advertisement

Controversial Hawthorn Woods development plan going before village board

Hawthorn Woods trustees are expected to consider a proposal for houses, a gas station and a car wash that's drawn opposition from some residents and a neighboring community.

Foxford Communities is behind the development plan for the northeast corner of Route 22 and Quentin Road, across the street from a plaza with Mariano's Fresh Market, a McDonald's and a PNC Bank in Lake Zurich. It would be the third phase of the Hawthorn Trails subdivision.

Some residents say they intend to voice their concern at the village board meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at village hall, 2 Lagoon Drive. About 50 opponents attended a meeting of the village's advisory planning, building and zoning commission when the proposal surfaced publicly last month.

Director of Community Development Michael Cassata said a village board vote on preliminary plan approval is expected, time permitting. If preliminary approval is granted, the plan would undergo further review before a final village board vote.

On May 24, the planning, building and zoning commission set five conditions for recommending approval of the proposal for the gas station, car wash and 39 clustered single-family houses. The village board is not bound by the recommendation.

One condition for the development team headed by Foxford is to abide by a 2010 agreement governing commercial use of the undeveloped 72 acres at the northeast corner of the intersection that prohibits gas stations. Foxford is seeking a special-use permit for the gas station and car wash proposed for four acres of the overall site.

In addition, the advisory panel recommended the houses be constructed on a minium of 12,000-square-foot lots to match Hawthorn Trails' existing houses. The proposal calls for clustered single-family houses of 4,590 and 3,254 square feet.

Attorney Thomas Burney, who represents the developers, did not return messages seeking comment.

Hawthorn Trails resident Rini Datta said the objecting neighbors created a presentation highlighting their concerns and have sent it to the village board in advance of Monday's meeting. The concerns include increased traffic at Route 22 and Quentin, and noise and groundwater contamination from the gas station and car wash.

"The Hawthorn Trails residents are more concerned than ever before about the proposal," Datta said. "Many more residents are planning to come to the village board meeting on Monday and speak to the board."

Kildeer Chief Village Officer Michael Talbett, who objected to the proposal on behalf of his neighboring town at last month's hearing, contends the land at the northeast corner of Route 22 and Quentin should be reserved for Hawthorn Woods' typical large-lot, high-end residential development.

"I would anticipate that several Kildeer residents will attend the meeting," he said.

Hawthorn Woods gas station, car wash plan on shaky ground

Hawthorn Woods residents share concern over plan for gas station, homes

  This is the northeast corner of Route 22 and Quentin Road in Hawthorn Woods where a gasoline station, car wash and houses are proposed. The Hawthorn Woods village board is expected to address the plan Monday night. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.