Hinsdale Developer Seeks Western Springs Money

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The developer of a three-story, mixed-use building in downtown Western Springs wants to access the village's economic development incentive money.

The village has yet to approve the development on the vacant lot at 514 Hillgrove Ave., but officials have sounded positive about the project.

It is expected to include two businesses on the first floor and eight condos on the other two.

"It seems to be the best use for that strip of land," Village President Alice Gallagher said at last week's Village Board meeting.

Trustee James Trustee Tyrrell said, "It's open and vacant. It's looking like it has to be developed."

Officials said the developer is seeking money from the recently created tax increment financing district for the north side of downtown.

The money would be used to move overhead wires, among other expenses, according to village documents. The village's Economic Development Commission is expected to review KLM's request in the next couple of months.

The property at 514 Hillgrove has a low value now, but once the new building is constructed, it will increase the property value, officials said. The tax proceeds from any of that growth in property value will be deposited into an account for the tax district. The money then can be used to improve the downtown corridor.

According to village documents, the building needs an exception to zoning rules because it would exceed 2½ stories. At three stories, officials said, it would be consistent with the village's downtown plan and the look of nearby suburbs.

"You look at towns up and down the train line, and many communities like ours — La Grange, La Grange Park, Clarendon Hills — do allow this mixed use along the train tracks. La Grange goes three and five stories," the village's attorney, Michael Jurusik, said.

The proposed development recently underwent a public hearing. No one submitted objections.

The Village Board did not vote on the project at last week's meeting.