S. Elgin considers apartment plan

South Elgin trustees appear ready to sign off on a 347-unit apartment complex that would be built on the village's west side behind the Jewel on Randall Road.

Trustees Monday voiced minor concerns about - but no overriding objections to - the plan for Arbor Green LLC to erect five, four-story buildings on a 13-acre site near the northeast corner of Randall and McDonald Roads that used to be a golf driving range.

"I think it's a gorgeous design," Trustee Steve Ward said.

If approved by trustees, which could happen next month, the complex will include a central pool, be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified and extend Gyorr Avenue from Randall and wind it south to connect to McDonald.

It also will have a bioswale to help with drainage, along with permeable pavers in parts of the parking lot. However, there will only be 696 parking spaces - about two per apartment - instead of the 1,041 required under village code.

"It seems like we're still lacking parking," said Trustee Bill DiFulvio, who added "Holidays and any type of busy days it seems like that place is going to be loaded (with vehicles)."

Village leaders also added safeguards to ensure the development does not fall into disrepair. For example, officials added special language to ensure the development is owned entirely by one company and that LEED certification does not lapse.

"We just think a project of this type of magnitude deserves special scrutiny and a special partnership with the village over time," said Steve Super, director of the village's community development department.

One- and two-bedroom units will be offered, with rents ranging from about $1,050 to $1,650 per month.