Elburn OK's plan for 3,100-unit development near Metra station

Elburn is moving ahead with approving the proposed housing development around the Metra station after what appeared to be a stall.

The Elburn village board approved a concept plan for the 682-acre, mixed use development earlier this month. The project by Geneva-based Shodeen Inc. includes about 3,100 residential units, including apartments, duplexes and single-family homes, north and south of the Metra station, many within walking distance. The station is south of Route 38 and east of Route 47 on Railroad Avenue.

The project had appeared to be stalled after members of the plan commission made several objections at an April 1 meeting.

David Patzelt, president of Shodeen Inc., said he was "disappointed" after the April 1 meeting, but he expressed optimism about the board's approval of the concept plan.

"In my opinion, this means the village is interested in working as a team with Shodeen," Patzelt said. "That team is interested in providing housing in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and price points, and allowing a wide range of the demographic population to live within Elburn. It will be a very diverse population."

Patzelt says this is a "critical time" for a project that is wrapped around a transportation hub.

"People are looking for other modes of transportation with the rising cost of fuel and oil," he said. "The train is green."

Patzelt said the entire project could take 10 to 15 years to complete, but work could begin as early as next spring.

"Approving the concept plan is a first step," Elburn Community Development Director Erin Willrett said. "It's a progression, one of many steps it will take to approve this large project. The next step is working on a preliminary plan. There are myriad of details to be worked out, including street layouts, building and house types, fees and parks, to name a few."

Patzelt said Shodeen expects to return to the village with a preliminary plan within 60 to 90 days. The preliminary plan will include more information on schools, wastewater treatment and public services for the village.

A crucial part of the plan calls for the extension of Anderson Road south from Route 38 across the railroad tracks to Keslinger Road. Another phase of the plan calls for commercial development around Route 38.