Council approves first reading to rezone 13630 Balfour to R-2 for education center expansion

Oak Park City Council approved the first reading of a zoning map amendment to rezone the property at 13630 Balfour Avenue from R1 (single-family) to R2 (two-family).

City staff said the property was purchased by the Wilmos and Lillian Shwirks Education Center on Coolidge; the applicant intends to combine the two lots so the campus and the Balfour parcel share the same zoning. Economic development director Kim Maroney and city manager Tongate walked council through the packet maps and noted the planning commission had approved the project and the Zoning Board of Appeals previously granted necessary variances.

Council members discussed site plans and screening; staff said the project will provide additional parking and use landscaping and a screen wall to minimize neighborhood impacts. Council then moved the first reading and recorded yes votes in roll call; the motion carried.

Because this was a first reading, council did not adopt a final ordinance at the meeting; the change advances the rezoning through the required ordinance process and will return for subsequent readings as required by city code.