Council approves first reading to add 106 Pratt Lane to Lafayette–South Illinois PUD amid resident concern

Oak Ridge City Council on first reading voted 6-0 to approve a land-use map amendment and an amendment to a previously approved planned unit development (PUD) that would add 106 Pratt Lane to the Lafayette–South Illinois commercial PUD.

The amendment, presented by Jennifer Williams of the planning staff, would change the property’s land-use designation from residential to general business and fold the parcel into a larger commercial PUD that shows multi-tenant retail buildings and a proposed car wash near the Lafayette–Illinois corner. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval.

Williams said the proposal keeps the previously agreed access pattern and includes several conditions intended to reduce impacts on adjacent residents. “Vehicle access onto Pratt Lane is prohibited,” Williams said, and the developer has agreed to an evergreen vegetative buffer along Paris Lane and to architectural treatments so south-facing facades resemble street fronts rather than rear elevations.

A resident who addressed council during the public hearing urged caution. “We regularly talk about residential housing needs, affordable housing, workforce housing. We have a district there that’s zoned residential, close to all the city services, walkable to some of the potential employment opportunities … and we’re going to rezone it for business,” said David Goldclaser (identified in the public comment record), arguing the land-use change and rezoning do not fit long-term housing goals.

Council members questioned whether the narrow “flag stem” driveway portion of the parcel should carry a business land-use designation, and several asked staff to explore split zoning so the driveway or narrow portion could remain residential. Williams said split zoning is possible but was not part of the current application; she and staff said they would examine that possibility for second reading.

The ordinance before council included conditions the planning commission recommended, among them: coordination with city engineering on a safe design for the Lafayette entrance/exit, an evergreen buffer along Paris Lane, prohibition of vehicle access from Pratt Lane, and façade treatments facing South Illinois Avenue. Planning staff noted the developer indicated intent not to use Pratt Lane for PUD access and the developer had discussed potential sale of that flag-stem portion to an adjacent owner in the future.

Council approved both the land-use map amendment and the rezoning/PUD amendment on first reading by a 6-0 vote. The items will return for second reading and a final public hearing.

For residents seeking more detail, staff said they will bring maps and any proposed split-zoning options back before second reading and that the planning commission’s full recommendation and conditions are in the public agenda packet.