Downtown Condo Plan Rejected Again

ELMHURST, IL – A developer's plan for a nine-story complex in downtown Elmhurst was rejected again Monday.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee recommended against the development by Oak Brook-based RSCK Holdings. Next Monday, the matter is expected to go to the full council.

Last month, the city's Zoning and Planning Commission voted 4-3 against the 28-unit complex for 196 to 202 N. York St.

At Monday's meeting, committee members agreed the proposed complex was not compatible with the city's long-term plan for downtown.

That finding contradicts the arguments of the developer's attorney, Scott Day of Naperville. Earlier this month, Day spent the better part of a 33-page letter to the city's lawyers maintaining the building fits well in the downtown plan. He even hinted the developer may go to court if it is ultimately rejected.

Neighbors have complained about the proposed height of the building. The developer needed an exception to zoning rules to exceed 77 feet.

"The commission has done its homework on this," Alderman Mark Mulliner said at the meeting. "I think the height is the biggest stumbling block."

Mayor Scott Levin suggested the city disregard issues such as shadowing, air and light related to the proposed development.

As for air and light, he said such issues are only relevant in situations that involve tenements.

Day declined to comment on the committee's decision, referring to his earlier letter.

Last fall, RSCK Holdings suggested it could build a smaller complex. But to make it profitable, the company said it would need a city subsidy from the downtown tax increment financing district, or TIF.