Concerns Delay Elmhurst Developer Pact

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst City Council was set to vote on an agreement Tuesday in which the city stated its intention to sell land to a developer planning a six-story downtown housing complex.

But Mayor Scott Levin removed the issue from the meeting agenda, citing aldermen's concerns.

"In the last few hours, I have had conversations with several aldermen," he said. "There seems to be a bit of confusion about how we are proceeding. I will remove the item from the agenda for this evening and bring it back in a couple of weeks."

Levin said the letter of intent was nonbinding, but was needed to allow the developer, Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies, to proceed with submitting its application for the downtown complex.

Levin said there was concern about how the letter of intent ties into the overall process.

"I want to make sure I have a chance to speak to various aldermen and for them to have a chance to speak with each other," the mayor said. "We don't want to create the perception that we're trying to rush this through."

A week ago, representatives of Ryan Companies presented the plan for the 196-unit complex for Haven Road and First Street to the council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee. The company has yet to file a formal application.

Part of the development would be on city land. During the committee meeting, aldermen discussed the steps it would take to sell the land.

In response, Mike Roth, an attorney representing Ryan Companies, said, "We're just asking to keep the process moving without a month or two delay."

The project is expected to go through the Zoning and Planning Commission before heading to the full council.