Residents near Fifth Avenue OK with changes - to a degree

Naperville residents say they are open-minded about redeveloping the Fifth Avenue area near downtown, although they have concerns about traffic and building height.

The city started the public input process Monday for its Fifth Avenue study, which aims to evaluate land use, parking, transportation and streetscape around the downtown train station.

In addition to the area immediately surrounding the train station, the land use study will include both sides of Washington Street between Benton Avenue and Ogden Avenue.

The area's current land use plan dates to 1998, and among the changes taking place since then is the upcoming relocation of the city's public works facility to the west side of town.

"We've got to grow, we've got to expand, but we have to make sure it is easy to use, that it is usable and modern and flexible enough that we don't displace a lot of the people that are there now, and we add value, add the stores and the roads and the transportation and the parking that is necessary," said Chuck Schlabach, president of the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation.

Steve Purduski, who lives near the study area, agrees redevelopment is needed and is eager to see improvements to the neighborhood as long as the density of housing and heights of buildings are reasonable.

Barb Kucera shares his concern about building height.

"I think we like our treescape line, and to have these extremely tall buildings sticking out would be I think an intrusion on people's property," Kucera said.

Traffic was on the minds of many at the meeting. Denise Nigro and Gretchen Langer both said they would be open to seeing what is proposed, but they want the area to stay safe and resident-friendly.

So far the city has received only one development proposal for the area - a condominium development on Ellsworth Street. But another proposal is also in the works from the Omnia nonprofit group that would include a performing arts center, a parking garage, condos, shops and restaurants. This proposal has been shown to civic groups and reporters but has not been formally submitted to the city.

Fancler stressed the Fifth Avenue study was requested by the city council, not developers, and that its findings are not predetermined. Recommendations will eventually go through the plan commission, transportation advisory board and city council for review.

The next public meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St. For more information visit naperville.il.us/fifthavenue.aspx.

Fifth: One proposal includes performing arts center