Commission backs rezoning to allow Johnson School to reopen as charter school; forwards recommendation to council

The Davenport City Plan and Zone Commission on March 18 voted to forward REZ 25-03 with a recommendation for approval to the City Council. The case would rezone 1730 Wilkes Avenue — the locally listed Johnson School building — from CT Commercial Transitional District to R-4C Single- and Two-Family Central Residential District to permit operation of a charter school.

Tom Pasternak, attorney for the applicant, described the proposal as a reconversion of the building back to a primary school and called it "a win win for both my client and the neighborhood." He said the school intends to operate for grades kindergarten through eighth grade with potential expansion to grade 12 and that the applicant has about 77 applications submitted for enrollment.

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposed zoning aligns with the future land-use plan, preserves the locally listed historic landmark, and returns the structure to its original educational use. Staff also told commissioners that a Historic Preservation Commission preliminary review was generally positive and that final historic-review approvals would be required for building renovations.

Commissioner questions touched on timeline (applicant indicated an intent to open in August 2025 if permitted), coordination with the Historic Preservation Commission, and which regulatory path would apply if the rezoning did not proceed (staff said some nonresidential uses could be permitted through special use approvals under the current code). After discussion the commission voted in favor and the motion carried; the commission’s recommendation now goes to City Council.