Batavia council advances P‑5 planned development and three rezoning items to next business meeting

Council President Jankowski and the full City Council opened public hearings Jan. 12 on an amendment to Chapter 190 to create a new P‑5 Planned Development District and on rezoning parcels including 200 Oak Street and portions of Evans Street, and moved all items to the next business meeting for formal consideration.

Tammy Tabelski, speaking for city staff, described the purpose of the proposed P‑5 district and recommended advancing the code amendment to a business meeting vote after staff and committee review. Councilmember Viele moved to open the P‑5 hearing; Councilmember Geib seconded and the roll call vote was 9‑0 to open, and later 9‑0 to close the hearing.

Councilmember Twichell opened the hearing on rezoning 71.014‑2‑5.111 and 71.014‑2‑5.112 (200 Oak Street) from C‑2 to P‑5; Councilmember Briggs seconded and the motion to open the hearing carried 9‑0. Mrs. Tabelski said a developer proposes converting the Oak Street property to storage, rental, and housing, and that detailed project review would follow through the Planning and Development Committee. Councilmember DiSalvo urged caution and said the council should “hear from the people” before acting; City Attorney Van Nest noted the hearing phase allows public input and that substantive approvals come later.

Councilmember Viele opened and closed a second hearing to rezone 26, 60, and 18–22 Evans Street from C‑2 to C‑3 to support Creek Park and DRI downtown development; staff said the change would promote a more walkable downtown. All four hearings were opened and closed by procedural motions approved 9‑0.

The council did not vote on final rezonings or the P‑5 ordinance at the conference meeting; members agreed to move the items to the Jan. 26 business meeting where Planning and Development Committee review and any additional public comment will be recorded.