Issue 32

ISSUE 32

The owner of the New Song Church is seeking to sell the church property. A purchase offer has been accepted, but the proposed purchase is contingent on the purchaser being able to build a new neighborhood on the old church property, which requires a referendum vote of the Village to change the zoning designation from U-1 to S-1. It is identified as “Issue 32” on the November 5 ballot. For the Village residents who will vote on this issue, it is appropriate to provide a summary.

• • The property located at 4799 Lander Road is the currently the site of the vacant New Song Church.
  • The New Song Church property does not currently generate revenue as the church’s use of the property was tax exempt.
  • The land consists of 13.5 acres.
  • The current zoning designation is U-1, which requires a minimum of 1.5 acres of land for each dwelling unit (8-9 units).
  • The proponent is seeking a change of zoning to S-1, which allows up to 4 units per acre.
  • 16 homes on a cul-de-sac street approximately 1.2 units per acre are being proposed.
  • The process to consider the rezoning has resulted in a series of conditions being imposed on the proponent by the Planning Commission that include:
    o an increase in setbacks to provide buffering for neighboring properties that increase those of the U-1 designation.
    o an increase in tree preservation to minimize tree removal for new homes.
    o protection of wetlands, water course, and riparian areas.
    o improvement of drainage and detention to reduce stormwater impact on adjacent residences.
    o installation of sanitary sewer and lift station to be maintained by the residents of this neighborhood.
    o construction of a private street
  • The proposed neighborhood will be a consistent character on Lander Road that will look like all of the other homes on the street.

It is up to the Orange Village residents to determine if this is consistent with the character of Orange Village and vote accordingly.