City Council to review Cosley Zoo land after recommended approval

WHEATON, Ill. — After gaining unanimous approval from the Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board, the Cosley Zoo parking lot project will go before the City Council.

The polarizing development sparked concern among some residents, prompting the Wheaton Park District to change its design. The parking lot initially required 258 spaces, but that number was reduced to 93 parking spaces on a one-acre area.

Green space will be added to buffer the land and more than four acres will be retained as open green space, according to an update from the park district.

To ensure pedestrian safety, the proposal calls for the city to install a red light and crosswalk on Gary Avenue near the field. The land would be fenced around the parking area and lighting would be designed to meet standards set by Dark Skies Initiatives.

If approved, the $2.1 million parking lot expansion would be entirely funded by the Cosley Zoo.