MONTGOMERY — Plans for the Stuart Sports Complex are closer to reality after a unanimous vote by the Village Board.
The Fox Valley Park District has been in the planning stages for the Stuart complex expansion for the past few years. Recently revised plans for the facility sport a price tag of $8.6 million, and call for soccer fields, lighted baseball and softball fields, a dog park, playgrounds, walking trails and other amenities.
"What about areas that won't require a fee for the public?" asked Stan Bond.
He said the public would like to have access to open areas for general recreation. "Is there gong to be a place to fly a kite?" he asked.
"We will have those open spaces and are working on plans for general use," said Jeff Palmquist, director of planning, development and grants with the Park District.
Palmquist said in the winter those spaces may be used for cross-country skiing.
In other action this week, trustees raised several questions about village zoning requirements in relation to the new Gray's Mill restaurant at 211 N. River St.
Gray's Mill was seeking a special use ordinance that allows the establishment to serve alcohol during outside events.
The restaurant along the Fox River will have a bar that overlooks the water as well as a special outdoor tent for wedding and banquet receptions.
Under a recent village ordinance, the owners would have to install a bike rack outside the restaurant. The owner of Gray's Mill, Tim Ivers, told trustees he would do whatever they want him to do.
Trustees questioned the current requirement for bike racks at new businesses.
"All new developments in the village require bicycle racks to comply with zoning," said Michael Brown, village planner.
The requirement has been in place since January 2007. Jamie Belongia, assistant to the village manager, said the issue was raised when the village made the decision to be greener and promote pedestrian friendly areas.
"Do we want to look at this policy?" Mayor Marilyn Michelini asked. "This community has a history of supporting bicycles."
Brown said the ordinance requires bicycle racks but doesn't specify how large or how many spaces are needed to comply. He said bike racks for one to two bicycles can be purchased for as little as $24 to $100.
"There are more heavy duty or decorative ones, but we don't specify which type or size to use," he said.
