The City of AuroraZ and E Committee on Nov. 26 advanced a large rezoning and conditional-use plan for Orchards Crossing, a roughly 29-acre mixed-use project at North Orchard Road and Sullivan Road, after extended debate about whether a fueling center (Kwik Trip) should be allowed in the plan.

Staff senior planner Jill Morgan and Chief Development Services Officer John Curley told the committee the plan would rezone the parcel from ORI (office, research and light industrial) to a combination of R-4A (two-family dwellings), B-2 (general retail) and OS-1 (conservation/open-space). Curley said staff supported most of the zoning changes but recommended that a fuel center be prohibited, citing Aurora's sustainability plan and goals to increase renewable energy use and reduce carbon footprint.

Developers and the petitioner argued the fuel center is necessary to make the project feasible. John Filipczuk of GTZ Properties and Kwik Trip representatives said Kwik Trip would front infrastructure improvements (curb cuts and access changes) that "unlock" the site, and described a convenience store of roughly 6,000 square feet with 10 pumps. Developer counsel estimated the single user could generate roughly $700,000 a year in gasoline and retail tax revenue for the city and said Kwik Trip's investment will finance road and access work needed for the larger development.

Residents who testified during public comment urged the committee to reject the fueling use. Mavis Bates said, "This new gas station would be bad for Aurora," citing air-pollution risks (including benzene and toluene), groundwater contamination from underground storage tanks, threats to property values and local businesses, and quality-of-life concerns. Marissa Martinez, speaking as a resident though identifying her professional background, urged stronger climate and community-benefit protections if the committee allowed fueling.

Kwik Trip representatives described security and operational measures in response to safety concerns: "We have right around a 100 cameras on our site," one representative said, and explained 24/7 monitoring centers and employee alert systems. The company said it is testing EV chargers in other divisions and that installers can "run conduit" so charging infrastructure can later be deployed.

Committee members wrestled with competing priorities: Alderman Franco said residents in his ward prefer commercial development to additional warehouses, and multiple members said they wanted a minimum EV-charging commitment written into the approval. Staff proposed a time-limited requirement (for example, at least two chargers installed within five years of first occupancy), while some aldermen urged a higher minimum such as five chargers or one per lot as a starting point.

A motion to recommend approval was made and seconded; one committee member abstained, citing that the planning commission minutes documenting that board's 6-0 recommendation were not yet available for review. The committee directed staff to draft specific EV-charger language and other conditions to be included when the measure goes to the full City Council for final action.

The committee did not adopt staff's recommendation to prohibit the fuel center but agreed to conditions to address sustainability and infrastructure. The matter will return to the council with committee recommendations and the staff-drafted language on charging infrastructure.