Elgin panel rejects Channing YMCA plan

Elgin planning commission members on Monday voted against a housing plan on the former Channing YMCA site.

The plans will now go to the Elgin city council, where members already approved the concept in July.

"It's too many homes in that space," Commissioner Chris Awe said Monday.

The developer is seeking to build 14 homes on the nearly 3-acre site, with space set aside for a small corner park.

Under the agreement, the city, a co-applicant on the project, would give the developer the property, valued at $400,000, and an additional $950,000 incentive.

That's on top of the more than $1 million the city has already invested to buy and clean up the property.

The developer would build single-family homes -- designed to fit in with the existing houses in the historic district -- with prices ranging from $275,000 to $325,000.

"I applaud staff and the developer for coming up with this plan," said Commissioner Anna Moeller, who voted in favor of the project. "Overall, I think it's an excellent plan. It's going to be a great addition to that neighborhood."

The project does, however, require several variances to city code, including fewer parking spaces per home, smaller lot sizes and houses set closer to the street.

"It's completely inappropriate for our neighborhood in its current state," said Julie Schmitt, whose property borders the proposed development site.

"My concern is there are too many homes for that property," Gifford Park Association President Dan Miller agreed.

City staff, however, have recommended approval of the project, saying it is one of the only ways to bring new development to the historic district.

Ultimately, it will be up to city council members to decide whether to move forward on the project.