Public review begins for long-planned subdivision in Libertyville
Public review of what would be the largest new subdivision in Libertyville in 20 years or more is underway with several key issues already apparent.
Traffic and the number of school-age children were among the concerns regarding the proposal for 148 homes on long-vacant property west of Butterfield Road. Roanoke Development Group has the 40-acre site under contract and is seeking various approvals to build Oak Trails.
The site is part of the University of St. Mary of the Lake seminary and campus mostly in Mundelein. But for several years, the owner has considered selling undeveloped parts of the campus in Libertyville from the Pine Meadow golf course south.
While there have been revisions in the plan, including fewer homes and larger buffer for those fronting Butterfield, a public hearing Monday before the village's advisory plan commission marked the start of what is expected to be a lengthy process.
The location of the session was switched from the village hall to the larger Libertyville Civic Center to accommodate an expected crowd. About 35 people attended the nearly four-hour session that was continued to Nov. 14.
Several residents said the limited access to the site from busy Butterfield Road would cause traffic backups and safety concerns. Stormwater control, plan density and its isolated location also were questioned.
"You guys are going to have a fatality there," resident Casey Roony said.
Peter Kyte, Roanoke principal, said the company has been looking for a project in Libertyville since the School Street neighborhood near downtown was built. Oak Trails would be 70 percent open space and feature tree-lined streets and several parks. Costs of the houses likely would range from the high $400,000s to high $600,000s, he said.
Initial figures show the project would generate 68 K-5 students who would attend nearby Butterfield School, which would affect Libertyville Elementary District 70, according to Superintendent Guy Schumacher. The district is monitoring the potential increase in students from this and other developments that are planned or underway, he added.
"Should construction be required, there is no question that a referendum will, in due time, be required," he told the plan commission. Roanoke and District 70 officials will meet to refine estimates.
Plan commissioners asked Roanoke to continue working on the possibility of a traffic signal on Butterfield and demonstrate the number of school-age children who might live there, said John Spoden, the village's community development director.
Roanoke representatives said traffic counts don't warrant a signal but will work with Mundelein and the Lake County division of transportation on other possibilities, he added.