Lombard asks DuPage County to not rezone golf course
A developer seeking to build a multifamily residential development on what's now a golf course near Lombard insists the project wouldn't cause traffic or flooding problems in the area.
But opponents, including the village of Lombard, are questioning the findings of the developer's traffic and stormwater consultants.
The owners of Ken-Loch Golf Links are asking DuPage County to rezone their property along Finley Road, north of 22nd Street, and approve a planned development.
If their request is granted, Ken-Loch's owners would sell the 31-acre site to Donven Homes, which plans to construct four luxury apartment buildings, a clubhouse and 18 structures with upscale townhouses.
However, the land is zoned for houses. And neighbors and Lombard officials say it should stay that way. They're urging the county's zoning board of appeals to reject the rezoning request.
The zoning panel on Nov. 7 is expected to recommend whether the application should be approved. It will be up to the DuPage County Board to make the final decision.
During a Thursday night public hearing, Donven responded to claims that the proposed development — dubbed Woodmoor on Finley Road — would increase traffic congestion, cause flooding and put a strain on schools and other local government services.
Donven's traffic consultant says the proposed development's 392 dwelling units would have little impact on the existing roadway system and the operation of nearby intersections.
In addition, Woodmoor would have only two entrances, both along Finley. So no traffic could go from the development directly into any surrounding residential areas.
There also would be a buffer area between Woodmoor's buildings and an existing subdivision to the east. That buffer would have open space, including stormwater detention and wetlands.
A stormwater management consultant on Thursday said the proposed development “wouldn't adversely impact” any adjacent properties.
“It has a possibility, depending on how the property is developed, to actually aid and alleviate stormwater management problems,” said Kevin Lewis of IG Consulting Inc.
But several neighbors pointed out that statement doesn't convince them that existing flooding problems will be addressed.
“He mentioned that there's a possibility to alleviate stormwater problems,” resident Wayne Kankovsky said. “That's not something I feel confident hanging my hat on.”
When it comes to the traffic study, Lombard officials say it doesn't show how traffic generated by the development would affect several major intersections, including Roosevelt and Finley roads.
“There probably needs to be a greater or additional review noting the full impact of the project,” Lombard Community Development Director Bill Heniff said.
Heniff also says that rezoning the property would be inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan, which dates to 1990.
“It's not consistent with the village of Lombard's past planning efforts,” Heniff said. “It's not consistent with DuPage County's past planning efforts. And it's not consistent with the intent of the underlying zoning.”