The Planning Commission approved two major development requests during its May 1 meeting, including an electronic business sign for Oak Liquor and a 98-unit townhome development in the Willowbrook neighborhood.

Oak Liquor, located at 1803 Geneva Avenue, received approval for a conditional use permit to add a 32-square-foot electronic component to its existing monument sign. The electronic display will be subject to brightness restrictions and must shut off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. due to its proximity to residential properties. City staff member Luke Pearson noted this was the first electronic sign request reviewed by the city in at least three years.

The commission also approved the Willowbrook 12th Edition development, which will create 98 market-rate townhomes on the last developable site in the Willowbrook neighborhood. Developer LAR is seeking to build the units on nearly 10 acres at the northeast corner of 40th Street and Interstate 694. The project required amendments to reduce density requirements from 35-55 units per acre to approximately 10.3 units per acre to accommodate the townhome design.

The Willowbrook development will feature private streets maintained by the developer, with no on-street parking allowed to ensure emergency vehicle access. The project includes a trail connection and requires approval of a noise variance from the City Council due to its proximity to Interstate 694. Developer representatives said the units will be sold individually rather than rented.

Both approvals include multiple conditions that must be met before final permits are issued. The commission also received notice that comprehensive zoning and subdivision code updates will be presented at the June 5 meeting, marking the first major revision since the current codes were adopted.