Commission approves conditional use and Level B site plan for new Beacon Elementary

The Hilliard Planning and Zoning Commission on July 10 approved a conditional use and a Level B site plan for a new Beacon Elementary School at 3600 Lake Con Road. Staff presented plans showing construction of a two-story school on the eastern portion of a campus while the existing school remains operational; the existing building will be demolished after the new facility is completed. Staff recommended approval of the conditional use with two conditions and of the Level B site plan with four conditions, noting that the site meets setbacks and lighting requirements and described the proposed 105 parking-space configuration. Hilliard Schools representative Mike McDonough said access, circulation and landscaping have been coordinated with Parks and Recreation and that the design maintains compatibility with nearby properties. Commissioners asked about parking construction timing and phasing; McDonough said the goal is to complete the new parking areas by the time the new building opens and to coordinate demolition and grading between academic years. The commission first approved the conditional use (motion seconded by Commissioner Moog) and then approved the Level B site plan (motion seconded by Moog); both motions carried 5–0. The conditional-use approval will be forwarded to city council as part of the required review.