Committee approves Herget Middle School plan adding track, parking and a north-side solar array

The Building, Zoning & Economic Development Committee approved a revised final plan for Herget Middle School that includes a new athletic facility, expanded parking and a solar-panel array.

Steven Broadwell, planner with the City of Aurora zoning and planning division, described the proposal as a three-part plan centered on "an athletic facility that is part football field with an 8 ring track," with 60 new parking stalls and a new right-in/right-out access onto Deerpath Road. Broadwell said the proposal complies with the Verona Ridge planned development zoning standards.

A district representative identified only as the superintendent for operations said the facility is intended "exclusively for students" at first, though she acknowledged community members will likely use the unfenced track for walking. She told the committee the district does not plan to rent the facility to outside clubs initially and that the solar panels on the north side will "essentially produce some of the power for the building" to reduce ComEd costs.

Committee members asked whether the site would have lights (presenters said there will be no stadium lights and no permanent bleachers), whether landscaping buffers would be installed next to neighboring houses (staff confirmed additional plantings are shown on the plan), and whether the field would be artificial turf (the district said the plan calls for natural grass).

Alderman Franco moved approval and Alderman Seville seconded. The motion carried 3-0.

Presenters said the track will primarily serve Herget and other district middle schools on rotating schedules and that solar panel installation may occur after the field is operational.

The committee recorded the vote 3-0 in favor.