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Housing development gives Elgin trustees pause

With the housing market in the dumps, Elgin officials are taking a little extra time to review a plan to redevelop a 52-acre golf course on the city's southeast side.

FourFathers Development and Links Limited Partnership hope to erect 82 single-family homes and 68 townhouses atop the Rolling Knolls Country Club, 11N260 Rohrssen Road.

The plan, dubbed Hidden Creek at Rolling Knolls, also would include a small commercial area at the development's northeast end at Rohrssen and Bode roads. The back nine holes at the south end of the 18-hole course would remain.

Two weeks ago, nearby residents voiced their objections to the city's Planning and Development commission.

They argued the homes, many with lots about 1/8th an acre, did not fit in with surrounding homes. They also had concerns about traffic, the effect on schools and developers cramming too many homes on the site.

Monday night, commissioners added their own concerns. Commissioner Leo Nelson was surprised the neighborhood did not have a park; Commissioner Chris Awe said the developers' request for smaller lots and other exceptions was out of line with the city's long-term plan.

"What is the point of a comprehensive plan if we don't follow it?" she said.

The plan will return on Aug. 18.

The commission makes recommendations on new projects, but the city council has the final say.

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