Naperville commission recommends apartment complex despite traffic concerns

Despite concerns about increased traffic congestion, the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission gave its unanimous recommendation for a 212-unit, two-story apartment complex in south Naperville.

The proposal, which includes annexation of the property into the city and a zoning change from agricultural usage, now heads to the city council for final approval.

Attorney Patti Bernhard was joined by representatives from developer Bridge Capital Partners, an architect and a traffic analyst at last week's planning and zoning commission meeting. The group detailed plans for luxury" apartments on the north side of 111th Street west of Route 59 and adjacent to the Naperville Marketplace shopping center.

The 20.17-acre parcel, which would include nearly 10 acres of open space if developed into The Belvedere apartment complex, is at the site of the former Lizzie's Garden. With an estimated rental range between $1,950 and $3,050 a month, the units would be spread throughout 10 two-story buildings that look similar to townhouses.

Among the 480 parking spaces planned for the property, 76 would be in garages.

"The trend of apartment communities now is looking more toward the townhome units rather than the taller apartment buildings," Bernhard said. "So we're looking at continuing that trend, or starting that trend, in Naperville."

City staff overall approved of the plan, but Community Planner Sara Kopinski said they'd like to see more diverse looks to the building exteriors to break up the monotony among the many structures.

Residents from the area spoke at last week's meeting to voice concerns about privacy for neighbors of the property, potential trespassers onto the golf course to the north and flooding issues. But Bernhard stressed the row of 30-foot trees along the west edge of the property to maintain privacy and the planned water retention area in the northeast section.

The biggest complaints focused on 111th Street congestion, although Javier Millan, an analyst for KLOA, said a study of the area indicated the development would add only 1% more traffic.

"I think (traffic congestion is) a legitimate question," Chairman Bruce Hanson said. "We've approved a lot of development in that area."

Commissioners seemed impressed by the plan, especially with the different look being brought to apartment living.

"It's different for here. But I think that's great, especially for an apartment complex," Commissioner Oriana Van Someren said. "I think this is beautiful."