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Council Moves Quorum Deo Academy Rezoning to Consent After Public Support and Traffic Review
Summary
Quorum Deo Academy’s request to rezone approximately 10.72 acres at 5348 Elmore Circle from General Commercial to Institutional Campus drew multiple public statements of support and council review of traffic and safety; council voted not to suspend rules and will consider final approval on the consent agenda next week.
Quorum Deo Academy’s request to rezone about 10.72 acres at 5348 Elmore Circle from C-3 General Commercial to IC Institutional Campus was discussed Sept. 17; numerous supporters, including current volunteers and grandparents, spoke in favor, and council members said staff had addressed traffic and safety concerns. Why it matters: The rezoning would allow the school to use the former AT&T building as an institutional campus, potentially expanding classroom and program space. Neighbors and supporters said the move will support student growth and neighborhood renewal; aldermen focused on traffic, safety and precedent. Residents and school supporters—several of whom identified themselves as volunteers, grandparents or current and former students—told the council they support Quorum Deo’s expansion. Grady Atkins, identified as the school superintendent, said the proposal had been vetted at the Planning and Zoning Commission and denied claims the rezoning would set a precedent for spot zoning. Several supporters described organized, orderly student drop-off and pick-up as reducing traffic impact compared with a single-shift industrial employer. Alderman Reinartz told the council his traffic and safety concerns were resolved after meetings with staff; Alderman McGinnis and others thanked the school for answering questions and participating in the process. Alderman Rick Dunn moved to suspend the rules and pass the rezoning immediately; the motion initially passed on a roll-call vote, but the mover then made a motion to reconsider, which passed, leaving the rules unsuspended. As a result the item will now appear on next week’s consent agenda for formal action. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval, several speakers noted. Council members asked staff to ensure inspections and conditions required by the zoning change are enforced if the rezoning is approved. No final rezoning ordinance was adopted at the Sept. 17 meeting.
