Westmont planning commission rezones three village properties to 'Public and Institutional' and approves site plan for public works
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Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning three village-owned parcels to a new Public and Institutional (PI) district — 328 S. Wilmette, 31 W. Quincy (Village Hall) and 925 Oakwood (water tower) — and granted site and subdivision approvals for public-works improvements; the items go to the Village Board for final action.
The Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 10 voted unanimously to rezone three village-owned properties into a newly established Public and Institutional (PI) district and approved related site, subdivision and special-use actions that clear the way for public works improvements and a temporary fire-station location.
The commission approved a multi-part application for 328 South Wilmette Avenue — rezoning five parcels from R3 (single-unit residential) to PI, a special-use permit to authorize governmental use, a preliminary plan to consolidate five lots into one PIN, a variance to reduce the front-yard setback for two proposed buildings and a major site-plan approval. Public Works Director Amy Reese told the commission the property historically housed maintenance operations and will continue to support public-works functions, including expanded indoor equipment storage and a salt-storage dome. “Tonight before you is a proposal for the property at 328 South Wilmette Avenue,” Reese said during the presentation.
Village Engineer Greg Ulrich said the layout retains two existing entrances and is designed so delivery semis can pull in, unload salt and queue on-site, preventing queuing on Wilmette Avenue. Ulrich said locating a new cold-storage building inside the front setback was necessary to preserve the site’s stormwater detention basin and to optimize vehicle circulation. Forester and Grounds Supervisor John Yater described plans to naturalize the detention area with a DuPage County stormwater grant, add trees and shrubs along the north property line, and install cedar fencing along residential edges and black-slatted chain-link elsewhere to screen operations.
Commissioners asked about temporary use by the fire department while its south station is rebuilt; Reese said the fire department is expected to relocate to the site in May–June and occupy it through late fall 2027, about 18 months, and that detailed approvals for the temporary station will be handled at the Village Board level. Commissioners also raised traffic safety concerns at the Wilmette and 55th intersection given multiple site and BP station entrances; staff said traffic levels on the site are similar to or lower than historic levels and that DuPage County determines traffic-control warrants.
After questions, the commission approved each element of the 328 South Wilmette application. Commissioner Simpson made the motions to approve and roll-call votes recorded Commissioners Peterson, Lynn, Donahue, Simpson, Thomas and Chairperson Carmichael as voting yes on the rezoning, special use, subdivision, variance and site-plan items.
Separately, the commission unanimously approved rezoning Village Hall at 31 West Quincy from B1 (Downtown Edge) to PI and granted the special-use permit that formally authorizes a governmental use in that district. Staff said the rezoning aligns zoning with the comprehensive plan and will not change Village Hall operations.
The commission also approved rezoning the water-tower parcel at 925 Oakwood from R3 to PI. Staff noted that construction of the aboveground water facility and prior variances were approved in 2023 and that those approvals run with the land; the rezoning would align the parcel’s zoning with the facility’s public use. Staff added a student-designed logo will be placed on the tower’s side facing the high school.
All three rezoning requests and associated approvals will be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration tomorrow. If the Village Board confirms the commission’s approvals, the PI zoning will appear on the 2026 zoning map, staff said. The commission also reminded members to complete state-required harassment training by Dec. 15 or risk being held from participating until they comply.
Votes at a glance: - PCC0232025 (328 S. Wilmette Ave.): Map amendment (R3 → PI) — approved (roll call: Peterson, Lynn, Donahue, Simpson, Thomas, Carmichael — yes). Special-use permit for governmental use — approved (same vote). Preliminary plan of subdivision (consolidate five lots into one) — approved. Variance to minimum front-yard setback — approved. Major site-plan approval — approved. - PCC0242025 (31 W. Quincy — Village Hall): Map amendment (B1 → PI) — approved. Special-use permit for governmental use — approved. - PCC0252025 (925 Oakwood — water tower): Map amendment (R3 → PI) — approved.
Next steps: Each approved item will be considered by the Village Board at its next meeting (staff said the Board will review these items the following day). If approved by the Board, the rezonings will be reflected on the 2026 zoning map.
Reporting notes: Direct quotes and attributions are taken from Planning & Zoning Commission remarks and staff presentations during the Dec. 10 meeting.
