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McHenry council approves Parkland Middle School conditional use permit and waives $950 fee amid drainage concerns
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Summary
The City Council approved a conditional use permit and final plan for a new track and recreational field at Parkland Middle School and voted to waive the $950 application fee. Council members pressed staff on stormwater engineering and were told no permits will issue until consultants sign off.
McHenry Council voted Monday to grant District 15 a conditional use permit and final plan approval to construct a new track and recreational field at Parkland Middle School and to waive the $950 application fee.
The motion to approve the ordinance and waive the fee was made by Alderman Miller and seconded by Alderman Doherty. During debate, several aldermen voiced long-standing concerns about flooding in the Parkland and Lakeland Park neighborhoods and said they had not seen the project's engineering when they reviewed the agenda packet.
City staff responded that District 15's design engineers submitted stormwater plans to the city and that the plans have been reviewed by the city's consulting engineers. "They are providing detention at this site, which currently does not have [it]," staff said, adding that the detention is intended to hold stormwater and release it at a rate equal to or less than current conditions. Staff also stated that no building permits will be issued until final engineering is approved by consultants.
A resident who spoke in favor of the project told council she appreciated that the proposal limits amplification and outdoor lighting and that trees would be preserved; she also asked whether the track would be available for public use outside school hours. Staff said that after-hours access is still under discussion.
Alderman Gladd argued against waiving the application fee on principle, saying "nickels and dimes add up to dollars" and noting the district's larger capital funds. Alderman Miller said District 15 is a frequent partner with the city and supported the waiver.
The clerk recorded the roll call vote after public comment; the permit and fee waiver passed with a single recorded 'No' vote (Alderman Gladd) and the remaining aldermen voting 'Yes.'
Next steps: staff indicated final engineering approval and any required permit conditions will be completed before any ground disturbance, and the council did not set additional conditions beyond those discussed.
