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Planning commission recommends Joliet Catholic Academy stadium PUD despite neighborhood opposition; commissioner recuses
Summary
The commission voted to recommend approval of PUD-10-25 for Joliet Catholic Academy’s multi‑phase athletic campus, including a multipurpose field with 5,500 seats (7,000 capacity including standing). The hearing drew extensive neighborhood opposition focused on traffic, parking, noise and emergency access; Commissioner Ullitz recused from the final vote.
The Planning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended approval of PUD‑10‑25, a preliminary planned unit development submitted by Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA) to expand athletic facilities on a roughly 48‑acre site at 1200–1201 Larkin and Wyoming avenues. The PUD envisions a multipurpose turf field, eight new tennis courts, phased parking expansion, and a stadium with 5,500 fixed seats and a maximum standing capacity of 7,000.
JCA representatives presented traffic, parking, lighting, sound and stormwater studies. Traffic engineer Javier Milan said the project would increase on‑site parking to about 933 spaces (a roughly 94% increase) and that remote parking agreements have been made or are being pursued with the University of Saint Francis and other proximate sites. Milan outlined traffic‑management tools — portable signs, temporary barricades, no‑event parking signs and possible residential permit parking — and said Joliet police had reviewed the plans and concurred with the recommendations.
Sound and lighting consultants reported estimated sound levels of 86–98 decibels within the stadium footprint and presented down‑cast LED lighting plans designed to limit spillover (0.5–1.3 footcandles measured along Ingalls Avenue). Civil engineer Sean Benson said stormwater detention will meet city and county ordinance requirements and will reduce post‑construction release rates compared with existing conditions.
The public hearing drew substantial neighborhood opposition. Multiple residents said existing streets lack sidewalks, described congested school‑period traffic and warned that event days would create safety and evacuation concerns for older residents and emergency‑services access; others argued large playoff events or outside rentals would regularly overwhelm local streets. Supporters, including Sister Jean Bissett of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate and several alumni, said the project preserves the school’s long presence in Joliet and will support student programs.
The commission voted on the PUD recommendation. Commissioner Ullitz recused himself; Commissioners Cox, Martin, Rohrer, Turk and Chairman Kelleher voted to recommend approval and the motion carried. The item will move to city council for final action.
What happens next: The city council will consider the commission’s recommendation. Final PUD approval will require the applicant to satisfy engineering, noise, lighting and traffic‑management conditions specified by staff and the council.
