Traffic Light Suggested In Clarendon Hills

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – A developer is recommending a traffic light near a planned Dunkin' Donuts in Clarendon Hills.

Hinsdale-based KrohVan LLC is proposing a 6,000-square-foot building for the southwest corner of Western Avenue and 55th Street, the site of the old Tracy's Tavern.

KrohVan commissioned a traffic study, which was completed last month. That study recommended a traffic light for Western and 55th to avoid "massive" delays on Western.

The traffic light would be to maintain "safe and efficient" access to the proposed development. A third of the development would be for a combination Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurant. The rest is for a yet-to-be-determined retailer.

The study said the light would not significantly affect traffic on 55th.

KrohVan is seeking a conditional use permit for a drive-through for the Dunkin' Donuts. The village said the traffic light is not part of the proposal for the permit.

In an email to Patch, Jonathan Mendel, Clarendon Hills' community development director, said the village has given no policy direction on the traffic light since he became director last year.

According to a memo, the village staff recommended approval of the permit for KrohVan.

One of the neighbors, Romas Rupinskas, told Patch that he and others remained opposed.

"The traffic study clearly shows that there will be massive traffic delays as a result of this drive-through located in an area completely surrounded by residential homes, townhomes and condos," Rupinskas said. "This is a major safety concern for the surrounding residents and as you know we are emphatically against this."

The village's zoning board plans to hear the proposal at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Village Hall.