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Developer seeks rezoning for duplex at 490 West Country Drive; planning board requests refined site plan and alderman input
Summary
An applicant presented a concept to rezone 490 West Country Drive from R-1 to R-2 to allow a duplex; planning commissioners raised parking, tree preservation and trash collection concerns and asked for a scaled site plan and support from the ward alderman before a formal application.
The City of Kankakee Planning Board held a concept discussion on a proposed map amendment to rezone 490 West Country Drive from R-1 (single-family) to R-2 (two-family) to permit construction of a duplex. The session was conceptual only; the board did not take formal action and asked the applicant to return with a refined site plan.
Applicant Ola Tunji (recorded in the hearing as the property owner) presented a reduced-footprint design for two units, saying the proposed layout reduces overall bulk from an earlier three-unit concept and keeps green space on-site. Board members repeatedly raised concerns about parking layout, visibility of parked cars from the street, potential removal of mature trees, pedestrian sidewalk access and how trash and recycling would be staged and collected.
Commissioner comments and staff guidance: Commissioners said front-yard parking may be visually intrusive and urged additional landscaping and tree preservation. Members asked for a scaled site plan that shows existing sidewalks, parkway, driveway/parking stalls, turning/reverse-maneuvering space for vehicles, and locations for trash/recycling enclosures that allow curbside or truck access without blocking circulation. One commissioner noted the neighborhood lacks alleys and that many existing driveways are front-facing, which complicates locating parking away from the street. Board members also suggested tighter parking layouts and fenced or screened trash enclosures to keep containers out of sight except on collection days.
Alderman outreach recommended: Staff and commissioners advised the applicant to meet with the Seventh Ward alderman before reapplying. The applicant was told that without ward support, reapplying could be costly because rezoning requires renewed fees and public notification. The board recommended the applicant get a scaled, engineered conceptual site plan showing how the parking, sidewalks, landscaping and trash handling would work and to return with alderman input.
Next steps: The applicant must prepare a refined site plan (ideally drawn by a civil engineer or architect), consult the ward alderman, and, if proceeding, file a formal petition that will include required public notices and fees.
