Parking raises concerns for Des Plaines townhouse project

Residents living near a proposed 101-townhouse development northwest of downtown Des Plaines are concerned the project plans don't show enough parking.

Orleans Homes is proposing to build 20 townhouse buildings on five blocks at what is now vacant land at 300 Western Ave.

There would be two parking spaces available for each home in attached garages, and another 30 spaces for visitors on the streets.

That's not enough, say some aldermen and residents of the neighboring Stone Gate condominiums.

"People are concerned very much about parking," said Alice Chrostowski, a Stone Gate resident, during a city council meeting this week. "They are proposing fewer than one (on-street) spot for every three units. Parking on Western is bumper-to-bumper."

"Parking is at a premium," added 2nd Ward Alderman Jack Robinson. "There are lots of condos in the area."

Rick Zirk, of Orleans Homes, said it may be possible to insert some perpendicular spots if that works with the development's grading plan.

The proposed 7.7-acre development, to be called Colfax Crossing, is in Des Plaines' 7th Ward. Members of the city council agreed this week to delay consideration of a preliminary planned unit development for the townhouses until May 4, since 7th Ward Alderman Don Smith was out of town earlier this week.

On Friday, Smith said between now and next meeting he'll talk with the developer and residents to work out the parking issues.

Overall, Smith said he favors townhouses or multifamily residences for the site since that would match the neighboring properties.

The townhouse development is similar to a 2007 proposal by Remington Homes to build 106 townhouses. The council approved that project, but the development never came to fruition and the approval has lapsed.

In 2003, the council changed the site's zoning from manufacturing to residential after Schwake Stone relocated.

The new proposal calls for three-level homes with either two or three bedrooms.