Residents voice concerns with subdivision plans near Wheaton North
More than a dozen residents are opposing plans to build 13 houses just north of Wheaton North High School.
Flooding issues, increased traffic, noise and the removal of mature trees were among the concerns voiced during a recent public hearing about the possible annexation and development of 4½ acres near 0N675 Morse St.
The developer, Oak Creek Capital Partners, LLC, has proposed lot sizes that range from about 7,500 square feet to 9,000 square feet, which city staff said meets the minimum lot size requirement.
“I think we've come up with a plan that is consistent with the neighborhood,” said John Luczynski, managing member of Oak Creek Partners. “We're really not trying to just put in density, we're trying to meet the goals of the city.”
City staff members had concerns, however, with the variations the developer was seeking for lot depths and corner side yard setbacks.
Some residents also took issue with the developer's plans to remove what is considered a temporary cul-de-sac on Amy Lane and connect it to Morse Street, including Amy Lane resident Ed Bisinger.
“There's so much going on already that this is going to really add to the traffic mess,” he said, adding that the cul-de-sac currently gets blocked and nearby Papworth Street gets filled with traffic on weekends due to football games and other activities at the high school.
Amy Lane resident Karl Neuberger expressed concerns with flooding that has occurred on his street in the past. He said he felt the flooding would be exacerbated if new houses are built.
“I'm not opposed to a development,” he said. “I think a development would help the area. I just think the lot sizes should be normal, everything should be normal with no variances.”
Councilman Thor Saline said he felt there were improvements that could be made on the proposed development, especially in regard to stormwater management. The developer has proposed an on-site stormwater detention facility on the southwest corner of the site.
“I have a lot of concern about what residents have expressed about their travails,” Saline said.
Councilman Todd Scalzo pointed out that developing the lot, which has been vacant for decades, is part of the city's comprehensive plan.
“We don't want to ignore our own rules and our own plans,” he said.
Councilman Phil Suess agreed that there will be development on the parcel and there is nothing the neighbors can do about it.
“The protection you do have is that the development will be consistent with the applicable zoning and planning,” he said.
Suess acknowledged the comments several residents made about variances that were granted for the nearby Windham Commons subdivision, including complaints about how close the houses are to each other.
Suess said he was in the minority when he voted against the many variances that developer was asking for years ago.
“It just shows you what the problems are when you start making variances,” he said. “We have to do this on a basis where there are no variances. We need to comply with the rules.”
Mayor Michael Gresk said a final vote on the annexation and development isn't expected to take place for several weeks.
“We hopefully will arrive at a conclusion that will be compromise, so not everybody will be happy, but at least we can move forward on this,” he said.