New zoning plan aims to transform local neighborhoods

In a recent government meeting, officials outlined plans for a new overlay district aimed at enhancing the development and aesthetic of two key intersections in the community. The proposed overlay will introduce four distinct building types designed to foster a vibrant, walkable environment.

The first building type, the \"village shop front,\" is envisioned as a core hub featuring ground-floor storefronts, promoting a lively shopping and dining atmosphere. The second type, the \"village general,\" will accommodate offices or residential spaces, while the \"town general\" will serve a similar purpose but is tailored specifically for the larger Butterfield Road corridor, allowing for increased building intensity.

Additionally, a series of middle housing types, including row buildings and multi-unit houses, will be integrated into the neighborhoods, providing flexibility for future developments. The overlay is specifically targeted at the intersections of Butterfield Road and Batavia Road, as well as Batavia Road and Warrenville Road, which have been identified as activity centers in the sub-area plan for the old town area.

The overlay will build upon existing zoning regulations, modifying certain use provisions to align with the goal of creating a walkable shopping and social area. Importantly, existing nonconforming structures will be allowed to remain unchanged indefinitely unless significantly altered or demolished, ensuring that current businesses can continue operating without disruption.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to participate in an upcoming open house, where further details and visual representations of the proposed changes will be shared. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing local infrastructure while preserving the character of the community.