Board approves rezoning of Chicory Road parcels so applicant can pursue daycare use; no public opposition at hearing

The Village Board on July 28 approved Ordinance 11-20-25 (ZMA-25-07), rezoning two parcels at 2702 and 2706 Chicory Road from C-4 (general industrial) to C-3 (high-intensity commercial). Village staff said the applicant intends to open a daycare center serving more than 30 enrollees and that the plan commission recommended approval at its July 23 meeting.

Planning staff said the change aligns with the village’s comprehensive plan and that the C-3 district accommodates high-intensity commercial, moderate manufacturing and upper-story residential uses concentrated in regional nodes or along commercial corridors. The Village Master Bicycle Plan 2030 recommends a bicycle trail along Chicory Road, but staff noted the application did not trigger a developer obligation to install that improvement at this stage.

Staff told trustees the parcels are surrounded on the north by the City of Racine and formerly housed a humane society facility. The combined current assessed value for the subject properties is $577,900, which staff said generates just under $10,000 in annual tax revenue across taxing jurisdictions; staff did not anticipate a significant assessed-value change from the use change, though future improvements could alter assessments.

Staff also noted that the rezoning is effectively a downzone in intensity but did not require a supermajority because the applicant initiated the change and owns the properties. The village sent notices to adjacent communities including the City of Racine; staff reported no feedback from Racine staff or others by the report date.

There were no public speakers at the hearing. A trustee described the proposed daycare as an appropriate reuse for the site. The board approved the ordinance by roll call; trustees voted in favor and the motion carried.