Algonquin approves apartment plan

It wasn't the plan they envisioned, but it'll have to do for now.

Algonquin's committee of the whole Tuesday night approved phase two of the 28-acre Esplanade addition that would include office space, room for research and development facilities, retail space and 280 luxury apartments.

The apartments became the bone of contention, as trustees initially were told about and approved 160 apartments for the property just off Randall Road.

But the developer decided the project needed 120 more units to help pay for amenities such as daily security, live-in employees, a club house and a workout room.

"We made mistakes coming in. It's costing us dearly," said Jeff Dunham, a partner with developer Centerville Properties.

Trustee Debby Sosine rejected the plan because of concerns there wouldn't be enough green space with the extra apartments.

An annoyed Trustee John Spella also voted against the plan, saying he was tired of the developers continually coming back to the board with revisions.

"It seems like every time you guys come to us, you always have a plan B," Spella said. "How many plan B's can you have?"

At least Algonquin is in a position where development is coming to it, especially with the slumping economy, Chairman Jim Steigert said.

Although the plan wasn't originally what members had in mind, "it is, however, an exciting project," he said.

Moreover, the developer will contribute at least $2.1 million in impact fees directly to the village and the presence of more residents will help struggling businesses in town, he said.

"Other communities would embrace what we're entertaining here tonight," Steigert said.

If the board approves the plan next week, it would mark Algonquin's first foray into apartments, said Village President John Schmitt, a trustee on the committee.

The units, which will on average cost $1,400 a month and top out at $1,700, come with strict guidelines for residents, said Ann Danner, president of Residential Homes of America Inc..

For one thing, if management finds out you committed a crime while living there, you'll get evicted, she said.

Overcrowding carries the same penalty, she said.

"What if you've got seven people living in one unit?" Schmitt asked.

"They would be evicted," Danner said.