Village approves zoning variances for Community Park District addition; parking conditions attached

The Village of La Grange Park Board of Trustees approved an ordinance granting zoning variations to the Community Park District of La Grange Park for an addition to the recreation center at 1501 Barnsdale Road.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval by a 7–0 vote. The board vote on the ordinance was unanimous. The project includes a new gymnasium with flexible recreation space, an elevated indoor walking track, an elevator, upgraded restrooms and concessions, and infrastructure for a green roof. Architect Ronald McGrath said the design packs multiple uses into each space: "every space is designed to do at least 2 different services for the park District."

What was approved: The board approved the following zoning variations as requested by the Park District: an increase in maximum building height from 30 feet to 49 feet 8 inches; a decrease in the minimum rear setback from 25 feet to 22 feet 9 inches; a reduction in required off-street parking from 379 spaces to 154 spaces; and a wall sign variance (54 square feet and reduced mounting height).

Conditions: The approvals are subject to conditions approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and incorporated into the ordinance. Those conditions require the Park District to provide clear visitor wayfinding and communications about available parking during high-capacity events (including temporary signage, on-site wayfinding and digital communications), to seek commercially reasonable efforts to expand off-site parking via agreements with nearby property owners, and to construct the project in substantial conformance with submitted plans while complying with applicable laws and permits.

Parking details and concerns: Trustees and the Park District discussed parking at length. The Park District architect and staff said the redesigned site will add 41 parking stalls on-site and that the district already has a written agreement with a property to the south (Chase Products) for an additional 54 spaces; staff said discussions are underway with a property to the north to secure further off-site parking for events. Trustees asked that staff pursue formalized letters of intent or agreements to ensure adequate parking for tournament weekends and other large events.

Ending: Trustees expressed broad support for the recreation center expansion, citing community benefits and the Planning and Zoning Commission's review; the ordinance passed unanimously and staff and the Park District will continue to coordinate on parking agreements and implementation details.