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Thursday, March 28, 2024

School District 204 update regarding Rt. 59 Corridor Comprehensive Plan

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Above / Calvary Church held the Route 59 Corridor Comprehensive Plan Open House from 4-7PM Thurs., Dec. 6, by the City of Aurora. Large graphics on easels helped tell the story of the proposal “that seeks to transform this regionally significant corridor” within the boundaries of School District 204 and including the Fox Valley Mall.


UPDATE, Feb. 19, 2020 / Link to Open Newsletter to the Community from School District 204

UPDATE, Feb. 14, 2019 / FYI: All candidates running in the 2019 Consolidated Election as well as voters in School District 204 need to be mindful of proposed developments in Aurora that greatly could impact the schools.

On Feb. 13, 2019, District 204 School Board President Mike Raczak addressed the Aurora Planning Commission during the public comment portion of the meeting. Read Raczak’s remarks here.


UPDATE, Dec. 7, 2018 / Attention Naperville and Aurora residents of School District 204! This proposed redevelopment plan ( Route 59 Corridor_Comp Plan_DRAFT.) or “20-year guiding document” has many moving parts, including questions of how the ambitious initiative will be funded and at what cost to taxpayers as well as its impact to the population of School District 204.

As the “bold” mixed-use plan begins to go through planning and zoning with the City of Aurora, perhaps as early as January 2019, all residents are encouraged to watch the process, actively participate and offer feedback.

Of course, in the middle of this busy season of wonder, it’s a wonder how to stay on top of the project that proposes five founding principles in the City of Aurora’s first comprehensive plan since 1984: Build economic value, enhance livability, improve connectivity, promote sustainability and create community.

On the minds of many elected officials and residents in attendance at the public open house were the possible uses of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and other incentives or subsidies for developers.

Attendees also asked questions about increased student enrollment that might change school boundaries.  Although this is a plan from the City of Aurora, these changes have the potential to impact the entire district. Some residents even imagined the development could spill over and impact District 203 as well.

A printed “draft” that was distributed during the open house addresses 16 categories of Q&A. Question 14 answers the possibility of offering incentives for new development, citing the fact that the City has many tools to help promote economic development, while noting that the City will continue to work with School District 204 as development proposals come forward.

Dozens and dozens of local residents and public officials gathered on Dec. 6, 2018, at stations throughout the open house to learn about the Route 59 Corridor Plan. Overall, the most-asked questions regarded TIFs, incentives and the impact of residential development on the student population. Stay tuned.

PN appreciates that School District 204 will notify the community of subsequent public meetings. School District 204 and the City of Aurora will benefit from the community’s engagement in the process now.


Original Post, Dec. 6, 2018 / Since Nov. 5, the linked and informative draft of the proposed redevelopment has been posted on the City of Aurora Website. Route 59 Corridor_Comp Plan_DRAFT.

Local residents who receive emails from School District 204 have received at least two notices regarding the public open house scheduled from 4PM to 7PM today, Thurs., Dec. 6, at Calvary Church, 9 S 200 Route 59.

According to Aurora Planner Alex Minnella, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed project that also is featured online.  Eight easels with renderings/information and a planning staff member will be available in the vestibule at Calvary Church for clear viewing and conversation with interested residents. 

No specific presentation about the project is planned during the open house, Minnella said, noting a Facebook presentation Wednesday evening, Dec. 5.  Minnella suggests spending several minutes at each easel for a little Q&A about the project during the event. Planning 30 minutes to attend the open house between 4 and 7PM should be sufficient.


Note the following from yesterday’s 204 E-News, the Official Email Newsletter for Indian Prairie School District 204:

Route 59 Plan Open House
December 6

The city of Aurora is holding an Open House from 4 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, December 6 at Calvary Church, 9S200 Route 59. The city is seeking feedback on its development initiatives for the Route 59 Corridor Comprehensive Plan. The study area includes parcels south of the Metra Station, west of Route 59, north of Montgomery Road, and east of the CN Rail line. The Open House will be a time for the city to gather public input and answer questions about the plan. A draft for discussion purposes is posted on the city’s website

Letter from School District 204 Superintendent Karen Sullivan

Dear District 204 Community,

I want to make our residents aware of the public Open House that the city of Aurora is holding on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Calvary Church, 9S200 Route 59. The city recently completed a draft of its Route 59 Corridor Study Comprehensive Plan. The study area includes parcels south of the Metra Station, west of Route 59, north of Montgomery Road, and east of the CN Rail line. The city is seeking feedback on its development initiatives for this area. The Open House will be a time for the city to gather public input and answer questions you may have about the plan.

I am asking you to consider attending this important Open House because the draft plan proposes changes in zoning and land use along Route 59 which have the potential to significantly impact our school district. Specifically, we are concerned about increased student enrollment that could necessitate changing school boundaries and create the need for additional classroom space on the north end of the district. We also have concerns about the financial implications to the district as the city considers potential economic incentives that may be offered to future developers. Although this is a plan from the city of Aurora, these changes have the potential to impact our entire district.

We have been actively monitoring the development of this study with the city for the last several months. The city now has an opportunity for all residents to become informed and provide input. Please consider attending the December 6 Open House to learn more about the Route 59 Corridor Study Comprehensive Plan. A draft for discussion purposes only is posted on the city’s website

Sincerely,

Karen Sullivan
Superintendent

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