Controversial Warehouse Going Before Elmhurst Aldermen

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst aldermen are set to vote Monday on approving the zoning for a warehouse that neighbors opposed.

The warehouse is planned for 933 S. Riverside Drive in southwest Elmhurst, near Salt Creek Elementary School. The developer plans to demolish Clarion Inn.

Under the plan, the warehouse would have up to 28 docks. It would be on a street with a hodgepodge of uses.

Traffic is a big concern among residents. The warehouse would be near a five-legged intersection known as "The Bulb," which includes Route 83, Riverside Drive and Frontage Road.

Even city officials refer to the junction as the "Wild West." They plan improvements.

Representatives of the developer, Houston-based Alliance Industrial Co., contended the warehouse would fit well in the neighborhood, generating only "modest" traffic.

"It's a low-intensive industrial facility, not a regional distribution facility," Alliance executive Andrew Karabon said at a meeting.

The city's Plan Commission and the City Council's zoning committee have approved the developer's zoning requests.

Under the proposed conditions, the developer must record a deed restriction that bars the use of the property for a jail.

During public hearings, residents pointed out that the developer sold two Georgia warehouses to ICE for $68 million.

The developer promised to include a deed restriction excluding detention as a use.

The City Council meeting is set for 8 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 209 N. York St. Aldermen are holding a closed session starting at 7:15 p.m.