Yorkville City Council Approves Annexation for New School Site

Yorkville’s City Council has approved the annexation and rezoning of a 106-acre property for a proposed new school for School District 115. This decision, made on February 11, 2024, sets the stage for the district to develop plans for the site, located west of the current high school campus and north of River Road.

A crucial public vote is scheduled for March 17, 2024, when residents will decide on a $275 million referendum aimed at funding the new school. Until the referendum’s outcome, the school district will not submit a full development plan to the city. The property, acquired from the Conover family last summer for approximately $2 million, is expected to host a new middle school or elementary school to address the community’s growing population.

Community Concerns Addressed

During previous meetings, residents expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new school on traffic and stormwater drainage, particularly in the River Road area. Heather DiVerde, the district’s executive director of facility operations, addressed these issues, stating that the district anticipates minimal impact along River Road. She confirmed that there are no plans for a road connecting the north and south ends of the property.

Instead, the access road will be developed from U.S. Route 34 via Beecher Road. The school district is also engaging with the Rush Copley Healthcare Center, located nearby, to discuss the possibility of utilizing some of its land for an additional access route.

Future Development Plans

In addition to the proposed school, preliminary discussions have begun regarding a potential new fire station for the Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District on the site. However, specific details about the station’s location and access routes remain unclear at this time.

Alongside the 106-acre parcel, the school district is considering plans to rezone an additional 45-acre property adjacent to the high school. Should the March referendum pass, residents will have opportunities to participate in public hearings concerning final building plans before they undergo final approval by the City Council.

The community’s engagement in these discussions highlights the importance of addressing both educational needs and infrastructure challenges as Yorkville continues to grow.