Proposed Elmhurst Condos Face Opposition

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst officials are considering a proposed nine-story downtown building that would include 28 condos.

Nearby residents and businesses have questioned the project, including its height and effects on parking and traffic during construction.

The project would involve the demolition of two buildings from 196 to 202 N. York St. Those lots now include a house and an old two-story building.

The first floor of the new structure would contain retail and commercial space.

The developer, Oak Brook-based RSCK Holdings, needs to get a city permit because the building would be taller than allowed under zoning rules.

In its application, the developer noted neighbors' concerns about the height of the building, among other things.

RSCK contends its plan is consistent with what the city wants for the area.

The assessed tax value of the property in question would rise to $10 million, from $344,000 now, according to the application.

"The specific area where this project is proposed as a whole has not been subject to growth, and it is necessary for the city itself to encourage private investment to enhance the tax base of the community within this area," the application said.

The area in question, the developer said, has inadequate utilities and suffers deterioration.

In an email to the city, Joseph Panzarino of Entourage Hair Salon, 111 W. Second St., said he was concerned about the loss of parking during construction.

"We will lose business. We already hear people complain about the parking lot and the fact of minimal parking available in this town." Panzarino said. "I think you should implement a different strategy for the construction trucks, maybe a different route."

Ellen McLaughlin was among the residents in the nearby One195 condo complex who said the construction project would hurt downtown. The area, she said, would see a loss of parking spaces and redirection of traffic "for a very extended period of time," which she called "totally unreasonable."

"Numerous emergency vehicles already struggle to get through the traffic on York many times throughout the day," McLaughlin said in an email to the city. "I cannot imagine the traffic jams, frustration and perhaps the loss of life if this configuration occurs."

Alex Schwartz, who lives in another part of town, praised the development.

"Additional residential units will enhance the vibrancy of the City Centre and help reduce commercial vacancy," Schwartz said in an email to the city. "The height is consistent with a transit-oriented downtown core. I generally like some height in the downtown – it gives the downtown a more impressive presence."

The Zoning and Planning Commission plans to hold another hearing on the project Tuesday. It is set for 7 p.m. at City Hall.