Elmhurst Warehouse Plan Draws Opposition

ELMHURST, IL – A developer's plan for a warehouse in southwestern Elmhurst is prompting residents' objections.

The second hearing before the city's zoning board is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Two weeks ago, residents filled the meeting room for the developer's first presentation.

Neighbors contend the development would bring more truck traffic and present hazards for nearby schoolchildren.

Under the proposal, the more than 50-year-old Clarion Inn on South Riverside Drive would be demolished. A 32-dock warehouse would be built in its place.

Clarion Inn is next to Elmhurst's public works complex and diagonally across from Salt Creek Elementary School. It is the only public school in town that doesn't belong to the Elmhurst district.

The developer, Houston-based Alliance Industrial Co., has noted the reported criminal activity at Clarion Inn. It says at least eight crime-related incidents have taken place at the hotel in the last two years.

The developer also noted the city has issued two "chronic nuisance" warnings to the hotel.

Over the years, police have been routinely called to the hotel for such things as prostitution, drugs and domestic violence.

According to Alliance's documents, no tenant has been identified. It says users are typically secured during or after construction.

"This project will deliver a high-quality, flexible industrial building designed for lower-intensity users, that will attract high-image tenants," the firm said.

The company said it is proposing an industrial use in an industrial district.

In a letter to Elmhurst officials last week, nearby resident Frank Vasquez said the developer's proposal failed to align with the city's long-term plan for growth.

The plan calls for maintaining the current uses along Riverside Drive, saying the businesses have "minimal negative impacts."

The plan also said the area in question should be protected from more intensive development to prevent increased floodwaters in surrounding neighborhoods.

In its documents, the developer said the long-term plan highlights South Riverside's "strong vehicular access," particularly for truck traffic.

The Salt Creek area provides a natural buffer to houses east of the property, according to the developer.