Oswego commission backs variance to build 23-space Farmington Lakes parking lot without curb and gutter

The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variance allowing a 23-space parking lot at Farmington Lakes Park to be built without curb and gutter.

Commission Chairman Charlie Pager opened a public hearing on the Farmington Lakes parking lot variance, project 1242Dot25, which would eliminate the curb-and-gutter requirement in section 8.605 of the subdivision and development regulations for the proposed lot at 2031 Farmington Lakes Drive. A planning staff member told the commission that the village engineer reviewed the proposal and determined stormwater would naturally flow into a rain garden surrounding the parking area and “will not negatively affect any neighboring properties,” and that staff recommended approval of the variance to eliminate curb and gutter.

The park district’s representative, identified in the record as Chad, said the end of the proposed lot will slope into the rain garden and a planted area and turf will make it difficult for vehicles to drive through. Chad said the district has discussed adding parking stops and additional trees as a visual and physical barrier, and that the parking-lot work is one of the last steps before a building permit; the park district is hoping to complete the work by late fall.

During the hearing the commission received no public comments. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and, by roll call, carried a motion to accept the findings of fact and recommend approval of a variance to section 8.605 to eliminate curb-and-gutter for the proposed parking lot. The roll-call responses recorded in the meeting were: Tom Bridal — yes; Tom Collins — yes; Lisa Hillman — yes; Racoon — yes; Anna McCallum — yes; Charlie Pager — yes. The motion carried.

Commissioners and staff noted supporting materials — including the full site plan showing other planned improvements at Farmington Lakes Park — had been provided and reviewed through the site plan review process. The staff speaker said other site improvements require only staff review and approval under that process.

In other park-related discussion during the meeting, the commission heard that the Farmington Lakes pond is about 30 acres and between 10 and 14 feet deep. The park district representative said the water body permits nonmotorized watercraft only; the district stated no motorized boats or trolling motors are allowed and the lake is for canoe and kayak access.

No new or old business items followed, and the meeting adjourned.