Elmhurst Townhomes OK'd, Despite Objection From Official

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst City Council on Monday approved a 50-unit townhome development.

But an alderman representing the neighborhood in question objected. He said he wanted the developer to address a traffic issue first.

The Eldridge Townhomes project would be the second phase of a development, with the first completed a couple of years ago.

Everyone involved agrees that illegal left turns from the development onto Butterfield Road are a problem.

The exit is across from Swain Avenue, where residents want the city to take action on illegal turns.

"I can tell you firsthand that the residents on Swain are not happy with this situation," Ward 7 Alderman Mike Brennan told the council. "I understand why. I have spent hours upon hours sitting on Swain witnessing these illegal turns."

He continued, "Although there hasn't been a published accident, it is only a matter of time. I get their frustration and concern for safety."

Brennan said he realized the developer, Aimco, plans a number of actions to deal with the issue. But he said he wanted the measures to take effect before approving a second phase.

Brennan said a city intern watched traffic at the development's exit. Over 11 hours over two days, the intern reported 25 illegal turns out of 250 total, or about one every half hour, he said.

Aimco recently informed the city it intends to install flexible poles known as "delineators," install gates at Elm Creek Court, and post "Private Drive" and "No Through Access" signs.

It said it also would monitor drivers through video cameras. It said it would hold residents responsible for repeat violations through lease clauses.

At the council meeting, Ward 3 Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky, who heads the council's zoning committee, said the panel took into account traffic concerns, which resulted in the company's promised measures.

She said it has been found that a handful of residents in the development are responsible for most of the illegal turns.

"The development is likely to cut back on the illegal movements," Polomsky said. "And it will not make it any worse."

The other Ward 7 alderman, Mark Mulliner, was not at Monday's meeting, but he attended last week's zoning session. At that meeting, he supported its approval.

"It will go forward," he said.

The council voted 11-2 for the second phase. Ward 4 Alderman Brian Cahill joined Brennan in dissent.