‘A lot of concerns’: Townhouse plan doesn’t sit well with Vernon Hills trustees

A plan to build 79-townhouses near the Vernon Hills Metra commuter station on Route 45 failed to win over village trustees during a recent public review.

Too many units, a lack of parking and unwanted additional traffic in an already congested area were among the concerns raised by trustees.

The review was part of a common practice by village officials allowing developers to make initial pitches and get a sense of whether a proposal would win approval or needs revisions to proceed.

M/I Homes' Chicago division is the contract purchaser of the former James Martin Associates property at 29-59 Route 45. The 7.5 acre-site is comprised of multiple parcels and includes a barn, home and other structures.

M/I wants to rezone the land from business to residential use to allow for the proposed townhome development.

The development would called Mills Crossing, a nod to early settler Theodore Mills, who according to M/I had a farmhouse at Butterfield Road and Route 45.

Anna Sutton, manager of land entitlement and planning for M/I, said the property offers “a rare transit-oriented opportunity” close to the train station and schools, and is “intentionally compact and walkable.”

As described, Mills Crossing would have a single access to Route 45 via a collector aisle in the Metra leading to the traffic signal at Ranney Avenue. Bike and pedestrian connections to the intersection as well as the Sullivan Woods path also are in the plan.

With an expected cost in the $600,000 range, the townhouses would be intended for “young professionals, young families and empty nesters,” Sutton said.

A consensus of trustees opposed the proposal as presented. Trustee Michael Schenk said the plan is highly condensed on a small property, too close to the railroad tracks and would come with “additional traffic that we don't need right now.”

“I'm not for this project,” he added. “I just don't think it's the right spot.”

Trustee Nancy Forster said it is up to buyers to decide about being close to tracks but also has concerns about traffic. Metra use in Vernon Hills is low, she added.

“In regard to the Metra being a selling point, that is a hard sale,” Forster said.

Others mentioned there are long-sought plans to widen Route 45 and it’s unknown whether the townhouse plan accounts for that.

It’s unclear whether M/I will return with a revised plan.

“I just encourage you to take this feedback (and) rethink this,” Forster said. “As it stands right now, there’s a lot of concerns.”