But city backs request to rezone property for district program
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
A plan to rezone a residential property to institutional use – for the sole purpose of housing an educational program for young adults with developmental disabilities – drew concerns from Burlington residents in Tuesday’s Common Council meeting.
The property at 340 Church St. is set for purchase by the Burlington Area School District to use for the Project Active Citizen program, which is geared towards adults aged 18-21.
The PAC program, currently housed at 348 Paul St., fosters career development and teaches household skills for people with disabilities.
The move is needed, district officials have said, citing a need for more restroom facilities, among other amenities.
Resident Robert Musgrave, who lives down the street from the proposed location, questioned council members on a variety of issues.
Those included an increase of group homes in the area, heavier traffic congestion and maintenance.
“Saturation may have already occurred in our neighborhood, not seeing any maps or concentric circles, we probably have some overlap,” Musgrave stated.
Despite Musgrave’s assertion it is a group home, Alderman Edward Johnson said the PAC house’s operating hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. when school is in session, does not constitute a group home.
PAC does not allow any of the 10 students enrolled annually in the program to spend the night.
Musgrave expressed additional concern related to medical waste and trash accumulation from the property.
Alderman Ruth Dawidziak responded, asking BASD Superintendent Peter Smet about accountability, but he assured council members the district will be held responsible for maintenance and upkeep.
An additional concern was raised relating to more congestion, and less parking on Church Street on staff training days.
Smet told council members that buses will only pick up and drop off students, and not remain on premises during hours of operation.
Additionally, he said, “Parking is encouraged in the driveway.”
The rezoning request, which was recommended by the Committee of the Whole prior to the Common Council meeting, received legal clearance from City Attorney John Bjelejac.
“From a legal vantage point, if the Plan Commission determines that the merits of this rezoning request deserve approval of the same, there is no legal impediment to that decision,” Bjelejac said in a memorandum issued to the Plan Commission.
The Plan Commission authorized the rezone in a June 14 meeting.
The rezoning comes with specific stipulations, including the ability for the property to revert back to residential use when the district no longer needs it.
The Common Council expects to make a final decision on the recommendation at a July 5 meeting.
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