Elburn delays decision on plans for shopping center

Elburn's village board members will need to see more information before granting preliminary approval to plans for a commercial development on the northwest corner of Route 47 and Keslinger Road in Elburn.

"I have not seen enough visually to grant entitlement on this building," Elburn Village President James Willey told representatives from developer Elburn Station Plaza LLC on Monday.

Village leaders are in no hurry to begin the proposed project, which would consist of a Goddard Day Care Center, a bank site, and a multitenant center, and made it clear that they want this property to be a good representation of Elburn.

"We want a final product that looks good to our village and the people coming into the town," said Trustee Craig Swan, who along with other trustees pointed out that the location, located at the southern most point of Elburn will be a gateway to the village.

Although all agreed that the location is ideal for a future commercial development, many were uneasy with the fact that the majority of properties on the site do not yet have tenants.

However, Ken Marino of Elburn Station Plaza explained that while he is close to letters of intent from several local and national businesses, that it is typical not to get commitment from tenants until construction begins.

In addition, several board members were unhappy with current architectural plans for the potential shopping center.

"It doesn't look like the place I want to go to shop, it looks like a strip mall," said Willey. "There's a sameness there that doesn't do much for me."

Developers were willing to make changes based on the board's suggestions.

"We want to work with you so we're opened to it," said Marino.

An additional concern about the project is access to the property. The Kane County Department of Transportation will only allow additional access to the development on the north and south side of the property from Johnson Avenue. Only right in and right out access will be allowed on Route 47.

Developers were hoping the village would support them in their efforts to gain full access on Route 47, however trustees elected to wait on making any decisions regarding the property until the board has a clearer picture of what the actual plans are.

"We're not going to hold anything up, but we're not going to rush anything either," said Swan. "That's the way we are."