Developer downsizes proposal for East Dundee apartments

A developer has downsized his proposal to build market-rate apartments in East Dundee after concerns were raised over the density of the project.

Still, several nearby residents are objecting to the concept altogether, saying the project would disrupt the adjacent neighborhood.

The proposed Utopia of East Dundee project initially included six 12-unit and four six-unit buildings constructed on a roughly 4.5-acre property along Route 72, next to the 611 E. Main St. building. Some trustees last month, however, said they worried the size and scope of the development could be obtrusive to neighbors.

In turn, builder and developer Bruce Oehlerking reconfigured his plans to create 64 apartments rather than 96, and to lower the height of the buildings from three to two stories above concrete tandem garages.

"We are trying to do something that is only beneficial to the village, not negative," he said. "I personally believe a certain aspect of making the village more profitable and successful is bringing good-quality people here to the village."

But several residents in the adjacent subdivision, including Gail Russell, who lives on Howard Avenue, said they are concerned the development would lower their property values. They also rejected the idea of opening up Reese Avenue, a dead-end street, for access to the Utopia apartments.

"It's a very quiet, little community back there. It's going to have more traffic, and we have no sidewalks," Russell said. "I would hope there's something else we can do."

Upset with the River Haven and Gardiner Place affordable housing developments recently built next to the neighborhood, Mary Kay Bocain, also of Howard Avenue, said she would request the new apartments be surrounded by fencing.

Village President Lael Miller said the Utopia project is entirely different from any other residential community in East Dundee and will be of higher quality than other apartment buildings.

The proposed build-to-suit buildings would be owned by individual property managers operating under a homeowner's association, Oehlerking said. The upscale apartments would target empty nesters and retirees looking to downsize, he said, and rent would likely range from $1,075 to $1,750 per month.

"There's a huge untapped market for that out there right now," Miller said. "This whole area is highly underserved with good apartments. ... We want to put in some kind of good product that meets the need of the community."

Trustees this week agreed to continue discussions with Oehlerking, who said he will work closely with village officials and residents to work out the details of the project.