Batavia council unanimously approves 72-unit Riverpointe workforce housing project

The Batavia City Council unanimously approved the land-use and zoning changes needed for a 72-unit workforce housing project known as the Residences at Riverpointe.

Alderman Beck moved approval of Ordinance 2026-005, a comprehensive-plan amendment changing the property from light industrial to residential, followed by Ordinance 2026-006 to reclassify the parcel on the official zoning map as multi-family residential and Resolution 2026-21-R to approve the preliminary/final plat. Each measure passed on a roll-call vote of 14–0.

The project, proposed for the old quarry site along Route 25, was described to the council as 72 workforce housing units with several design revisions made after earlier feedback. Alderman Beck said the applicant addressed prior concerns about walkability by adding enhancements to west-side doorways and sidewalks leading to Route 25.

Council discussion praised the exterior renderings while raising questions about interior design and landscaping. An unidentified council member said, "I love the renderings of the outside... Just the interior, I hope that the interior can be equally welcoming," urging attention to stairwells and entry spaces. A project representative said a landscape architect is assigned to refine planting plans and that the renderings submitted were conceptual.

The council approved all three items without recorded opposition. After the votes, the mayor noted the approvals begin a longer process and advised applicants and residents that details such as eligibility and application procedures for units will be clarified as the project moves forward.

What happens next: with the comprehensive-plan, zoning and plat approvals in place, the developer may pursue building permits and final design work; council and staff indicated follow-up on tenant eligibility, application processes and construction timelines is expected as details are finalized.