Village Moves Medical Group's Project Forward

A Green Bay Road property that previously housed is well on its way to being transformed into a medical facility following a positive vote from the Village Board on Tuesday evening.

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) along with its developers, Debb Kosich LLC, aim to reconstruct the more than 15,000 square feet left vacant at 521 Green Bay Rd. to accommodate 44 parking spaces as well as two MRI's on the first floor.

Developer Larry Debb presented the construction plan to Wilmette's Board of Trustees after the project received a negative recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 1. At the time of the that vote, however, the client was not named and no traffic-impact assessment was submitted. 

But, once IBJI was revealed as the interested client and the developer's plans were made clearer, trustees viewed the plan more positively, voting 6-1 to approve drafting an ordinance for the construction.

"We had no idea that you were relocating an existing business. We had no idea your developing experience, or about what you’ve done in adaptive reuse." said Village Board President Chris Canning.

"All those facts weren’t present at the Zoning Board meeting," he added. "I think we have far more information that allows me to proceed [and] allows me to vote in favor of the application."

Other officials echoed Canning's sentiments, like trustee Mike Basil, who said that keeping IBJI's medical staff and clients in Wilmette would help sales tax revenue.

"We’re freeing up a spot that is more desirable for tax generation in the east-of Green-Bay-Road business district," Basil said.

During his presentation, Debb mentioned that if denied by Wilmette, IBJI would have considered relocating to Central Street in Evanston.

Before the vote, officials had an extensive discussion with the lead developer, Debb, regarding safety and traffic concerns. Trustee Alan Swanson, who initially came out against the development, feared the plan would negatively effect traffic and pose a safety hazard if no curbs or screening are installed near the parking lot.

However, Debb said IBJI would work with the village in crafting the ordinance to address those issues. The measure is expected to be voted on during the board's July 12 meeting.

1. President Canning: Yes
2. Trustee Basil: Yes
3. Trustee Bob Bielinski: Yes
4. Trustee Swanson: Yes
5. Trustee Ted McKenna: No
6. Trustee Cameron Krueger: Yes
7. Trustee Julie Wolf: Yes

Stay tuned to Patch for a fuller story Wednesday.