34-Unit Development Recommended By Glenview Plan Commission

GLENVIEW, IL — The Glenview Plan Commission Tuesday unanimously recommended the approval of a 34-unit multi-family development east of Lake Glenview. The Homes at Lakewood Estates project is planned for 1842 Lehigh Ave., which is currently zoned for industrial use and the site of Red's Towing.

Developer Interforum Holdings wants to demolish two existing industrial buildings to replace it with a townhouse development on about 3.29 acres of land on the west side of Lehigh Avenue north of Chestnut Avenue. The Northfield-based real estate company manages a Glenview office building and several other suburban residential developments.

The application for the development was first submitted to the plan commission in August 2017, according to planning documents. Several commissioners said they were pleased by the coordination between the projects architects and village staff.

Chairman Steven Bucklin said he was happy with the way the proposal evolved since it was introduced nearly 9 months ago. Changes have included an increase to the height of the fence on the north side of the property line and specifics about signs and proposed lot sizes.

"We had three meetings prior to this, so I commend the applicant for not only doing your homework and taking good notes but coming back with plans that are exactly how you said they would be," Bucklin said.

The development fits in the Glenview comprehensive plan's vision for the site, which suggests shifting from commercial to residential zoning within the Lehigh Industrial Corridor.

The development also meets requirements for parking, according to the village documents. The proposed 114 spots are well over the two spots per unit requirement.

An independent consultant reviewed the fiscal impact of the project and found it would be a net benefit to the village and the high school district but could result in a slightly net-negative impact to local elementary school. Glenbrook School District 225 would end up with a projected $29,700, the village would pick up an extra $8,300 in taxes, but it would end up costing School District 34 a projected $6,200 following necessary payments.

Commissioner Tom Fallon inquired about how the size of the proposed 4-foot by 8 foot "Lakewood Estates," sign compares to other developments. Planning Manager Jeff Rogers said it was in line with several other signs in town.

Rogers also said the developer had provided updated details about landscaping plans for the west side of the site and how it would look from the neighboring Gallery Park.

"The plan commission and appearance commission have identified the west setback as an area they want to be especially cognizant that the landscape materials in that area are appropriate given their proximity to the park," Rogers said.

Commissioner Michael Korman praised the developers for thoughtfully incorporating input from the plan commission and village staff. After spending time recently walking around the site and reviewing the proposal, he determined the plan would be a true upgrade.

"I would hope that future uses in that vicinity have as much care and attention placed to it as you have done," Korman said. "It would be a good model for this area of how to do something the right way."

The proposal could be considered by the appearance commission on May 9 and granted final approval from the village board on May 15.

Location of proposed Homes at Lakewood Estates development: