Lisle project a step closer to approval, despite opposition

An advisory committee is recommending approval of a proposed apartment and retail complex at the former village hall site in downtown Lisle.

But a group of Lisle residents is trying to persuade village board members to postpone final action on the plan until various concerns about the project have been vetted.

"We just want it to be done right for the downtown," said Jeanne McLennan, who is a member of the We Love Lisle group.

Lisle is looking to sell land it owns at Main Street and Burlington Avenue to Marquette Cos. The parcel has been vacant since the old village hall was razed in 2003.

Before the sale can be finalized, however, Marquette must get village approval to construct two multistory buildings on the site and an adjacent parking lot. The buildings would have commercial space on the first floor and apartments on the upper levels.

On Wednesday night, Lisle's planning and zoning commission unanimously recommended approval of the project. Village trustees are expected to take a final vote next month.

"It's an amazing investment," said Charles Rego, chairman of the planning and zoning commission. "It's going to be a shot in the arm of the economy of this village."

Still, some residents have problems with the plan, especially when it comes to the height of the buildings.

The building along Main would have three floors and step up to five floors to the east. The second building along Burlington would be five stories tall.

"It's going to be kind of an overwhelming look in our downtown," said McLennan, adding that none of the existing downtown buildings are taller than three stories.

There's also concern about the density of the project. The two buildings would have a total of 201 apartments on a site that's roughly 2.4 acres.

"Some residents think it would be a detriment as far as density," Lisle resident Tom Murray said.

Earlier this year, village officials said they're comfortable with having that many new apartments downtown and adding more downtown residents will help make area businesses more successful.

Marquette is planning to have about 15,000 square feet of commercial space at street level along both Main and Burlington. Murray said he wishes there were more space for retail stores and restaurants.

Both buildings would be separated by Spencer Avenue, so that short stretch of the road would need to be vacated. Marquette has agreed to put a pedestrian walkway in that right of way.

A public plaza also is planned for the corner of Main and Burlington.

If the project is approved, construction could begin in the spring.

While the village would receive $1 million for the site, Marquette wouldn't have to pay about $700,000 in fees. That has prompted McLennan to raise another issue.

"Why are they being given $700,000 in allowances?" she said. "Nothing has been real clear."