Land Use Policy (Policy 40)

Governors State University is situated on 750 acres of land. The Land Use Policy provides a framework for the orderly development of the University while preserving and enhancing those existing features, both natural and manmade, which give the campus its distinctive character. 

Five zones are established for the Governors State University campus and are designated on the GovState Campus Zoning Map. Descriptions of current usage of the land and its zoning follow. 

1. Current Usage 
   1. Agricultural Land 
   2. Physical Plant Operations Facilities, Hantack House Area 
   3. University Independent Operations, Planning Building 
   4. Instructional Activities; Krabbe House 
2. Future Land Use
   1. This area is zoned as multiple-use; anticipating the continuation of current usage as well as future development such as support service, research and development, and community-related facilities, transportation services, and student housing. Student housing will preferably be located in the eastern portion of Zone 1 along University Drive. If it becomes necessary to locate student housing in the western part of Zone 1, the housing will be located outside of a corridor around the railroad tracks. 

1. Current Usage
   1. Agricultural Land
2. Future Land Use 
   1. Agricultural lands will be managed in order-to both reduce soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. Tillage practices and herbicide and pesticide applications should be based on periodic site visits and written recommendations of the Soil Conservation Service.
   2. The western section of Zone 2 along University Drive, near the Sculpture Park, is zoned for student housing. 
   3. The portion of Zone 2 designated as Zone 2A is zoned for facilities related to research activities.

1. Current Usage 
   1. Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park 
   2. University and Community Events 

2. Future Land Use 

   This area is zoned as limited use, continuing current usage. 

   1. The Campus Physical Resources Committee, or its successors, will be consulted by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Advisory Council about the location of any new, permanent sculptures and any sculptures on loan to the Sculpture Park that require alteration of the normal configuration of the land, except for anchoring. 
   2. The Sculpture Park will be maintained to preserve the area, including periodic mowing after nesting season to inhibit woody growth.

1. Current Usage 
   1. Natural Plant and Wildlife Area 
   2. "Field Rotation" Sculpture 
   3. Conference Center and Access Road 
2. Future Land Use 
   1. That portion of Zone 4 not occupied by items 2 and 3 above is zoned as a natural plant and wildlife area. The principle purposes of this area are the maintenance and enhancement of plant and animal resources. Uses are limited to scientific and aesthetic study and passive recreation. Proposed uses other than these must be reviewed and recommended by the Campus Physical Resources Committee, or its successors, to ensure the maintenance of the area in its natural state. 
   2. Additional sculptures are prohibited.

1. A. Current Usage 
   1. Agricultural Land 
   2. Natural Areas 
   3. Athletic Fields 

2. Future Land Use 

   This area* excluding the athletic fields, is zoned for the expansion of University facilities for academic and/or support service purposes.