Council approves conditional-use permit for school district facilities at 812 Main Street

The Batavia City Council approved Ordinance 2026-009 on March 16, 2026, granting a conditional-use permit to allow government offices and facilities (support and storage space for the school district) at 812 Main Street. The measure passed by roll call, 10 in favor, 2 opposed, 2 absent.

Supporters said the school district’s proposal reflects prudent consolidation and cost savings and that the district owns adjacent property at 804 Main Street. A dissenting councilor said the location conflicts with the council’s vision for a commercial and mixed-use corridor and said the council should press the school board to commit to site “beautification” to reduce visual impacts on neighboring businesses: “I will remain a no vote on this simply because we do have a vision for that district,” the councilor said, while acknowledging the district’s need for storage and facilities.

The motion to approve was moved by a council member representing the affected ward and seconded; the council then adopted the ordinance on roll call. No amendments were proposed on the floor.

Why it matters: The permit allows the district to centralize support operations within downtown Batavia, which councilors said can yield operational savings. Opponents warned it may reduce opportunities for commercial development in a key corridor unless mitigated by aesthetic improvements.

What’s next: The permit was approved during the meeting; council members urged the school board to work with the city on beautification measures as the property is repurposed.