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Council approves first reading to rezone Sunset RV property for Aspen Grove Nursery, amid parking and historic-building questions
Summary
The Evanston City Council on Jan. 21 approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone 196 Bear River Drive — the former Sunset RV Park — from public to highway business to permit a retail nursery proposed by AGN LLC d/b/a Aspen Grove Nursery.
The Evanston City Council on Jan. 21 approved on first reading Ordinance 25-01, a zone change for the property at 196 Bear River Drive (the former Sunset RV Park) from a public zoning designation to highway business established to allow a retail nursery proposed by AGN LLC doing business as Aspen Grove Nursery.
City planning staff described the site and its context: the property sits east of the Unit County Fairgrounds and Hamblin Park, with residential properties to the east and commercial zoning along Bear River Drive. Planning staff said the city previously rezoned the property to public in 2003 when fairground expansion was being considered; the current applicant seeks to rezone back to highway business so retail nursery uses would be permitted.
Staff told the council the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on Jan. 6 and recommended the zone change unanimously; one member of the public at that hearing opposed the request, citing concerns that the property is used for overflow parking during fair events.
Council discussion touched on the fairgrounds’ parking needs and historic buildings on the site. Several council members said the property has largely sat unused and that private redevelopment would generate commerce and jobs; one member urged the council to find ways to accommodate county and fairboard parking needs. The council also asked about the buildings on the property and whether they enjoy historical protections. City staff said the buildings are city property and any alteration or demolition would require council approval; the lease for the property contemplates removal if buildings are designated dangerous or abandoned under the International Building Code, and the lease includes an option to purchase at its conclusion.
The council voted to approve the ordinance on first reading; staff noted that if the ordinance passes third reading the council will consider a resolution to amend the comprehensive plan land-use designation from public to highway business.
