Fees pile up for Arlington Market developer

Arlington Market developers can't seem to catch a break.

The plan to redevelop the northwest corner of Dryden Place and Kensington Road, which has been in the works since 2003, seems to have stalled again.

Work on the commercial part started almost immediately after the plan was approved in August 2006, but the residential building permit still sits in village hall, said Nicholas Gadzekpo, director of the village's building department.

"Most folks are eager to pick up their permit and get started," he said. "It's probably the economy but for whatever reason, they're not interested."

The developer, Elliott & Associates in Des Plaines, can't start work until the firm picks up the permit. The permit expires in one year once its picked up although the developer could apply for an extension, Gadzekpo said.

Mike Elliott, owner of Elliott & Associates in Des Plaines, didn't return phone calls.

The Arlington Market developer is also have some problems keeping up the site.

"We've received a number of phone calls from people complaining about the site," he said. "We sent out a letter in October and one in January. Some things have been fixed. We're hoping to have everything corrected by the spring."

Elliott needs to clean up the site and pay outstanding fees, according to a certified letter the building department sent him dated Jan. 10.

"Be advised that this construction site must continue to be secured from any unlawful entry at all times," states the letter. "Any breach with fencing in violation of the village code must be corrected immediately. Failure to correct any site deficiencies shall be deemed a violation of the village code."

Elliott also hasn't paid $33,000 for water meter and water connection fees or another $800 for plan reviews. The fees must be paid by Tuesday, the letter states.

The Arlington Market plan is supposed to include 112 condominiums, 54 townhouses and 42,000 square feet of retail space. The project was first proposed in 2003 and went though countless changes during the planning process. When the plan was approved in August 2006, more than 100 residents attended the village board meeting, which lasted until midnight. The vote was contingent on Elliott securing the guarantee of a five-year grocery store lease to fill the spot Jewel left empty in 2002.

For the retail portion, Elliott re-signed leases with Eros Restaurant, Subway Restaurant, Signature Cleaners and Ben Franklin Bank, which are on the site.

A few weeks ago, village officials announced Roundy's Supermarkets is planning a grocery store at the former Lattof Chevrolet dealership site at 800 E. Northwest Highway.

Because Roundy's is so close to Arlington Market, Elliott will probably be let out of his grocery store promise, said Village President Arlene Mulder.

"It would only be fair," she said. "It's an important project for our village."