Geneva planning panel approves Campbell Courtyard subdivision to allow separate sales

The Geneva Planning and Zoning Commission on May 28 approved a preliminary and final amendment to the Campbell Courtyard planned unit development that will allow the existing zoning lot at 200 South 3rd Street and 210 Campbell Street to be subdivided into two separate lots.

Dan McFadden, the property owner and applicant, told the commission he owns the two formerly connected buildings and has restored a brick courtyard between them. He said the amendment would permit sale of one of the buildings and that he already has a prospective buyer for the Campbell Street parcel. "The purpose of this PUD is to allow for the sale of either parcel," McFadden said during his presentation.

City staff summarized the application materials, which include legal descriptions, ownership proof, site plans, a project narrative and outreach documents. Staff reported the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the proposal and expressed general agreement that it is appropriate and consistent with preservation goals. Staff’s recommendation included a condition requiring final engineering approval prior to issuance of a building permit to verify separate utility services for each new lot.

Commissioners asked about the history of the parcels and existing uses; McFadden said the buildings were combined around 1988 and have since been subdivided internally into multiple tenant spaces, including retail, office and a second‑floor apartment. No members of the public spoke during the hearing on this item.

Commissioner Tim Moran moved to approve the preliminary and final PUD amendment, including the variations listed in the staff report and subject to staff findings and final engineering approval. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call of commissioners present. The decision will be forwarded to the Geneva City Council for final consideration, most likely at its June 15 meeting.

Next steps: the applicant should finalize required engineering drawings for city approval; the commission’s recommendation and findings will accompany the item to City Council.