High-rise condos could overlook Woodfield under Schaumburg proposal
Building upscale high-rise condos near Woodfield Mall - an idea for which Schaumburg officials previously have sent developers away - could become acceptable under proposed changes in the village's 22-year-old comprehensive land-use plan.
The concept of residential buildings somewhere near Pace's Northwest Transportation Center, just west of the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, triggered discussion among village trustees Tuesday.
They expressed a strong distaste for townhouses because they would occupy too much valuable land in the commercial area. But Trustee Tom Dailly suggested condos above retail stores, and Trustee Jack Sullivan said buildings 10 to 15 stories tall would be acceptable.
Trustee Marge Connelly likened the concept to the residential buildings in downtown Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect.
The comparison is approximately right, Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said, though the Northwest Transportation Center that serves buses wouldn't be the anchor that Metra stations are in those villages.
Other suggested changes in the plan are a prohibition on restaurant drive-throughs along Golf Road east of Meacham Road, and shortening the turning radiuses at several intersections along Roselle Road, such as Farmgate Drive, to ease pedestrian crossings.
Though trustees voiced concerns about the proposals Tuesday - including Trustee George Dunham's stance against shorter turning radiuses - they unanimously referred them to the plan commission for a March 6 public hearing and possible tweaking.
Though the current comprehensive plan has lasted about twice as long as was originally intended, the proposed changes envision Schaumburg 15 years in the future.
Not everything in it, including the desire to see residential buildings south of Woodfield, will be a priority during the first year or two, Schaumburg Planning Manager Ryan Franklin said.
And neither does the plan automatically make the zoning changes or grant the approvals necessary to carry out its vision.
"It's a policy document, not a regulatory document," Village Manager Brian Townsend said.