Dupage Policy Journal

Hanover Park's village board declined a major development plan to build 42 residential units.

Mr. (Paul) Swenton, I guess you'll be moving on,” Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig said during the meeting. “I appreciate all your time and energy. Thank you for being so gracious.”

The board uploaded a livestream of its public meeting to the city’s YouTube channel.

The village board heard a presentation by the planning and zoning committee about a proposed development in the village. The developer had brought their plan to the planning and zoning committee several times, made some changes on their feedback, and then formally presented it to the committee, who made a recommendation to not approve the plan. They then presented all the details of this to the village board.

The board also noted that the village’s homeowners association asked to have an increase of taxes to residents to make improvements to public areas.

The development was proposed for a plot of land at the corner of Stearns and Redford. The area has single family homes and townhomes around. The proposal was for 42 residential units, 7 buildings with 6 units in each. They asked for a special use because the village code only allows for four units in one building, however all other aspects fit the village code.

The board also noted the village has $29 thousand in community contributions in its budget.

The planning and zoning committee held a public hearing in which residents could discuss their thoughts on the development. There were five main concerns: removing the trees, flooding and stormwater, the safety of the wetlands an animal habitat, traffic in the area, and existing speeding issues. The development commission recommended against it based on the density, the danger to the wetlands, and did not feel it would benefit the neighborhood.

The board will meet again at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Municipal Building in room 214 on 2121 West Lake Street.

The board allowed some public comments to be made by individuals in the community. They also spoke of concerns about the area and the dangers of the already existing traffic. After much discussion, the board voted to agree with the committee and decline the developer’s proposal.