Commission tables large Adair Park Johnson mixed‑use proposal to June for more traffic and design analysis

The Woodstock Planning Commission on Thursday voted to table consideration of a large mixed‑use proposal for the Adair Park Johnson site (8104 Main Street) until June to allow staff to review an updated traffic analysis and additional design materials.

Planning staff described the project as a multi‑phase, mixed‑use expansion to the Adair Park campus covering several parcels, including a 4.15‑acre Johnson parcel. The applicant is proposing a mixed program of commercial, office and residential development that includes a grocery retailer, roughly 78 residential condominium and apartment units on the Johnson parcel (part of a broader campus total north of 100 units when combined with previously approved phases), a central multi‑level parking deck of about 341 spaces and street connections intended to complete a “fourth leg” of the Haney roundabout.

Staff asked the commission to delay action because key materials remain incomplete or under revision, most notably a revised traffic study and final roadway schematics that would affect access design and the feasibility of a railroad crossing. Staff also requested clearer elevations and sections that demonstrate how proposed building heights relate to topography, a circulation map showing truck and delivery access for the grocery tenant, an open‑space map, and a phasing plan that spells out timing for commercial versus residential delivery.

Tracy Albers, the city planner presenting the case, said the proposal aligns with the 2023 comprehensive plan’s downtown goals and the Town Center LCI objective of bringing grocery and office uses downtown, but flagged uncertainty on density calculations and that the application currently requests height and density variances. "We do not have a finalized traffic study included in your agenda packet tonight," Albers told commissioners, and noted that additional variances could be required once staff receives and reviews the remaining engineering and design documents.

Developer Eric Richards, who addressed commissioners, said the project has been developed to attract an anchor grocery tenant and to provide a centrally located parking deck that would serve downtown activity. Richards said he has had preliminary, non‑binding conversations with national grocers and that the team is pursuing railroad engagement about a potential crossing; he emphasized the project is intended to create pedestrian connections and to reduce traffic pressure on Main Street by providing internal parking and access nodes.

Commissioners said the project is large and complex and requires more time for staff review. Commissioner Roth moved to table the application in accordance with staff recommendations; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said it will notify commenters and return to the commission after receiving the requested traffic study and revised project materials.