Krilich development still a bad idea
The DuPage County Board in April approved a mixed-use development for the Royce Realty (Krilich) property along Butterfield Road, adjacent to Oakbrook Terrace. On behalf of the Oakbrook Terrace City Council, I want to set the facts straight with your readers.
· The county board was told by the developer that the city rejected proposals without providing further guidance. Not true.
No application for development was ever filed with the city, and the city never denied any application. The city discussed acceptable development with the developer and potential buyers, but the sales price did not account for poor soils, wetland area restrictions and an inadequate private water system. These factors, not city officials, prevented the sale and development of the property for so many years.
· The county board was told by the developer that compromises were made, and recent news stories state that no more than 1,500 residential units were approved. Not true. The developer originally asked for 2,132 dwelling units. Under the lowest possible interpretation of the approvals, 1,890 dwelling units would be allowed, including 500 senior housing units, only 10 percent less than requested. Under the high-end interpretation, 2,087 units would be allowed, 2.5 percent less than requested. The developer was also granted more than three times the maximum permitted square footage of commercial uses in the residential zone. Not much of a compromise.
· Density means traffic. This includes 22nd Street, which is already glutted with vehicles. The roadways cannot accommodate the additional traffic, even with improvements.
· Revenues generated by the proposed development will be less than represented, and costs to provide public services will greatly exceed the estimates of the developer.
· Inadequate usable open space is provided for the public.
· The marketplace cannot absorb all the residential units to be constructed.
Any questions on this may be directed to City Manager Martin J. Bourke at (630) 941-8300, extension 307.
Anthony R. Ragucci
Mayor, Oakbrook Terrace