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Two proposals would bring 57 homes to Long Grove

Long Grove would grow by 57 homes through separate development proposals headed to a public hearing this month.

The developments would require Long Grove to bring about 72 acres into the village through annexation. The land in question is in unincorporated Lake County northwest of Old Hicks and Checker roads near Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve.

Under the plan from Lake Forest-based Swanson Development, 26 clustered homes would be built on 38 acres for the Deer Trail subdivision, with the design conserving much of the area as open space. Karen's Corner, the second subdivision proposed by Fidelity Wes Builders in Long Grove, would have 31 homes on 34 acres on Deer Trail's southern border extending toward a Menards store at Lake-Cook Road and Route 53.

Long Grove has set an Oct. 24 public hearing for the pending annexations of the Swanson and Fidelity parcels. No final action will occur at the session.

At a Long Grove village board meeting last week, trustees concurred with a recommendation from the advisory plan commission/zoning board of appeals to limit Fidelity Wes Builders to 31 houses. Fidelity co-owner Mike DeMar had pushed for 34 homes, saying his company should be rewarded for agreeing to provide public amenities such as a park and paths.

DeMar expressed frustration at being limited to 31 houses, which might be up to 5,000 square feet depending on the style and lot size.

"I turned in this 34-lot plan the day after we agreed on lot sizes," DeMar said.

Village Planner James Hogue said Swanson Development's proposed Deer Trail subdivision would have the 26 clustered homes as part of conservation development with nearly 24 acres of the 38 acres left as open space. Homes would be 2,800 to 4,500 square feet.

Long Grove Village Manager David Lothspeich said Fidelity Wes Builders and Swanson Development would be expected to help pay for improvements to Old Hicks Road if the projects are approved. He said the payments would be calculated by traffic projected to be generated from each subdivision.

Village board members may formally consider the proposed annexations and development plans in November.

"You have, really, at least two more opportunities to further digest this issue and make changes if you so desire," Lothspeich told the village board.

  Long Grove Village Planner James Hogue at a meeting last week discussed two proposals that would bring a combined 57 houses northwest of Checker and Old Hicks roads. To his left are trustees Chuck Nora and Rita O'Connor. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
  A proposal calls for a 31-home subdivision named Karen's Corner east of this former Geimer Greenhouse property. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
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