Big Western Springs Development May Be Done Sooner

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — A developer is proposing a way to speed up the construction of the remaining homes in a large Western Springs development.

To achieve that goal, Timber Trails Development Co. is looking to sell 20 lots in its 338-lot development to Burr Ridge-based McNaughton Development, officials said.

"This would allow the neighborhood to be completed sooner and a diversity of architecture within the development," Trustee James John said at Monday's Village Board meeting.

The subdivision is in the southernmost portion of the village. About 200 lots have been completed.

Recently, a committee of the Village Board found the proposal had merit and could serve as a positive step forward, John said.

The village's annexation agreement with the developer included the possibility that Timber Trails may sell lots to another developer, village attorney Michael Jurusik told the trustees.

Because McNaughton is not seeking any zoning relief, Jurusik said, the Village Board has no power to reject the proposal as long as McNaughton abides by all the developer's obligations.

McNaughton's houses would be similar to those in its Village Center development in Burr Ridge, officials said. The houses would be ranch-style as well as two -story homes with master bedrooms on the first floor, said John Barry of McNaughton. Timber Trails' houses, by contrast, are traditional two-story structures.

Timber Trails has completed nearly all the agreed-upon public infrastructure, including streets, paths, and sewer and stormwater systems.

The development was once the site of a golf course and pool, which was auctioned off 17 years ago for the 338-unit housing development. The project went into foreclosure during the recession and started again nine years ago.

In 2005, the village annexed the area of the subdivision. Not long after, as part of an agreement with the developer, the village issued $55 million in special assessment bonds for the development to complete the public improvements.

The subdivision is 106 acres, including a 5-acre park. It includes a system of paths and open space behind most of the homes. Once the public improvements meet village standards, Western Springs is expected to take ownership of the streets, stormwater and sewer systems, and ornamental streetlights.