we have acreage in the middle of the community reserved for these uses and that it does relate to each other," she said.

The groups are continuing to meet with each other individually to talk about ways they can collaborate. For instance, District 203 is working with the park district to address a shortage of athletic fields and with Naper Settlement about storm water and parking issues.

"Anytime our government organizations and community entities can come together and work on a project that will benefit the residents, you gather a better understanding of their needs and how those relate to your own organization's needs and goals," park district marketing and communications manager Sameera Luthman said via e-mail. "It opens up the lines of communicate and helps to enhance relationships between the school districts, the City of Naperville and many others."

Emery said she also hopes the report will serve as a guide as to the land's uses and ownership in the years to come.

Residents can view the plan on the city's Web site, www.naperville.il.us/mitchell.aspx. The public also will have a chance to ask questions and give input at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. June 19 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.

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Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com

Naperville Central High School and Knoch Park are two of the key elements in the 212-acre Caroline Martin Mitchell estate, donated to the city in 1936. After about 18 months of study, city planners are recommending no major changes to the configuration of the property.

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Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com

Knoch Park is part of the 212-acre Caroline Martin Mitchell estate donated to the city in 1936 for public uses. The property also includes Naper Settlement, Naperville Central High School, Von Oven Scout Reservation, Naperville Sportsman's Club, community garden plots, Naperville Cemetery and part of the Edward Hospital campus.

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Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com

The Caroline Martin Mitchell land includes Naperville Central High School, which will soon undergo major renovations. Stakeholders in the 212-acre Martin Mitchell site have been considering reconfiguration of the entire parcel but because the school will remain in its current spot, options for doing so became more limited.