Redevelopment of Buffalo Grove corner moves forward

Plans are moving ahead for the redevelopment of the southwest corner of Dundee and Arlington Heights roads in Buffalo Grove, the former site of the Melting Pot restaurant.

The village board this week referred a proposal to the Plan Commission that calls for the construction of a new building to replace the demolished restaurant.

Developers of the proposed 7,168-square-foot building already have two restaurant tenants lined up — Noodles & Company and Moe’s Southwestern Grill. A third space is likely to host a coffee franchise.

Because that third tenant is requesting a drive-through, the village would have to grant the developer, Aetna Development Corp., a special use and modify the planned unit development for the site.

Lawrence Freedman, an attorney for Aetna, said other variations may be needed to address issues such as landscaping.

In voting to send the matter ahead, Trustee Steven Trilling recommended that plan commissioners take a look at the landscaping, as well as the need for removing large trees to make way for the drive-through. He stressed the importance of aesthetics, since the area is a gateway into the village.

Trustee Beverly Sussman voiced concerns over traffic the businesses would generate.

“It is on a very busy corner ... especially in the morning with traffic, with students going to school, with cars going to Buffalo Grove High School,” she said. “Will there be a problem, as far as traffic goes, by allowing this drive-through window?”

Freedman said a traffic study will be conducted to determine the window’s impact on traffic at the intersection.