Zoning changes may come

Anybody who eats out, shops, or visits an office in downtown Geneva knows part of its charm is the creative uses for old houses many businesses have made.

But city officials are concerned there isn't much of a transition between the downtown business district and the surrounding residential areas, which are mostly single-family homes.

And they worry that some of the old houses in that business district could be redeveloped into something much more intense, like storefront buildings you would find along State Street, under present zoning laws.

"Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it won't," said Don Bastian, city planner. He said the city's community development director has received inquiries about larger redevelopment projects for the downtown.

So city staff is proposing to create a transitional zone in three areas. The proposed regulations would prohibit someone from building something big and tall and right up to the lot line, and encourage any businesses in the present buildings to maintain the building's residential looks.

The three districts are on the north side of James Street between Fifth and Seventh streets; the north side of Hamilton Street between First and Sixth streets; and the south side of Hamilton between Fourth and Sixth streets. They contain 47 buildings.

The plan will be presented to the Geneva Downtown Partnership committee Jan. 8; the Historic Preservation Commission at its January or February meeting, and the Plan Commission in February. An informal public meeting with business owners would also be held in January, on an undetermined date. Notice of the proposal will be sent to the taxpayers of record for the properties.

The zoning change was suggested to the city council last week.

A PDF copy of the city's plan, including a map, can be found on the city Web site at www.geneva.il.us under the "Committee of the Whole" agenda.