New Gurnee condos approved

With Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik called upon to cast a rare vote, the village board Monday night approved a 48-unit condominium development for 11 acres near Milwaukee Avenue and the Tri-State Tollway.

Landmark Homes will build the project that'll feature 16 three-unit buildings clustered around a 1,200-square-foot clubhouse. Landmark Homes' Michael Doran said the condos will sell for an average of $320,000 and be marketed toward empty-nesters.

Gurnee trustees had to approve a switch from an office to residential zoning classification for the project as well as annex the 11 acres to bring the development within village boundaries. The village board voted 5-2 in favor of Landmark Homes. In favor were Trustees Hank Schwarz, Jeanne Balmes, Cheryl Ross, Michael Jacobs and Kovarik.

A minimum of four affirmative votes were needed because of the special circumstances. Village attorney Bryan Winter said Kovarik also had to vote on the deal. Trustees David Ohanian and Greg Garner were the dissenters, saying they were concerned about land shifting from office to residential use.