Old Y property takes next step to becoming homes
On Tuesday, Elgin's planning commission will hear about the Channing Square housing development proposed for the site of the former east-side YMCA.
The developer, Channing Square LLC, is requesting permission to build 14 homes in period style on the 2.9-acre vacant parcel. Lots will range from 4,500 to 8,300 square feet.
The proposal has worked its way through neighborhood meetings and a hearing of the design review subcommittee, and finally will receive a full public hearing at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers.
The recommendation of the commission will be forwarded to the city council.
Some of the issues of highest concern are setbacks of the homes, density and positioning of the homes on the parcel, and a need for more park space in the neighborhood.
Bill Briska of the city's heritage commission thinks the architecture is as good as any planned in the city in style, material and detail. He says the looks are pleasing and will generally fit the character of the existing homes. His main concern is density.
Pat Miller of the design review subcommittee is worried the development will not fit into the neighborhood because it does not follow the 13 parameters of design her committee works with.
Many neighbors in the area say the area should be a park.
For details about the hearing, call Sarosh Saher, urban design and preservation specialist for the city, at (847) 931-5943.
Day of Caring
Once again, Elgin is asking its business and service organizations to help the United Way in a Day of Caring. That day is Friday. More than 350 people from scores of companies and service clubs already have answered the call and will be working on 29 projects in Elgin that day. Some of the new teams joining the veteran groups are the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Unitarian Universalist Church, ITW Industries, Rominski Active Health Care and Illinois Wholesale Cash Register.
The day begins with a buffet breakfast at the pavilion of the Grand Victoria Casino. The theme this year is Under Construction, which mirrors the direction of United Way to focus on specific needs of the community: getting children ready to learn and stay in school; financial stability in families; and safe and vibrant neighborhoods.
Volunteers will get their T-shirts and team signs, and head out to their assignments.
Want to learn more or volunteer? Call Diane O'Connor at (847) 741-2259.
Big Saturday
Two great events are coming Saturday, and you could go to them both!
• A Downtown Car Show will go from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the city parking lot across from the post office. This is the first time this event will be held. It's organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association and sponsored by the Chicago Area Clean Cities Organization, Keeney Sporting Goods, P.K. Antiques and Elgin Jewelers.
More than 50 cars in antique, old and hot rod categories have signed up. Alternative fuel vehicles that run on vegetable oil, biodiesel, propane and natural gas will be there. Gary Swick from Dundee-Crown High School and his Science Club will have a bio-bus on display.
Vendors related to autos will be on hand, as will the American Lung Association, which cares very much about emissions and air quality.
For details, call Rich Hirschberg at (847) 488-1456.
• With hopes for great weather, the Biggers Chevrolet Fox Valley Duck Race -- better known as Duckapalooza -- will begin at noon Saturday. Plenty of free events for kids, including face painting, tattoos, balloon animals and games, will begin then. Food vendors such as Prairie Rock and Danny's Pizza will provide beverages and food.
At 2 p.m., the ducks will be loosed from their corral and begin their float down the river to determine the lucky winner. The time needed varies. Last year it took seven minutes, but it has gone for 45 minutes if the current is slow. The ducks are funneled into a single file, and No. 1 is scooped up by a helper in a boat.
At 5:30 p.m., two local bands, the Lennys and Bagshot Row, will perform classic rock numbers. Two New York bands -- Drop, a heavy metal band, and Odd Zero, a punk band -- then play. And finally the Smithereens, a chart-topping band in the '80s and '90s, will finish the concert at 11 p.m.
A full day of fun!
Springfield news
Just a follow-up on the Willow Lake Estates issues that have been important this year.
Last week, the governor signed Senate Bill 688, which will put some protections in place for new residents of manufactured home communities. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Debbie Halvorsen of Crete and state Rep. Ruth Munson of Elgin.
Some of the features of the bill are: two-year leases, 90-day notice of rent increases, a one-year deferral for those who cannot afford the rent increase, and a year's notice in advance of a park's closure.
Unfortunately, the bill does not address the rent issues that are causing hardships, but it is a start for giving people some protection.
For details, call Munson's office at (847) 622-1048.