Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission met Sept. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Pajor called the Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Present: Kim Bradshaw, Thomas Collins, Lisa Hillman, Rick Kuhn, Andrew McCallum, Charlie Pajor

Absent: Justin Sather, Brian Thomas

There was a quorum.

Oswego community representatives in attendance were:

Present: Rod Zenner, Director; Rachel Riemenschneider, Assistant Director; Mary Ellen Bliss, Recording Secretary

3. MINUTES

Motion: Commissioner Bradshaw, second Commissioner McCallum to accept the minutes of the August 8, 2024 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting.

Ayes: Commissioners Bradshaw, Collins, Hillman, Kuhn, McCallum, Pajor Nays: None

Absent: Commissioner Sather, Thomas

Motion carried

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

5. NEW BUSINESS

Concept Plan

Megalodome Golf

Applicant: Megalodome Golf

Project #1223.24

Project Manager: Rachel Riemenschneider

Assistant Director Riemenschneider stated the applicant is requesting consideration of a Concept Plan for Megalodome Golf, a 100-acre commercial development located west of Route 30 and north of Rance Road, which would include 4 golf domes (each 300 ft by 900 ft) and a clubhouse, as well as outlots to be reserved for future development.

Ms. Hansen stated this indoor golf course and facility will be the first of its kind in the world. Ms. Hansen stated the plan calls for full access points on Route 30 and Rance Road. The Commission discussed the amount of parking that is needed. Ms. Hansen stated the plan indicates 680 parking spaces, but the applicant is open to reducing that amount. Assistant Director Riemenschneider stated staff is recommending a phased parking plan with 340 parking spaces to start.

The Commission asked how the height of these domes compare to other golf domes. Director Zenner stated the Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome is 66’ high; these domes will be 121’ high. Ms. Hansen stated the applicant is considering the color of the domes to be either pale green, gray, or sandstone. Commissioner Kuhn stated a color other than stark white would blend in with the landscape and be more palatable.

The Commission discussed increased traffic on Route 30 and the need for four lanes. Ms. Hansen agreed that regional improvements of the road are needed, and stated developments such as this can help facilitate an accelerated timeline with IDOT for road improvements. Commissioner McCallum stated tee times will be varied, so traffic should not be as intense as at a highly attended stadium event.

The Commission asked about plans for the outlots reserved for future commercial use. Betrand Quentin, President and General Manager of Megalodome Golf, stated there are no specific plans at this time, but they could be utilized for expansion with a fifth dome, or for a hotel.

The Commission asked how the domes would withstand heavy snowfall. Mr. Quentin stated heating technology will melt the snow off the domes. Mr. Quentin stated the domes will have an 18” foundation base above the asphalt.

The Commission asked about the water features inside the domes, and Mr. Quentin stated the ponds will be approximately 18” deep and have filters and pumps to keep them clean, similar to a swimming pool.

The Commission discussed parking lot safety, and Ms. Hansen stated the applicant will work with the Oswego Police force to mitigate any safety concerns.

Mr. Betrand outlined the possible timing of the project, stating if they receive approval by Village Board, the first and second domes could be constructed by Fall of 2025, with the third and fourth domes constructed by Spring of 2026.

Recommendation:

Motion: Commissioner Collins, second Commissioner McCallum to recommend approval of the Concept Plan for the 100-acre commercial development of 4 golf domes, a clubhouse, and outlots to be reserved for future development.

Ayes: Commissioners Bradshaw, Collins, Hillman, Kuhn, McCallum, Pajor

Nays: None

Absent: Commissioners Sather, Thomas

Motion carried7

6. OLD BUSINESS

None.

7. PUBLIC FORUM

None.

8. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

None.

9. COMMISSIONERS REPORT

None.

10. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER REPORT

No report.

11. ECO COMMISSION REPORT

No report.

12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT

None.

13. OSWEGOLAND PARK DISTRICT REPORT

No report.

14. NEXT MEETING - October 10, 2024

15. ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Commissioner McCallum, second Commissioner Bradshaw to adjourn the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.

Ayes: Commissioners Bradshaw, Collins, Hillman, Kuhn, McCallum, Pajor

Nays: None

Absent: Commissioner Sather, Thomas

Motion carried

Chairman Pajor adjourned the Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting at 7:52 p.m.

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