Normal zoning panel backs new sorority house near ISU

Posted on December 21, 2018

*This is a drawing of the proposed Alpha Omicron Pi sorority house, to be built at 450 Normal Ave. in Normal. (Town of Normal)*

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – A government panel recommends the Normal Town Council approve plans for a new sorority house near the Illinois State University campus.

Three neighbors testified at a public hearing before the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday night. Two of the speakers were opposed to the project, and one favored construction of a two-story, 13,000 square foot rooming house for Alpha Omicron Pi at 405 Normal Ave.

The staff’s report said up to 23 people will live there. Town Planner Mercy Davison said as many as nine people lived in a rooming house at the same location, but that building has been demolished.

The town council will vote on the special use permit at its January 7 meeting.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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