Mundelein officials revising development plan for village - especially Diamond Lake

As Mundelein officials work to update the village's comprehensive plan, they're giving special attention to the area north and east of scenic Diamond Lake.

So much attention, in fact, that they held an open house for the public Tuesday night at village hall. More than 100 people crowded into the boardroom to learn more about the project.

Preliminary concept maps and drawings were on display. They depicted new housing developments, restaurants, sidewalks and bike paths, as well as space for public events and other attractions.

Project manager Daniel Grove of the Kimley Horn and Associates consulting firm, which developed the plans, called the drawings "a vision" for the Diamond Lake area.

None of the ideas have been approved or even have funding, Village Community Development Director Amanda Orenchuk told the crowd.

Village leaders last updated Mundelein's comprehensive plan in 2011. The document covers topics include land use, transportation infrastructure, economic development, community culture and open space.

The part of town that was the focus of Tuesday's open house is formally known as the Diamond Lake subarea. It mostly consists of homes, but some businesses and park district properties are there, too.

The zone also contains the commercial and residential sites on Lake Street that the village board bought last year to convert into a public park.

Mayor Steve Lentz called the area unique because of its combination of stakeholders. That's why Tuesday's open house was so important, he said.

"It's more critical than ever to get their input and better understand everyone's interests and ideas," Lentz told the Daily Herald before the gathering. "In these situations, communication can never be overemphasized."

After examining the displays, Mundelein resident Jason Rundall said he likes the idea of a restaurant near the 153-acre lake. But he expressed concern that more homes would mean more boats crowding the water.

"If people are going to want to (live on) the lake, they're going to want a boat," Rundall said.

Resident Katy Gruber liked how the plans opened up views of the lake.

"The lake is something we need to see more of," Gruber said.

An open house covering the overall comprehensive plan likely will be held in May.

Updates on the planning process can be found online at mundelein.org/compplanupdate.