Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Rezoning Approved Amid Concerns Over Lack of a Final Plan

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning a large agricultural parcel in Green Garden Township for potential residential development, despite a township official expressing concern that the developer has not yet presented a concrete plan for the site. The developer’s agent stated he is taking a “market driven” approach and will design a subdivision at a later date.

Green Garden Township Rezoning Key Points:

• The commission voted 6-0 to approve a map amendment from A-1 (Agricultural) to E-2 (Estate) for a property on South 88th Avenue with a Frankfort address.

• Gregory Clarke, agent for the owners, told the commission this is the “first phase of the endeavor” and that the final number and size of lots is undecided.

• Green Garden Township Trustee Ralph Dietz stated the township is “just against the unknown future that comes about” regarding future road access and lot layouts.

JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1 approved a rezoning that clears the way for a future subdivision in Green Garden Township, even as a township trustee raised concerns about the developer’s lack of a specific design plan.

The commission voted unanimously to rezone a vacant, multi-parcel property on South 88th Avenue from A-1 (Agricultural) to E-2 (Estate). Gregory Clarke of Jay Clark Company Income Real Estate, representing property owner Jeong Bog Oh and partners, told the board the rezoning is the first step in a “market driven” process.

“I do not have a design plan which I have actually gone through the process and accepted at this point. I’m really market driven,” Clarke said, explaining that he has had inquiries for lots ranging from 2.5 to 10 acres. He added that any future subdivision would be brought back to the county for a separate approval process.

This uncertainty drew comments from Green Garden Township Trustee Ralph Dietz. “Basically, my concerns as it went through the planning is his concept plan has had no design to it,” Dietz stated. “He doesn’t know yet. We’re not against it. We’re just against the unknown future that comes about.” Dietz specifically mentioned concerns about how access would be provided to lots deep within the property.

Commissioners acknowledged the township’s position but explained that their current vote was solely on the appropriateness of the E-2 zoning. Any specific subdivision plan, including roads and lot configurations, would require a separate, future public hearing and approval.