New center for Algonquin may help roadway

A new shopping center may help ease traffic at one of Algonquin's busier intersections.

Village board trustees unanimously approved a proposal for a three-building neighborhood shopping center slated for the southwest corner of Hanson and Algonquin roads.

"Traffic and safety were two of the biggest issues involved in the planning," said Assistant Village Manager Jeff Mihelich.

To ease congestion from the intersection, developer Commercial Management Co. will pay for the construction of a northbound left-turn lane on Hanson Road.

Additionally, Mihelich said that an existing driveway on the east side of Hanson Road, currently shared by a 7-Eleven and Able Auto Repair, will be moved farther south, to align opposite with the new development. A sidewalk will be added along Hanson Road to provide a pedestrian connection to Argilla Drive to the south.

Mihelich said no specific tenants had been determined for the development but said they would be neighborhood-style stores, such as small restaurants, dry cleaners and other small shops.

The buildings will comprise 23,205 square feet. Mihelich said they would not be like plazas, but instead feature brick on all four sides to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood.

"We've been working (with Commercial Management Co.) on plans for this development for at least a year," he said.

The stores will not be allowed to stay open past 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and past 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.