St. Isaac Jogues seeks approval to renovate preschool playground; waiver needed for setback

HINSDALE — The Village Board moved a first reading to a second reading Dec. 9 for a major adjustment to the planned development at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church to renovate the school's playground.

Trustee Burns explained the renovation will modernize the existing preschool playground (originally approved in 2015) and will require a waiver to section 7‑3‑10 of the zoning code because new equipment, structures and a retaining wall will extend beyond the required 25‑foot rear yard setback. Burns said the project has contacted adjacent homeowners (434 S. Vine and 433 S. Clay) and that signed letters of support were included in the application packet.

Carol Berlinski, principal at St. Isaac, told trustees the playground serves about 106 children and described the plan as a "refresh" that will add safe, age‑appropriate equipment and allow kindergartners to use the area. Joe Pizzuto of Landworks Limited, a parishioner and project representative, offered to answer design and phasing questions.

Because the playground lies between buildings and is not readily visible from Vine or Clay streets, trustees and staff said the renovation should be compatible with the existing planned development. The board agreed to send the request to second reading rather than refer it to the Plan Commission.

What’s next: The item will return for a second reading where the board will consider the waiver and finalize site and exterior appearance approvals.