No Outright Opposition To Planned Elmhurst Housing Complex

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst aldermen sounded positive Monday about plans for another new housing complex downtown, but they had suggestions for the project.

Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies has yet to formally submit a proposal, but the firm's lawyer told a City Council committee that it was "very close" to doing so.

The six-story, 196-unit complex is set for Haven Road and First Street. It would take up a number of lots covering nearly 2 acres. The lots include Maher Publications and city-owned land, which the city has yet to agree to sell.

The development would be at the edge of downtown, next to the train tracks and across the street from townhouses. The developer has met with neighbors and held a community meeting.

Because of neighbors' concerns, the company said it moved most of the taller parts of the building away from the townhouses.

On Monday, the council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee gave its feedback to the developer. During public input, no one stated outright opposition to the complex, but some expressed concerns.

Attorney Scott Day, whose specialty is zoning issues, said he represented the town home association. He said residents had a "very productive" meeting with the developer, saying his clients want low-density development across the street.

"We think this iteration of the project is better than where they started," Day said. "We are not here to stop the project, but to make it better."

Alderman Mark Mulliner urged the developer to put the parking underground, as other downtown housing complexes have done. And he said the company should take as much care with the back of the complex as the front.

"We've learned a lot with the last few developments," he said. "We missed a few things. The backside is one of them."

Under questioning from Mulliner, the developer's representatives said they would have a place for delivery trucks and Ubers.

During public input, resident Kevin Diamond said the city-owned property was an advantage for the city in getting the design it wants.

"You have leverage on design," he said.

Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky, the committee's chairwoman, said the city's zoning code supports such development. The land in question, she said, was underutilized.

"It's fitting to have a higher density development on this corner," she said.

When the aldermen talked about the steps to sell the land, the developer's lawyer, Mike Roth, said, "We're just asking to keep the process moving without a month or two delay."

Over the years, the city has been encouraging downtown "transit-oriented" development for train commuters. They also say downtown residents help nearby shops survive in a time when online shopping is becoming increasingly popular.

Opponents contend the big housing complexes are changing the character of the community.