Burlington, News

Planners back zoning for special ed. facility

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

The Burlington Area School District on Tuesday got approved for the next step in moving its Project Active Citizen program to a new home.

The City of Burlington Plan Commission recommended approval of a request to rezone the property at 340 Church St. from single family residential to institutional district. The home will be used for the PAC House, which serves as an independent living learning area for students with special needs from ages 18 to 21.

“It’s a wonderful idea in concept,” said City Building Inspector Gregory Guidry.

The district had previously been operating in a rented duplex at 348 Paul St., but was looking for additional space and bathrooms. The authority to spend $185,000 to purchase the home was approved by school district electors June 6.

The only concerns raised at Tuesday’s meeting were any possible objections from neighbors, and giving those neighbors proper time to respond.

According to city staff and BASD Superintendent Peter Smet, the electors – school district residents – had to approve the purchase. City Administrator Carina Walters added that a public hearing would be held at next week’s City Council meeting as well.

The house will operate during school hours, and generally has between five and 10 students.

 

Other business

  • The Plan Commission also approved a conditional use application from Sandra Wagner of Nobius Press.

She will be using property at 109 N. Pine St. for a small specialty-printing store.

  • A site plan application for Platinum Salon and Spa was also approved. The salon is moving into the building at 308 S. Pine St., formerly the home of Monarch Auto Paint and Single Source Inc.

The site plan needed approval to expand the existing entrance to allow for patrons to safely enter and exit onto South Pine.

All three votes were unanimous.

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